From the manufacturer

About Us

Carhartt is much more than a maker of workwear. We’re a family. Founded by Hamilton Carhartt in 1889-proudly owned and operated by the same bloodline ever since. We honor the shared values of hard work: dependability, honesty, and trust. We are committed to supporting organizations that ensure this generation partners with the next to build an even better future. We believe our actions must always speak louder than our words, because we are worn by the hardest-working people of them all.

The year 1889 was a time of steel, steam, and locomotives. It was also when Hamilton Carhartt was founded by its namesake (known affectionately as “Ham”) and began producing overalls with two sewing machines and a half-horsepower electric motor in a small Detroit loft. Early failures led Hamilton to focus heavily on market research, and after talking directly with railroad workers, he designed a product that truly fit their needs. Under the motto “Honest value for an honest dollar,” the Carhartt bib overall was created and rapidly evolved into the standard for quality workwear.