No work. All play. | How to nail the Workwear trend with Carhartt WIP
Lily Ward on Wed, Dec 14, 22
Launched 100 years after the OG Detroit brand Carhartt, Carhartt WIP (Work In Progress) is now one of the top brands in the mens fashion landscape for high-quality workwear inspired clothes with a trending, youthful edge.
Incorporating subcultures like skating, streetwear and everything in between, Carhartt WIP continues to bring us perhaps the most cohesive collections of trending workwear apparel season after season.
Workwear, workwear, workwear... At EQVVS, we always have our eyes peeled for upcoming trends in menswear and Workwear has been on the radar for a while now. It tends to swing back and forth through the seasons, but autumn and winter seem to be where it really takes off.
Read the blog for our quick tips on how to absolutely nail the Workwear trend with Carhartt WIP, plus a little shout out to some of our other favourite brands that fit the bill: including Dickies, Universal Works, and Norse Projects.
If you just wanna skim and get your workwear 'fits ASAP, here are our highlights:
- The Cargos: Regular Fit Aviation Pants, £119
- The Jacket: Relaxed Fit OG Chore Coat, £219
- The Sweat: Relaxed Fit American Script Sweatshirt, £89
- The Knit: Signature Knitted Sweatshirt, £139
- The T-shirt: Home State T-shirt, £49
Cargos & Trousers
THE staple Workwear piece, Cargos & Work Pants pretty much make an outfit, so without a hardwearing pair to stand the test of time, you'll struggle to nail the look.
Luckily, we've got Cargos and Pants in all cuts and colours, embellished with pockets and hammer loops galore, so you can chose the fit that works for you.
These Balto Cargo pants are style and utility in perfect harmony. In this grey colour, they are easy to pair with the rest of your wardrobe and will fit right in amongst T-shirts and sweatshirts. Not got any Carhartt WIP sweatshirts? Keep on scrolling for a complete workwear look hombre.
Hoodies and Sweatshirts
Picture this: You've got your workwear canvas jacket and cargos on, you are graphic-tee'd up to the Gods, but it's November and you can't help feeling a little bit... chilly. No fear- Carhartt WIP is here. From sweatshirts, to hoodies, to quarter-zips, the brand has an array of sweats and hoodies for all occasions; coming in a vast arrangement of colours, you can be bright and bold or neutral and lowkey in Carhartt WIP.
If you're feeling especially funky, you can grab a sweat with a front or back graphic on like James here. Wearing the Relaxed Fit Jute Hoodie, he is nailing the workwear look with the pairing of cargos and a white tee sticking out. Constructed from a high-quality polycotton blend, this hoodie will stick around throughout the years, and looks great with shorts too for a similar look in the warmer months.
Jackets & Coats
Another staple that takes it cue from workwear, classic Carhartt designs, and perhaps the most notable from the (workwear) portfolio, the Carhartt WIP jacket. From bombers, to chore jackets, to gilets, to fleeces- Carhartt have got you covered in the jackets and coats department.
Our collection of Carhartt WIP outerwear features perennial workwear styles from the brand like the Detroit, which year after year keep us warm and stylish. Our top choice Carhartt Jacket is another reoccuring style- the Active OG. Coming in summer and winter editions, the Active OG jacket is in-demand all year-round.
The Duck Active Jacket is a fresh take on the familiar face for this season, turning up in this khaki camo colourway to help you blend in around mother nature, but stand out in the urban jungle. Made with hardy triple-stitching, this jacket fits the workwear trends' utility focused approach, whilst leaning into streetwear with the drawstring hood. Two birds- one stone.
Knitwear
Knitwear. Not the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Carhartt WIP- but here's why it should be. They've got a high-quality collection of jumpers, cardigans, and cable-knits, all in-line with the workwear trend.
This Carhartt WIP Tridon Jumper is a classic example of a piece with roots in utility. Around the start of the 20th century, women on the Islands of Aran started knitting in the cable-knit design with the aim of keeping fishermen warm whilst at sea. The design was intended to make the garments thicker to ward off the cold of the ocean while they were at work. Making this jumper's ancestors, quite literally, workwear.
James here doesn't quite need that much protection, but any help with guardng off a British winter is gladly accepted. The cable-knit pattern on this knit, juxtaposed with the classic Carhartt WIP square logo. The natural colourway makes for simple styling and pairs well with denim, cargos and smarter trousers. This jumper works for you.
Graphic Tees
The unsung hero of the winter workwear look- the graphic tee is often relegated to that sliver of fabric under a sweat, but that layer is a key one. Once you get inside and that heater is blasting, you'll be glad to rip those layers off and have a funky graphic underneath. Whether it's a front graphic (jacket-friendly), or a back graphic, it adds that considered touch to an outfit that a plain-tee just can't deliver.
This Carhartt WIP Noodle Soup T-shirt is the perfect accompaniment to a workwear look, and even the sight of a 2D bowl of ramen brings some warmth into your chest. The bright colours allow for the highlighting of other colourful details on your outfit, and the Carhartt C logo is hidden cleverly amongst the broth and veg. Who else fancies noodles now?
Looking for other brands to complete workwear the look?
Dickies:
Crafting Workwear fits since 1922, Dickies is another Jack-of-all-Trades brand with Work Pants, Overshirts and timeless wardrobe staples. Drawing on its workwear heritage as well as street and skate styles, they certainly know what they're doing.
Shop our Dickies Collection
Universal Works:
Launched in 2009 from a kitchen table, Universal Works' mission has always been to bring real and honest clothing to consumers. Inspired by the working-class British Dads of the seventies, the brand's ethos and aesthetic approach is strongly in line with utility and style.
Shop our Universal Works Collection
Norse Projects:
Originating in 2004, Norse Projects aim to blend streetwear and workwear seamlessly. The Scandinavian brand's hybrid approach brings werable, classic designs to its customers, (that's me and you btw).
Shop our Norse Projects Collection
