Carhartt WIP Outerwear: Jackets With Genuine Heritage

Outerwear is where Carhartt started, and arguably it's still what the brand does best. The jackets and coats are cut from the same workwear blueprint the label has used since its Michigan origins in 1889, but reworked for today's modern wearer. That means you get Carhartt's famously durable materials and tough build quality, but with more considered cuts and better colourways. Carhartt WIP jackets give you heritage that's been earned, upgraded for modern life.

Pick one up and you can feel why these jackets have stood the test of time. Heavyweight cotton canvas, ripstop panels or blanket and brushed fleece linings, reinforced stitching at the stress points, corduroy collars, hems and cuffs built to take a beating, and generous pockets mean they don't just look cool, they're also superbly practical.

Popular Carhartt WIP Jacket Styles

While Carhartt WIP always finds new ways to keep things current every season, it doesn't mess too much with the silhouettes it's famous for which include:

- The Detroit Jacket: Probably the most recognisable Carhartt WIP outerwear silhouette. It's a blanket-lined, boxy canvas jacket with a corduroy collar and a wardrobe staple that works as a light coat in autumn or an extra layer in winter.

- The Active Jacket: A slightly more streamlined take on the classic Carhartt WIP jacket design, often chosen for its versatility and slightly cropped fit.

- The Michigan Coat: A longer-length, heavier-weight jacket for colder months, offering extra coverage and warmth.

- The Santa Fe Jacket: A hooded, canvas workwear jacket that's a solid choice if you want the Carhartt look with a bit more protection from the weather.

- The Classic Vest: A versatile gilet-style layering piece that works over a hoodie or under a heavier coat, and comes into its own in transitional weather.

There are also OG versions of all the classic jackets, including the Detroit, Michigan, Active and Santa Fe. Carhartt WIP OG jackets keep the original workwear shape but are oversized with articulated shoulder panels for greater freedom of movement. If you want the classic look with a roomier, more relaxed fit, the OG versions are the ones to go for.

Colourways range from muted earth tones like the classic Hamilton Brown to blacks, greens, and greys. There are also lighter, dusty creams, neutrals and blues which are popular during warmer months.

How Do Carhartt WIP Jackets Fit?

Carhartt WIP outerwear tends to run true to size but with a relaxed, boxy cut. You should be good with your usual size, although some people drop down a size for a slightly slimmer look, particularly if they have a smaller build. If you're planning to layer a hoodie or jumper underneath, true to size is usually the safer choice.

Find out more about sizing in our Carhartt WIP Size & Fit Guide

It's also worth thinking about when and how you'll wear the jacket. For spring/autumn and transitional weather, a lighter canvas chore coat or an unlined jacket is usually enough.

For proper winter, go for something blanket-lined or quilted like the Detroit or the Michigan coat. And if it's everyday layering you're after, a mid-weight Carhartt WIP jacket will sit comfortably over a hoodie without adding bulk.

If you're unsure, our team can help you pick the right weight and fit. We wear these jackets ourselves, so get in touch before you order if you want a second opinion.

Do We Recommend a Carhartt WIP Jacket?

We always find it hard not to recommend something from Carhartt WIP when talking about jackets. Here are 5 reasons why:

- They get better with age. Canvas is stiff out of the bag, then softens, creases, and fades around how you wear it. A Detroit jacket you've had a few years beats a brand new one every time, in our opinion.

- The silhouettes haven't been messed with. Core models have barely changed in decades, and for good reason. That means nothing you buy is going to look dated next season.

- They're genuinely hard to wear out. Heavyweight canvas and reinforced construction mean these outlast pretty much any alternative we see come and go.

- They go with everything. Over a hoodie, over a shirt, dressed up or straight off the sofa. A Carhartt WIP jacket is one you'll always find yourself reaching for when you're heading out, which means great cost-per-wear.

- The branding is subtle. Just the small square logo tab on the sleeve or chest. It's recognisable to anyone who knows, but quiet enough to wear anywhere.

At Fat Buddha we've been stocking Carhartt WIP for years. In fact, we're one of the largest independent retailers of the brand in the UK, which means means you can always find a comprehensive yet carefully chosen range right here. Get fast delivery, free when you spend over £50, and 100-day returns across the whole collection.