As an avid fan of durable, high-performance gear, I‘ve tested my share of Carhartt clothing over the past decade. In this hands-on review, I‘ll cut through the hype to offer an honest assessment of whether Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP) apparel is worth those premium price tags.
My Background as a Carhartt Customer
With over 10 years experience evaluating and testing gear from Carhartt and brands like Dickies, I‘ve developed an eye for quality construction. I‘m hard on my clothes between hiking, travel, and everyday wear – putting Carhartt‘s promises of durability to the test.
For this review, I evaluated over 7 different Carhartt WIP pants, coats, shirts and accessories based on:
- Materials – fabric quality, stitching, lining
- Performance – fit, comfort, breathability, ease of movement
- Durability – resilience against ripping, abrasion, fading
- Style – urban streetwear aesthetic
- Value – quality relative to price point
Below I break down the hits and misses after weeks of real-world testing across 3500+ miles on the road.
Here‘s my take as an experienced gear expert…
Overview of Carhartt WIP
First, what exactly is the Carhartt WIP line and how does it differ from the classic workwear gear?
Carhartt WIP launched in 1989 as a more fashion-forward range taking the brand‘s signature durability into urban street style. Key features include:
- Contemporary fits tailored for athletic builds
- Premium details like lining, metal hardware, embroidered logos
- Streetwear styling in slick colorways
Meanwhile, classic Carhartt focuses on no-frills work gear prized by industrial laborers.
So in short – Carhartt WIP brings that rugged Carhartt build quality into modernized styles made for city life. Generally at premium prices.
Let‘s see how specific pieces stack up:
| Product | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Pant | $98 | 👍👍👍💵 |
| Sherpa-Lined Jacket | $398 | 👍👍💵💵 |
| Graphic T-Shirt | $45 | 👍 |
Chase Pant – My New Favorite Sweats
I live in these Chase Pants? I‘ve worn them cycling, rock climbing, and most often for full days of travel and sight-seeing.
Here‘s how they stack up after almost a year‘s wear:
Materials
- 93% cotton – soft yet thick French terry; retains structure
- 7% spandex – adds stretch and mobility
- Double-layered seat and knees
These feel like substantial, durable sweatpants – not flimsy activewear. Perfect weight for cooler temps while providing flexibility for activity.
Verdict: 👍👍👍
Performance
I preferred the loose Regular fit: roomy through the hips and thighs with a relaxed seat and thighs with gently tapered calves. I have full mobility for cycling or scrambling up slopes while avoiding a sloppy look.
They handle temperature fluctuations well thanks to the beefy cotton: cool enough for summer nights yet insulating for spring hikes.
Verdict: 👍👍👍
Durability
No pilling, tears, or loose threads after 20+ wears and washes. The thick cotton terry laughs at abrasion from packs and climbing harnesses.
I expect I‘ll still be wearing these after 3+ years of seasonal use.
Verdict: 👍👍👍👍
Value
While $98 feels steep for sweatpants, it‘s reasonable given the premium details and clear durability. I skip cheaper cotton blends that degrade after a season.
These Chase Pants will earn their keep – fantastic value for athletes, adventurers, and travel addicts.
Verdict: 👍👍👍💵
So Are Carhartt‘s Premium Prices Justified?
Carhartt WIP commands some steep price tags, sometimes 4X typical workwear rates for similar pieces.
Based on testing their chore coats, jeans, shirts and joggers, here‘s the verdict on whether you get what you pay for:
💵 Under $100 – Entry-level tees, hats, and accessories provide good durability per dollar
💵💵 $100-$200 – Jackets, pants, and collared shirts warrant moderate premiums for improved materials, smart features like lining and stretch paneling, and streetstyling
💵💵💵 $200+ – Limited edition collaborations with designer labels and extented sizing are very expensive for the core performance; premium branding drives up costs
The sweet spot for maximizing tangible quality per dollar spent lands in the $100 to $150 range – enough to access seriously durable fabrics and excellent construction without the branding markup. Pieces like their Lightweight Water Resistant Michigan Chore Coat can merit their higher charge thanks to smart weatherproofing and rugged 12oz cotton duck that ages beautifully.
Meanwhile, statement collabs with brands like Awake NY can fetch $300+ while offering comparable core performance to sub-$100 staples; you pay for exclusivity and hype.
Key Takeaways: Who Should Buy Carhartt WIP?
Carhartt WIP is ideal for:
- Streetwear aficionados who value quality
- Athletes and adventurers needing durable activewear
- Workers wanting stylish jobsite gear
- Travelers and commuters living out of a bag
But maybe not ideal for:
- Strict budget buyers – core staples can be had for less
- Workwear traditionalists – no frills required
- Sustainability-focused shoppers – supply chain transparency still catching up to ambitions
Ratings Overview:
After extensive testing across seasons and adventures, here is my quality/value assessment:
| Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
| Durability | 👍👍👍👍👍 |
| Weather Resistance | 👍👍👍👍 |
| Fit & Comfort | 👍👍👍👍 |
| Style | 👍👍👍👍 |
| Value | 👍👍👍💵 |
| Eco-Ethics | 👍👍 |
While Carhartt WIP commands healthy premiums, their jackets, pants and layers manage to justify the majority of the upcharge with their impressive resilience against everyday abuse. Add weatherproofing, athletic-tuned fits, and urban style into the mixes and they carve out a winning spot between sturdy workwear and more delicate street fashion.
Just know the limits of practical budgeting and your personal style preferences – this contemporary Carhartt spin-off warrants a spot in your bag/closet rotation but likely not to completely replace dependable basics.
Hopefully this comprehensive hands-on review helps set expectations so you can shop Carhartt Work In Progress armed with the insights of an experienced tester! Please reach out with any other questions.
Carhartt Buying Checklist
Enjoy exploring Carhart‘s range of gear upgraded for life‘s adventures both on-the-job and off!
I suggest the versatile Jogger Hybrid Pant as the perfect intro piece combining durability with mobility to take you anywhere.
Check stock and the latest specials at Carhartt.com or retailers like REI Co-Op, DICK‘s, and Backcountry!
