The year 1889 was a time of steel, steam, and locomotives. It was also when Hamilton Carhartt & Company 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.In times of international conflict, Carhartt committed to “backing the attack.” We offered seven Carhartt facilities to the government for the purpose of creating uniforms for the U.S. military in World War I. During World War II, Carhartt produced coveralls for soldiers and support personnel, jungle suits for Marines in the Pacific, and workwear for women entering the factories on the home front.During the 1970s, massive orders for the construction of the Alaska Pipeline helped grow the brand, and Carhartt undeniably showed that our products could survive and thrive in the most rugged conditions on Earth.

With entrepreneurial vision and determination, Hamilton and the next three generations of the Carhartt family established a brand that has stood the test of time and firmly found a place in Lyon as an iconic brand.

Carhartt has global operations in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe. We employ more than 2,700 American workers, 970 of whom are UFCW union members. Carhartt’s Made in the USA line is inspired by American workers and features some of our most iconic garments. We produce these products in four facilities located in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Carhartt also owns and operates manufacturing and finishing facilities in Mexico, and their European headquarters is located in Amsterdam. In all, they employ more than 5,300 hardworking associates worldwide.