When a company has been in business as long as Carhartt, there are bound to be some hits and misses. After all, part of innovation is discovering what works and what doesn’t.
Carhartt has brought us arguably the best coveralls known to man, the venerable B01 pants, and the Detroit Jacket. Let’s not forget the ubiquitous A18 knit hat, found on everyone from forklift operators to baristas! Carhartt has had their fair share of unique, interesting, and downright strange products over their 100-year plus time in business.
1. Combination Coat and Vest (1900)
We’ll begin with something that wasn’t strange in it’s time, but would get plenty of odd looks on the jobsite today. The Carhartt Combination Coat and Vest was the working mans version of a three-piece suit. In a time where waistcoats (vests) were extremely common, this look wasn’t out of place in the 1900s and had as much functionality as style. Since the wearer had access to a myriad of pockets and could easily shed the coat if they became too warm, this is a combination that made a lot of sense in its day!
2. Carhartt Gloves (c.1925)
While Carhartt has always carried gloves, their assortment from the 1920’s were special. Each with details and embellishments which would make them a boutique item today costing hundreds of dollars. These were meant to work hard however, and is a perfect example of “they just don’t make em’ like they used to!”.
3. Super Dux Pack Sack/Duffle Bag (early 1930s)
Carhartt Super Dux is Carhartts active/outdoor line, and was designed to suit hunters and outdoorsmen. They had many interesting and unique products, but their Pack Sack and Duffle Bag was one which could easily be a “heritage” design today.
The Pack Sack was a large backpack made of 14oz. duck canvas with leather straps and appointments. It cost only $9.50! The Super Dux Duffle Bag was similar with waterproof 14oz duck canvas, leather appointments, and copper rivets. It cost a whopping $4.75.
4. Surf Gear (1964)
Surfer culture dominated the 1960s and Carhartt was onboard with their 11oz denim cut-off shorts. Available in white, wheat, and denim blue in a straight narrow cut.
These were the perfect compliment to your Pendleton Board shirt as you hit the surf. An interesting (and short lived) departure from their workwear, its not hard to see how this may have been the inspiration for Carhartts Force line many years later. Price was $3.49 per pair.
5. Ranch Warmer/Ranch Pullover (1965)
Ranch wear was another popular style in the 1960s and Carhartt had several products which fit the bill. Their Ranch Warmer and Ranch pullover were lined with acrylic pile fleece similar to their current sherpa lining.
This is a product I’d love to see make a comeback since it would look right at home with the modern “rugged” style.
6. Super Dux Naugahyde Brush Buster Pants (1972)
The Carhartt Super Dux Naugahyde Brush Buster Pants were heavy army duck canvas with Naugahyde facing. Perfect for snag and abrasion resistance while blazing a trail through thorns and underbrush. They also featured a vinyl coated double canvas seat, zipper fly, and suspender buttons to complete the look.
The Naugahyde was eventually replaced with nylon, and this may be the earliest version of the impenetrable Carhartt nylon duck products.
7. Duck Shirt – Acid-Washed (1991)
The 1990s were a wild time, filled with bleach and acid washed products. Carhartt hopped on this trend with a series of acid-washed clothing as well.
The washing technique was especially interesting when applied to Carhartt’s signature brown duck as seen here.
8. Cape Coat (1993)
Another product that deserves to be resurrected is the Carhartt Cape Coat, with an extra layer of fabric across the shoulders for weather resistance.
This product was undoubtedly inspired by cowboy dusters, but would be just as useable by outdoorsmen and those needing an extra layer of protection.
9. Carhartt Car (1911)
Did you know Carhartt made a car? For a short period Carhartt tried their hand in the automotive industry with two models in four body styles. A Junior 25 horsepower model, and “Four” model with 35 horsepower four cylinder engines respectively. Depending on options, the Carhartt cars ranged from $1,100 to $3,500.
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