We see you. Over there in your substantial Carhartt WIP denim and your heavy cotton tee. Nice. We’re into it. But guess what? If you love that, you’re going to absolutely love what we’re going to refer to here as: other workwear-inspired brands like Carhartt WIP. That’s right, all the calling cards are there. Robust, hefty cotton, loads of pockets and simple, mostly regular-fit clothing that looks very cool. But would also support you if you fancied a career change, moving into something like carpentry or factory-based heavy industry.
Here are some alternatives to the brand that’s famously a work in progress.
Dickies
Dickies is a brand that needs little introduction. Loved by skaters, baristas and van-driving dads alike, the brand is as partial to a reinforced knee as a pocket or four. At its heart, Dickies is a practical brand with workwear built into it. Subcultures have adopted the brand as their own and a recent appreciation for workwear has seen its popularity spread. Carhartt aren’t the only brand that dabble in dungarees. Dickies do an affordable pair, with the brand’s bib overall made from robust 100% cotton and triple stitched with plenty of pocket space.
Stan Ray
Stan Ray is the workwear brand that flies just under the radar – but that’s part of its charm. Founded in Texas in the 1970s, Stan Ray built its reputation on painter pants and fatigue trousers, the kind of pieces that don’t shout but quietly get the job done. The brand’s no-nonsense approach has made it a favourite with utilitarian dressers and those who prefer their clothing built to last. Expect heavyweight cotton, triple stitching, and practical details aplenty. Whether you’re kitting yourself out for a DIY weekend or just tapping into that workwear aesthetic, Stan Ray delivers the goods.
Levi's
For over a century Levi’s have been constructing clothes for people to work in. ‘Clothes to endure anything’, be that gold prospecting or chopping down trees (which is part of the original Levi’s story). Now Levi’s jeans and associated clothing is facing its toughest task. That’s right, competing with Carhartt to be in people’s fit pics. This year the legendary 501 celebrates its 150th birthday which for a piece of timeless clothing, is a pretty big deal. There’s timeless and then there’s timeless. But it’s not just jeans, Levi’s do some pretty neat trucker jackets, overshirts and t-shirts. Meanwhile, the big and tall range is a godsend.
Ben Davis
Ben Davis is one of those brands that always seems to crop up in conversations about authentic workwear. Founded in San Francisco in 1935, the brand is known for its Gorilla logo, durable fabrics, and relaxed, boxy silhouettes. Ben Davis’ iconic half-zip work shirt is a standout – tough enough for the construction site but adopted just as easily by skaters and streetwear enthusiasts. The brand’s utilitarian designs and commitment to quality mean it holds its own alongside Carhartt and Dickies, without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard. Built for work, adopted by style tribes.
Wrangler
Dads love Wranglers and New Balance. It’s funny to think that the recent wave of dadcore fashion make the scene in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011), where Ryan Gosling is berating Steve Carrell about dressing like Steve Jobs, slightly redundant. Wrangler have benefitted from the recent upsurge in dadcore and workwear. Jump back into a pair of Wranglers, the water is warm. Plenty of jeans styles yes, but also a fine line in denim workshirts (different from your standard overshirt) and sturdy non-denim trousers too.
Closed
Over at Closed they’re very serious about denim. The family company, which draws on French imagination, Italian craftsmanship and German tradition has been producing jeans since 1978, constantly redesigning and innovating. The signature X-pocket jean was the original iconic jean that launched with the company, allowing easier access to the front pocket, with the new ‘a better blue’ eco-denim range a natural evolution of the brand’s roots. A better blue channels both jeans and jackets for a more sustainable workwear offering.
Filson
When it comes to rugged gear built for the great outdoors, Filson is a name that stands tall. Founded in Seattle in the late 19th century, the brand’s heritage is steeped in adventure – from gold rush prospectors to modern-day explorers. Filson is known for heavyweight tin cloth jackets, tough flannel shirts, and wool-lined coats that look as at home on a trail as they do in town. This is workwear for those who prefer their wardrobe to come with a story, and each piece feels like it could last a lifetime – and then some.
The North Face
The North Face does workwear too, you know. It’s not just tracksuits and puffer jackets. The brand, which has gone from mountain climbing to a street fashion staple, is a great choice when it comes to picking up sweatshirts, hoodies and fleeces. If you’re looking to mix and match you can do worse than topping off a layered look with The North Face's extreme pile full-zip fleece jacket. Bring the mountain to you.
Patagonia
God bless Yvon Chouinard. What a man. The Patagonia founder has shown the fashion industry what sustainability can look like, having founded a company that is rooted in the great outdoors and not wanting to ruin the environment that the clothes are designed to be worn in. Patagonia is another that does outdoors wear that transcends the workwear divide. The retro line of fleeces is unrivalled when it comes to colour and zip pocket combinations.
Woolrich
Woolrich is workwear with a dose of cold-weather savvy. Founded in Pennsylvania in 1830, Woolrich made its name outfitting lumberjacks and explorers with warm, durable clothing that could handle the elements. The buffalo check flannel shirt is an icon in its own right, but Woolrich is equally at home making robust parkas, chore jackets, and wool-lined overshirts. If Carhartt is your go-to for dungarees, Woolrich is where you turn when the mercury drops and you need something that’ll keep you toasty while looking sharp. Classic American workwear meets winter-ready practicality.
Wax London
What Wax London does best is taking the classics and making them fun and comfortable. Wax love a wavy pattern. Absolutely love it. Big checks, colourful jacquard and solid denim are just some of the calling cards from Wax of late with that predictable comfortable touch in every garment. The right side of casual giving workwear a much-needed injection of character.
Discover our pick of the best worker jackets for men.
