Carhartt History

At Hamilton’s death in 1937, his son Wylie took over. Wylie had played a crucial role in the “Back to the Land” program, which led to the opening of new operations in Kentucky. It was an attempt to “save the country from its appalling poverty and distress” and to offer workers healthier conditions at union rates far away from the slums and sweatshops. Four sewing and cutting facilities are still operating in Kentucky and Tennessee to this day. Wylie was also instrumental in creating the Super Dux and Super Fab hunting lines.

Wylie’s daughter Gretchen Carhartt married Robert Valade who assumed leadership in 1959. In 1972, Robert Valade, VP of Sales Gus Feles, and EVP of Manufacturing Don Rasinen formed a nucleus that changed the face of Carhartt forever. They bought Carhartt’s first “modern” production facility and were able to do a significant private label business for several stores including Sears, J.C. Penney and Montgomery Ward. This allowed Carhartt the necessary revenue to continue to expand its production. In 1976, the hard-finish Duck Active Jacket was introduced in a “Hoodie” form; the style remains the top-selling jacket for Carhartt today.

In the 70’s, the Alaska Pipeline helped grow the brand and Carhartt showed the world it could survive and thrive in the most rugged corners of the world.

The Carhartt brand became popular with consumers outside blue-collar trades in the 70’s and 80’s. More people began to learn about the brand as big names in the music industry started to wear Carhartt. This led to the creation of the Carhartt Work In Progress line, which is targeted toward consumers in Europe and Asia who value refined details and design that remain true to Carhartt brand origins.

In 1996, Mark Valade became the President of Carhartt. Mark heralded the company into the global era with the formation of European operations and Internet technologies. He launched Carhartt-owned retail stores, a full women’s line, and our extremely successful Flame-Resistant line of garments. Ever the visionary, he introduced new technologies such as Quick Duck®, Storm Defender®, Rain Defender®, Carhartt Force®, and others.

With entrepreneurial vision and determination, Hamilton Carhartt and the next three generations of Carhartts have established a brand that has stood the test of time.

Carhartt employs 2,300 American workers, more than 1,000 UFCW union members. Our “Made in the USA” line is inspired by American workers and features seven of our most iconic garments. This line is built in four factories in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Carhartt. Outworking them all since 1889.