Complete Carhartt WIP Buying Guide 2025
Guide to premium workwear streetwear
Updated January 2025 | UK pricing data | Insights
Why Choose Carhartt WIP?
Carhartt WIP is premium streetwear that lasts. Since 1994, they've created iconic workwear-inspired pieces that look better with age. Think Detroit Jackets, Simple Pants, and Chase tees - quality basics that work for years, not seasons.
Why Track WIP Prices?
WIP pieces are expensive - a Detroit Jacket retails for £140+. But they go on sale regularly, often 30-40% off. Timing your purchase right can save you £50-80 per piece.
Important: WIP vs US Carhartt
Carhartt WIP is operated by Work In Progress and creates its own designs, sizing, and materials. It's not the same as US Carhartt workwear - think streetwear, not construction site.
Streetwear Heritage
30+ years of developing its own European streetwear aesthetic, with iconic pieces that hold their value well.
Investment Pieces
Quality construction and timeless design mean WIP pieces last for years - essential streetwear worth your money.
Sizing & Fit Guide
WIP Fit Guide
Regular Fit
Contemporary streetwear cut - more fitted than traditional workwear.
Relaxed Fit
Roomier through body - perfect for layering and comfort.
Loose Fit
Oversized streetwear silhouette - popular for casual styling.
Official WIP Sizing
Men's Tops (Chest Measurements)
Bottoms: W25-W40 with L30/L32/L34/L36 inseams. Check individual product pages for exact measurements.
Tip:
There's no universal "size down" rule for WIP. Some pieces like Single Knee Pants run large, others fit true to size. Always check the product page for sizing notes before ordering.
WIP Materials
Core WIP Fabrics
Dearborn Canvas
11.3-12oz, 100% organic cotton - softens with wear. The fabric behind Detroit Jackets and Simple Pants.
Denison Twill
8.8oz, 65/35 poly-cotton blend - signature WIP twill weave with clean drape and durability.
Lamar Stretch Twill
8.6oz cotton blend with T400 stretch fibres and COOLMAX® tech - modern comfort for Sid Pants.
Denim & Tech
Norco & Smith Denim
Norco ≈ 11.25oz, Smith ≈ 13.5oz - WIP's distinctive denim weights for different styling preferences.
Water-Repellent Tech
Select outerwear uses Supplex® nylon with water-repellent finishes for weather protection.
PFC-Free DWR
WIP's commitment to sustainability - all DWR treated outerwear is now completely PFC-free.
Understanding WIP T-Shirts
WIP makes several t-shirt styles with different weights and fits. The weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter) - heavier means thicker fabric. Most WIP tees are 180-240 GSM, which is substantial compared to fast fashion. Since 2017, most styles use organic cotton instead of conventional cotton.
S/S Chase T-Shirt
235 GSMMost popular WIP tee. Embroidered 'C' logo on chest, pre-washed so it won't shrink much.
S/S Base T-Shirt
180 GSMBasic WIP tee with small 'C' logo on left sleeve. Lighter weight, more fitted than Chase.
S/S American Script T-Shirt
240 GSMTwo-tone embroidered American Script logo on chest. Heaviest WIP tee.
S/S Script T-Shirt
190 GSMGraphic Script logo print across the front. Regular fit version.
S/S Madison T-Shirt
175 GSMLightweight organic cotton with side slits and embroidered 'C' logo on chest.
S/S Hudson Pocket T-Shirt
~190 GSMChalk-washed for sun-faded effect. Boxy loose fit with chest pocket and Square Label.
S/S University Script T-Shirt
~185 GSMMidweight cotton with graphic print on front. Regular fit.
Important to know:
- • Chase tees are pre-washed, but Base/Pocket tees can shrink 3-5% on first wash
- • Wash everything before wearing - the dyes can transfer to skin
- • Stick to cold wash (30°C max) or colors will fade
- • The heavier tees (235+ GSM) feel stiff at first but soften up
Iconic WIP Pieces Worth Your Money
Essential Icons
- Detroit Jacket: The definitive WIP piece in Dearborn canvas - unlined or blanket-lined by season
- Simple Pant: Clean-lined work pant in canvas or Norco denim - versatile streetwear staple
- Chase T-Shirt: Premium cotton with gold embroidered C logo - perfect for layering
- Single Knee Pant: Canvas or denim with articulated knee construction
- Double Knee Pant: Reinforced workwear silhouette that's become streetwear essential
OG Outerwear
- OG Active Jacket: Original loose/roomy fit with canvas shell and quilt lining
- Michigan Coat: Straight, boxy fit chore coat - lined or unlined by season
- Mentley Jacket: Contemporary take on the classic work jacket silhouette
- Hooded Chase Sweatshirt: Heavyweight fleece streetwear essential
Modern WIP
- Klondike Pant: Contemporary tapered fit in Denison twill
- Newel Pant: Cropped work pant silhouette for modern styling
- Sid Pant: Lamar stretch twill with COOLMAX® for comfort and movement
- Master Pant: Clean Denison twill construction in multiple colourways
Care & Maintenance
WIP Care Guidelines
- Turn garments inside-out before washing
- 30-minute cold soak with mild detergent
- Line dry to prevent shrinking
- Wash similar colours together
- Pre-treat oil and grease stains promptly
Storage & Maintenance
- Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Hang jackets and coats to maintain shape
- Fold pants and shirts neatly to prevent creasing
- Allow Dearborn canvas to soften naturally with wear
- Check product care labels for specific instructions
Care Essentials:
Turn pieces inside-out, cold wash with mild detergent, then line dry. This keeps the fabric looking good and prevents shrinking - especially important for canvas pieces.