Carhartt and Rap Culture: How a Workwear Brand Became a Hip-Hop Staple

Carhartt, a brand originally designed for blue-collar workers, has found an unexpected second home in rap culture.

From construction sites to the streets, and then onto the global hip-hop stage, Carhartt’s rugged and durable aesthetic resonated with a new audience.

Over the years, rappers and streetwear enthusiasts alike have embraced Carhartt, transforming it into a symbol of:

• Authenticity
• Resilience
• And understated cool.

But how did a workwear brand become such a crucial part of rap culture?

Let’s break it down.

Carhartt’s Origins: A Blue-Collar Legacy

Founded in 1889 by Hamilton Carhartt in Detroit, Michigan, Carhartt originally specialized in making durable clothing for:

• Railroad workers
• Farmers
• And other laborers.

The brand became known for its:

• Heavy-duty canvas fabric
• Triple-stitched seams
• And water-resistant duck cloth

ensuring that workers could rely on their clothing in the toughest conditions.

Through the 20th century, Carhartt remained a go-to brand for workers needing functionality over fashion.

It wasn’t associated with style or pop culture – until the late 1980s and early 1990s, when a shift began to take place.

The Bridge Between Workwear and Streetwear

The first connection between Carhartt and street culture began in urban communities where:

• Rugged
• Affordable
• And warm clothing

was a necessity.

• Hoodies
• Beanies
• And coats

provided the durability and insulation that people needed during harsh winters in cities like New York and Detroit.

The oversized fit of Carhartt’s gear also meshed well with the baggy aesthetic that dominated hip-hop fashion in the ’90s.

As hip-hop grew into a cultural force, certain brands naturally became aligned with the movement.

• Timberland
• Dickies
• And Carhartt

were among the workwear labels that gained unexpected popularity in rap circles.

Carhartt, in particular, stood out because of its no-frills authenticity – making it perfect for artists who wanted to project a raw, unfiltered image.

Carhartt’s Hip-Hop Breakthrough

By the early 1990s, Carhartt was being worn by some of the biggest names in hip-hop.

Artists like:

• Tupac Shakur
• Nas
• EPMD
• And the Wu-Tang Clan

rocked Carhartt gear, giving it an organic co-sign from rap royalty.

The:

• Heavyweight jackets
• Utility pants
• And beanies

became a staple among those looking for both comfort and credibility.

One of the most iconic moments came when Tupac was photographed wearing a brown Carhartt jacket – a look that would become synonymous with both him and the gritty aesthetic of ’90s rap.

Similarly, members of Wu-Tang Clan frequently donned Carhartt gear, reinforcing the brand’s connection to the East Coast’s hardcore hip-hop scene.

The Evolution of Carhartt in Streetwear

In the late 1990s, Carhartt’s reputation in streetwear circles was cemented when it expanded its influence to Europe.

Enter Carhartt WIP (Work In Progress), a European division launched in 1994 that put a fashion-forward spin on classic Carhartt designs.

This sub-label was more tailored, designed for everyday wear rather than hard labor, and featured collaborations with:

• Streetwear brands
• Graffiti artists
• And DJs.

Carhartt WIP became a key player in the global streetwear scene, offering pieces that maintained the rugged essence of the original brand while adapting to modern fashion trends.

The crossover from workwear to streetwear wasn’t just happening in Europe, though – hip-hop continued to elevate Carhartt in the U.S. as well.

Carhartt in the 2000s: The Rise of Streetwear Collaborations

As streetwear grew into a dominant fashion movement in the 2000s and 2010s, Carhartt remained relevant through collaborations with brands like:

• Supreme
• A Bathing Ape
• Stüssy
• And Nike.

Rappers and streetwear aficionados alike rocked Carhartt jackets and hoodies, keeping the brand in rotation among tastemakers.

Notably:

• Kanye West
• A$AP Rocky
• And Travis Scott

have all been seen sporting Carhartt, further cementing its status in rap fashion.

A$AP Rocky, in particular, helped introduce Carhartt to a new generation by incorporating vintage workwear aesthetics into his high-fashion looks.

Meanwhile, Travis Scott’s affinity for workwear-infused streetwear has led him to frequently wear Carhartt jackets and beanies in music videos and public appearances.

Why Rappers Love Carhartt

There are several reasons why Carhartt resonates so deeply with rap culture:

1. Authenticity: Unlike designer brands that later tried to tap into hip-hop, Carhartt’s presence in rap culture happened organically. Rappers wore it because it was practical and real – not because it was marketed to them.
2. Durability: Carhartt’s high-quality, long-lasting fabrics align with hip-hop’s emphasis on resilience and longevity.
3. Minimal Branding: Unlike flashy luxury labels, Carhartt’s subtlety makes it a blank canvas, allowing rappers to style it their own way without looking like they’re trying too hard.
4. Affordability: While many rappers enjoy flaunting luxury fashion, Carhartt provides an accessible option that still carries cultural weight. It speaks to both street credibility and a working-class ethos.
5. Versatility: Carhartt pieces work across different styles, from rugged, streetwear-inspired looks to high-fashion runway adaptations.

Carhartt’s Influence on Modern Street Fashion

Today, Carhartt’s influence extends beyond hip-hop into:

• High fashion
• Skate culture
• And even techwear.

The brand continues to collaborate with elite streetwear and designer labels, bridging the gap between underground cool and mainstream appeal.

The brand remains a favorite among fashion-forward rappers and designers alike.

Even non-traditional rap artists like Playboi Carti have embraced Carhartt in their signature aesthetics.

Conclusion

Carhartt’s journey from workwear essential to rap culture staple is a testament to the organic evolution of street fashion.

Unlike brands that force their way into hip-hop through marketing gimmicks, Carhartt became a part of rap’s DNA through genuine adoption by the culture’s pioneers.

Whether it’s:

• Tupac in a classic Carhartt jacket
• Wu-Tang Clan layering up for winter
• Or Travis Scott pairing a Carhartt hoodie with designer sneakers

the brand has proven its staying power.

In an industry where trends come and go, Carhartt remains timeless – representing the:

• Resilience
• Authenticity
• And work ethic

that define both hip-hop and the communities that birthed it.