Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP)

Carhartt WIP (Work In Progress) is the contemporary streetwear division of the iconic American workwear brand Carhartt. While the parent company was founded in Detroit in 1889, the 'WIP' label was born in Europe during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was established by Swiss designer Edwin Faeh, who initially started importing American workwear before receiving a license to create a refined, fashion-forward line specifically for the European market.

Today, Carhartt WIP is a global lifestyle brand known for its high-quality construction and a unique blend of heritage workwear aesthetic with urban style. Manufacturing is distributed across various locations globally, often including Tunisia, Vietnam, China, and Cambodia, to maintain large-scale production standards. The brand remains distinct from its American 'Workwear' counterpart, focusing on slim-fit silhouettes and creative collaborations with artists and skate culture.

Ownership of the WIP division is held by Work in Progress Holding AG, based in Switzerland. This entity holds the exclusive license to design, manufacture, and distribute Carhartt products outside of North America. This clever licensing structure has allowed the brand to maintain two distinct identities: a rugged tool-for-laborers in the United States and a premium streetwear staple across Europe, Asia, and Australia.