It was founded in Europe in 1989, 100 years after Hamilton Carhartt established his company in Detroit in 1889 by creating parts dedicated to the heavy work workers (railways, train tracks, etc). 

Carhartt Work in Progress has been carefully modifying the products of the main brand to adapt them to different audiences of consumers who value the refined and quality designs.

Since its inception, Carhartt (WIP) has created an organic and very strong relationship with different important figures in the world of music and sports, thus becoming a well-known and highly respected brand on the stage underground, like state and hip-hop. Carhartt Work in Progress has collaborated with brands such as: A.P.C., Neighborhood, Patta, Vans, Junya Watanabe, among others.