Amidst the predictable cult fashion items that have graced Lyst’s ‘hottest product’ rundown for the first quarter of 2024 – including those tangerine Miu Miu swim briefs – there lies a humble hero. Carhartt WIP’s Detroit jacket has claimed a remarkable fifth spot in the lineup, with searches surging by an impressive 410 percent compared to the previous months (the tanned colorway being the most sought-after).
Drawing inspiration from the original designs of American workwear juggernaut Carhartt, which has stood the test of time since its inception in 1889, the Detroit jacket was reimagined as an everyday wardrobe staple by Carhartt WIP (short for Work In Progress) founder Edwin Faeh. Faeh, who became the exclusive distributor of Carhartt in Europe in 1994, launched the first WIP collection two years later in 1996.
Crafted from loose-fitting Dearborn canvas, instantly recognizable by its corduroy collar and gold hardware, this jacket is built to withstand the test of time and wear beautifully over time. Under Carhartt WIP, Faeh has cultivated a contemporary vision for the brand, seamlessly blending workaday design with streetwear sensibilities – the Detroit jacket being a prime example.
OG workwear brand Carhartt had already made its mark as a hip-hop staple in the late 1980s. However, in the 1990s, Faeh’s WIP offshoot further entrenched itself within the creative scene, gaining endorsements from musicians and artists alike. The jacket even made an appearance in Mathieu Kassovitz’s ‘La Haine’ in 1995, while Carhartt WIP launched its own skate and BMX teams in 1997.
Through close collaborations in the ensuing years, Carhartt WIP has evolved into more than just a clothing brand, becoming an umbrella for music projects, its own radio station, and even a magazine – fostering a community rather than simply selling garments. Carhartt WIP pieces have become emblems of the world that Faeh has cultivated. Stroll through the streets of London or New York – two cities that have been hotbeds for Carhartt WIP over the decades – and you’re bound to spot the telltale yellow logos peeking out from pockets of trousers and jackets. And chances are, you’ll see a Detroit jacket or two, especially given their current surge in popularity.
While styling the Detroit jacket with other utilitarian pieces has been a popular choice among its celebrity and fashion-forward fans, there’s truly no one way to wear it. In fact, it arguably looks its best when paired with items that are already mainstays in your wardrobe. Wear it until it shows signs of wear, and it’ll only look better with age.
