Last Updated on February 13, 2024
Workwear has long been celebrated for its functionality and aesthetically pleasing designs. In the American workwear landscape, two giants stand out: Dickies vs. Carhartt.
Both brands have outfitted skaters, carpenters, painters, and a diverse range of workers over the years. Here, we will dive into a detailed comparison of signature pieces from Dickies vs. Carhartt to assist you in making an informed decision when adding workwear to your wardrobe.
Highlights:
- The Dickies emerges as a versatile option, ideal for various occasions with its lighter feel and dress-up or dress-down capabilities.
- Carhartt’s durability and functionality make it a go-to choice for rigorous work despite being pricier.
- Carhartt’s Ripstop Cargos win for practicality and functionality, offering a surplus of pockets and durability.
- Dickies’ Eisenhower Jacket proves more wearable and versatile than the Carhartt Detroit Jacket, fitting into various fashion styles and occasions.
- The choice between Dickies and Carhartt ultimately boils down to work requirements, and the desired style – both brands have reliable options for different needs.
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Dickies (874)
Originating in the late ’60s, the Dickies 874 features a 65/35 poly-cotton blend. Its major advantages include wearability, versatility for both casual and formal occasions, and breathability.
However, it falls short in terms of durability, with cheaper materials and occasional construction inconsistencies. Common complaints include sizing inconsistency and fabric pilling.
Why did Dickies get so popular?
Dickies gained popularity due to its timeless and versatile workwear designs, offering durable and affordable clothing suitable for a wide range of occupations and lifestyles.
The brand’s classic pieces, like the 874 pants, became iconic and transcended their original workwear purpose, becoming a fashion staple for various subcultures.
Carhartt (Double Knee)
This workhorse, particularly in the duck canvas variant, boasts superior construction and durability compared to the 874. Its multiple pockets cater to carpenters and painters, providing ample storage.
However, the Double Knee’s weight can be a drawback for some, and its higher price tag, roughly three times that of the 874, might deter budget-conscious buyers. The choice between the 874 and Double Knee boils down to personal preference, with the former winning for its lighter, more breathable nature.
Why is Carhartt so high quality?
Carhartt is renowned for its high-quality workwear due to meticulous construction, durable materials like ring-spun cotton duck, and a commitment to meeting the demands of hardworking individuals across various industries.
What is the Difference Between Dickies Vs. Carhartt?
Dickies emphasizes versatility and lighter, more breathable options, making it suitable for everyday wear. Carhartt excels in durability and rugged construction, catering to those with a more traditional workwear aesthetic and heavier-duty needs.
Dickies Carpenter Jeans vs. Carhartt Ripstop Cargos
Dickies Carpenter Jeans are renowned for their eye-catching style and visual appeal. At the same time, Carhartt Ripstop Cargos are more functional and durable, including several pockets to make them more suitable for a range of job environments.
Dickies Carpenter Jeans
Known for their aesthetic appeal, the Carpenter Jeans draw attention wherever they go. The style quotient is high, making them a favorite for those seeking a distinctive look. However, they may feel a bit rigid initially, requiring a break-in period. The main drawback could be their bagginess for some wearers.
Carhartt Ripstop Cargos
Renowned for durability and functionality, the Ripstop Cargos are a tactical dream. With multiple pockets, triple stitching, and hammer loop pockets, they cater to the practical needs of workers.
The major consideration is their potential bagginess and the initially rigid feeling, which improves with wear. Despite the tough choice, the Ripstop Cargos emerge slightly ahead for their versatility and enhanced functionality.
Dickies Eisenhower Jacket vs. Carhartt Detroit Jacket
The Dickies Eisenhower Jacket, made with a poly and nylon blend, offers a more versatile and wearable aesthetic, while the Carhartt Detroit Jacket, crafted from 100% ring-spun cotton duck, emphasizes rugged construction with a traditional workwear style.
Dickies Eisenhower Jacket
Constructed with a blend of poly and nylon fibers, the Eisenhower Jacket is touted for its wearability and versatility. It offers a more casual and adaptable appearance, making it suitable for various occasions. The black and military green colorways are particularly appealing.
Carhartt Detroit Jacket
Crafted from 100% ring-spun cotton duck, the Detroit Jacket excels in construction but might lack broad aesthetic appeal. Its rugged appearance may suit those with a more traditional workwear style. The brown and dark brown colorways are aesthetically pleasing.
Are Dickies as good as Carhartt?
Both Dickies and Carhartt excel in workwear, with Dickies often favored for versatility and lighter wear, while Carhartt is renowned for its rugged durability and heavy-duty construction. The choice depends on personal preferences and specific work requirements.
FAQs
Why choose Dickies over Carhartt for everyday wear?
Dickies, particularly the 874 pants, are preferred for everyday wear due to their lighter weight, versatility, and breathability. They offer a classic style that can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for various occasions.
What makes Carhartt Double Knee pants stand out for workers?
Carhartt Double Knee pants are favored by workers, especially carpenters and painters, for their superior construction, durability, and abundance of pockets. Despite being heavier, they provide the functionality needed for more rigorous labor.
Which work pants are more stylish – Dickies Carpenter Jeans or Carhartt Ripstop Cargos?
The choice between Dickies Carpenter Jeans and Carhartt Ripstop Cargos depends on personal style preferences. Carpenter Jeans are known for their distinctive aesthetic, attracting attention, while Ripstop Cargos prioritize functionality with numerous pockets, catering to a more tactical look.
Why choose the Carhartt Detroit Jacket over the Dickies Eisenhower Jacket?
The Carhartt Detroit Jacket, made of 100% ring-spun cotton duck, is praised for its construction and durability. Those who appreciate a more rugged and traditional workwear aesthetic might prefer the Detroit Jacket, especially in classic colorways like brown or dark brown.
What famous people wear Dickies?
Celebrities such as Emily Ratajkowski, Zoë Kravitz, and Kanye West have embraced the affordable and skater-chic brand Dickies.
Which country brand is Dickies?
ADickies is a US-based company founded in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1922.
Are Dickies still made in the USA?
While some Dickies are still made in Texas, the majority are manufactured in Mexico, Asia, and the Middle East.
How long will Dickies last?
Dickies trousers are designed to last, and with proper care, they can endure for about seven years.
Why is Carhartt boycotting?
Carhartt is facing calls for a boycott due to its implementation of a vaccine mandate for staff amid the ongoing debate over COVID-19 vaccinations in the US.
Why is Carhartt so overpriced?
Carhartt jackets are considered overpriced due to the utilization of premium materials like duck canvas, sandstone duck, or denim, which contribute to higher production costs.
Why is Dickies called Dickies?
Etymologically, the term “dickey” comes from Cockney rhyming slang, where “dickey dirt” denotes a shirt.
Are Dickies still popular?
Yes, Dickies has gained popularity in the fashion scene, with TikTokers showcasing the brand’s work pants, collaborations, and a resurgence of interest in this 100-year-old workwear brand.
Should I wash Dickies?
Wearing Dickies work pants will break down stiffness over time. Machine washing with fabric conditioner and tumble drying with a softening sheet can expedite the process. Shaking them while air-drying every 20 minutes also helps.
Do Dickies shrink after washing?
Yes, Dickies may shrink about 3% of the original size after the first hot water wash and high-heat drying. Subsequent washes may result in an additional 3-5% shrinkage.
Are Dickies 874 tight?
Dickies 874 pants may run a little loose in the waist, so sizing down is recommended unless a baggy look is desired.
Why is everyone suddenly wearing Carhartt?
Carhartt has been worn as streetwear since the late ’80s, gaining popularity due to its high-quality and durable clothing, with the Work In Progress line launching in the late ’80s.
Why is Carhartt so baggy?
Carhartt’s classic canvas carpenter and double-knee pants typically come in Original Fit, characterized by a looser fit, longer rise, and sitting higher on the waist for comfort and roominess while working.
What rappers wear Dickies?
In 1988, N.W.A.’s music video for “Express Yourself” featured Dr. Dre in Dickies apparel, cementing the brand’s cultural significance in rap. Rappers like Snoop Dogg continued to embrace Dickies in the 1990s.
Conclusion
In this Dickies vs Carhartt showdown, each brand has its strengths and weaknesses. The Dickies 874, Ripstop Cargos, and Eisenhower Jacket stand out for their versatility, while the Carhartt Double Knee and Detroit Jacket excel in construction and durability.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences, work requirements, and the desired style. Whichever brand you lean towards, both Dickies and Carhartt continue to be reliable names in the world of workwear.
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