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10 Unexpected Alternatives to the Carhartt Work Jacket

Steve McClain

Steve McClain

Co-Founder @ Marmalade

Published on: October 17, 2024
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The Carhartt Detroit Jacket has evolved from humble workwear roots into an American cultural touchstone. While its rugged dependability deserves respect, we're intrigued by a new generation of brands reimagining the classic chore coat silhouette. From sustainable materials to innovative design tweaks, these alternatives capture that utilitarian spirit while charting their own path.

Big Bud Press
: Breaking Size Barriers with Denim

The Indigo Denim Work Jacket from Big Bud Press tackles one of fashion's persistent problems – limited sizing. This Los Angeles operation offers their take on workwear from XXS to 5XL, making style accessible to more body types.
The dark wash denim undergoes eco-friendly processing for that coveted broken-in feel from first wear. We're particularly interested in their "Eyes-On" production approach, where independent compliance firms audit their facilities quarterly – a level of transparency that's refreshingly uncommon in the industry.

Why we like Big Bud Press

  • 1

    Inclusive Sizing

    Extensive size range from XXS to 5XL

  • 2

    Transparent Production

    Quarterly third-party facility audits

  • 3

    Eco-Friendly Processing

    Sustainable denim washing techniques

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Madhappy
: Where Workwear Meets Wellness

The Gap Hooded Workwear Jacket reflects Madhappy's distinctive fusion of utility and mental health advocacy. Founded in 2017, they've carved an unexpected niche by weaving wellness into their design philosophy.
The jacket's thoughtful elements – blanket-stitched hood, regenerative cotton construction, relaxed fit, and fleece lining – speak to both function and comfort. Their Los Angeles facility maintains rigorous ethical standards, suggesting a holistic approach to both product and worker wellbeing.

Why we like Madhappy

  • 1

    Wellness Integration

    Mental health advocacy built into brand DNA

  • 2

    Thoughtful Design

    Comfort-focused features like blanket stitching

  • 3

    Regenerative Materials

    Sustainable cotton construction

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Agolde
: Denim Science in Action

The Wayne Jacket in Spider emerges from Agolde's Los Angeles design collective, where decades of denim expertise inform every decision. Their investment in advanced manufacturing methods and sustainable practices yields jackets that capture lightning in a bottle – the perfect worn-in feel from day one.

Why we like Agolde

  • 1

    Expert Craftsmanship

    Decades of denim expertise

  • 2

    Advanced Manufacturing

    Innovative production techniques

  • 3

    Perfect Wear

    Pre-worn feel from first use

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Rosa Rugosa
: From Professional Kitchen to Street

The Dufferin Chore Jacket reflects founder Matty Matheson's deep understanding of functional workwear, informed by years in professional kitchens. This Toronto-made piece combines heavy-weighted cotton construction and double stitching with distinctive branded metal buttons – workwear created by those who know its demands firsthand.

Why we like Rosa Rugosa

  • 1

    Professional Heritage

    Design informed by kitchen experience

  • 2

    Quality Construction

    Heavy-weight cotton and double stitching

  • 3

    Made in Toronto

    Local Canadian craftsmanship

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Still Here
: NYC's Take on Heritage Denim

The Arcade Jacket in Khaki represents Still Here's celebration of American denim tradition through a contemporary lens. Their NYC perspective shines through custom hardware and distinctive details, while sustainable practices ensure each piece develops its own character over time.

Why we like Still Here

  • 1

    NYC Design

    Contemporary urban perspective

  • 2

    Custom Details

    Unique hardware and finishing

  • 3

    Heritage Focus

    Modern take on American denim tradition

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MATE the Label
: The Zero-Toxicity Pioneer

The Organic Cotton Canvas Chore Jacket embodies MATE's "clean from seed to skin" philosophy. Their Los Angeles operation prioritizes non-toxic materials and dyes, creating pieces that respect both wearer and environment. We're drawn to how their women-led design team brings fresh perspectives to traditional silhouettes.

Why we like MATE the Label

  • 1

    Non-Toxic Materials

    Clean from seed to skin philosophy

  • 2

    Women-Led Design

    Fresh perspective on traditional workwear

  • 3

    Environmental Focus

    Organic materials and safe dyes

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James Street Co
: Small-Batch California Cool

The Cargo Denim Jacket in Wash Black tells the story of founder Jess Reese's evolution from basement creator to sustainable luxury pioneer. Their limited-production approach in California ensures meticulous attention to detail, while androgynous design elements make these pieces widely accessible.

Why we like James Street Co

  • 1

    Small-Batch Production

    Limited quantities for quality control

  • 2

    Inclusive Design

    Androgynous styling approach

  • 3

    California Made

    Local sustainable manufacturing

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House of Sunny
: Hackney's Progressive Vision

The Canvas Barn Jacket demonstrates House of Sunny's ability to reinvent workwear through an East London filter. Their Hackney-based operation embraces eco-technologies and responsible production, from construction choices to the vegan leather collar. Each piece challenges fast fashion's disposable nature while honoring workwear's functional heritage.

Why we like House of Sunny

  • 1

    East London Style

    Unique British workwear perspective

  • 2

    Eco-Technology

    Advanced sustainable production methods

  • 3

    Vegan Materials

    Ethical alternatives to traditional materials

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Looking Forward

As workwear continues its journey beyond utility, these alternatives to the Carhartt jacket showcase the category's exciting evolution. Each brand brings distinct values and vision, whether through material innovation, ethical manufacturing, or design interpretation. While the classic Detroit Jacket maintains its iconic status, we're excited to see how these newer interpretations help shape workwear's future.