Carhartt vs. Duluth: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Carhartt is the legacy brand for industrial-grade, rugged workwear known for its classic designs and affordability, making it a go-to for demanding job sites. In contrast, Duluth Trading Company offers equally durable gear but focuses more on modern comfort, innovative features, and a slightly more refined aesthetic, often at a higher price point.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right workwear brand for your needs.

Carhartt: The Industrial-Grade Workwear Standard

With a history spanning over 130 years, Carhartt has established itself as the benchmark for tough, reliable clothing built for harsh work environments. Its core audience includes construction workers, farmers, and tradespeople who need gear that can withstand serious abuse. Carhartt’s identity is built on no-frills functionality, using heavy-duty materials to create products that last for years.

• Product mix: Extensive line of heavy-duty jackets, work pants, overalls, and flame-resistant (FR) gear. The brand is synonymous with its durable duck canvas material.
• Price point: Generally falls in the mid-range category and is very accessible. The classic Duck Detroit Jacket costs around $80-$100, and most work pants are priced between $50 and $80.
• Quality & Materials: Famous for its ultra-durable duck canvas, heavy-duty cotton, and reinforced triple-stitching. The materials are designed to prioritize durability over everything else.
• Style & Aesthetic: A classic, utilitarian workwear look. Its signature "Carhartt Brown" is iconic, and the designs are functional and straightforward with minimal branding.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true-to-size with a roomy, generous fit designed for layering and ease of movement during physical labor. Offers regular, tall, and relaxed fit options.
• Return policy: Straightforward returns for items in their original condition, making it easy to get the right size and style.

Carhartt is the ideal choice for those who need uncompromising durability and a classic look without paying a premium price.

Shop Carhartt: carhartt.com

Duluth Trading Company: Rugged Gear with Modern Comfort

Duluth Trading Company tailors its products to hardworking individuals who need durable clothing but aren't willing to sacrifice modern comfort and thoughtful features. The brand targets DIY enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and workers who value flexibility and smart design. Duluth is known for solving common clothing problems with unique solutions, like extra pockets and gusseted crotches for better movement.

• Product mix: A wide range of work shirts, outerwear, and innovative work pants alongside accessories like belts and gloves.
• Price point: Tends to be slightly more expensive than Carhartt, with items ranging from $50 to $200. Their popular Fire Hose Work Pants, for example, are typically priced between $80 and $120.
• Quality & Materials: Uses high-quality, rugged fabrics like its signature Fire Hose Canvas, reinforced denim, and heavy flannel, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and comfort. Some product lines feature eco-friendly and recycled materials.
• Style & Aesthetic: Rugged and practical but with a more refined, modern touch. The aesthetic is versatile enough for both the job site and casual weekend wear, often featuring earth tones and plaids.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is consistent and true to size, but the fits are generally more tailored and less boxy than Carhartt's for a modern silhouette.
• Return policy: Offers a generous and straightforward return policy that allows customers to ensure their gear meets their standards.

Duluth Trading offers tough apparel perfect for those who want workwear durability combined with contemporary fits and problem-solving features.

Shop Duluth Trading Company: duluthtrading.com

Carhartt vs. Duluth Comparison

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, Carhartt generally offers more budget-friendly options. Most of its iconic jackets and pants are in the $30 to $150 range, providing exceptional value for their durability. A pair of Carhartt's durable duck work pants might cost around $50, while their famous Detroit Jacket is available for under $100.

Duluth Trading’s products are priced slightly higher, typically from $50 to $200. Their well-known Fire Hose Work Pants start around $80, reflecting the additional features, flexible materials, and modern fit. While both brands offer great long-term value, shoppers looking for the most affordable upfront option will likely find Carhartt more appealing.

Quality & Materials

Both brands are committed to high-quality construction, but they approach it differently. Carhartt's reputation is built on its rigid, heavy-duty duck canvas and triple-stitched seams. This material is incredibly tough and designed to withstand abrasion, tears, and harsh weather for years, though it can feel stiff at first.

Duluth prioritizes durability with a focus on comfort and mobility. Their Fire Hose Canvas is famously tough yet designed to be more flexible and broken-in from the start. They often incorporate features like stretch panels and gussets to enhance movement. Both brands offer excellent longevity, but your choice depends on whether you prefer industrial-grade stiffness (Carhartt) or rugged flexibility (Duluth).

Style & Aesthetic

Carhartt embodies the timeless, iconic American workwear aesthetic. Its style is functional, rugged, and straightforward, and has remained largely unchanged for decades, leading to its adoption in streetwear circles. For those who want a classic, no-nonsense look that is recognizable and dependable, Carhartt is the clear winner.

Duluth offers a more contemporary and versatile style. While still rugged, their designs have a slightly more modern fit and finish that transition more easily from work to casual settings. Their color palettes and patterns are often more varied, appealing to customers who want functional gear that doesn't scream "work uniform".

Fit & Sizing

Fit is a key differentiator between the two brands. Carhartt's fit is almost always generous and roomy. This traditional workwear cut is intentional, allowing for maximum freedom of movement and plenty of room to layer clothing underneath in cold weather. It's practical but can feel boxy for those with a slimmer build.

Duluth provides a more modern, tailored fit. Their clothing is designed to sit closer to the body without being restrictive, which many find more flattering for everyday wear. While still providing room to move, the silhouette is less traditional than Carhartt's. Both run true-to-size, but your preference for a loose versus tailored cut will be the deciding factor.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both companies are taking steps toward more responsible manufacturing. Carhartt has implemented initiatives to reduce factory waste and holds certifications like WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) for many of its facilities, ensuring ethical production standards.

Duluth Trading Company often places a stronger marketing emphasis on its sustainability efforts, promoting its use of recycled and eco-friendly materials in certain products. They also focus on transparency in their supply chain. While both brands are working on these issues, Duluth tends to be more vocal about its eco-conscious choices.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right brand really depends on your specific needs, personal style, and priorities.Choose Carhartt if:

• You work in a heavy-duty industrial or agricultural job and need maximum durability.
• Your primary concern is getting the toughest gear possible at the best price.
• You prefer a classic, timeless workwear style that has been trusted for generations.
• A roomy, generous fit for layering is more important than a tailored silhouette.

Choose Duluth if:

• You want durable workwear that also prioritizes everyday comfort and flexibility.
• You appreciate thoughtful, innovative features created to solve common clothing problems.
• You prefer a more modern, tailored fit that works well for both labor and casual activities.
• You value brands that actively use and promote sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carhartt or Duluth cheaper?

Carhartt is generally cheaper. Its core items like work pants and jackets are often 20-30% less expensive than comparable items from Duluth. Carhartt has built its brand on offering industrial-strength durability at an accessible price point.

Which brand is more durable?

Both brands are exceptionally durable, but they achieve it differently. Carhartt's heavy duck canvas is legendary for its ability to withstand extreme abrasion and wear, making it a top choice for the harshest environments. Duluth's Fire Hose Canvas is also incredibly tough but is designed with more built-in flexibility.

How does the sizing compare between Carhartt and Duluth?

Carhartt's sizing typically offers a generous, roomy fit designed for layering and ease of movement. Duluth's sizing provides a more modern, tailored fit that sits closer to the body. Both are generally true-to-size, so choose based on your preference for a loose or more fitted style.

What are Carhartt's most famous products?

Carhartt is most famous for its Duck Detroit Jacket, Duck Active Jacket, rugged work pants, and overalls. These items, particularly in the iconic "Carhartt Brown" color, have defined the brand for decades.

What are Duluth's most famous products?

Duluth Trading Company is well-known for its Fire Hose Work Pants, Buck Naked Performance Underwear, and Longtail T-Shirts that are designed to prevent plumber's crack.

Are both brands good for outdoor activities like hiking?

Yes, but with different strengths. Duluth's focus on flexibility and comfort makes many of its products excellent for hiking and camping. Carhartt's gear is better suited for stationary outdoor work like ranching or hunting, where its ruggedness is a greater asset than its flexibility.

Do Carhartt and Duluth have good return policies?

Yes, both brands have customer-friendly return policies. They typically allow returns for unworn merchandise within a reasonable timeframe (often 60+ days) so you can make sure you're happy with your purchase.

Is Duluth an ethical company?

Duluth Trading Company emphasizes its commitment to ethical manufacturing and transparent sourcing in its supply chain. They also frequently highlight the use of environmentally friendly materials, positioning themselves as a responsible choice for consumers.