Lowe’s recently announced that they are “partnering with Carhartt to outfit hardworking pros.”
According to Lowe’s announcement, the new partnership will “bring an assortment of Carhartt products to Lowes.com and select stores nationwide.”
Retailers add new brands to their online stores and product catalogs all the time. Home Depot, Lowe’s biggest competing home center, also offers a wide range of Carhartt products in their online store.
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Lowe’s adding a selection of Carhartt products to their website seems like rather minor news. In my opinion, the greater impact come from what Lowe’s says they will be offering at stores.
Lowe’s specifies that “the collection” of Carhartt products is currently available at “roughly 250 Lowe’s stores across the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest,” and that they plan to add Carhartt products to “approximately 250 additional stores in Texas, the Southeast, and California” in early 2024.
Lowe’s says that they are expanding their product assortment to “create a one-stop shop for everything our customers need.”
My feeling is that Lowe’s is testing the waters, to see if they can match the success Home Depot seems to have had in selling Milwaukee workwear. Shown above is a Milwaukee workwear display I recently saw at my local store.
According to Lowe’s, the retailer has more than 1700 stores in the US. This means that approximately 1 in 7 stores should feature Carhartt workwear right now, with more to follow after the New Year.
Would you appreciate the ability to purchase Carhartt workwear on the spot at Lowe’s stores?
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Update – Home Depot also Carries Carhartt in Stores
It seems that Home Depot stores already carry Carhartt. Readers shared as much in the comments section of the recent post.
RCward said:
They have been sold at Home Depot for a long time.
mattd said:
The Home Depots in my city have full on racks like a clothing store with Carhartt stuff.
I stopped by my local Home Depot store today, and took a quick photo of what I saw – racks of Carhartt workwear in the Pro checkout area.
The Home Depot store had Carhartt work shorts on a rack – with yellow clearance stickers – as well as caps and winter hats. There are boxes ready to be unpacked, presumably filled with workpants.
There was another full rack of Carhartt clothes nearby.
So what exactly is Lowe’s going to do differently with their rollout at a limited number of stores?
Peter Fox
Carhartt used to be a reasonably priced work ware brand, unfortunately they got a little taste of popularity and have become overpriced fashion for people who want to look blue collar.
What I do miss is the easy ability to get actual work ware from brands like Dickies locally. The few places that still exist have mostly switched to Carhartt instead. I don’t need or want any style just solid function and durability. Unfortunately even Dickies is trying to sell itself as a fashion brand. Thankfully they have not stopped making the basics that made them great in the first place.
Saulac
I used to think they are over price also until I searched for the 12oz canvas stuff. I could not find any thing cheaper. Honestly, if anyone know where I can find 12oz canvas double front men pants, including store brands, please let me know.
James
https://www.patagonia.ca/product/mens-iron-forge-hemp-canvas-double-knee-work-pants-regular/190696657883.html
I wasn’t able to load the Patagonia.com link maybe because of cookies or something, so that’s a Patagonia.ca link.
The Iron Forge line isn’t cheap, but they are more comfortable than any other 12oz pants I’ve tried on, the pocket pattern is simple (I’m not into the fancy pockets and hammer loops – that’s what my tool belt is for) and holds just the right amount of EDC that I don’t have to take out when driving. The pockets are also great for stashing some channellocks and screwdrivers while working on equipment.
Not sure if this helps you out…I wear these pants every day (ink black) and highly recommend!
BigTimeTommy
The boys on site will love my patagucci.
James
Haha the branding is subtle and the pants are dope. And while a little ribbing is part of the fun, I hope the decision making is not putting too much weight on what others will think.
SecretSquirrel
Patagonia is great, I wear them almost exclusively because they repair or replace their clothing for life. That makes the pricing irrelevant.
James
I don’t have too much Patagonia clothing other than my ski shell and ski pants, and then my work pants. Everything I’ve ever had has been quality though, although some of their clothing has weird cuts..
I was thinking about this post today – installing some strip curtains at my shop to keep out the cold and then at father in laws birthday party – they’re casual enough that I don’t feel
like I’m in my “work pants”.
These pants are damn comfy, but the best part are the deep pockets that hold a lot, and, more than that, I don’t have to empty my pockets or squirm when I jump in the van.
Shanman
Patagonia no longer has a lifetime warranty on any of their products they stopped doing it a couple years ago
Skye A Cohen
Sierra trading post, a discount clothing seller owned by tj max that focuses on outdoor gear, rarely innthe stores but always online, has pretty crazy bargain basement prices for Carhartt, i haven’t noticed the 12oz canvas stuff but lots of the lightweight pants, rigby 5 pocket etc sell for less than half of their retail. I get overalls for 40bucks and twill workpants for around 25
Saulac
Ah. Sierra. They also carry the “irregular” stuff for about 1/2 price.
Doug Lockyer
check out the Ben Davis website.
NW
Round house workwear. They still make most of the products in the USA and are just as durable.
Saulac
And they have 14oz canvas! About same price with Carhartt American made stuff. Will try. Thanks.
Stuart
I see nothing wrong with Dickies coming out with new fashions, as long as they keep offering their core lines.
kent_skinner
I’m a bih fan of Carhartt, based on years of wearing them. On the other hand they are expensive, more expensive than they need to be.
So I tried mny other brands. I keep going back to Carhartt.
For example, Dickies got close, but cheaped out to save literal pennies per pair of pants. The zipper pull is *tiny*, and hard to grab if wearing gloves, your fingers are old & stiff or whatever. The front pockets are foolishly small. Neither of these things would cost more than a few cents to fix.
Scott
They turned from a workwear brand who made tough workwear to a fashion brand whose clothes wear out faster than a TikTok trend
Jared
They are certainly a premium brand that’s accumulated some fashion cache, but what are you buying that wears out fast? That doesn’t match up with my experience.
Jerry
I have probably a 10 year old Carhartt coat that was getting worn looking so I got a new one moved that to my everyday one, and threw away my old one (much to my wife’s relief).
The new coat does not have the same ‘feel’ as the old one, despite appearing tone the same coat. Looked at tags and the old one was USA made, the new one is imported. Not that being imported is steal breaker, but wondering if the USA fabric was/is sturdier.
Bonnie
I wouldn’t expect a new one to feel like a 10 year old one if they were made identically either.
Jerry
I agree, but I wouldn’t expect the new coat to feel flimsier than the worn one. It actually feels lime the new fabric is thinner/weaker than the old one after 10 years of use.
Wayne R.
When I find something that really suits me (like your jacket), I get a spare sooner rather than later.
Then I use the original well past when I should’ve swapped them, because the durability is still there. But I’ve got a backup, still!
Saulact
Is Milwaukee workwear anywhere close to Carhartt, in term of number of products? When I think about alternative for Carhartt… Milwaukee does not resister.
Stuart
When I see new Milwaukee workwear at Home Depot, I will sometimes think “I wonder if I should try this.” Sometimes I’ll buy something on the spot, usually accessories or gloves.
When I see Carhartt at a store, I’m less inclined to buy it on the spot. I might take a quick photo to remind myself to shop online at a later time.
Chip
I live in the deep south ,where I can wear shorts 11 months.
And since the pants never fit my body type,have only tried 2-5 pair over 47 years with no long term use.
Scott K
I’ve definitely bought clothes online and on the spot without trying them on – but it seems like having a fitting room would show a stronger commitment to this type of product line. I know this would be an expense and take up floor space.
BigTimeTommy
Overpriced fashion brand plastered with giant logos.
Joe E.
Lowe’s needs to focus more on hiring quality people and improving customer service, and less on acquiring new brands.
Charles
AMEN !
Robert
Couldn’t agree more.
Bonnie
They’ll never be willing to pay the wages necessary for that.
BigTimeTommy
Bingo. I don’t understand why people don’t understand good help isn’t cheap. I don’t mean Lowe’s corporate, they understand this and just refuse to pair fair wages because they know people won’t vote with their wallet. I mean the customers who complain as if someone making $15/hr should be doing a great job.
Joe E.
I don’t know what wages are like at Lowe’s vs. Home Depot, but I get exceptional customer service at Home Depot. I could go into detail, but nobody will care.
I’m situated in a major metropolitan area and have my choice of 3 Home Depot locations and 4 Lowe’s locations, depending on where I’m at and what I’m doing that day. Lowe’s has angered me time and time again with lousy customer service. They don’t care, plain and simple. I go to Home Depot and the employees are friendly and helpful. They just seem happier.
Lowe’s should spend less time acquiring brands and more time focusing on hiring, training, engaging and maintaining quality people.
Lowe’s is quickly turning into the Dollar Tree of home improvement retailers. Not a good look…
Stuart
Lowe’s CEO recently said the company “spends a lot of time on associate training.”
They were in the news recently for claiming their “effective customer service” provides deterrent against shoplifting.
https://corporate.lowes.com/sites/lowes-corp/files/low-usq-transcript-2023-09-13-final.pdf , page 8.
BigTimeTommy
I’d be interested in details since I usually only seek employees out to tell me where something is (usually they know) or unlock a cage (always a pain in the ass, especially in NYC)
Nate
Home Depot in my area has horrible customer service. I will drive past them to go to Lowe’s. This is usually store dependent. Our local Hardware (they’re an Ace affiliate) is the best. They have exceptional help and seem to treat their folks well. What’s even more noteworthy is many of their employees are young (under 30). I go there whenever I can. Home Depot = 10 minutes. Lowe’s 15 or 20. Hardware store = 30 minutes.
I generally won’t buy Milwaukee or DeWalt, or any other tool company’s workwear.
On the topic of fast fashion, it’s amazing to see what’s happens to some fantastic workers brands over the years. Levi’s, Filson, White’s boots. All very much effected by blue collar chic these days.
Bob
Switched from Carhartt pants to Duluthflex pants after trying out a pair. The comfort and difference in range of motion while climbing, crouching, etc. is amazing. A bit lighter in fabric material but I prefer that over heavy, stiff fabric. Still plenty durable.
Johnez
I’ve ripped a pair of Duluth flex firehouse pants within 2 months of purchase. Total waste of money. My free work uniform pants from Aramark have lasted half a decade.
Tim D.
My experience has been Duluth and Carhartt have both dropped their quality through the floor. I don’t purchase either now.
Bob
I guess it depends on what you do. My job is mostly finish carpentry, cabinets, etc so I suppose I’m not too hard on them. They work well for me.
BigTimeTommy
Duluth is another company that immediately started cutting corners as soon as they had the brand recognition and customer good will to do it.
MacLean Flood
Destroyed a pair of Duluth pants inside of four months. Bought some polar fleece vests and an Alaskan annorock and all the zippers failed. Carhartt pants are also available in 31/32 and that fits me. Duluth hiking pants also eject everything from the pockets when you sit down.
Matthew
I’ve never owned or worn Carharrt, but I think it should be pointed out they have two brands: Carhartt proper which is the traditional brand known for their workwear, and Carhartt WIP which is a fashion spin-off created in the 90s. My understanding is WIP is still decent quality but not made to stand up to the same sort of abuse. I wonder if any of the comments about them dropping their quality are due to (understandable) confusion between those brands.
PW
How do I, as a customer with absolutely minimal interest in clothes, tell the difference? Is there a branding distinction on the actual product?
Matthew
In store, I’m not 100% sure though I’d assume it’s on the tag somewhere. Just look for WIP or “Work In Progress.” Online, they actually have two separate websites which you can find by Googling each brand.
Leo B.
Carhartt WIP is significantly more expensive, and is labeled on the tag. It also would not be carried in any home improvement or workwear stores, so it’s more likely you’d run into it online than at a brick and mortar store.
Matthew
Fair enough! My comment might be fairly irrelevant then since people probably aren’t confusing the two, but just thought I’d point out that distinction.
JH
Tried Carhartt, eh. Milwaukee pants are awful (zipper & fit). Dickies are too stiff not comfortable. Truewerk stuff is excellent but pricey. I’ve never had to replace them yet after 2 years and change except that I’ve lost weight and now need to replace them.
AP
I really like Milwaukee shirts but I’m curious as to what some good work pants are. Jeans are definitely out. Have a pair of DeWalt work pants and they’re OK. Mostly wear sweat pants for flexibility and I need versatility ’cause I’m doing so many different types of work. I don’t really consider Carhartt an option anymore.
James
Patagonia Ironworks.
James
Sorry. Iron Forge.
AP
Thanks a lot, James! I’ve ordered stuff from Patagonia before and had no clue these were available. They look solid too.
James
My pleasure.
When I started my company, I had to give up the free uniform work pants that had been provided by my employer. I did a deep dive in work pants, and these came out the winners. I have 5 pairs although I frequently wear the same pair a few days in a row if they don’t get dirty.
After about 2 years of service, they fit a little better but other than that they show relatively no signs of wear. Of note, my industry is not particularly rough on gear, but I am.
Leo B.
I have a terrible time finding work pants that fit, and recently found at least one or two pairs from Carhartt that do. Overall, I’ve only ever found maybe 6 pairs total from different brands that fit the way I need them to, and I’ve looked very extensively. I’m pretty happy with them at this point- durability seems good, comfort and fit are good. No complaints! I haven’t seen much Milwaukee workwear at Home Depot, but have seen some Carhartt. It’ll be nice to have options! I doubt they’d carry anything that fits me aside from the beanie at Lowe’s, but you never know.
Mac
Timberlands contractor pant line was a similar cut/fit to the carhartts. If they still make them. I’ve got the pockets starting to tear on one pair, and the other pair would look great still if not for all the adhesive and grease stains. Both over 3 years old.
Leo B.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Rcward
They have been sold at Home Depot for a long time
Garrick Moe
aisle/wall space is obviously in short supply at these stores, but hopefully Lowes will do something better than what Home Depot does with the miwaukee clothing items. It’s literally all just in box displays in the middle of the main front aisle, in front of the tool section around here and not really convenient to even stop and look at with all the cart traffic trying to squeeze by. I guess if you know what you need specifically it is fine, but it doesn’t really encourage me to try something new.
Ken
In every group there are those who bitch bitch bitch and complain about everything like a bunch of old ladies. I like Carthart work clothes and frankly I don’t give a rats ass what anybody else thinks. I like um and I wear them.
Birdog357
I’ve been told that Lowe’s will only be selling Carhart’s lower tier stuff, not the top tier products that put them on the map.
Jim Felt
I think we’d all be pretty curious about the actual corporate level of person who “told” you of this kind of disheartening technical news. Can’t believe just any big box employee or retail seller in general would have any such reputable knowledge.
Thanks.
Birdog357
The person that told me is a member of the team that physically does the resets in the store to fit the products in.
mattd
So I am guessing homedepot will drop them just like klein, ego, and other brands after they partnered with lowes.
Stuart
They only sell it online, so probably not.
It’s looking like Home Depot didn’t drop Klein entirely – at least not yet.
mattd
The Home Depots in my city have full on racks like a clothing store with carhart stuff.
A different Bob
Unless I was freezing my @$$ off because I forgot a jacket or hat or got soaked from rain or snow a home center store would be the last place I’d buy clothes of any brand. Convenience factor of a hat or glove makes sense but a $300 jacket? Id wear a canvas drop cloth before Id shell out for another jacket cus I forgot mine at home. Plus no fitting room, probably not the best pricing and limited variety. Also I think the inventory is owned by the vender so no crazy end of season deals on stuff. At least that’s how it was with the Milwaukee stuff last year at HD.
As to carhartt specifically I have bought them in the past. Still have a heavy canvas jacket with medium to heavy wear that is holding up well. But quality has suffered recently and price is only going up. Had issues recently with a button down shirt shrinking badly despite correct washing procedure. I get the feeling they are a more fashion orientated brand now for guys who want to play “blue collar”. Remember when John Kerry wore carhartt on the campaign trail when courting the rural or manufacturing vote? Not as bad as Dukakis wearing the tank helmet haha I’m dating myself…Anyways I guess chasing fashion status is probably more profitable in the short term? I remember Dickies were popular with skateboarders in the 90’s. Not sure if that was marketing to them or skaters just thought Dickies were cool? Either way they probably sold a lot more pants.
My favorite carhartt long sleeve button down double front pocket canvas shirt was discontinued after many years of production. They don’t seem to keep the same styles every year like they used too. Also I’ve not seen anything made domestically anymore. I’ve seen similar issues with Dickies and Red Cap as well.
I mostly switched to RedCap for button down short or long sleeves. One of the only brand I could find in 100% cotton (welding or sparks don’t melt through). They are ok but only come in solid colors and wrinkle badly. I’d prefer to get my old carhartt shirts again. Lighter weight but still durable and no wrinkles if pulled from dryer when warm.
Robert
Tractor Supply Stores around me have carried Carhartt for a long time. And they have Porter Cable tools. Can’t beat that combo.
OhioHead
HD/Lowe’s have entered/exited to workwear business/space previously.
In the early 00’s HD sold “Big Smith” brand & Lowe’s partnered w/ Berne to make/sell a Lowe’s exclusive brand (still wear the Lowe’s/Berne brand vest on a regular basis).
Lowe’s/HD/Carhartt are trying to catch incremental/impulse sales from contractors/consumers of the “popular” Carhartt styles.
Someone suggested this previously, if you do not like the “new” prices of Carhartt, Sierra Trading is an excellent site for irregular/discontinued Carhartt (& other workwear brands); the clothing worn by contractors could be ripped/ruined – why pay full price for this to happen, by irregular/2nds for 30% or more off regular retail prices.
100% agree a lot workwear is not as thick/tough as used to be or made/assembled in the US; still own 4 Carhartt jackets that were made in the US (newest is a Grateful Dead/Carhartt collaboration for the 50th anniversary of the GD album Workingman’s Dead – this classic jacket could be still available).
Ciccio
I am wondering what are they going to sell in South Florida stores?
Probably just T shirts .
No need for heavy jackets, thermal pants or insulated hats here 🙂
M
New Carhartt doesn’t hold up like the older stuff. Politics aside they’re basically a “fashion” brand now.
Koko The Talking Ape
I lucked out when DeWalt discontinued their work wear at HD. I got a few pairs of pants for a great price.
I don’t buy all-cotton canvas any more. It doesn’t last as long as cotton-poly blends or nylon. Plus stretchy blends are more comfortable. So is nylon, because it can be thinner for the same abrasion resistance. Not good for welding or fire-fighting of course, but I don’t do either.
fm2176
I’ll try to keep this apolitical, even while attacking Carhartt as a brand…👍
I equate them with a once reputable and probably still decent workwear brand that’s gone the way of the fashion fad lifestyle trend, etc., etc., how many more synonyms can I put here? Way back when I had a pair of hand-me-down Timberland boots, which I wore pouring concrete footers. They were comfortable and I saw where the quality was, but this was when Timberland became known more for being a fashion statement than functional footwear. I lump Carhartt in the same category nowadays. People want that logo and the “rep” that goes with wearing it. I’d say that Milwaukee is trying to steal their thunder somewhat with their workwear. That lightning bolt logo and Milwaukee Red stands out and is a status symbol of “I can afford this, and I’m not going to wear it out if I can help it”.
I think it’s good for the brand if both Lowe’s and Home Depot are carrying Carhartt. Like I stated previously, I think it’s probably still decent workwear. But look at other brands like The North Face and the aforementioned Timberland, and you’ll see where the original target demographics have been replaced by “trendy” wearers. The North Face is worn by suburban Millennials and Gen-Xers who aren’t necessarily Outdoorsmen/women. Timberland became iconic in the urban scene, and my employer, Bass Pro Shops has its own trendy logo seen on people who wouldn’t step foot near a river or lake.
I found a couple of pairs of Carhartt shorts on clearance at The Home Depot last year and instantly bought them. I do go out of my way to avoid the appearance of being a brand-name apparel fan-boy, though. Nothing wrong with it, but I just don’t want to be Carhartt Man, Bass Pro Boy, or Wrangler Woman (okay, I do wear Wrangler jeans, they’re cheap at Walmart).
BigTimeTommy
Did Stuart delete a bunch of comments again?
Stuart
Yup. I’ve received way too many complaints about the political and inflammatory comments in that single reply thread.
It’s a rough day when yours was the gentlest comment in a reply thread.
BigTimeTommy
Pretty lame that the whiners can’t just scroll past comments they don’t like if they can’t/don’t want to offer a rebuttal.
And my comments aren’t harsh or gentle, Stuart, they’re just forthright 🤪
Stuart
To be fair, all I did was enforce the no-politics policy, just a little later than usual to remind everyone why the rule exists.