The American workwear market is huge and dynamic. A lot of things have changed over the years. The amount of brand choices for buyers for one. There used to be a time when you needed to invest a little more than what you are comfortable with to get good workwear for your crew. For most organizations, arguably the only solution worth investing in for top quality workwear is Carhartt. That was until a few more brands started gaining momentum in the market.
While Carhartt maintains its status as an industry leader in premium workwear, businesses increasingly search for cost-effective alternatives. Because Carhartt demands an investment that might be too big in a rough year. Don’t get me wrong here. Quality is unrivaled. But when budget becomes the hiccup and you can’t compromise too much on quality, the ones that source workwear will need to find dependable options that are budget-friendly yet cost-effective.
Finding those “dependable” options is the hard part, particularly when planning bulk purchases for an entire workforce. Fortunately, now there are a lot more options than ever.
Why Consider Carhartt Alternatives?
The rising costs of premium workwear brands, primarily, have pushed companies to explore other options. Many alternatives now match or at least come really close to Carhartt’s quality standards at lower price points. Something almost as good for a smaller investment could make a big difference. Different manufacturers specialize in specific workplace requirements, offering targeted solutions for varied business needs.
Top 5 Alternatives You Can Go For
Dri-Duck: Dri-Duck’s commitment to durability and environmental consciousness is unmatched. Their work jackets and hooded jackets are built with tough, weather-resistant materials outdoor workers will appreciate. Construction teams and outdoor maintenance crews already know the brand and love it.
Dickies: A stalwart in workplace outfit, Dickies delivers competitively-priced workwear. Their extensive range of work shirts, coveralls, and jackets makes them great for large-scale corporate purchases, provided you get volume discounts. Their products suit a lot of environments but are generally popular for outfitting employees in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and general maintenance.
Core 365: Modern workplaces and clothing choices made versatility a key factor. Core 365 got popular for its designs and practical features at really affordable price points. Specifically, their signature Core 365 polo line promises professional appearance with comfort, while their lightweight jackets adapt well to various workplace and even corporate settings. Great pick for office environments and customer-facing roles.
Berne: Cold weather and demanding industrial environments require a different grade of workwear. Berne, with their insulated clothing line, won’t disappoint. Their bib overalls, heavy-duty high-visibility jackets and high-visibility tees provide exceptional comfort and protection in low visibility, harsh conditions. Berne’s offerings appeal more to manufacturing plants, outdoor construction, and cold storage facilities in particular.
North End: North End jackets are functional, stylish and just too pleasing to wear. The brand earned a reputation for a performance-oriented approach combined with functionality, crafting dependable workwear suitable for a variety of settings. There seems to be a growing demand for the brand among urban service providers and field technicians lately. They cost a little but still not as much as your potential spend on Carhartt.
But when you choose workwear brands, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Weather resistance varies by brand and specific product line
- Fabric thickness and durability differ
- Comfort levels may not be the same for every style in the same garment category
- Volume discounts and per-piece pricing vary between brands and wholesale distributors
- Volume pricing structures benefit large-scale orders
Workplace Suitability
Each brand specializes in specific aspects. So one may suit a specific workplace better. But here’s the gist of it.
- Industrial: Berne, Dri-Duck
- Corporate: Core 365, North End
- Mixed-use: Dickies
TLDR
Carhartt alternatives could just be what businesses need to manage or save big on workwear expenses without compromising quality or performance.
Here’s a breakdown.
- Dri-Duck – For heavy outdoor work that requires durability and comfort at a competitive price.
- Dickies – For general purpose, budget-conscious outfitting with excellent value.
- Core 365 – For a modern, professional look in lighter work settings.
- Berne – For extreme cold weather protection, Berne offers comparable insulation to Carhartt’s high-end lines.
- North End – For a blend of style and function in urban or hybrid work environments.
There are iconic brands like Red Kap too to consider, for industrial environments.
Selecting workwear alternatives obviously requires balancing more than a few factors. That in itself is challenging. I’d suggest getting to know employee preferences beforehand, as most sources only take industry requirements into account.
It’d be best to evaluate the bulk ordering processes, pricing structure and customer support systems of your apparel source too. Some of them might even offer customization services to get your gear customized and shipped, giving you a better deal on the whole transaction.
Hope this blog helps organizations find solutions their workforce will be happy with, while maintaining budget efficiency.