Carhartt SS20: Collection Overview
Continuing to build upon a collection of core, classic products each season, Carhartt have continued to experiment with their heritage in manufacturing purposeful workwear for spring ‘20 through an array of expressive colour tones, patterns and details across practical WIP silhouettes. Although decoration may change with each season, what remains at the heart of each release is a focus on quality and self expression, whether it’s through their timeless icon styles, print heavy shirts, training focused pieces or everyday essentials; we look to Carhartt each season to provide us with a solid selection of designs that make a confident statement in their own way. In celebration of the latest release, we’ve taken a closer look at our favourite new arrivals ahead of spring.
You can always be sure that stripes will make an appearance each season, but that’s not to say that the print should ever become mediocre. Using a selection of vibrant colour tones to present their own take on classic nautical inspired designs, Carhartt have varied the widths of their stripes this season and haven’t held back when it comes to combining clashing tones. As a key colour for the season, shades of green can be seen across both the Newport Rugby Long Sleeve Polo Shirt and the Huntington Stripe Long Sleeve T-Shirt which offer modernised takes on classic long sleeve silhouettes with subtle branding that doesn’t deter from the colour focused aesthetic. Similarly, short sleeves are a good option when it comes to layering during the build up to summer which suggests either the Oakland Stripe T-Shirt which has a finer tri-tone stripe or the Sunder Stripe T-Shirt which is reminiscent of sun set scenes with bold yarn dyed panels.
Influenced by last seasons Acid Hiking program, graphics for SS20 have nature themed references which sees the Carhartt golden ‘C’ initial act as a key figure in different outdoor scenarios. Whether it’s part of the backdrop behind a mountain for the Outdoor C T-Shirt or floating above waves in the Swim T-Shirt, the artwork is perfectly in tune with an ongoing trend for streetwear becoming more technical and outdoor-orientated. Touching on a resurge in ‘90s inspired artwork which doesn’t seem to be declining, gradient screen printed decoration is noticeable across the loose fitting Ninety T-Shirt and regular fitting Fading Script T-Shirt and Illusion T-Shirt which all show reworks of the brands signature emblems presented within different scale graphics that have a distinctly old school look.
Sharing a common focus on using classic sportswear as inspiration and high quality heavyweight cotton jersey to deliver premium comfort, both the Chase and American Script programs from Carhartt offer a selection of essential designs built for leisure and longevity. As year round essentials, pieces such as the Half Zip American Script Sweatshirt, Chase Hoodie and American Script Hoodie are refreshed each season in a variety of colour tones which for SS20 include rich shades of mulberry, fir and our favourite: moody blue. Subtle details help to set the two programs apart and include regular cuts, ribbed panelling and small embroidered ‘C’ symbol motifs across Chase styles whilst more relaxed, boxy and oversized fits are favoured for American Script which are completed by two-tone logo detailing.
As part of the Carhartt Icons division and as one of the brands longest standing designs, the Detroit Jacket is revamped each season to suit the changing weather but maintains its timeless, heavy duty appeal. Encouraging greater ventilation and breathability, a fine polyester mesh lining runs throughout the Summer edition without bringing additional bulk to the silhouette. Following on from the introduction of organic cotton in last year's spring campaign, more conscious fabric updates continue into 2020 with the same cotton being the material of choice for either hamilton brown and dark navy colourways, both with corduroy collars and metal hardware. Likewise, the Prentis (Summer) Liner Jacket has also been tweaked to suit the warmer months with a polyester mesh lining within a versatile, layerable dense fleece outerwear style that is reminiscent of military insulation.
Continuing to demonstrate their reputation for creating heavy duty workwear influenced apparel across their selection of accessories, this season Carhartt may have kept their headwear and everyday basics subdued in terms of colour and print, but what is prominent throughout is a focus on construction and quality. Durable cotton canvas has been selected for the 5 panel Backley Cap which has a firm, flat peak and reinforced front panels whilst a lightweight, textural seersucker material enhances the silhouette of the Southfield Cap, available in a solid colourway or with a classic camo laurel print; a signature of the brand’s. Taller than your average knitted hat, the soft Watch Hat Beanie offers plenty of coverage and can be stylised to suit with a wide rollover cuff adorned with a square label. Additionally, the selection of socks from Carhartt this season bring a premium touch to everyday with decorative stripe and print designs against flexible ribbed ankle collars and French terry inside sole panels.
Started through the original Detroit family owned Carhartt label, the WIP project continues to tap into music, art, fashion and skateboarding culture through unique collaborations ranging from espresso machines and radio shows to footwear and apparel. With a skill for keeping us on our toes whilst maintaining their reputation for the best in quality across apparel and accessories, we’re never too sure what is coming next and if this year is anything like the last, we’re in for a strong line up of unexpected projects that pull the best in the industry together to celebrate all things design.
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