These Carhartt Jackets Keep You Warm on the Job and Stylish When You’re Off Duty

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Carhartt’s rugged gear is the go-to for people who spend hours working outdoors in the harshest conditions. Workwear jackets are how the brand made its name, but it now offers a wider range of styles, including vests, hoodies, and warm overalls—all suited for hard work in cold weather.

The family-owned company, headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, has been around since 1889, and got its start outfitting railroad workers—and later soldiers who fought in World War I and II. Today, the brand’s outerwear, clothing, and accessories are every bit as tough and reasonably priced as they were in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—but they’re also stylish.

We’ve rounded up the best Carhartt jackets for men—or anyone—to stay warm and dry while braving the elements this winter.

The Best Carhartt Jackets

• Best Overall: Blanket Lined Detroit Jacket

• Best Active Winter Jacket: Yukon Extremes Active Jacket

• Best Shirt Jacket: Fleece Lined Shirt Jacket

• Best Hoodie: Duck Active Jacket

• Best Soft-Shell Jacket: Crowley Jacket
  

What to Consider

Durability and Waterproofing

A lot of cold-weather shells are made of nylon with a water-repellent finishes to serve as a top layer and provide protection from rain or snow. However, some of the jackets we’ve chosen—like the fleece—are better suited for layering or in drier conditions where you don’t need to worry about downpours.

Carhartt is known for its heavy-duty duck cotton-canvas that has a reputation of high durability, but it gives you no protection from rain or snow. Today, Carhartt makes tons of waterproof jackets, too, but they’re less flexible and breathable than canvas.

Workwear’s rise in popularity in recent years reminded a lot of people that Carhartt makes durable garments that show off its Americana roots, but the heritage brand also has more athletic styles like windbreakers and lightweight rain jackets for those who want less bulk. Our Best Puffer Jacket pick can serve as a top layer, for example, but its streamlined silhouette will also fit underneath your go-to winter coat.

We’ve listed the weight of the shell material where available to give you a better idea of the jacket’s construction and a sense of its potential longevity.

Lining

Carhartt lines its jackets with a range of different materials for added warmth: quilted cotton, flannel, sherpa, and blanket lining are some that you’ll find below. They also offer reliable insulation, such as 3M Thinsulate, which is ideal for retaining heat in colder weather.

If you live somewhere with milder temps in winter, you can get away with a jacket that has blanket lining or no lining at all and still stay warm. Carhartt jackets have a generous fit so those in colder regions can layer up underneath if needed.

How We Selected

We combed through information about the company’s history, manufacturing practices, and stewardship, and learned in detail about standards of quality for Carhartt’s products. We relied on some past wear testing and first impressions from getting hands-on with different styles and materials. While we love the original workwear Carhartt is know for, we also considered some of its more modern styles like windbreakers and puffer jackets. We pared down our pool to cover a variety of price points so you’re sure to find a jacket that’ll suit your style and budget.

Blanket Lined Detroit Jacket

The Detroit jacket is one of Carhartt’s classic silhouettes that is reminiscent of old-school mechanics’ jackets. Its simple design has a zip chest pocket and two welt pockets at the hip to keep your belonging secure and your hands warm. Two interior pockets can hold more precious cargo like your phone and wallet. It has a pleated shoulder construction—a.k.a., a bi-swing shoulder—that gives you more comfort and mobility whether you’re running errands, playing corn hole, or doing yard work.

The body is lined in a polyester blanket material for added warmth and the sleeves use quilted nylon for easy layering with sweaters or hoodies. If you want even more protection from the elements, you can attach this heavy-duty hood.

The corduroy collar dresses the jacket up and is comfortable against the back of your neck for a touch of form and function.

Yukon Extremes Active Jacket

Carhartt’s Yukon Extreme jackets are the brand’s warmest and most durable to tackle winter’s harshest conditions. This jacket is made for cold-weather outdoor activities, with a heavy-duty water-repellent nylon shell and 3M Thinsulate insulation in the body and attached drawstring hood for warmth without the bulk. There are also triple-stitched seams.

Other highlights include wind-blocking rib-knit cuffs and waist to prevent body heat from escaping, two inner pockets, and reflective details throughout.

Fleece-Lined Shirt Jacket

A shirt jacket is a versatile piece that can be used as either a mid- or top layer. Carhartt’s uses a hefty cotton-spandex blend for the shell to give you freedom of movement so it’s both durable and functional. Large button-flap chest pockets secure your phone or wallet but note there aren’t any hand pockets as you’d normally find on others from the brand.

The snap-button placket makes this an easy layer to pull on or shed and its interior is lined in fleece for added warmth. You can layer a hoodie or sweater underneath as you would with any other jacket thanks to its generous cut. The heavy-duty cotton can stand up to a hard day’s work when you don’t want to feel constricted by bulky outerwear.

Duck Active Jacket

This causal jacket is perfect for a man running errands in the car or taking the dog to the park, featuring a relaxed fit, comfortable rib-knit waist, and deep, tricot-lined front hand pockets that are reinforced at the bottom.

It’s extra-warm too, with 3M Thinsulate insulation in the body and adjustable hood, a quilted lining, and heavyweight cotton canvas shell. There’s also an inner zippered chest pocket.

Crowley Jacket

Carhartt’s Crowley jacket looks smart and delivers excellent warmth for its weight. It has a relaxed fit and a hint of spandex to move with your body, and triple-stitched seams. The jacket features a water-repellent, wind-blocking nylon shell with drop tail hem in the back and mock collar to provide you with extra coverage.

Other highlights include a large interior pocket and drawstring at the waist, plus the center zipper has a chin protector at the top and there are two zippered hand pockets.

Gilliam Jacket

This lightweight, warm men’s puffer jacket has a water-resistant nylon shell to block rain and sleet, but it also works well as a layering piece.

It has a relaxed fit and features a quilted-nylon lining and polyester fill for added insulation and warmth. Adjustable cuffs and a drawcord at the hem let you seal out the wind and rain when weather gets bad and the high mock-neck collar provides extra protection.

Two snap-button hand pockets keep your hands warm and your belongings protected. A zip chest pocket and two interior pockets also give you weather-resistant storage options.

Blanket-Lined Chore Coat Jacket

The classic chore coat is one of the best known outerwear styles and a great top layer going into winter. Its longer length ends at the hip, giving you more coverage and the relaxed fit allows you to layer sweaters or hoodies underneath.

A blanket lining on the body and quilted nylon lining in the sleeves give you added warmth and make it easier to layer underneath. All the seams are triple-stitched and pockets are double-riveted for added durability. It’s a versatile style that can easily be dressed up or down.

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