The Problem With Carhartt ( The Death Of The Detroit Jacket)

My opinion on why the current Detroit Jacket sucks and how the new WIP ones are super overpriced :(

[jcboys]

When you actually use this jacket for work and not just walking downtown you’d understand that the updates actually made sense

[franzb]

the flap thing on the back that you called a cape is also for when you bend down or when you're reaching for motorcycle handles, people don't have to see your crack.

[bluemoonbuck]

Couldn’t have said this any better. Bought my J97 in 2016, not realizing Carhartt would discontinue it later. Made in USA, great fit, great quality. I now have the new model, the tail sucks ass, the sleeves extend over half of my hands, the shoulders are so damn tight that it causes every shirt I wear to bunch up and it’s uncomfortable. It shipped with a real nice hole in the pocket too…. This company has had a lasting legacy in my family but they’ve turned away from quality made in USA products, to cheap made in China beanies. Disappointing as all hell…

[saatsiuc-od-mg]

While Carhartt WIP is still a Carhartt brand, it focuses on a different set of products and customers. It’s mostly geared towards casual and refined streetwear for urban customers.

[mikeblitzen]

i started wearing carhartts ''detroit'' jackets in the 80s when i was an ironworker.
the duck fabric used to be very rugged and stiff and had to be broken in. now it is soft.
the reason for the short length was so you could wear and access your tool belt.
carharrt is just a fashion statement now.

[rich]

Ummmm its got a tail because its workwear and men bend over while wearing their jackets so they dont show crack. The sleeves are longer to cover the wrist when its first and foremost workwear.

[NDB]

My issue is that they started outsourcing everything, got my first carhartt barn coat with the wool blanket lining at Sunny’s surplus when I was 13. It was USA made and tough as nails, I still were it to this day, I’m 36 now. Worn to work, and as my general coat, still works great. Little faded but still awesome. I got a duck blanket lined Detroit jacket last Christmas, it’s not bad, it is warm, and the lining is softer. Overall it seems ok, we’ll see how it holds up.

[jerrybrown]

The diaper part and longer sleeves are exactly how motorcycle jackets are cut. Covers better when seated with arms on handlebars.

[Theuan]

4:51 dude the flap is for it to have more coverage for people who work outside. I like the flap for that same reason. I work outside a lot and with use and washing carhartts have a habit of molding to your shape and shrinking down a bit. I’m all for the old school shape which I have a couple but I like the functionality of the new ones

[EndeavorabIe]

It’s work wear and the diaper covers our plumbers crack from unwanted eyes and wind. Also I for one would like a thinner inner lining considering myself and many others wear a hoodie underneath if it is too cold.

[rodrigomonteromiguez]

tried the WIP one and bought the drop tail one, the carhartt work jacket is far superior and more rugged than WIP stuff, just for looks, the full swing tech on the back is super comfortable and the drop tail is pretty useful, the sleeves however, are long, but as a long armed dude guess I cannot complain

[Max-ygyz]

The sleeves are absurdly long, it has to be an error. I am 5' 6" athletic build, and medium t shirts (or slightly shrunken large) fit me perfectly. The small has an astonishing 35" +/- 0.25" inch long sleeve (when measured from center back of neck to hem of sleeve), the dickies version of this jacket has a 35" inch long sleeve on the XL size, and 32.25" long sleeve on the small.

[GaryCinChicago]

You're a child?
What you call a diaper design, is to keep your back warm stretching and bending as you work outside. A double zipper is designed for a person to unzip the lower part slightly to allow a little extra freedom in the waist while sitting outside and working. Carhartt designs products for function first, not style. Adult men work and have different shapes and sizes than children ... who game in moms basement.

[JoshuaHernandezZC]

I can easily get a brand new Detroit jacket with the short cut. I have one from work that's company branded and one I wear outside of work. I also have the Carhartt vest from my job (I work in a warehouse in the Pacific North West) that has the drop tail. I'm warm and comfy in the elements at all times so I don't know what you're talking about when it comes to quality. I'm constantly going in and out of the rain, hitting walls and scraping against boxes. I'm also currently looking at the website and as of the date of this post there is a Detroit jacket without a tail. When I wear the short cut the jacket rides up. The drop tail keeps the elements like rain and snow from hitting my jeans. As far as WIP goes, its a European brand made for hipsters. Let them blow their money. This stuff is fine and it should matter.

[texan]

My first Carhartt was the Detroit brown duck with satin red lining. My mom gave it to me for Christmas back in 1994. I still have it and still wear it. Although I have a hooded black lined and my dad’s old heavy artic, the Detroit is my favorite.

[terminr]

Truth bomb! I really don't understand the mostly good reviews on the new Detroit Jackets on Amazon, Carhartt and other sites. Seems to most people this is to 100% a fashion statement and they don't care about quality or are not able to distinguish between good and bad. I own one of the new chore coats, they also have this soft blanket lining and it wears down and gets "soggy" after just a few wears. Also stitching at the sleeves is going lose, all after not wearing for 1 season. So sad to see such an iconic brand go south. In my town (in Germany) we even have a WIP store, where all the hipsters go, but as you said, it is expensive af - but I think, the quality here IS a bit better than the new Carhartt workwear stuff.

[captironsight]

Tell me you dont need a Carhartt without telling me you dont need a Carhartt.

[klausadrift]

I own the 103828. The label says "Made In India" (wouldn't have bought it, if I had known before). I would say that neither the blanket lining nor the outer material is thin. On the opposite the jacket feels rather stiff and is also quite heavy. Definitely not a jacket for weekly casual wear. Don't know if it's as per original design, but the jacket sleeves have also a thin quilt lining. I was told they added the strip of bum-warmer at the bottom of the jacket as an extra protection for those working in the cold. Not very attractive, I agree, therefore the jacket is not part of my casual outfit.

[jabbahursty]

i sold an NOS j97 for $159 so you can get nice ones much cheaper than you are thinking

[zulubravo]

I’ve got a J97 petrol blue from 2004 so excited it is now a collector item!