The Urban Industry Guide to the Carhartt WIP Detroit Jacket

Few jackets carry the same weight in both history and culture as the Carhartt WIP Detroit Jacket. Born from the original Carhartt workwear line in Detroit in 1989 and reinterpreted by Carhartt Work In Progress in the mid-90s, this jacket has transformed from a tough job-site staple into an icon of everyday streetwear.

Today, the Detroit Jacket solves a simple yet timeless problem: finding a durable, versatile outer layer that can keep pace with your daily life while still looking sharp. With organic cotton canvas at its core, it offers an impressive balance of resilience and comfort, adapting seamlessly to the city, the outdoors, and everywhere in between.

Detroit Jacket Key Features

At first glance, the Carhartt WIP Detroit Jacket looks deceptively simple. Its clean silhouette, corduroy collar, and sharp zip front are all instantly recognisable. But it’s when you pay attention to the fabric and details that the jacket starts to reveal its depth. The Rinsed version is made from heavyweight organic Dearborn canvas, a material that feels broken-in and wearable from day one.

If you’ve ever tried on one of Carhartt’s original work jackets, you’ll remember how stiff the duck canvas could be. The WIP version keeps the same toughness but tempers it with a softer hand feel, making it far more comfortable in everyday wear.

The OG Stone Canvas version goes one step further with a cotton lining through the body and nylon in the sleeves. This extra weight makes it better suited for cooler months while still offering the same triple-stitched durability. Both versions share thoughtful design touches: reinforced seams, sturdy zippers, and pockets placed exactly where you’ll need the, whether you’re slipping your hands into the warmers on a brisk evening or tucking your phone into the zippered chest pocket.

It’s clear that although Carhartt WIP has refined the Detroit Jacket for style, they haven’t abandoned its workwear roots.

Best Use & What's it Ideal For?

One of the great strengths of the Detroit Jacket is its versatility. The Rinsed version is unlined, which makes it perfect for spring and autumn when you want something light but still protective. I’ve worn mine on early April mornings in town layered over a hoodie, and it felt like the ideal middle ground—neither too heavy nor too light.

By contrast, the Stone Canvas OG jacket feels more substantial thanks to its lining. If you live somewhere that sees frosty mornings, this is the better option. It’s roomy enough to pull on over a fleece or knit jumper, so you can make it a dependable companion through winter too.

What really makes the Detroit Jacket stand out, though, is how well it transitions from practical daily wear to something you’d happily wear into the city. It doesn’t try too har, it’s functional but still stylish in a way that works across scenes. Whether you’re commuting, walking the dog, or heading out to meet friends, it feels like the jacket that does everything without shouting about it.

Detroit Jacket Style, Fit & Sizing

Fit is often the deciding factor with this jacket, and Carhartt WIP offers two distinct experiences. The Stone Canvas OG has that boxy, oversized shape you’ll recognise from classic workwear. It’s loose, it’s wide, and it leaves plenty of room for layering. If you’re after the oversized silhouette that’s so central to streetwear, this is the one to go for.

The Rinsed version is more balanced. It’s still relaxed, but it sits closer to the body, giving a sharper outline without ever feeling restrictive. In my experience, and backed up by Customer reviews, you can usually stick to your regular size. If you’re the kind of person who lives in hoodies and plans to wear one underneath, going up a size might give you that extra comfort. Otherwise, your usual size will work just fine.

Washing & Care Instructions -  Looking after your Detroit Jacket

Part of the appeal of Carhartt’s canvas jackets is how they age.. The creases, the fades, the way the fabric softens even more over time. To keep your Detroit Jacket in top condition, it’s best to wash it cold, inside out, with similar colours. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners, which can break down the canvas. You can tumble dry it on low, but I find air-drying helps the fabric keep its shape and character. If you need to iron it, stick to a low setting, and always treat it gently. Look after it, and it will look after you for years.

FAQs

1. Is it true to size?
   Generally yes. The Rinsed version offers a relaxed fit, while the OG version is boxier. If you’re planning heavy layering, size up.

2. Slim or boxy?
   The Rinsed jacket leans towards a relaxed, everyday cut. The OG is much more boxy, with a distinctly oversized feel.

3. How to size for layering?
   Stick with your regular size unless you want to wear it over thick hoodies or jumpers, in which case sizing up is a safe move.

4. Is it softer than the original?
   Absolutely. WIP designed the Rinsed canvas to feel broken-in from the first wear, unlike the original duck canvas that takes years to soften.

5. Is it organic cotton?
   Yes. Both versions use 100% organic Dearborn cotton canvas.

6. Durable for daily wear?
   Very much so. The fabric is tough, the stitching is reinforced, and it’s designed to handle everyday use with ease.

7. Is it lined? Good for winter?
   The Rinsed is unlined, making it better for spring and autumn. The Stone Canvas OG is lined, which means it can comfortably carry you through winter.

8. Is it worth the price?
   If you value organic materials, a refined fit, and versatility, then yes. It’s more expensive than original Carhartt work jackets, but you’re paying for comfort and modern wearability.

9. Where is it made?
   Most WIP Detroit Jackets are produced in Tunisia, marked simply as “imported” on the label.

Obviously we're talking about the Carhartt WIP Dtroit Jacket here not the original Carhartt USA Detroit Jacket which has comepletely different sizings and fits. If you want to read more on the differences between Carhartt WIP and Carhartt then you can read out journal insight piece.