The brand Carhartt has long stood as a symbol of resilience, craftsmanship, and utility, with its clothing being passed down through generations that have been worn by everyone from welders and farmers to streetwear enthusiasts. But even the toughest workwear reaches a point where it no longer fits, is slightly damaged, or is no longer needed. Rather than letting that gear sit unused or end up in a landfill, a new solution is evolving: Carhartt Reworked.

Carhartt Reworked is a circular recommerce model built on the belief that quality clothing still has value even after it has been worn. Previously used and slightly imperfect clothing is examined, fixed where necessary, and returned to circulation for them to be ready for another round of hard work.

Image source: Carhartt Reworked

A circular mission set on utility

Instead of encouraging more consumption, Carhartt promotes continued use. Each jacket, pair of overalls, pants, or hoodie that re-enters the market through the reworked program becomes part of a more conscious effort to reduce textile waste and overproduction.

Since its launch in March 2023, Carhartt Reworked has extended the life of over 82,000 Carhartt clothing items and diverted more than 86 tons of products from landfills. That's the equivalent of six full dump trucks of clothing waste that has been redirected toward purpose rather than disposal.

This effort is supported by a longstanding commitment to durability. Carhartt's gear is built to last, and the Reworked program leans into that legacy, making it possible for clothing to serve new owners without compromising on performance or identity.

How it works

Carhartt Reworked functions on two trade-in options: customers can either bring eligible items to one of over 50 participating Carhartt stores, or they can complete a mail-in trade via the program's website. The items that are accepted include outerwear, bibs, shirt jacs, sweatshirts, pants, and other gear that are originally retailed for over €50 and were produced within the last decade.

Image source: Carhartt Reworked

Each trade-in is reviewed, graded for condition, and then processed through a system powered by Trove, a technology leader in the resale market. Once the items are approved, contributors receive a digital gift card that is redeemable across Carhartt's retail platforms, including the dedicated Carhartt Reworked website.

Beyond resale, Carhartt also offers a Repair service for those who choose to fix their gear rather than part with it. The program supports clothing longevity in every form, providing expert repairs as well as DIY tools for those who prefer to handle it themselves.

Image source: Carhartt Reworked

A culture of sustainability

Carhartt Reworked is not only a sustainability initiative, it's a cultural statement. It challenges the way people view their clothes, recognising that they don't only serve a functional or stylish purpose, but one that extends well beyond their first owner.

For some, purchasing reworked items is about environmental responsibility, for others is about owning a piece of clothing with character— something unique, already broken in, and full of stories. Either way, participating in this program contributes to efforts towards promoting low-waste lifestyles and purposeful consumption.

Second life, same purpose

The Carhartt Reworked program mirrors the brand's core values: hard work, dependability, and trust. The clothes may be reworked, but the mission and purpose remain unchanged— creating gear that is made to outlast and to matter.

Read more about sustainable industry efforts on Reflwan's news page.