Carhartt Gives a Classic, Heritage Workwear Style a Contemporary Update

Drawing influence from some of Carhartt’s most loved outerwear, the new Clapton Jacket blends past and present without missing a beat.

Close-up of green backpack straps with a black buckle worn over a brown Carhartt jacket.

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By Hayley Helms

Published February 17, 2026

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Updated February 18, 2026

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If done correctly, revisiting old classics through a contemporary lens can breathe life back into even the most enduring silhouettes.

Carhartt WIP executes this philosophy in its new Spring/Summer 2026 Icons Collection, which reimagines some of the most recognizable pieces from the workwear brand with fresh eyes.

Black Carhartt jacket with snap buttons, four front pockets, and a corduroy collar on a green background. — The Clapton Jacket is a fresh take on an enduring Carhartt WIP style.

The Clapton Jacket, a standout amongst the stacked new lineup, brings together archival cues with updated materials, resulting in a jacket rooted in tradition and built for the present.

Slow Clap(ton)

The Clapton Jacket uses the Michigan Coat, a popular Carhartt WIP staple, as its foundation, but departs from the well-loved style in a few notable ways.

The Michigan Coat itself is a contemporary take on the original Carhartt Chore Coat, adding to the Clapton’s archival inspiration.

The first and most obvious update is the jacket’s fabric composition.

Brown long-sleeve jacket with a dark collar and buttoned cuffs shown from the back. — Like its predecessor, the Clapton has a center seam down the back, as well as adjustable cuffs.

Throughout its existence, the Michigan Coat has primarily been built using 12 ounce, 100 percent organic Cotton Dearborn Canvas, while the new Clapton ditches that fabric in favor of a fully lined, midweight 100 percent nylon canvas.

Black Carhartt jacket with snap buttons and zipper partially open showing smooth inner lining. — The Clapton Jacket riffs on the Michigan Coat but swaps the staple canvas material for durable nylon.

The front closure is noticeably different as well, with the Clapton featuring a two-way fastening construction, both a full-length zipper and button front. The new jacket can also be adjusted at the cuffs and the bottom band.

Similar to its precursor, the Clapton includes a corduroy collar and four front pockets, but the new outerwear adds metal rivets to accent the pockets, and an additional pocket appears on the left sleeve.

Brown Carhartt jacket with black collar and gold buttons worn over a striped shirt. — The jacket’s bonus lefthand sleeve pocket is a small but impactful addition to the silhouette.

While the Clapton remains very close in spirit and overall design to the Michigan Coat, the updated boxy fit, metal accents and nylon composition clearly set it apart from its predecessor.

Availability and pricing

The Clapton Jacket is available now on Carhartt WIP’s website, retailing for 249,00 € (approximately $295 USD).

Brown Carhartt jacket with dark brown collar, snap buttons, and multiple front pockets.

Carhartt WIP Clapton Jacket

$295 at Carhartt WIP

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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