For long days on the job, you want gear you can depend on and Carhartt and Caterpillar (CAT) have long been trusted brands for construction workers and tradespeople. Both offer an extensive line of clothing from work pants, heavy duty jackets, to simple work t-shirts. In this breakdown we compare Carhartt vs Caterpillar workwear, covering what each brand offers and who comes out as the winner.
Carhartt workwear overview
Carhartt has been a workwear brand since 1889. They originally started to feed the demand for better bibs for railroad workers, but have transitioned over the decades to carry everything from PPE to casual wear.
Carhartt’s mission is to uphold its shared values of hard work, including dependability, honesty, and trust. They pride themselves on producing durable clothing that protects against the sun and damaging UV rays. They’ve also recently ramped up sustainability efforts through their Climate Beneficial Coalition.
Caterpillar workwear overview
CAT was established in 1904 as a heavy equipment manufacturer which eventually transitioned into offering various construction related products including workwear. Much like the quality and care they put into every machine, the same attention to detail is applied to their clothing. They offer anything from safety vests, work shorts, to hoodies and long sleeve shirts. Their extensive catalog will satisfy any trade pro looking to get quality workwear.
Caterpillar vs Carhartt: Product line & range of offerings
Carhartt
Carhartt offers clothing in all of the categories you’d expect, as well as PPE, scrubs, and flame-resistant outerwear. The company also accepts repairs on some parts of certain PPE, like zippers, patching, and cuffs. Main categories include:
- Men: Shirt jacs & work shirts, overalls & coveralls, outerwear, t-shirts.
- Women: Overalls & coveralls, work & casual shirts, PPE, hoodies, accessories.
- Kids: Clothes by size, dress like mom & dad, accessories.
- Scrubs: Jackets, underlayers, accessories & shoes.
- Boots: Insulated, safety toe, water protection.
- Accessories: Belts & suspenders, gloves, thermals & underwear.
Caterpillar
Caterpillar also offers a range of clothing in the expected categories, including PPE, fire-resistant, and cold weather, storm, and solar protection. They have accessories like gloves and knee pads, and offer shoppers the opportunity to use the popular “buy now, pay later” shopping app Sezzle. Main categories include:
- Men: T-shirts, work shirts, pants, accessories, hoodies & sweatshirts.
- Women: Tops, bottoms, jackets & rainwear, accessories.
- Hats: Ballcaps and beanies.
- Kits: PPE, gear by trade, weather protective technology.
Pros and cons of each
While both Carhartt and Caterpillar offer similar products, there are a few notable differences in price, quality, and reputation worth mentioning.
Quality and durability
Carhartt is known for quality and durability, and many buyers have justified the higher price tag because the pieces endure so much. They develop their workwear with a tight weave, snag-resistant material, and full-cut style for coverage and protection. More recently, the brand has boomed from a fashion standpoint, and clothing with Carhartt branding has been in higher demand for gifting and casual wear. This, some users cite, has caused a dip in quality, with many saying the stitching isn’t what it used to be.
Caterpillar is also known for quality and durability, although its reputation for quality seems to differ depending on the item. CAT uses thick, durable materials for things like jackets and pants, but the work boots, according to users, aren’t worth the price tag. Much like Carhartt, some users also claim the products are good, but aren’t as high-quality as they once were.
Price & value
Both brands typically operate within the same price point, but might vary slightly from product to product. With Carhartt, shoppers can join their loyalty program and enjoy exclusive perks and discounts, as well as a broader range of sale items. With CAT, shoppers can bundle and save on bulk orders, as well as use Sezzle for a more flexible payment plan. Here’s a head-to-head breakdown of some of their similar items.
Carhartt vs Caterpillar: Head to head comparison
| Product | Carhartt Relaxed Fit Work Pant | CAT Stretch Canvas Work Pant |
| Price | $54.99 | $49.99 |
| Features | – 99% cotton, 2% spandex- Reinforced front pocket- Strong sewn-on-seam belt loops | – 60% Cotton, 38% Polyester, 2% Elastane- Reinforced belt loops- Tool pocket on back right |
| Reviews | 4.5/5 stars out of 2,061 reviews | 4/5 stars out of 20 reviews |
| Product | Carhartt Ground Force 6” Composite Toe Work Boot | CAT Threshold Rebound Composite Toe Work Boot |
| Price | $179.99 | $144.95 |
| Features | – Waterproof- Comfortable insoles for long shifts- Lightweight and true to size | – Slip-resistant and EH rated- EVA foam midsole- Durable rubber outsole for great traction |
| Reviews | 4/5 stars out of 129 reviews | 4.4/5 stars out of 63 reviews |
| Product | Carhartt Loose Fit Logo Graphic Hoodie | CAT Trademark Hoodie |
| Price | $59.99 | $54.99 |
| Features | – Available in 14 colors- Triple-stitched main seams- Three-piece hood with drawstring | – Available in 9 colors- Solid: 70% Cotton, 30% Polyester- Retractable drawstring goes inside or outside the garment |
| Reviews | 4.4/5 stars out of 3,986 reviews | 4.5/5 stars out of 77 reviews |
User reviews and reputation
Aside from the matching sentiment that “quality isn’t what it used to be,” both brands are still very well regarded and relied upon around the world.
Carhartt is known for sticking to its family-owned roots and transforming into both a dependable workwear brand and a trendy fashion brand. Their “blue-collar to streetwear” pivot hasn’t caused them to lose their tradesman audience, but instead has widened their reach into the general fashion market. Much of Carhartt’s advertising and marketing is done in-house, and they are truly committed to their first “Honest value for an honest dollar” slogan.
Caterpillar has a similar reputation for quality and dependable clothing, but users more often cite frustrations with customer service. The price point is great, but many reviewers report receiving incorrect orders and boots that quickly deteriorate, with little to no responsiveness from the customer service team.
Our recommendation comparing Carhartt vs Caterpillar workwear
Carhartt and CAT have many similarities in terms of quality and product range. They both offer casual wear and PPE, both come in similar price ranges, and both brands would likely suit your needs.
But if we had to pick a winner, our recommendation would be Carhartt. They have a loyalty program, more consistent quality throughout their whole product line, and have a better customer service reputation. It was a close race, and these factors just edge it into first place.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Carhartt clothes so expensive?
Carhartt’s higher pricing is mainly due to the quality of its products. They’re known for using thicker material, reinforced threading, and have a more established reputation as a fashion brand than most workwear lines.
Why is Carhartt so hyped?
Carhartt boomed in 2023 and 2024 as a fashionable streetwear brand, in addition to being a highly-trusted workwear brand for decades. Shoppers looking for a more rugged, casual look opt for Carhartt because it looks great and lasts a long while.
Are Caterpillar clothes of good quality?
Yes. Caterpillar workwear products are of great quality, especially in the jacket and pants. The quality ranges between item types, but generally, Caterpillar has a loyal user base thanks to their durable products.
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