Carhartt Jacket Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Warmth, Fit & Function

How to Choose a Carhartt Jacket

Carhartt jackets are built to last, so you want to make sure you’re getting the right style in the right size with the right features. The advice in this guide comes from Carhartt and Fleet Farm’s Carhartt Category Manager, Lacy Van Dyke, who knows everything about Carhartt outerwear and the hardworking folks who rely on it. We’ll help you find the right jacket for any job, in any weather conditions. 

What you’ll find in this guide:

• Carhartt warmth ratings
• Shell/lining materials
• Fit & sizing
• Best jackets by activity
• Features
• Kids’ jackets
• Dog jackets
• Wash & care 

Carhartt Jacket Shells & Linings

Here’s a quick rundown of the various materials used in Carhartt jacket shells and linings. Each list is ranked from warm to warmest.

Outer Shells

Shell material affects how well the jacket resists water, wind, and abrasion. Heavier shell materials will also be warmer.

• Duck is heavyweight 100% cotton canvas. (It comes from the Dutch word doek meaning cloth or canvas.)
• Firm Duck is unwashed and has a rigid feel - allow time for it to break in.
• Washed Duck is washed with fabric softener, then sanded and brushed so it’s less stiff and breaks in faster.
• Quick Duck^® canvas is a cotton/polyester blend that’s just as strong but 30% lighter than duck & flexible with no break-in period. Quick Duck also comes with Rain Defender^® durable water repellent (DWR) built in.
• Super Dux^® is lightweight stretch nylon that’s stronger and more abrasion resistant than duck. It has Rain Defender^®, Wind Fighter^® & Rugged Flex^® built in.
• FR Duck is flame-resistant.
• Carstrong^® nylon is quilted and reinforced, making it extra strong and waterproof but still smooth to the touch.
• Cordura^® nylon is tougher, stiffer and more abrasion resistant than other nylon materials. Widely used in military and law enforcement gear, and in Carhartt’s extreme warmth rated jackets.

Linings/Insulation

Lining material and insulation type affect a jacket’s warmth, bulk and breathability. 

• Thermal lining is a thin polyester mesh weave. It’s Carhartt’s lightest jacket lining.
• Fleece lining is made from woven polyester that’s brushed into a thicker (fleecy) fabric, providing more insulation than mesh.  
• Blanket lining is a polyester/acrylic blend that’s thicker than fleece and feels like a blanket.
• Quilted nylon lining is smooth, lightweight nylon filled with varying types of polyester insulation. Often used in sleeves to make it easier to slide your arms in and out.
• Sherpa fleece lining is high-loft polyester fleece. It’s softer, fluffier and warmer than regular fleece. Sherpa is good at wicking moisture and dries quickly.
• Quilted flannel lining is made with polyester tricot fabric, which is softer and more breathable than quilted nylon. It feels soft like flannel and is very thick and warm.
• Synthetic/Featherless/Faux down insulation is made of polyester fibers and used in combination with various linings. 
• Arctic-weight polyester insulation is dense and high-loft, making it very warm and thick.
• Thinsulate™ insulation is made of synthetic microfibers that are even thinner than polyester fibers, providing maximum insulation without adding thickness. Thinsulate™ comes in varying weights/lofts. 

Jacket Jargon Decoder:

Have you ever read a jacket description and wondered what the heck it means? We hate that too. 

• Ring-spun means the cotton fibers went through a spinning/twisting process, making them stronger and more durable.
• Ounces/grams refers to a fabric's weight per square yard. Heavier = warmer/stronger.
• Denier is a density rating, meaning how thick each fiber is. Denser = stiffer/more durable.
• Fill power measures the loft (fluffiness) of down. Loftier volume = better at insulating.
• Kissing welt construction describes a zipper covered by flaps of folded fabric (welts) to protect against the elements.

Fit & Sizing

Carhartt’s website has in-depth fit and size guides for their jackets and coats, including how to measure yourself:

Carhartt Men’s Fit Guide | Carhartt Women’s Fit Guide

Here are a few pointers on Carhartt jacket fit and sizing based on our experience and feedback from Fleet Farm customers:

1. Carhartt jackets fit true to size, including sleeve length. Fit varies between styles (‘performance fit’ jackets fit closer to the body than classic), but as a whole they don’t run big or small. Big & tall jackets are 2 inches longer in the torso and sleeves.
2. Warmth and fit go hand-in-hand. Rule of thumb is: the warmer the jacket, the roomier the fit. This gives you more options for layering when it’s really cold out. If you want to minimize the bulky feel of a winter jacket, choose one with 3M™ Thinsulate™ lining (be aware that quilted flannel and arctic weight polyester are the warmest but also the thickest).
3. In general, the warmer the jacket the longer it is. Performance fit jackets also run longer than classic styles. If you want extra coverage, look for styles with a drop-tail hem in the back, or go for a tall size.  If you need to wear a tool belt with your jacket, look for a cuffed waist.

If it’s your first time buying a Carhartt jacket, order your typical jacket size you’ll most likely get the right fit.

Breaking in Carhartt Jackets

Tough and durable duck fabric is pretty stiff when it’s brand new. Firm duck in particular takes time to soften up, even with regular wear, but that’s why Carhartt jackets last so long. If you’re looking for a more broken-in feel right away, opt for a washed duck shell, which has been sanded, brushed and pre-washed to make it softer. 

No matter which jacket you choose, “wear often and work hard” is the best way to get that perfectly broken-in fit. 

You can find plenty of articles online telling you to soak your Carhartt jacket in vinegar, and put it through repeated wash and dry cycles to speed up the break-in process. It’s up to you, but we recommend spending that time getting real work done in your jacket instead. Keep in mind Carhartt’s product guarantee doesn’t cover misuse, which almost certainly includes a vinegar marinade.

Wash & Care

Carhartt’s website has straightforward care instructions for jackets and coats:

“Wash warm, do not bleach, and tumble dry medium. Remove promptly.”

That’s a general recommendation. Always check the label on your jacket and follow the instructions. Additional care tips:

• Make sure all zippers, snaps and other fasteners are closed, and empty all pockets before washing. 
• Extend the time between washes by removing dirt with a stiff brush, and/or spot cleaning using detergent and a washcloth.
• For flame resistant (FR) jackets, follow the instructions on the care label but keep washing and drying to a minimum to maintain thermal protectiveness. Use unscented detergent and no fabric softener.

Do Carhartt jackets shrink in the wash?

Hot water will definitely shrink cotton, and warm water might shrink it a little (especially with repeated washes), so it depends how much cotton is in your jacket and whether it’s firm or washed duck—prewashing minimizes shrinkage. In our experience you can expect your Carhartt jacket to shrink slightly from washing, but not so much that you need to size up.

Warm water is recommended because synthetic fabrics like polyester (fleece), nylon and elastane get cleaned better in warm water. And if you live in a place with cold winters, tap water on the ‘cold’ setting might be too cold for the detergent to do its job. Most home washing machines’ warm water settings are from 90-110 degrees, but you can check the manual to make sure.

Drying Carhartt Jackets

Our advice is if you’ve got the time, skip the dryer. Next best would be using the lowest temperature setting. Machine drying at a higher temp means a higher risk of shrinkage and it ages the materials faster. 

If you air-dry your jacket it’ll be a bit stiff for the next day or so. If you’re not worried about shrinking and you want to break your jacket in faster, go ahead and toss it the dryer after washing.

Features & Style

On top of being extremely durable, Carhartt jackets offer plenty of thoughtful details that make life easier and off the job. Here are some of our favorite Carhartt jacket features.

Optional Hoods

The men’s yukon full swing jacket has snaps under the collar so you can attach a hood when you need it and take it off when you don’t. It also has  two inside pockets and a rugged construction for ease-of-movement.

Dual-Entry Pockets

The women’s loose fit washed duck coat has double-entry hand pockets in the front. The top has snaps with flaps and you can slip your hands in through the sides to keep them warm. This jacket is a little longer, so it also has side slits in the bottom hem that help prevent it from riding up when you’re walking or crouching.

Two-Way Zipper

A 2-way front zipper is a great jacket feature, especially in cold weather. You can unzip from the bottom to access your pants pockets, get a little ventilation, or get more comfortable when sitting/driving. The men’s traditional duck coat with arctic insulation and the women’s rain defender jacket both have a 2-way zipper .

Pleated Elbows

Carhartt’s elbow pleats don’t look like much, but they make a huge difference in fit and function. You get just enough extra space around the elbow for freedom of movement without a baggy sleeve. Both the men’s and women’s active jackets have this feature.

Full Swing

Full Swing is a patented Carhartt feature designed to help you move more easily with extra stretch across the shoulders and back, a bigger bend in the elbows, and action-back pleats so the jacket won’t ride up when you raise your arms.

Denim Carhartt Jackets

When you want the classic look of a jean jacket but harder working, Carhartt has you covered. The women’s Benson denim jacket is made from 12-ounce cotton denim with 2% elastane (spandex) for stretch, triple stitching on the main seams and two inside pockets. The men’s relaxed fit Sherpa-lined denim jacket offers a little more warmth plus a pleated bi-swing back with room to move.

Warmth Ratings

Carhartt offers 4 warmth ratings for jackets and coats, but they’re not rated by temperature. Here’s a breakdown of each warmth level with recommendations.

Level 1: Warm

These lightweight jackets are good for cooler transitional weather when you need more than a hoodie, especially in the mornings and evenings. They’ll cut the chill without overheating. 

Shop the top Carhartt “warm” picks:

Rain Defender® Relaxed Fit Softshell Jacket

Rain Defender Relaxed Fit Full-Zip Lightweight Jacket

Loose Fit Washed Duck Mock Vest

Level 2: Warmer

Reach for a jacket with level two warmth when it’s officially cold out, but not bone-chilling. These jackets will block the wind and keep you cozy without the heaviness of a full-on winter coat. 

Shop the top Carhartt “warmer” picks:

Gravel Bartlett Jacket

Loose Fit Washed Duck Jacket

Bartlett Jacket

Level 3: Warmest

Jackets and coats with a level three warmth rating are made for bitterly cold winter days—the ones that make you wish you’d bought that remote starter last fall. If you live in the upper Midwest, you’ll definitely want a jacket with a level 3 warmth rating. 

Shop the top Carhartt “warmest” picks:

Traditional Quilt-Lined Full Zip Jacket

Loose Fit Firm Duck Insulated Active Jacket

Super Dux Relaxed Fit Insulated Jacket

Level 4: Extreme Warmth

Carhartt’s highest level of warmth is engineered for the most severe cold weather: when school’s canceled, the truck won’t start, and the wind chill’s lower than the thermometer goes. Reach for one of these jackets when there’s work to be done in extreme cold.

Shop the top Carhartt “extreme warmth” picks:

Yukon Full Swing Insulated Jacket

Tarmac Relaxed Fit Insulated Jacket

Performance

Find the best Carhartt jacket based on your climate and the task at hand:

Rain Jackets

Carhartt Rain Defender^® jackets are water repellent. Light rain and drizzle bead up and roll off. The men’s Rain Defender^® Relaxed Fit Softshell Jacket has adjustable cuffs and hood and two zippered pockets. The women’s version has an interior draw cord at the waist and is slightly longer.

Carhartt Storm Defender^® jackets are waterproof, even in heavy rain. They’re also great at blocking wind and have a breathable inner membrane so you don’t turn into a sweaty mess. This men’s loose fit Storm Defender^® jacket has an adjustable hood with a visor, fully taped seams, plus inner and outer storm flaps to keep the water out.

Fall Jackets

We love this men’s fleece-lined shirt jacket for fall weather. It’s got a relaxed fit so you can wear your favorite Carhartt T-shirt underneath, plus handwarmer pockets and adjustable cuffs. A vest is another great fall option that’s perfect for layering. This women’s utility Sherpa-lined vest will warm you up without the weight of a full-on coat, and it has five pockets.

Winter & Snow Jackets

The best Carhartt jacket for winter depends on where you live. 

If you only get mild winters (for example in southern states), the best men’s Carhartt jacket is the full-swing insulated jacket. The duck fabric stands up to wind and light rain, and the inner lining is just warm enough. The best women’s Carhartt jacket for mild winters is the Rugged Flex Detroit Jacket with its stretch twill lining.

If you get moderately cold winters but not the worst of the cold (think Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky), the best men’s option is the insulated jacket with quilted lining. It’ll keep you warmer than a fleece-lined jacket. The best women’s choice for moderate winters is the washed duck sherpa-lined jacket. It’ll keep you plenty warm without going overboard, and it has quilted nylon lining in the sleeves for easy on-off.

If you live in the upper Midwest with freezing cold winters, the best women’s jacket is the washed duck coat with arctic-weight polyester lining. It’s got extra length for extra coverage, a Sherpa collar to keep your neck warm, and plenty of room for layers underneath. The best men’s jacket for real winter weather is the duck coat with arctic-weight polyester insulation. It’s great for any type of cold-weather activity and has under-collar snaps if you want to add a hood.

Extreme Cold Jackets

Yukon Extremes^® jackets are as warm as they come without extra weight. Ultra-strong Cordura^® reinforcement and 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulation protect against abrasion, tears, and extreme weather. Whether you live way up north or just run cold, the Yukon Extremes^® arctic black full zip  is the jacket you want when winter really gets intense.

Jackets for Hunting and Fishing

When you’re spending long hours in a blind or a boat, you need a jacket that protects against wind and rain without weighing you down. Carhartt’s Storm Defender^® line is waterproof, breathable and most importantly comfortable enough to wear all day. The previously mentioned men’s loose fit heavyweight hooded full zip Storm Defender rain jacket has plenty of pockets, storm flaps on the zippers, and adjustable cords on the hood, cuffs, and bottom hem.

Jackets for Working Outside 

When you work outside you need more than a warm jacket; you need to be able to move without your jacket riding up, binding, or wearing out. Carhartt jackets with a pleated bi-swing back have extra stretch across the shoulder area, which makes all the difference when you need to extend your arms. The men’s relaxed fit sherpa-lined utility jacket also has firm cotton duck for wind/water resistance, an adjustable drop-tail hem and snap-button closures that are easy to use even with work gloves on. The best women’s jacket for outdoor jobs is the rugged flex detroit jacket. It's got a snap-adjustable hem that lets you customize the fit for comfort and stretch, while keeping your essential close.

Construction & Jobsite Jackets

It’s hard to beat Carhartt’s Active Jacket (pictured above in the Warmest section) when you’re looking for abrasion-resistant outerwear for the job site. The 12-oz firm duck is insanely durable, the adjustable hood fits easily over a hardhat, and the rib-knit waist plays nice with tool belts. The loose fit gives you plenty of room to move and/or layer up. It’s an all-around workhorse you’ll reach for year after year.

High Visibility Jackets

A must for working around traffic or heavy equipment in cold weather, Carhartt’s high-vis waterproof jacket has the highest warmth rating, shoulder straps for your radio, and a snap-on hood that fits over wide-brim hardhats. Front lower pockets are dual entry, and the chest and sleeve pockets are secured with Velcro or a waterproof zipper. Meets ANSI Class 3, Level 2 visibility standard; reflective segmented silver trim (#5510) and meets ISEA 107-2015 standard. 

Welding Jackets

Carhartt’s flame-resistant jackets use FR materials for the shell, lining, draw cords, zip tape, cuffs, waistband and even the Velcro on the inside pockets. The men’s FR full swing Quick Duck jacket is perfect for outdoor welding on cooler days—it’s water-resistant and has stretch panels on the sides, back and elbows. It’s available with level one (warm) or level two (warmer) insulation, and with level three (warmest) for the women’s FR jacket. These are also great for pros in the electric/gas utilities or for doing controlled burns on your property. Carhartt FR jackets are UL^® classified to NFPA 2112 and meet performance standards of NFPA 70E. 

Jackets for Concealed Carry

If you’re looking to cover a belt-worn piece you need an everyday jacket long enough to conceal that allows for natural movement in the arms and shoulders. The bottom also needs to fit just right (no gaps) without constraining. 

Carhartt’s Super Dux™ relaxed fit jacket fits the bill with a draw cord-adjustable bottom hem and built-in Rugged Flex^® stretch for ease of movement. It has two outer zipper pockets and secure inside pockets for any other everyday carry items. It also features adjustable cuffs so you can keep your sleeves at an optimal length. 

Another great option for CCW is the Rain Defender^® relaxed fit midweight softshell jacket. It also has Rugged Flex^® stretch, adjustable hem and cuffs, and plenty of pockets for your gear. This jacket has Carhartt’s lowest warmth rating, so you can wear it without burning up if you’re indoors or driving.

Carhartt Jackets for Kids

Carhartt jackets for kids and toddlers are just as durable as mom and dad’s, but sanded and softened for a broken-in feel. If you’re sick of regular kids’ jackets getting torn or falling apart, get ‘em a Carhartt. They’re perfect for chores, hunting trips and running around outside. These tough kids’ jackets also make great hand-me-downs—they’ll outgrow their Carhartt long before it wears out.

Carhartt Jackets for Dogs 

Carhartt’s dog chore coat is made with firm duck canvas with a water-repellent coating and fleece lining. The pull tabs and velcro straps make it easy to put on and adjust. A must-have when your dog loves the outdoors but needs an extra layer on cold days. Available in black, brown, camo, red plaid and hunter orange.

How to find the right size chore coat for your dog:

• Measure chest girth around the broadest part.
• Measure neck girth around the base (not too high).
• Measure body length from base of neck to where tail meets body.
• If your dog is in between, size up.

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Image from carhartt.com

Shop Carhartt Jackets at Fleet Farm

Fleet Farm has a wide selection of men’s and women’s Carhartt jackets in stock and available for pickup in store and online. If you have a question about Carhartt jackets that wasn’t covered in this guide, our customer service team is alway here to help. You can contact our team at customerservice@fleetfarm.com.