9 Alternatives to the Utilitarian Carhartt Jacket Look for Men
Because utilitarian dressing is not going anywhere, L'OFFICIEL found new options to replace the clichéd celebrity-approved style.
From Kanye West and Daniel Day-Lewis to Brooklyn Beckham and Austin Butler, celebrities of all ages have been embracing the Carhartt jacket look over the past years. Influenced by fashion’s ongoing obsession with workwear and utilitarianism—dating back to the '40s and boosted by military clothing and Rosie the Riveter—styles created to protect workers from from injuries at the job and endure through long hours of manual labor are now spotted on celebrities and seen on the runway, paired with luxurious designs that little have to do with the working class.
From Sacai’s ongoing partnership with Carhartt jackets and Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Timberland—recently featured on their Men’s Fall/Winter 2024 show—utilitarian fashion is not going anywhere. Exaggerated pockets, contrast stitching, raw materials, and neutral tones are some of the elements we expect to keep seeing around during the next year, especially in menswear.
To prepare for this utilitarian revival without falling into the same tired styles, L’OFFICIEL rounded up 9 alternatives to the popular Carhartt jacket look for men to shop now.
In a perfect merge of casual and luxury, Ferragamo's denim design features a nubuck leather collar reminiscent of the corduroy detail in the popular Carhartt jacket. Its exaggerated cargo pockets with contrasting stitching and metal rivets complete this utilitarian design, easy to wear from day to night.
Ferragamo Padded Denim Blouson, $3,200, Ferragamo
Levi’s cotton interpretation of the popular Carhartt jacket features the signature cord collar and one chest snap pocket, both functional and decorative. In a unique shade of green that can be easily paired with any neutral pieces, this relaxed design offers great comfort while keeping it stylish.
Levi's Utility Jacket, $128, Levis's
For a more luxurious take on the casual Carhartt jacket, Loewe’s cotton gabardine bomber is a great choice for those looking for a day-to-night design. Featuring a contrast corduroy collar and a rib knit on the cuffs and hem, the zipped utility pocket on its sleeve makes this versatile design extra utilitarian.
Loewe Bomber Jacket in Cotton, $2,100, Loewe
In a satiny nylon taffeta composition and featuring multiple patch pockets all over its front, this Undercover bomber jacket features silver-tone hardware details that make this utilitarian design the ultimate urban uniform. The logo patch adorning its chest feels like a subtle wink to the traditional Carhartt jacket design.
Undercover Tan Raglan Bomber Jacket, $950, SSENSE
Inspired by an archival Ralph Lauren wading jacket, this ultra-utilitarian style is fully covered in buttoned and zipped pockets—even on the back side—making this design both practical and stylish. Another modern take on workwear and uniform dressing, its corduroy collar and traditional khaki color match the feel of the iconic Carhartt jacket, but with a much more elevated approach.
In a unique shade of sage that stands out from the neutral tones often found in brands' utilitarian designs, this zipped jacket by Ami Paris is the perfect outer layer for your upcoming spring outfits. In a soft wool gabardine and featuring two welt pockets with engraved snap buttons, this is the perfect in-between option when a bomber jacket is too casual and a blazer too formal.
AMI Paris Ami De Coeur Zipped Jacket, $965, AMI Paris
For those who dare to push the Carhartt jacket look a little bit further, this Burberry bomber with shearling trim at its collar is the ultimate modern take on workwear. With an offset two-way zip closure that makes this design extra eclectic, this is the perfect transitional jacket to add to your outerwear rotation.
Burberry Khaki Zip Bomber Jacket, $2,990, SSENSE
Crafted from a super fine cotton twill, this Todd Snyder design merges together signature elements from military dressing and workwear to create the ultimate utilitarian uniform. Easy to layer on top of most spring looks thanks to its lightweight yet sturdy silhouette, this piece is completed with adjustable cuffs, a two-way zipper, and spacious button-through pockets.
Todd Snyder Lightweight Cotton Military Jacket in Faded Surplus, $298, Todd Snyder
An ultra-utilitarian take on the traditional bomber jacket, Maison Margiela’s interpretation of the Carhartt jacket features a button-tab stand collar and practical flap pockets. Ribbed at the hem and cuffs and embroidered throughout, this nylon style is the perfect everyday jacket to wear in between seasons.
Maison Margiela Beige Yoke Bomber Jacket, $1,940, SSENSE
