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PRODUCT REVIEW: Carhartt Original (Loose) Fit vs Relaxed Fit

 

UPDATED May 2023: PLEASE NOTE - we do not make Carhartt products. We are a retailer and we have carried Carhartt products in our store for 40 years.  We are here to help provide information, but we do not have control over the process of how things are made by Carhartt

We have had lots of feedback over the course of the last year or two as Carhartt has changed over all of its product from Original Fit to Loose Fit as well as adding Relaxed Fit into some of their styles. And here is what we have learned: While there has not been any official statements from Carhartt, customers are noticing that Loose Fit runs bigger than Original Fit and that is also runs longer as well (for the T-Shirts). When it comes to the workwear pants, there has not been a huge difference between the change from Original Fit to Loose Fit. The legs are still wider and fit over work boots. While we always here that items "are not what they used to be," we can say that the pants are very similar to how they have been made for the last several years. 

Where the difference has come in has been the Carhartt T-Shirts and Work Shirts. The K87 (their classic Pocket T) has definitely changed and so has some of their sweats. We will do a deeper product review on the Tees and Sweats soon, but here are some measurements on the tees: 

K87 Loose Fit Pocket Tee in a Medium - 6.75 ounce fabric (but the Heather colors may feel lighter), across the chest measures 22 inches, and the center back measures 30.25 inches

104616 SS Force Tee in a Medium - 5.75 ounce fabric (all colors are blended poly-cotton), across the chest measures 20.25 inches, and the center back measures 30 inches

ORIGINAL POST September 2020

There doesn’t seem to be an industry standard when it comes to naming the fits of products, and Carhartt is no exception. We want to try to give you a better understanding of how the different Carhartt workwear fits will ultimately fit you.

Short Story: As a workwear company, Carhartt has never made a “regular” fit. Their t-shirts, hoodies, coats, and pants have all seemed to be larger than average. The fit that you may have come to know is called “Original Fit” (and more recently Original Loose Fit). However, because of trends and a call for a slimmer version, Carhartt now has “Relaxed Fit,” which is closer to what we would call a “Regular Fit.” Confused? So were we. We will do our best to try to make it more clear!Carhartt work pants original fit vs. relaxed fit at Dave's New York

Long Story:

Original Fit - This is the most prevalent fit in Carhartt’s workwear line. It encompasses all of the classic t-shirts, hoodies, work jackets, and work pants. Original Fit is a looser fit, and if you are not used to it, you’re in for a surprise. In terms of t-shirts and hoodies, this means that whatever size you read on the tag, it fits one or two sizes larger. For example, I wear between a Large/XL in a Hanes or Gildan tee, but I can easily wear a Medium in a Carhartt K87 Original Fit pocket tee. The same is true for our manager John, who wears a Large in his Dave’s tee, but can wear a Small in the Carhartt K87 t-shirt. When it comes to a measurement of the tops, please see the table below for approximate sizes:

Fit

Small

Medium

Large

XL

2XL

3XL

Carhartt Original Fit

40” chest

42-44”

46-48”

50-52”

54-56”

58-60”

Hanes/Gildan/Dave’s Tee

36” chest

38-40”

42-44”

46-48”

50-52”

54-56”

For pants it means that the waist sits higher up and that the leg is wider throughout. The classic canvas carpenter and double-knee pants are all in Original Fit. This means that they are looser, have a longer rise, and sit higher on the waist. The wider leg allows for more room and comfort while working, and to some that is a benefit and to others it may be too much fabric. 

Relaxed Fit - This is a newer fit and has been in the line for a few years, but it is growing in terms of the number of products that come in Relaxed Fit. Though it is called relaxed, the fit is more close to what you may find in a regular fit in other brands. Some of Carhartt’s newest t-shirts, performance shirts, and work pants are being made in relaxed fit, for a fit that is closer to the body, and more consistent with other brands of clothing. For tops this means that you can get your “normal” size. Here is a chart below that show the difference between Original Fit, Relaxed Fit, and other brands of tees:

Fit

Small

Medium

Large

XL

2XL

3XL

Carhartt Original Fit

40” chest

42-44”

46-48”

50-52”

54-56”

58-60”

Carhartt Relaxed Fit

36-38” chest

40-42”

42-44”

46-48”

50-52”

54-56”

Hanes/Gildan/Dave’s Tee

36” chest

38-40”

42-44”

46-48”

50-52”

54-56”

In regards to the newer Relaxed Fit Carhartt pants, these have a more normal waist (sits below the natural waist), similar to a classic Levi’s jean. They also feature a more regular shape to the seat and thigh and a straight leg that fits over work boots, but it is not too wide. It allows for room to move during work without being restrictive. Since we have received these newer styles, we have seen an increase in Relaxed Fit sales and a decrease in Original Fit. From what we hear, people like to be comfortable on the job, but not to have too much fabric and room that it feels cumbersome. The Relaxed Fit really checks off the box of being in the middle of a slimmer fit but allowing room to work.

Either fit can be great and can work for you, but it helps to know what size will fit you in each model. The best option would be to try things on, but that is not always possible. So in these times, we are here to help you get the right fit that you need in the items that you want. If you have any questions on the size or style, reach out to us and we will get back to you with the best information that we can.

Shop our Carhartt workwear collection

Like this post? Check out some of our other Carhartt blog posts:

TRENDING PRODUCTS: Carhartt Double Front Work Pants

PRODUCT REVIEW: Carhartt Force T-shirts

PRODUCT REVIEW: New Carhartt Detroit Jacket

Adam, Dave’s New York

Previous article PRODUCT REVIEW: Dickies Eisenhower Jackets
Next article PRODUCT REVIEW: Red Wing 10875 vs. 405 Moc Toe Work Boots

Comments

John Thompson - July 24, 2024

I’m not a big fan of the loose fit. The pants are tighter in the hips, and waist verses the original fit in the same size. Fabric is thinner also. I gave up wearing carhartt shirts a couple of years ago, and I am now on the hunt for a different manufacturer of work pants. It’s unfortunate of the changes they have made, it was such a good brand at one time.

Mark Mitchell - May 6, 2023

I’m glad I read these comments. It’s nice to know so many people feel the same way about the Original Fit t shirt. I even called to ask if the original fit was still made, and the person who I talked to went to ask the supervisor. She came back and told me he said to take a tag off of my old original fit shirt and put it on the new shirt if that’s what I want. Too bad I couldn’t talk to him in person. I have used these shirts for years, they were a good shirt before all this, too bad.

Dennis Collins - May 6, 2023

After 20 plus years buying your regular fit t shirts and long sleeve shirts you lost my business by changing to loose fit , you screwed up there big time , this goes for all your other carhartt products Iam done !!!

Dennis Cardin - April 13, 2023

Why would anyone mess with such excellent quality? Why does the new “marketing culture” feel the need to fix what isn’t broken. The new bibs absolutely stink! The front pockets are half depth, there’s stretch fabric at the second button (sides) closure, the new slide buckles (adjustment) on the shoulder straps will NOT keep from sliding down and are too long now. They switched sides on the hammer loop. The double knee denim logger jeans are even worse! They sag down my waist and my calves bind in the lower leg area. I can’t bend at the knees completely without crazy binding behind the knee. I’m a thin guy. They’re like skinny jeans! Bye bye Carhart!

Patricia Betts - April 13, 2023

I’m so disappointed. A regular fit tshirt in an xl fits me beautifully. I had to order loose fit. They swallow me whole. Going down a size doesn’t help. Just makes them shorter. I have a farm and wore nothing but Carhartt. I refuse to get fat in order to wear their merchandise now. Goodbye Carhartt!

Gary - April 13, 2023

The new loose fit sucks!! If you do not tuck in your shirt might as well wear a mini-skirt!!!

Bill L - February 16, 2023

This is frustrating and confusing for me, All I want is the exact same weight material and sizing that I have in my old K87 Original Fit T shirts (size L). These shirts were made in Haiti.
I hope Carhart is able to provide these shirts agin in the near future.

George - February 16, 2023

The new loose fit T shirts are not even close to original fit . I now have to find a new brand that fits. Might as well wear a burlap bag.

Mark - December 25, 2022

I don’t think I know of another company who still has to continually explain how it’s sizing works. Might want to look at new blood in the sizing department. Love your products but wouldn’t consider buying anything. Think your products might more accurately be labeled in two sizes…fat asses and really fat asses. Then potential customers will better be able to picture your products.

Cheryl Owens - December 25, 2022

Not everyone is built big or overweight. Wrong on loose fit. Won’t work for my thin family

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