Dickies Eisenhower Jackets vs. Carhartt Detroit Jackets

Probably the two most recognizable workwear jackets right now are the Dickies Eisenhower jacket and the Carhartt Detroit jacket. And while they are similar, they are also very different. We wanted to take a look at what sets them apart, and which jacket may be right for you.

SIMILARITIES - From the outside, both of these jackets look similar on-body, and that's because they share a bit of the same features. They are both clean and classically designed with a waist-length hem, clean slash-style front pockets, and a collar. They are both born from function, built with purpose in the workwear industry, and made with materials to be durable. The insulated Eisenhower jacket and the lined Detroit Jacket both will give you warmth.

DIFFERENCES - While the jackets are similar, they do have a ton of differences too. From an aesthetic perspective, the Carhartt Detroit jacket features a corduroy collar, a left chest zipper pocket, and metal snaps on the cuffs and waist. The Dickies jacket does not have a left chest pocket and has a self-fabric collar, which means that the fabric used for the collar is the same twill that is used for the jacket. Dickies also has buttons in the cuffs and waistband to help adjust it for the perfect fit.

The linings are also different: the Dickies insulated jacket features a nylon quilted lining that is lightweight, but still warm. The Carhartt jacket features a blanket lining which is a poly-based fabric that feels like wool, but is soft and comfortable. The Carhartt jacket does feel heavier and is great for the colder months. The Dickies jacket is lighter in weight due to the differences in materials and lining, but warm for how light it is.

The jacket materials are probably the biggest difference. Carhartt is known for their canvas and Dickies is the leader in twill, so here's how that helps each style. The Carhartt canvas is made of 100% cotton, and the canvas fabric is woven to be very durable for work, and last for years. Canvas is usually heavier in weight and a bit stiff to begin with, but with all cotton garments, it breaks in nicely and feels softer within a few wears. The Dickies jacket is made of their classic material that is 65% polyester/35% cotton. This is the standard Dickies breakdown of their twill in their work shirts and work pants. The material is vat-dyed to match the work uniform which is important for jobs, but also for style (we will get to that shortly). The material is lighter in weight than the canvas, but that can be great when you don't need a heavy jacket.

From a fashion perspective, both of these jackets have been seen everywhere and can be used as a base for an outfit or as a base for customization. The heavy canvas and distinctive brown canvas of the Detroit Jacket has been a staple in streetwear since the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. Because the canvas wears in so much, showing fading, cracks, and wear; there is something special about the stiff canvas when it's fresh and new. The canvas also is a great weight to do embroidery, customized patches, rip & repair, paint, and even dyeing for custom colors. Through collabs and discussion projects, Carhartt had created multiple iterations of the classic Detroit jacket, but also our customers have reworked the jacket to taper the arms, fray the hems, change the trim, and add to the fabrics. The canvas is such a great material to work with, and the style is clean enough to pair with any outfit, from true work to street style

The Dickies Eisenhower jacket seems to be everywhere, from the maintenance room to the Met Gala, and from skate parks to streetwear, it's so prevalent that it's hard to miss, but may also be hard to see. Tons of people know the clean look of Dickies matching pants and jacket. While they may look like a work uniform, paired with the right sneakers and shirt, it looks like a modern streetwear suit. The blend of quality materials and clean details as well as a lower cost for an outfit compared to high-end fashion labels make this an easy go-to for something fresh on your night out. But it doesn't stop there, the material is one of the best bases to customize. The poly-cotton fabric is perfect for patches, screen printing, and embroidery. We have seen a massive increase in people using the Eisenhower jacket as the base for a customized design. Dickies makes such an iconic jacket, it can run the gamut from base to high end fashion.

While it's not an absolute rule, what we have seen is that the Carhartt Detroit canvas jacket is better for embroidery and the Dickies jacket is better for screen printing. Honestly, you couldn't go wrong with either one. Whether you own one (or both), or have seen these icons out around town, let us know what you think and who you have seen making the jackets their own.

Adam

Dave's New York