Best Carhartt Shirts Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Taylor Belmer
Damjan
The last thing that you want to do is worry about your workwear and how it is working against you. Rips, tears, annoying twists, constant un-tucking, overheating, damp from sweat. No one has time for any of that nonsense. You need a shirt that is reliable, durable and overall, not annoying to wear and that is where Carhartt comes into play. Carhartt has been producing high-quality workwear for years. If you are not familiar, perhaps it is time you get familiar.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 14 hrs of research
Durable, heavyweight cotton with a thickness that is made to last
Reinforced triple-stitched seams
Back center box pleat allows free movement
Larger fit flows with you
Layers well beneath a jacket if needed
Leather Carhartt patch ensures brand quality
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Carhartt Oakman Sandstone -
Carhartt Short Sleeve
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Carhartt Contractors Polo
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Carhartt Zip-Front Hoodie
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Carhartt Fort Chambray S202
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Carhartt Base Force
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Carhartt Hamilton
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Carhartt Workwear K84
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Carhartt Workwear K126
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Carhartt K87 Workwear
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
10 Best Carhartt Shirts
1. Carhartt Oakman Sandstone
Durable, heavyweight cotton with a thickness that is made to last
Reinforced triple-stitched seams
Back center box pleat allows free movement
Larger fit flows with you
Layers well beneath a jacket if needed
Leather Carhartt patch ensures brand quality
Arm length may be short
“Original Fit” is baggier than a standard T-shirt
If you are in need of an updated shirt for work, for a hike or any other outdoor activity, the Carhartt Oakman work shirt is a trusted shirt. It is durably made and features soft, comfortable fabric that moves with you as you get the job done.
Read moreThis work shirt is both micro-sanded and pre-washed to ensure it is the softest fabric and as comfortable as possible. Its heavyweight design reminds you that it is there to have your back on even the toughest tasks.
Reinforcement and longevity are key with this shirt. Featuring heavyweight, triple-stitched seams and a back-center box pleat, you can move freely without worrying about busting any seams and stitches.
With this Carhartt shirt, you are paying for great quality, a comfortable fit, and the assurance that it is made to last. This is a great buy and great quality.
2. Carhartt Short Sleeve
Durable constructed cotton is still breathable
Side-seams reduce twisting
No tag at the neck keeps you comfortable
Longer-length stays tucked in
Layers well beneath a jacket if needed
Leather Carhartt patch on left chest pocket ensures brand quality
Longer-length may be too long for a shorter frame
You can't go wrong with a reliable T-shirt and that is why the Carhartt original fit T-shirt is a solid choice. It is made to last and made to move with you. This tee is made with you in mind. Toss it under your favorite Carhartt jacket and get to work!
Read moreWhen you are on-the-go throughout your day or at the work site, this Carhartt original t-shirt is your best go-to shirt. The sturdy side-seam construction minimizes twisting, so your every move is more comfortable.
The longer length of this original T-shirt is designed to be tucked into place and stay there. No need to be wrestling with a shirt that keeps un-tucking with your every move. This one will stay in place.
The Carhartt original fit T-shirt is made to be the base-layer you can trust. For this reason, it is at an affordable price for sure.
3. Carhartt Contractors Polo
A unique chest pocket is stylish and handy, holding pens and small accessories
Soft and strong fabric
Ample length helps with coverage and stays tucked in
Nice and accurate fit
Leather Carhartt patch ensures brand quality
The softer fabric may snag
“Original Fit” is baggier than a standard T-shirt
The Carhartt Contractors Work Pocket Polo Original shirt is made for the working person. Featuring an innovative left-chest pocket, you can carry around all the small accessories that you need. The unique silo on the pocket holds your pens, your glasses, small tools and more. A blended-pique construction gives this shirt extra utility. Keep comfortable on the job in this no-roll, rib-knit shirt.
Read moreThis shirt features a stain-release finish on the fabric that makes it perfect for rough works sites, dusty jobs, daily wear and/or nights out. You can feel secure diving in with this pique polo shirt.
The comfortable, soft and no-roll fabric of this polo shirt makes it one you will want to wear all of the time and you will want to buy more of them.
With this work polo shirt, you are paying for the quality, comfort, and convenience that it brings forward. With that in mind, it is at a great price point.
4. Carhartt Zip-Front Hoodie
Midweight design traps warmth without bulk
Durable zipper
Adjustable drawstring hood
Hand-warming pockets
Long fit keeps you covered and does not ride up
Leather Carhartt patch ensures brand quality
Generall an oversized fit, so you may have to order down a size depending on how you want the jacket to fit
“Original Fit” is baggier than a standard hoodie
Even though the weather gets cold, work and needing to be on-the-go does not. That is when you need a heavier layer that you can depend on. The Carhartt original hoodie is that layering piece you need. Its midweight design makes sure you are kept warm while minimizing the bulk while the zip-front design makes it convenient to throw on.
Read moreYou will keep considerably comfortable and warm at the worksite wearing this sweatshirt. The midweight design is meant to trap warmth without being bulky.
The zipper on this sweatshirt is durable and made so that it will not rip away from the stitching. You will get a lot of wear and use out of this jacket.
For an affordable price, this Carhartt zip-front midweight hoodie is of great value to the working person. You will keep the warmth and shed the bulk at the same time.
5. Carhartt Fort Chambray S202
Well-constructed shirt
Back yoke with a center box pleat allows for better range of movement
Chambray fabric feels like a lightweight denim and offers a nice look
Comfortable and tough shirt
Breathable fabric is perfect for work
Oversized fit may result in needing to size down depending on how you like the shirt to fit
Not a wrinkle-free shirt, so it may need ironing
For a look and feel that is casual and can also be put to work on the fly, the Carhartt Fort lightweight chambray shirt is the one. Made from chambray, which is similar to a lightweight denim, you don’t have to worry about this shirt being too heavy. You can go from the worksite straight to a casual function in this shirt. The back yoke and centered box pleat encourage movement, and you will love that feeling when wearing this shirt.
Read moreThis shirt is well-made. It is heavier than a standard dress shirt but still lightweight enough that you can feel comfortable working in it and performing other daily tasks.
Not only is this durable shirt made for your work day out on the site, but the chambray fabric offers a cool and casual look that you could pull off at the office as well.
At a great price point, you get a solid work shirt out of the Carhartt Fort button-down shirt. You can wear it at the work site, in the office or out with family and friends. Overall, this is a solid buy.
6. Carhartt Base Force
Sweat-wicking fabric keeps you dry and warm
Stain-release finish removes stains in each wash cycle
Reinforced stitching for longevity
No tag at neckline for comfort
Carhartt logo tag on the hem ensures brand quality
Meant as a base layer to keep warm, not a main layer
Tighter fit
Cold weather never stops and neither does that work that you are doing. So, when the weather dips, you are sure to need some more layers to keep you warm on the job. This Carhartt Base Force top features fabric that is sweat-wicking, so you keep dry and warm and acts as a solid base layer under your other trusted Carhartt shirts or jackets.
Read moreSure it is cold, but that doesn’t mean that your hard work isn’t making you work up a sweat. The fabric on this Carhartt Base Force top is specifically made to keep that sweat from pooling up, drying and making you even colder.
No need to worry about staining your shirt on the job. The fabric on this Carhartt top has a stain-release finish that breaks down and releases the stains during the wash cycle, revealing a fresh, clean shirt.
This affordable base-layer top from Carhartt top will be one that you will want to stock up on as the temperature starts to drop. It will serve you very well.
7. Carhartt Hamilton
Soft flannel that is still tough
Adjustable button cuffs to roll up sleeves
Pros should always be more than cons
These should be straight to the point
You can use Amazon reviews to find pros
May shrink if dried in the dryer, so size-up for a looser fit
Although this Carhartt Hamilton stretch flannel shirt is made for a smaller frame, there is still plenty of room for a flowy and oversized fit. You will love the soft flannel feel that is still tough enough to last for years. The adjustable button cuffs let you roll up your sleeves to dive deep into work without them falling back down. The durable flannel will keep you warm, too. Overall, the shirt is designed with total comfort in mind, allowing you free range movement to bend, reach, or do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Read moreThis shirt is not too tight fitting, which is great for allowing free-range of movement. You can bend and reach with ease. It is a great shirt for everyday wear and getting the job done, whether that is at the work site or at home.
The soft flannel of this Carhartt shirt is designed to keep you warm. Although it is soft, it is still tough enough for wear and tear. You will be able to keep this shirt in your work wardrobe for years to come.
Keep warm in this flannel shirt for a good price. When you buy this shirt, you are buying a soft, warm shirt that is meant to last. It is a good investment for a trusted shirt.
8. Carhartt Workwear K84
Durable construction is still breathable
Sweat-wicking material
Releases stains
Side-seams reduce twisting
No tag at the neck keeps you comfortable
Longer-length stays tucked in
Layers well beneath a jacket if needed
Carhartt logo patch on left chest pocket ensures brand quality
May have an oversized fit that calls to downsize
“Original Fit” is baggier than a standard T-shirt
This all-purpose work shirt will see you through all year long. In warm weather, it works perfectly as your go-to shirt and in the colder months, it becomes a great base layer. Think of your favorite T-shirt and now add better quality, button neckline for breathable space and a chest pocket to carry the small accessories that are necessary for the job.
Read moreWith Carhartt, the “Original Fit” pretty much always means that they are going to fit baggier. That is the case with this shirt and makes it a versatile and comfortable one for many different bodies. Freely move in this shirt.
This pocket henley from Carhartt is made to last for years of work. The sturdy material ensures that it will do just that. You can wear it knowing that even on your toughest jobs, this shirt will hold strong.
This Carhartt pocket henley is at a great price point. You can wear it to its last day knowing that you got a lot of use out of it for a completely affordable price.
9. Carhartt Workwear K126
Tough construction is still soft against your skin
Sweat-wicking material
Releases stains
Side-seams reduce twisting
No tag at the neck keeps you comfortable
Longer-length stays tucked in
Layers well beneath a jacket if needed
Carhartt logo patch on left chest pocket ensures brand quality
Oversized fit may result in needing to size down depending on how you like the shirt to fit
You can wear this Carhartt T-shirt on its own or as a layering piece, but either way, you will be wearing it comfortably and with the utmost trust in its durable design. Because of the generous cut to this T-shirt, you do not have to worry about feeling bound or held back when wearing it, even though it is more heavyweight than a standard T-shirt. Its soft fabric is smooth against your skin while remaining tough, too.
Read moreAll around, this Carhartt pocket T-shirt is made with the working man or woman in mind. You won’t have to fuss with continuously re-tucking your shirt, as this one has a longer length that stays in place. Additionally, it is a sturdy shirt with enough heft to keep you warm on cooler days without holding you back and slowing you down.
This long sleeve T-shirt features a chest pocket that is a generous size. You will love being hands-free as it can carry your necessary small accessories and tools while on the job.
This Carhartt long sleeve pocket tee is at an awesome price point. You can wear it to its final day knowing that you got a lot of use out of it for a completely affordable price.
10. Carhartt K87 Workwear
Tough construction is still soft against your skin
Sweat-wicking material
Releases stains
Side-seams reduce twisting
No tag at the neck keeps you comfortable
Longer-length stays tucked in
Layers well beneath a jacket if needed
Carhartt logo patch on left chest pocket ensures brand quality
Oversized fit may result in needing to size down depending on how you like the shirt to fit
You can wear this Carhartt short sleeve T-shirt on its own or as a layering piece, but either way, you will be wearing it comfortably and with complete trust in its durable design. Even though it is more heavyweight than a standard T-shirt, because of the generous cut you will not have to worry about feeling bound or held back when wearing it. Its soft fabric is smooth against your skin while remaining tough, too.
Read moreAll around, this Carhartt short sleeve pocket T-shirt is made with the working man or woman in mind. You won’t have to fuss with continuously re-tucking your shirt, as this one has a longer length that stays in place. Additionally, it is a sturdy shirt without holding you back and slowing you down and it will still allow you to feel cool on warmer days.
This short sleeve T-shirt features a chest pocket that is a generous size. You will love being hands-free as it can carry your necessary small accessories and tools while on the job.
This Carhartt short sleeve pocket tee is at an unbeatable price point for the quality. You can wear it to its final day knowing that you got a lot of use out of it for a completely affordable price.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Carhartt Force
The theory behind the forced technology at Carhartt is that it will not only wick away moisture caused by sweat, but it also will have one of these great characteristics:
*Odor-fighting: Helps to block and reduce the amount of odor that is caused by bacteria.
Stain repellant: Special fabric that is designed to help combat those stubborn stains common in work gear.
Force Extremes
This technology is known for keeping you cool, dry, and warm all at the same time. This is due to the high-quality fabrics used to make this line of apparel. Working quickly to wick away sweat, evaporate the moisture, giving you the comfort you deserve the entire day through.
Full Swing
The full swing technology recently expanded into the work gear line, which means you will have more freedom to move while wearing work shirts with this technology included. Apparel designed with the full swing technology has more flexing ability than any other work gear around. The materials used to produce this apparel aid in the flexing capabilities, keeping the restriction to a minimum, and your range of motion at its maximum potential.
Size
Shopping for the right fit can sometimes be one of the most frustrating things a person can endure. Carhartt has tried to simplify this experience for you by mapping out a guide along with a chart to show you approximately what size might work best for you. Here are the recommendations Carhartt has set forward for how to measure in order to obtain sizing for a shirt or sweatshirt:
Measure Your Chest: Using a cloth tape measure, start by measuring with placing the tape measure around your back and underneath your arms, inside of your armpits. Try to make sure that your tape measure is leveled because that will ensure the most accurate results possible.
Use
When shopping for a Carhartt T-shirt, consider what you will need this shirt for. For working purposes, depending on the weather in your area, you may want to shop according to the potential benefits that Carhartt’s technology has to offer. Then consider the fit you are looking for, for a shirt with more room, try the original fit. Some people don’t like the extra material hanging from their shirts, so they might go with either the relaxed or slim fit.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Materials Size Use 
When measuring your chest, if your measurement is between the sizes listed, you may want to purchase the larger of the two sizes. When considering whether or not to order the tall option, keep in mind that this will normally add two inches to the overall length of the shirt, as well as to the length of the sleeves.
Not looking for a sweatshirt with a lining, that's okay too, Carhart has plenty of options available for sweatshirts without lining as well. You can also find sweatshirts that have zip closures, the zippers that Carhartt uses are made from quality materials, making them withstand the test of time.
Other Factors to Consider
Overall Fit
The weight of the fabric used for making the sweatshirts doesn’t determine the warmth of the sweatshirt. Instead, it will determine the ruggedness of the sweatshirt, or what the material will hold up against. Heavier weight sweatshirts will have more durability in their outer shell than that of the lighter weight sweatshirts. Before choosing which option will work best for you, think of what you will be using this sweatshirt for. If you want to use it for outdoor work, choose the weight of the sweatshirt accordingly.
Lining Options
Thermal
Thermal lining holds the least amount of warmth, making it a good option for slightly warmer weather. You can also use a sweatshirt with a thermal lining for layering purposes.
Quilt
This is the second warmest option Carhartt has to offer for their sweatshirt lining. Great for working outdoors in the spring or fall, sometimes even in the early part of winter.
Sherpa
Sherpa lining is the warmest option offered by Carhartt for a sweatshirt lining, sweatshirts with this lining work well for those times when a heavy coat is just too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Will my Carhartt shirt to shrink in the wash?
That will depend on what fabric your shirt is made of and if it has been pre-washed. Pre-washed shirts should not shrink. But for ones that have not been pre-washed, you might see some shrinkage. Just make sure to read and follow directions carefully when washing your Carhartt shirts.
q: Do Carhartt shirt sizes run small?
No, Carhartt shirts are made to work in so they are made to be roomier than other shirts. If you are shopping in a store be sure to try the shirt on before purchasing. When ordering online, refer to the Carhartt website for their sizing chart and recommendations and read customer reviews for sizing of that particular shirt just to be on the safe side.
q: Are Carhartt shirts fire resistant?
Some Carhartt shirts are flame-resistant. Just check the tag to make sure your short is made from flame-resistant fabric. These clothes are better than 100% cotton or synthetic garments due to their self-extinguishing nature. However please note that flame-resistant clothing can be susceptible to fabric burns created by sparks and metal debris during activities like welding.
q: Which Carhartt shirts are best for layering?
For layering purposes, you have two options for a more contoured fit. You can go with a relaxed fit. The relaxed fit has less excess material so it is a bit snugger. The Slim fit is even more contoured, so it also makes a good option for layering.
q: What shirt would be best to use in the Spring?
This depends on where you live and what the weather is like. For cooler spring days, a quilt lined sweatshirt should work well. If you have warmer Spring weather, then a thermal lining might be a better option. If you tend to get cold during Spring, then the sherpa-lined sweatshirt might be a good option.
