Does the Brand Carhartt WIP Run Big or Small on Clothes Sizing?

Carhartt WIP—short for Work In Progress—is a fashion-forward offshoot of the classic American workwear brand Carhartt. While the original line is known for utility, Carhartt WIP infuses that heritage with a contemporary streetwear aesthetic: oversized fits, durable fabrics, and cult-status staples.

But here’s the question every new customer eventually asks:

Does Carhartt WIP run big or small?

In this guide, we’ll explore how Carhartt WIP sizing works across jackets, trousers, tops and unisex collections—plus how to find your exact size instantly with Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s free sizing tool trusted by thousands.

What Is Carhartt WIP?

Carhartt WIP was launched in Europe in 1994 to bring a more stylised, street-focused version of classic Carhartt workwear to urban markets. It’s now a global brand, worn by skaters, creatives, musicians, and anyone looking for understated streetwear that lasts.

Known for:

Oversized utility jackets
Relaxed cargo trousers
Durable canvas shirts and hoodies
Seasonal unisex capsule drops

But as you’ll see, Carhartt WIP’s sizing approach doesn’t always match standard UK high street expectations.

So, Does Carhartt WIP Run Big or Small?

Carhartt WIP typically runs large, especially in jackets, hoodies and trousers. The brand embraces oversized silhouettes—but sizing can vary depending on the collection and whether a garment is labelled “loose,” “regular,” or “relaxed.”

Carhartt WIP Sizing by Category

1. Jackets and Outerwear

Oversized by design, especially workwear and chore jackets.
Expect a boxy, utilitarian fit with wide arms and dropped shoulders.
Look out for labels like “Loose Fit” or “OG Fit” (Original) for maximum volume.
Recommendation: Size down if you want a neater, more traditional fit.

2. T-Shirts and Shirts

Boxy and longline compared to UK high street brands.
Most Carhartt tees have a loose or relaxed fit.
Recommendation: True to size if you prefer oversized; size down for a cleaner profile.

3. Trousers and Cargo Pants

Many styles are cut with extra room through the thigh and leg.
Some trousers have a slightly high rise and rigid fabric.
Waist sizing is generally accurate, but leg width is loose unless stated otherwise.
Recommendation: True to size at the waist, but expect relaxed legs.

4. Hoodies and Sweatshirts

Carhartt WIP hoodies are thick, structured, and oversized.
Sleeves and torsos run long.
Recommendation: Size down for standard fit, stay true to size for streetwear style.

What Customers Say

From Carhartt-WIP.com, ASOS, END Clothing, and Reddit fashion communities:

“Their OG Detroit jacket came up huge—I had to size down.”
“The t-shirt fit like a box. I like it, but definitely not your usual high-street sizing.”
“Trousers are roomy—I needed a belt even though the waist was correct.”
“Love the quality, but it’s always a gamble figuring out the right size.”

Why It’s Confusing

Carhartt WIP's style relies heavily on fit language. They use labels like:

OG Fit – Carhartt’s widest, boxiest silhouette
Loose Fit – Roomy, oversized streetwear look
Regular Fit – Balanced but still relaxed
Slim Fit – Rare, but present in selected capsule pieces

But unless you try on in-store or dig through reviews, it’s hard to know what that really means for your body.

The Smarter Way: Use Tellar.co.uk

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool that gives you your exact size in Carhartt WIP—and over 1,500 other fashion brands—based on your real body measurements.

✔️ Personalised Sizing for Each Carhartt WIP Fit

Tellar knows which jackets are oversized, which trousers run long, and when to size down—because it analyses actual product data, not just brand charts.

✔️ One-Time Setup, Lifetime Access

Enter your waist, chest and hip measurements once and instantly see your recommended size across all future Carhartt WIP drops.

✔️ Works in CM or Inches

Tellar supports both UK and EU unit systems.

✔️ Free Measuring Tape Delivered to You

No tape? No problem—Tellar will send you one free of charge so your sizing is precise from day one.

✅ Create your free profile now

Real Example: Carhartt WIP Jacket & Trousers Fit

Let’s say your measurements are:

Chest: 100cm
Waist: 83cm
Height: 178cm

Tellar.co.uk may recommend:

Size S in a “Loose Fit” or “OG Fit” jacket for a cleaner silhouette
Size M in relaxed t-shirts
W32 in trousers with a note about roomy thigh fit and long inseam (great for cuffing)

This means you save time, money, and avoid returns, especially when shopping limited edition capsule pieces.

🎯 Check your Carhartt WIP size now

How Does Carhartt WIP Compare to Other Brands?

Item Type	Carhartt WIP Fit	Compared to UK High Street	Tellar Recommendation
Jackets	Oversized	Larger than COS, Uniqlo	Size down unless layering
Tees & Shirts	Boxy and longline	Roomier than ASOS or H&M	Size down for fitted look
Trousers	Relaxed, workwear cut	More spacious than Zara or Topman	True to size at waist
Hoodies	Structured & oversized	Heavier and longer than Nike	Size down for clean fit

Summary: Carhartt WIP Sizing at a Glance

Clothing Type	Fit Description	Tellar Advice
OG Fit Jackets	Very oversized	Size down
Loose Fit Tees	Boxy and long	Size down or true to size
Cargo Trousers	Relaxed in leg	True to waist size
Hoodies	Thick & structured	Size down for standard silhouette

Final Verdict: Does Carhartt WIP Run Big or Small?

Yes—Carhartt WIP runs large, especially in jackets, hoodies, and relaxed trousers.

But this is intentional. Their oversized aesthetic is part of the brand's DNA. If you're unsure which size works for your shape, body type, or styling preference, Tellar.co.uk will calculate the best size for you—accurately and instantly.

✅ CTA: Get Your Carhartt WIP Size Now — Free & Accurate

💡 No size charts
💡 No guesswork
💡 No returns

🎯 Create your free profile on Tellar.co.uk

🎯 Find your Carhartt WIP size instantly

It’s free. One-time setup. Use your size anywhere, anytime.

💌 Plus: We’ll send you a free measuring tape when you sign up.

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