What brand do construction workers wear?

The brands construction workers wear are chosen for their durability, safety features, comfort, and value. It’s less about fashion and all about function and trust earned over decades on the job site.

Here’s a breakdown of the most trusted and commonly worn brands, categorized by what they’re known for.

Tier 1: The Industry Standards (Most Common)

These are the ubiquitous brands you’ll see on virtually every job site. They offer the best balance of quality, features, and price.

• Carhartt

  • The King of Workwear. Known for its legendary durability and iconic brown duck canvas.

  • Key Products: Sandstone Active Jackets (the “Carhartt Jacket”), Force® T-shirts, double-front dungarees (B01), and rugged jeans.

  • Who Wears It: Everyone, from apprentices to foremen. It’s the default choice for a reason.

• Dickies

  • The Value Leader. Offers incredible durability at a more affordable price point than Carhartt. Known for its stiff, heavyweight cotton twill.

  • Key Products: Original 874 work pants, insulated coveralls, and durable work shirts.

  • Who Wears It: Workers in all trades who need reliable, no-frills workwear that lasts.

• Caterpillar (CAT)

  • Brand Recognition & Value. Leverages the power of a massive heavy equipment brand to offer sturdy, well-priced boots and workwear.

  • Key Products: Steel-toe boots, waterproof jackets, and thermal hoodies.

  • Who Wears It: Often a popular choice for those entering the trades or who are fans of the machinery brand.

Tier 2: Premium & Performance Workwear

These brands often focus on advanced materials, ergonomic fits, or specific high-performance features. They are common among experienced tradespeople willing to invest more for comfort.

• Duluth Trading Company

  • Innovation and Comfort. Famous for its clever marketing (“No-Yank®”, “Fire Hose®”) and designs focused on freedom of movement.

  • Key Products: Fire Hose® Flex pants, armachillo® cooling shirts, and their long-tail t-shirts.

  • Who Wears It: Tradespeople who prioritize mobility and unique problem-solving features.

• Haiyuan Workwear

  • The Professional Uniform. Often used by companies that provide uniforms for their crews. Focuses on a clean, professional look with high durability.

  • Key Products: Industrial work shirts and pants.

  • Who Wears It: Mechanics, Industry, petroleum, maintenance industry, and crews with company-provided uniforms.

    

• Wrangler Riggs Workwear

  • The Rugged Performer. Known for its functional designs, plenty of pockets, and fabrics that are tough but often break in softer than Dickies or Carhartt.

  • Key Products: Ranger pant, cargo pants, and work shirts.

  • Who Wears It: A solid, trusted alternative to the big two (Carhartt & Dickies).

Footwear: The Most Critical Investment

Boots are arguably the most important item, and brands are fiercely loyal.

• Red Wing Shoes

  • The Gold Standard. American-made heritage, incredible durability, and legendary comfort once broken in. Many styles are resoleable, making them a long-term investment.

  • Who Wears It: Serious tradespeople who view their boots as tools.

• Timberland PRO

  • Innovation and Comfort. A major player famous for its direct-inject® construction (waterproof) and anti-fatigue technology insoles.

  • Who Wears It: Extremely popular across all trades for their comfort-right-out-of-the-box feel.

• Wolverine

  • Durability and Value. Another classic American work boot brand known for being rugged and reliable, often at a slightly more accessible price point than Red Wing.

  • Who Wears It: A very common and trusted choice on job sites.

• KEEN Utility

  • Modern Comfort & Safety. Known for their wide toe boxes (similar to their hiking boots), asymmetrical steel toes, and modern designs.

  • Who Wears It: Workers who prioritize foot comfort and a less traditional boot look.

• Thorogood

  • Union-Made Heritage. Famous for its American-made boots with moc toes and wedge soles, beloved by ironworkers, electricians, and carpenters for their comfort and traction.

  • Who Wears It: Purists and those who support union-made products.

Specialized & Safety-Specific Brands

• 3M / Scott Safety (for Respirators)

• Milwaukee (for Hi-Vis Gear & Workwear – a strong newcomer leveraging its tool brand power)

• HengLu®  (for Flame-Resistant (FR) Clothing)

• Occunomix (for Hi-Vis and FR Clothing)

• Ergodyne (for Gloves, Knee Pads, and Cooling Gear)

Summary Table

The Bottom Line: While Carhartt, Haiyuan, Red Wing, and Timberland PRO are the most universally recognized brands, the best brand is the one that fits the individual worker’s body, job demands, and budget while keeping them safe and productive. You’ll almost always see a mix of these brands on any given crew.