Project Upgrade: The Next Three Brands You Need on Your Style Journey
- Words Grailed Team
- Date March 4, 2019
"Project Upgrade" is a recurring franchise for those just starting their style journey. Each entry introduces three dependable, stylish—and above all, attainable—brands perfect for building your wardrobe, all at a prices well below retail. If you have been itching to update your wardrobe but unsure which direction to go in, look no further
There’s a lot to love about workwear. Clothes that have a clear utilitarian process require a certain degree of thought and design, which inevitably leads to a better product. That said, as great as vintage Wrangler Jeans and Carhartt are, the ballooned fit and rigid fabrics are certainly more geared to the construction site than everyday wear. While we are as big of fans of the rugged look as any, there are plenty of options to recreate the aesthetic with clothes that are as refined as they are sturdy. Below, we present three labels that make elevated workwear better than anyone—at prices you can only find on Grailed.
Carhartt Work in Progress
The original workwear brand, Carhartt dates back to the late 19th Century, when founder Hamilton Carhartt began producing overalls for trade unions. It wasn’t until 1989, though, that the brand truly took a foothold in the European market, when Edwin Faeh began importing Carhartt en masse. Eventually, Faeh gained the rights to exclusively distribute and manufacture Carhartt for the European audience. The new label, Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP), presented a refined take on Carhartt classics, with slim double knee pants, PolarTec lined Detroit bar jackets and heavy-weight raglan sleeve hoodies. If you’re still struggling to see the difference from the original, think of it like this: If regular Carhartt is cut for the roomier needs of construction sites, Carhartt WIP is slimmed down and modernized for city streets. Developing a cult following amongst multiple sub-cultures, today Carhartt Work In Progress is one of the industry’s best kept secrets. For those who love clothes that actually work, Work In Progress offers refined versions of the workwear you know and love. While normally a Carhartt WIP Detroit jacket runs $300 plus, you can find them on Grailed for a $150 or less.
RRL
When Ralph Lauren bought his 15,000 acre Colorado estate in the late ‘80s, he began exploring ranch wear, Native American craft and the centuries-old cowboy culture that dominated the area. The result was RRL. Debuting in 1993, RRL is directly inspired by 18th and early 19th century denim and workwear. Despite centuries-old references, working with natural dyes, local artisans and rare materials—alongside cutting edge fabrication—RRL clothes hit the sweet spot between vintage Western and luxury fashion. Quite literally designed to age, RRL is as precious as it is tough, with the core focus on durable denim and rough-out (untreated) leather and suede. Jeans in particular are a highlight. Made with Japanese selvedge on vintage shuttle looms, RRL jeans are beloved by both vintage Americana diehards and fashion folk alike. While denim can reach $400 plus, there are plenty of options on Grailed for as little as $100.
Feit Direct
While not workwear per se, Feit’s commitment to craftsmanship rivals any brand. Founded in 2004 by footwear industry veteran Tull Price, Feit produces handmade sneakers, boots and dress shoes from of the finest leather available anywhere. Valuing sustainability as much as luxury, Feit primarily relies on vegetable-tanned leather, which allows for natural aging with minimal eco-footprint to boot. Designed to be worn day-in and day-out, Feit shoes develop a beautiful patina over time, each taking on its own unique nature. While the collection constantly rotates, the flagship handsewn slipper and hiker are particularly lustworthy. While Feit shoes begin at $500, you can find them for as low as $200 on Grailed.