Carhartt WIP reimagines the leather game with its synthetic Detroit Jacket

The Carhartt WIP Detroit Jacket may look like an archival piece rescued from the working-class world of the 90s, but its essence is far from conservative. The first thing that jumps out—beyond its timeless silhouette—is the vegan leather, which the brand not only doesn’t hide, but rather shows off. Inside, a label makes it clear: “Nothing to hide. Keep it real, make it fake.”

Minimal yet functional, the jacket features a technical nylon lining and a two-way zipper that adds extra points in both style and practicality. It’s all finished with the silent branding that defines Carhartt WIP: the classic logo almost camouflaged against the matte leather, as if it didn’t need to shout to make a statement.

Although the official drop was at the end of 2024—in the midst of European cold weather—this piece is part of the SS25 lineup. And yes, leather jackets in summer sound contradictory… until you see this one. Lightweight, with a retro-futuristic vibe, and signed by a brand that understands that functionality can also be fashionable.

We already know that WIP doesn’t play it safe. For years, Carhartt’s most experimental line has reinterpreted workerwear uniforms with a focus closer to the Paris runways than a Detroit workshop. Leather butter, oversized cuts, and details that transform the industrial into something aspirational.

Case in point? The hybrid Active Jacket (part leather, part quilted) and that killer collaboration with Chitose Abe (sacai), a master of deconstructivism. WIP is clear about its role: while Carhartt does the work, they do the construction.

The Detroit Jacket is available on the Carhartt WIP website and at retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.

The third drop of Carhartt WIP SS25 becomes a cult item.