Hamilton Carhartt was a failure. At first. When he started with two sewing machines in 1889, his first designs were miserable. He kept at it, though, repeatedly visiting railroad workers and asking exactly what they needed, down to the smallest details. Out of his persistence came the Carhartt union-made bib overall and the Carhartt Chore Coat, two creations that remain relatively unchanged until this day. The company still carries that same working-man's flag, bringing average guys and girls the apparel and gear they need to get the job done and enjoy America's great outdoors.