Style & Design 2009: 6 Workwear Brands To Watch

With labor day approaching, we're co-signing these companies who keep the working man in style.

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Image via Complex Original
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When the Great Depression ended, it wasn't because of bailouts, but because of effort. We built a new country out of sweat equity, and the clothes we did it in were built for the long run: hardy fabrics, reinforced seams, and everything put together with deference to the way a body moves. And while the value of honest workwear never went away, today more than ever we appreciate the idea of pulling ourselves out of a rut.

Whether it's classics like Woolrich and Levi's or modern interpretations like PRPS and Engineered Garments, American style is form and function. No preppy entitlement here, kids; before the yacht clubs and golf shirts, "Americana" meant little more than dependable jeans and self-respect. As a companion to the article in our 2009 Style & Design special, we chose six brands who are keeping the real American aesthetic alive...

dickies
DICKIES
Don't be dismayed by the run-of-the-mill khaki pants and shirts that you see most dudes rocking on the street. Do some digging and you'll come across some real classic gems.
1. DICKIES CHAMBRAY SHIRT
Click here to Buy It Now at Walmart, $15 2. DICKIES FLANNEL LINED 874 WORKWEAR PANTS
Click here to Buy It Now at Dickies, $38 - 45

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redwing

RED WING
America's original work boot (sorry, Timberland) has suddenly seen a resurgence in popularity now that stores like J. Crew, Commonwealth and Opening Ceremony have started stocking them.
1. RED WING 8166
Click here to Buy It Now at Commonwealth, $220 2. RED WING LIFESTYLE BOOT
Click here to Buy It Now at Opening Ceremony, $230

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prps

PRPS
Although a relativity new label, the brand started by the owners of Ackademiks, harkens back to the golden age of American workwear with jeans that invoke a utilitarian aesthetic: heavy, broken in denim, reinforced rivets and authentic selvage.
1. PRPS TORQUE DENIM JEAN
Click here to Buy It Now at My Wardrobe, $626 2. PRPS RAW DENIM BARRACUDA JEAN
Click here to Buy It Now at Blue Fly, $207

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levis

LEVI'S
In addition to their classic pieces, old meets new this fall when the most revered denim brand in the world teams up with fashion wunderkind Robert Geller for a capsule collection debuting September 10th.
1. LEVI'S NO COMPLY MILITARY JACKET
Click here to Buy It Now at Levi's, $88 2. LEVI'S SLIM STRAIGHT 514 TROUSER
Click here to Buy It Now at Levi's, $50

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carhartt

CARHARTT
Although the recommended way to cop the hottest Carhartt pieces is to hop a plane to London, the American company still holds it down with classic Americana pieces.
1. CARHARTT DUCK VEST
Click here to Buy It Now at Carhartt, $55 2. CARHARTT DUCK RIDGE JACKET
Click here to Buy It Now at Carhartt, $95

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engineer

ENGINEERED GARMENTS
Who said American workwear had to be designed by Americans? Designer Daiki Suzuki was so obsessed with the look he decided to create a collection that embodied long forgotten.
ENGINEERED GARMENTS HELMET
Click here to Buy It Now at Context Clothing, $115 ENGINEERED GARMENTS DENIM JACKET
Click here to Buy It Now at Yoox, $250

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