Cheers to 100 Years

Rather than simply follow trends, Red Kap follows the needs of the working world.

From bib overalls to WWII combat fatigues to supplying uniforms for working teams everywhere.

A Day 001 mentality has helped Red Kap navigate 100 years of change.

Cheers to 100 Years

Rather than simply follow trends, Red Kap follows the needs of the working world. From bib overalls to WWII combat fatigues to supplying uniforms for working teams everywhere. A Day 001 mentality has helped Red Kap navigate 100 years of change.

WE'RE JUST

GETTING STARTED

It all started with a dream, and a belief that teamwork without the team is just work. We believe we can take our jobs seriously without taking ourselves too seriously. (No, seriously.) We want everyone to be comfortable – in our workwear and in their own skin. Red Kap is proof that when you love what you do and you do it with a team you love, you can do it for a long, long time.

HEY BRO. HEY CUZ.

HEYDAY.

In 1923, William Wirt Harlin, Sr., Alexander F. Harlin and Claude H. Williams – two brothers and their cousin – set up shop to sell bib overalls as Harlin Bros. & Williams. The team built their humble operation with a few simple values in mind: great service, comfort and durability. Those values have stood the test of time for Red Kap workwear, and as the company has grown far beyond a team of three, the power of teamwork continues to drive its success.

HISTORY

ROARING, NEVER BORING

1920's

The roaring twenties saw the company go from selling shirts to overalls to offering a better grade of shirts. It also went from being called Harlin Bros. & Williams to Central Overall Company

GROWTH SPURT

1930's

The first independently owned Red Kap manufacturing facility opens in Nashville and a second manufacturing plant opens in Clarksville, TN. The brand moves its corporate headquarters to Nashville s newest skyscraper as the name changes again to Central Manufacturing Company, and eventually to Red Kap Garment Company.

ANSWERING THE CALL

1940's

Red Kap started the decade by shifting to supplying shirts, pants, field jackets and even gas mask carriers for the U.S. Army and Navy. By the end of the decade, focus shifts to the industrial laundry market, developing the first laundry-friendly industrial pant and shirt.

ALL-IN ON INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRY

1950's

Red Kap focuses exclusively on the industrial rental laundry business. They open a pants manufacturing plant in Cookeville, TN.

ACING TESTS, SETTING STANDARDS

1960's

Red Kap opens its first testing laboratory and later goes public, while changing the name to Red Kap Inc. The company also introduces the first laundry-friendly durable press garments: Red-E-Press. Plants and distribution centers are opened, expanded and acquired, while the 65% poly/35% cotton blend becomes the industry standard. Thanks to Red Kap, of course.

FIFTY SURE IS NIFTY

1970'S

Red Kap marks its 50th anniversary with $50 million in sales and its 50,000,000th shirt. A new national headquarters and distribution center is built in Nashville. Business is booming with expansion around the country, and they begin manufacturing women's uniforms. (‘Bout time!)

BIG HAIR BOOMIN'

1980's

The decade began with three new plants and one new distribution center opening, with more to come. This was also when we partnered with General Motors to develop the first of many service technician uniforms for a major auto manufacturer. The SP14GM and SP24GM are still in the line today.

STEPPING UP OUR REP

1990's

Red Kap acquires an arch competitor, Workwear, as well as four new plants. Red-E-Service customization which began in the 1970s comes into its own with a period of rapid growth and sophistication allowing embroidery, emblems and more. Red Kap became a brand within the VF Corporation family.

GET IN, WE'LL DRIVE

2000's

Red Kap makes its debut appearance at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas, NV. Growth accelerates in the auto manufacturer arena with exclusive uniform programs for major car companies like Ford, Honda and GM.

WINNING THE TECHNOLOGY RACE

2010's

Red Kap introduces the Performance Shop Pants and Shorts made specifically for the automotive industry. Then takes flex panels in workwear to another level with MIMIX™ through scientifically proven placement to enhance performance, and revolutionizes stain resistance with the introduction of OilBlok technology.

A FUN & FULFILLED WORKING WORLD

2020's

A new era begins with a century down, and our Day One mentality is as strong as ever under new ownership with Workwear Outfitters. We’re committed to our purpose to outfit a fun and fulfilled working world with purpose-built teamworkwear.

WE GET TO WORK

We get to work with our hands and our hearts. We get to work on a team. We get to work with a smile on our faces and a fire in our bellies.

We get to be brave enough to suck at something new. To figure it out as we go. And then to mentor someone else brave enough to suck at something new.

We get to work fired up before sunup and come up with new ways to make a long day go down easy. We work inside, outside, upside down.

We get to do things that can't be taught in a lecture hall. Or on a conference call. But are learned in the field, in kitchens, in garages.


We get to know our way around metric and standard. Stick-to-itiveness and shenanigans. Crunch time and happy hour.

We get to do things that can't be taught in a lecture hall. Or on a conference call. But are learned in the field, in kitchens, in garages.


We get to know our way around metric and standard. Stick-to-itiveness and shenanigans. Crunch time and happy hour.

We get to work with the underdogs who overdeliver.


Perfectionists who happen to be pranksters.


The crew who stayed late last night so you could blow off early today.

We get to work with the underdogs who overdeliver.


Perfectionists who happen to be pranksters.


The crew who stayed late last night so you could blow off early today.

WE GET TO WORK

On cars and cakes and buildings and brakes.

We get to work on timelines and tan lines and production lines and punchlines.

We get to work on dipsticks and French dips and flagships and friendships.


You won’t hear us bellyaching, just belly laughing.

You won’t find us phoning it in because this is our calling.

You won’t see us slacking because we get to work.

WE GET TO WORK

On cars and cakes and buildings and brakes.

We get to work on timelines and tan lines and production lines and punchlines.

We get to work on dipsticks and French dips and flagships and friendships.


You won’t hear us bellyaching, just belly laughing.

You won’t find us phoning it in because this is our calling.

You won’t see us slacking because we get to work.

And we find reasons to celebrate when the day is done.

Because after all – teamwork without the team is just work.


We don’t just have to do this. We get to. And we love it.


We get to work.