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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!)

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.

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.

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.

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 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.