September 23, 2025
From the Carhartt Archive: Celebrating Five Decades of The Carhartt Active Jac
The first-of-its-kind heavy-duty, hooded jacket has been earning the title of our best-selling jacket since it debuted in 1975. We went into our archives to revisit some Active Jac milestones from over the past five decades to introduce the new 50th anniversary Active Jacs and the game-changing styles that inspired them.
WHAT IS AN ACTIVE JAC?
By combining the functionality of a hoodie with the durability of a work jacket, the Active Jac struck a chord with hard working people everywhere who value mobility and durability in demanding environments. Key details like an attached hood, full zipper front, front hand warmer pockets, and a knit waistband and cuffs are Active Jac signature features.
NEW DENIM ACTIVE JAC
Inspired by the first Active Jac that hit the scene back in 1975.
1975
Born in denim and built to work, the legend of the heavy-duty hooded Active Jac began in 1975 with a 10 oz. all-cotton shell and red and black fleece lining. The new 50th Anniversary Denim Active Jac features archival details like 100% cotton denim and quilted flannel lining in the body and hood with modern tech like Wind Fighter™ technology to help brave blustery days.
NEW RED DUCK ACTIVE JAC
Inspired by the 1990 version. Built to work well into the future.
1990
Recognized for its work ethic as much as its appearance, the brown duck Active Jac makes its red duck debut and earned its place for 18 years. As one of the Active Jac’s most popular colorways ever, the Red J140 Active Jac is clocking back in for 2025.
NEW FULL SWING® WASHED DUCK ACTIVE JAC
After releasing our first Brown Duck Active Jac in 1979, this new version has extra stretch across the back.
2025
Engineered with the toughness needed for another 50 years of earning it every day. The new Full Swing® Active Jac ensures this hardworking legacy lives on with our patented Full Swing® technology that provides increased stretch across the shoulders and back to give you greater range of motion. Hook and loop chest pockets, reinforced lower front pockets, and storm cuffs offer even more versatility to tackle any job.
WASHABLE WAXED COTTON ACTIVE JAC
We worked with legendary textile manufacturer British Millerain® to develop a naturally water-resistant waxed cotton that’s washable for our new Washable Waxed Cotton Active Jac. The drawstring hood, rib-knit cuffs and waistband, and front pockets are all still there, but with the added versatility of a lighter weight 8 oz. outer shell and 4 oz. Twill flannel interior lining that will help keep you more comfortable in warm weather precipitation or while you’re working up a sweat in the snow. The Waxed Cotton Active Jac is available exclusively on Carhartt.com and in select Carhartt stores.
SHOP WAXED ACTIVE JAC
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