Early Beginnings (1918–1922)

The origins of Dickies date to 1918, when business partners C.N. Williamson and E.E. “Colonel” Dickie established a company producing harnesses and equipment for horses. As industrialisation expanded across the United States, they identified a growing demand for durable clothing designed specifically for manual labour.

In 1922, they officially founded the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company, shifting their focus from equestrian equipment to work apparel. Their first major product was a rugged denim bib overall manufactured for ranchers, railroad workers, mechanics, and farmers throughout the American Southwest.12

The Great Depression (1930s)

Despite the economic hardship of the Great Depression, Dickies continued to expand. The company built a reputation for producing affordable, dependable workwear whilst maintaining strong relationships with its workforce. Historical company records indicate that employees were provided with free meals on production lines during this period.2

World War II

During World War II, the U.S. government commissioned Dickies to manufacture military uniforms. The company temporarily suspended civilian clothing production to produce approximately nine million heavy-duty twill uniforms for the American armed forces. This period significantly enhanced the manufacturing expertise of Dickies and reinforced its reputation for quality and reliability.2

International Expansion (1950s)

Following the war, Dickies resumed civilian production and began expanding internationally. Texas oil workers introduced Dickies clothing to oil fields in the Middle East, where the durable garments proved highly effective in demanding working environments. This exposure helped establish Dickies as an internationally respected workwear brand.2

The Birth of an Icon: The 874 Work Pant (1967)

A pivotal milestone occurred in 1967 with the release of the 874 Original Work Pant. The 874 featured heavy-duty twill fabric, wrinkle resistance, stain resistance, reinforced construction, long-lasting durability, and affordable pricing. It quickly became the signature product of Dickies and remains one of the most recognisable work pants globally.12

Beginning in the late 1980s, Dickies transitioned beyond traditional workwear. Its loose-fitting pants gained popularity among skateboarders, BMX riders, hip-hop artists, punk musicians, and within Chicano and West Coast youth culture. Skaters valued the durability and freedom of movement, while musicians and streetwear enthusiasts embraced the minimalist aesthetic.

Unlike many fashion brands, Dickies did not intentionally market itself to these communities; adoption occurred organically because the garments were functional, affordable, and tough.12

Dickies manufactures a wide variety of apparel across several categories:1

Workwear

• Work pants
• Work shirts
• Coveralls
• Bib overalls
• High-visibility clothing
• Safety apparel

Casual Clothing

• Chinos
• Cargo pants
• T-shirts
• Hoodies
• Jeans
• Shorts

Outerwear

• Eisenhower Jackets
• Bomber jackets
• Insulated jackets
• Denim jackets

Professional Uniforms

• Medical scrubs
• Mechanic uniforms
• Industrial uniforms
• Tactical apparel

Accessories

• Backpacks
• Hats
• Belts
• Socks
• Bags

874 Original Work Pant

The best-selling product of Dickies for decades and widely regarded as a workwear icon.

Eisenhower Jacket

Originally inspired by military jackets worn during World War II, it has become one of the signature outerwear pieces of Dickies.

Bib Overalls

The original flagship product of the company, dating back to the 1920s.

Coveralls

Popular among mechanics, technicians, and industrial workers worldwide.

Dickies emphasises durability, functionality, simplicity, comfort, affordability, and timeless design. Rather than following fast-changing fashion trends, the brand focuses on creating garments built for long-term use in demanding environments.1

Dickies has become deeply embedded in global street culture. Its clothing has been embraced by skateboarding communities, hip-hop artists, punk scenes, Chicano fashion, BMX riders, and contemporary streetwear enthusiasts. Due to its authentic workwear heritage, Dickies is often viewed as a brand that naturally bridges utility and fashion.12

Dickies has collaborated with numerous fashion and streetwear brands, including Supreme, Stüssy, Converse, Vans, BEAMS, mastermind JAPAN, and Neighborhood. These collaborations reinterpret classic Dickies silhouettes while preserving their utilitarian character.

Dickies products are available in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East. The brand distributes workwear, lifestyle apparel, and uniforms in more than 100 countries.1

Dickies was originally operated as the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company. It was acquired by VF Corporation in 2017. In late 2025, VF completed the sale of Dickies to Bluestar Alliance, a brand management company, as part of a portfolio restructuring by VF.3

Dickies promotes values centred on hard work, reliability, durability, honest craftsmanship, practical design, and accessibility. Its messaging consistently emphasises clothing that is “built to last” and designed for people who rely on dependable apparel in everyday life.1

From a small Texas overall manufacturer to a globally recognised workwear icon, Dickies has maintained its reputation for producing durable, practical clothing while becoming an influential name in modern fashion. Its signature pieces—especially the 874 Work Pant, Eisenhower Jacket, and bib overalls—remain staples for workers, skaters, and streetwear enthusiasts alike, reflecting a century-long legacy of functionality, quality, and enduring style.

1. Dickies History | 100 Years of Durable Workwear US
2. About Dickies® B2B Workwear | Industrial Safety Uniforms | Dickies® B2B
3. Texas-born Dickies gets acquired by New York private equity firm