The 'Wearing Carhartt' meme explores the irony of traditional workwear becoming a high-fashion staple for those who have never worked in a trade. Carhartt, originally founded to serve railroad workers and manual laborers, saw a massive surge in popularity among urban populations and 'gorpcore' enthusiasts who value the brand for its rugged aesthetic rather than its utility. These memes often feature individuals dressed in pristine, heavy-duty duck canvas jackets or signature beanies while performing decidedly non-rugged tasks, like coding or ordering specialty coffee. Often referred to as 'blue-collar cosplay,' the meme highlights the cultural shift where industrial durability is traded for stylistic street cred, mocking the disconnect between the clothing's intended purpose and its modern-day usage.