When H.W. Carter started his company in Lebanon, New Hampshire some one hundred and fifty years ago in 1859, America only had just 33 states, the Wild West was at its peak, and the idea of the an online store wasn't even close to being on someone's mind.

That first year of the company was a crucial one.   Abigail Carter invented the first ever Overalls for use on railroads. Over the next ten years, H.W. Carter presents the original “Lebanon Overalls” for sale across New England and soon expanded with a focus on quality and value.

By 1890 H.W. Carter & Sons became the premier manufacturer of denim overalls and “work wear”.  Carter’s Overalls were famous throughout the United States.  The company continued to grow, expanding it's selection to making boy’s overalls, railroad overalls, painter pants, coats, jumpers, and shirts eventually putting everything under the simple trademark “Carter’s”.

Growing again a few years later to selling their new ski jackets, sport jackets and wool mackinaw coats, Carter’s would soon acquire the Watch the Wear Overall Company of Keen, New Hampshire and its trade name “Watch the Wear”.

Under the new trademark of “CARTER’S Watch the Wear”, H.W. Carter & Sons continued to expand and grow. Forging through the strain of the Great Depression, CARTER’S Watch the Wear workwear proudly supported American workers as they pushed forward to victory in World War II.

CWTW was there in coal mines, factories and manufacturing plants. And after America was all done pulling themselves up by their  bootstraps and building the American Dream one long day at a time, CARTER’S Watch the Wear was right there with them as the country shifted over to the leisure time of diners, drive-ins, and road trips.

CARTER’S Watch the Wear brand is rooted deep in American history and Americana. Since its inception in 1859, over 150 years ago, by Henry W. Carter, in Lebanon, New Hampshire, the people of H.W. Carter & Sons and the CARTER’S Watch the Wear company have strived to achieve something they can take pride in; something that has been a symbol of quality in the making of sturdy denim workwear. Now they enter a new chapter in history while keeping the spirit and principles of Henry W. Carter alive. What was once designed for the men who hand built America, is now made for everyday families who keep America thriving.