Matt Duchene, a forward for the Dallas Stars, has been making waves in men’s fashion publications lately for his NHL game outfit. Duchene is wearing a personalized Carhartt suit, which comes with a Carhartt patch on the left pocket, in the brand’s typical mustard brown color. This daring design choice has been making waves on social media, defying the NHL’s custom of team-centric attire.
Duchene, originally from Haliburton, Ontario, says that the Carhartt suit honors his working-class upbringing and the industrious individuals he was exposed to. Duchene, who hails from a family with a history in farming, trucking, and outdoor pursuits, regards Carhartt as a symbol of that hardy and practical mindset.
Carhartt is no longer only an option for the working class; Duchene is unique in that she represents the brand’s image. Duchene’s support of Carhartt is also essential because of his genuine connection to the lifestyle and hands-on experiences, unlike other menswear designers who may wear the brand for style.
While he was a player for the Nashville Predators last season, Duchene came up with the suit concept to add some individuality to the NHL’s dress code. He contacted Domenico Vacca, the proprietor of Giovanni Clothes in Montreal, his go-to tailor, after failing to locate Carhartt suits on the market to realize his concept.
Vacca, who has never worn a Carhartt, researched, selected the perfect shade of Dijon, and added patch pockets to complete the classic Carhartt look. The suit’s emblem was taken from a Carhartt shirt owned by Vacca’s kid, giving the outfit a unique and individualized touch.
The design process was teamwork, with Duchene offering the idea for a cutting-edge aesthetic that combined Carhartt’s rugged appearance with modern design cues. Duchene enhances the convergence of styles by finishing the ensemble with a pair of robust Tecovas boots.
Though the Carhartt suit has received much attention, Duchene playfully admits that a hammer loop—a practical component seen in most Carhartt workwear—was overlooked. Duchene said he would be willing to include this information in later versions.
Duchene is grateful for the attention the Carhartt suit is getting this time, considering it wasn’t very controversial when it was first shown on social media last year. He notes that athletes from other sports increasingly exhibit more diversified design choices, and he urges other hockey players to show off their individuality while adhering to the dress code.
Duchene highlights how difficult it is for hockey players to express their individuality via clothing, particularly when wearing suits is required for the dress code. But he observes a change for the better in recent years, with more players adopting exciting and varied approaches. Duchene hopes that this pattern of letting hockey players be themselves yet upholding team norms continues.
Matt Duchene emphasizes that, in contrast to popular belief, Carhartt does not sponsor him and that his affection for the company is sincere. He says he’s excited to work with Carhartt, sending the brand a photograph of the suit via his agency in the hopes that they would recognize and support his original design.