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Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Red Kap has been making American work wear since it was founded in 1923 under the name Harlin Brothers & Williams. Brothers William Harlin, Sr. and Alexander Harlin and cousin-by-marriage Claude H. Williams, were the founders whose specialty was the production of bib overalls.  With influence from the popularity of Red Cap Brazil smoking tobacco amongst workers at the time, the company changed its name to Red Kap in 1939 and copied the tobacco company’s red jockey cap for its logo. 

During the 1930s, Red Kap expanded its line of products to work shirts and pants known as “matched sets” and chambray work shirts called “Go Getters.”  The company contributed into the war effort by making comfortable military clothing and gear for soldiers. 

After the war, Red Kap developed items featuring materials that could withstand industrial washing. As a result, Red Kap acquired contracts to supply workers uniforms.  Continuing to further develop products, the company opened the work wear industry’s first research and development laboratory in the 1960s.  In 1964, Red Kap was acquired by Blue Bell, the parent company of Wrangler. 

Today, Red Kap continues its original aim of making work clothing comfortable. It has expanded its line to include culinary clothing, healthcare, housekeeping as well as serving many clients in the industrial and automobile sectors.  Red Kap’s claim is that “we outfit the 16 million who do the real work, the right way.”