John Fetterman Just Became Pennsylvania's Workwear Senator
On November 9, John Fetterman toppled Dr. Mehmet Oz in the polls to become Pennsylvania's senator-elect, following a three-year stretch as the state's Lieutenant Governor. In doing so, Fetterman ushers in a new era for the City of Brotherly Love — not because of his radically different policies, but his wardrobe.
Despite his Master's degrees from UConn and Harvard, Fetterman has been situated as the blue collar alternative to Washington's stuffy suits. Despite the stroke he suffered before the midterms, Fetterman's image is hardy, tough, reliable.
He's a relative rarity amidst American Liberals, who struggle to reach the blue collar voters that their Republican rivals so frequently court with vague rhetoric about putting America first (that was literally Dr. Oz's campaign slogan, mind you).
Fetterman, who ran on a platform of abortion rights, commonsense gun control, and legalized marijuana, dresses the part of an Average Joe. His uniform is hoodies and down jackets from Carhartt, the brand worn by folks who work with their hands.
No ties, please: even when sitting for his official Pennsylvania government photo in 2019, Fetterman eschewed blazers for a double-pocketed work shirt.
The only time in recent memory that Fetterman publicly suited up was back in 2019 for his inaugural lieutenant governor address.
Since then, whether he was campaigning with teachers or hobnobbing with presidents, Fetterman has made Carhartt his no-nonsense uniform, so much so that some people tossed on a bald cap and Carhartt hoodie to dress as him for Halloween.
It's part of the branding, really. With his bald head, tattooed forearms, and Carhartt, Fetterman's brand has become that of the no bullshit sleeve-roller-upper who'll cut through Washington's red tape on behalf of the working class.
Now, whether or not Fetterman is what he says he is, it'll all come out in the wash. What's most interesting thing is how Fetterman's manifested his image through clothing, his Carhartt clothes a replacement for the little American flag pin that's clipped to so many lapels.
Workwear as political posturing is nothing new, of course: just look at how many gladhanders toss on a hard hat to represent synonymy with laborers.
But Fetterman's dependable Carhartt garb is too consistent to be a costume. The guy literally lives in workwear and, as a result, he looks like an approachably normal guy, especially compared to the perpetually TV-ready Dr. Oz.
Washington's dress codes may encroach on Fetterman's Carhartt habit but the Detroit workwear institution really just ought to endorse him. How about a three piece suit made of duck canvas?
