Best Work Pants Reviews & Price Comparison
One of the most essential gears you need for work in the construction industry is a pair of quality work pants. Work pants not only protect you from workplace hazards but they also protect the clothes you wear underneath from dirt and wear.
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To get the most from your outfit, you need to buy the best work pants for construction workers and handyman contractors. There are many options on the market. Some of the best include:
10 Best Work Pants
1. Carhartt Men's Washed Dungarees
Designed for Convenience and Durability
A hammer is one of the most essential tools for construction projects. When you need one, you do not want to spend significant amounts of time looking for it. Therefore, having a loop on your work pants can help you to conveniently carry your hammer without having to tear through your toolbox to find one. The loop is large enough to easily fit a hammer in it.
These pants come with knee inserts to support the knees while working and make the pants more durable. The knee inserts will prevent you from spending money on a replacement simply because the old pants were ripped in the knee area. In addition, the inserts will enhance comfort when you have to bend down on hard surfaces like concrete. On to the bargain are the wide leg openings that can fit pretty much any work boot.
These work pants are made of durable pure, ring-spun cotton duck material. One of the benefits of this type of cotton is that it is more woven than other fabrics including regular cotton or khaki. In addition, it easily adapts to your body, a considerable advantage when working on construction projects.
The double front feature of the pants makes it quite durable. Like the knees, the quads often take significant impact and your pants are likely to wear down quickly without the double front parts. In addition, the pants have a cleanout feature that allows dirt and debris to fall off instead of sticking on. This is a great feature for work pants because the last thing you want is having to clean your work pants every day after work.
Designed for Comfort
The pants have a loose fit to enhance comfort while working on your construction projects. Even the smallest discomfort during construction work can soon become unbearable. Although this may not seem like a big deal, it makes the difference between focusing on your discomfort all day and concentrating on your work.
They feature full seat and comfortable thigh design to enhance comfort. As a construction worker, you understand that your work involves spending significant amounts of time bending, stretching, and kneeling. Therefore, you need work pants that adapt to your body. The feel seat and comfortable thigh design of this work pants give you the confidence of knowing that the pants will adapt to your movements.
Weighs 12 ounces
Made of pure ring spun cotton duck
Reinforced paneling at the knees
Double fronts
Cleanout feature
Reinforced pockets
Left hammer loop
19-inch leg openings
Cost and Value
Quite affordable and will last a long time eliminating the need for buying replacements more often.
Verdict
Designed for construction workers who do not like having to replace their work pants more often than they should.
- Lots of pockets and loops
- Sturdy
- Made of comfortable cotton
- Full seat and thigh to enhance comfort
- Does not fit true
- Not rip proof
2. 5.11 Men’s Tactical 74273
Sturdy Straps and Loops
These come with sturdy straps and loops that can be extremely useful if the pockets are filled up or when you need to carry around bigger tools that do not fit in the pockets.
Highly Durable
The triple stitch reinforcement of the work pants adds to their durability. You do not have to spend significant amounts of money buying replacements that will not last you half of what you had hoped they would last. These even come with YKK zippers that are more durable than regular zippers. In addition, the pants come with extensive bar tacking to prevent ripping on main stress points such as the knees and crotch.
Lightweight
Made of polyester and poly cotton
Features wear resistant finish
Triple stitch reinforcement makes them exceptionally durable
Bar tacking on major stress points
Two cargo pockets
Rear web strap
YKK zippers
Clip loop
Cost and Value
Although the pants may seem expensive at first glance, they are really quite affordable considering the amount of money you are likely to spend in the long term by buying cheaper, low quality alternatives.
Verdict
Overall, these are some of the best on the market. They are durable, strong and easy on the pockets. These pants are suitable for people looking for practical work pants that they can use at work and for outdoor adventures.
- Stain resistant
- Durable
- Easy access pockets
- Flexible zipper design
- Roomy
- Belt loop may feel a bit tight
3. Dickies Men's Big and Tall Original 874
Durable and Offers Great Convenience
Having your work pant’s fly jam every time you try to take the pants off can be annoying and frustrating. Dickies work pants are designed to eliminate this problem because their zip flies come with hooks and tab closures. The designers of this work pant added this attribute so that you can save time especially when you are in a hurry and do not want to deal with zipper issues. In addition, the pant’s zippers come with a ratcheting feature to minimize stress on the zippers when it is in a locked position.
Easy Maintenance
The fabric of this work pant is stain and wrinkle resistant. You can wash off stains while retaining the shape and color of the work pant. The fabric is also chemically treated to hold up its shape regardless of use. All these means that you do not have to do much to maintain the pants because they will look as good as new, regardless of how many times you have used and washed them.
Expandable waistband with tunnel loops
Welt back pockets and sturdy tunnel belt loops
Zip fly with hook and tab closures
Stain and wrinkle resistant
Hook and eye closures
Dyed to match buttons
Cost and Value
These are quite a bargain because they provide everything you need from a premium product. It has everything you need to perform at your best.
Verdict
Suitable for people who are in between waist sizes because it offers excellent fit that is not too tight or too loose.
- Made of sturdy fabric
- Comfortable and durable
- Easy care and machine washable
- Long tunnel belt loops
- Welt back pockets provide convenient storage
- Not suitable for hot climates
4. Carhartt Cotton Ripstop
Double-Front Construction
Their double front construction prevents tears and wears on major stress points including the knees and the quads. This attribute would save you significant amounts of money on repairs and replacements.
Comfortable and Relaxed Fit
This feature lets the work pants fit comfortably around your waist without inducing much pain. They will keep you so relaxed during work that you will not feel tired or frustrated even after hours of work. You will not feel your thighs or butt being hammered by these work pants.
Relaxed fit
Gusseted crotch
Cordura-lined front and back pockets
Two cargo pockets with flaps and snap closures
Tear and wrinkle resistant fabric
Double front construction
Cost and Value
Despite the high cost of these work pants, they are worth every penny considering the fact that they are made of quality materials and provide optimal comfort in key areas.
Verdict
Recommended for construction workers looking for comfortable pants with a relaxed fit.
- Cordura lined to enhance durability
- Available in a wide range of styles
- Loose fitting for comfort
- Made of sturdy riptop material
- Quite pricey
5. Dickies Loose-Fit Cargo
Designed for Rigorous Work
These work pants have button closure system that prevents the zippers from digging into your skin. This can be quite unbearable and uncomfortable that it completely shuts your brain distracting you from your work. Button closures help to eliminate this problem. In addition, these work pants fit better and adjust well to the body.
Spending $50 to $80 on replacements two months after buying a pair of pants is not only frustrating but also expensive. Dickies work pants ensure that you do not have to come down that low because they are made with sturdy materials that do not wear down fast.
Designed for Comfort
You could wear these pants throughout the day without feeling as if they are cutting off your circulation. These loose fit pants have enough room in the seat and thigh areas making them ideal for physical movements including bending and squatting. They will not cause discomfort when you have to do your job. The pant’s wide leg openings ensure that your work boots can fit over them. In addition, its casual waistband can adapt perfectly to your waist, which enhances comfort.
Relaxed fit
Side seam pockets
Welted back pockets
Pleated cargo pockets
Button closures on zip fly
Wide leg openings
Casual waistband
Made of 100 percent cotton twill fabric
Sturdy construction
Cost and Value
This work pant is cost effective considering the fact that they will serve you for much longer than cheaper alternatives.
Verdict
Ideal for people looking for smart-casual, sturdy and durable work pants.
- Uniform comfort even with industrial laundering
- Roomy pockets
- Wide belt loop
- Wrinkle resistant
- Colors will not fade
- Gusseted at the crotch to enhance comfort
- Steep price
6. Levi’s 505
Easy to Maintain
They are easy to maintain and are not affected by machine wash. In addition, they feature comfortable and durable zipper closures providing a perfect final touch to their look. The fit style of these work pants is regular fit with five pockets for carrying a wide range of tools.
Stain and Wrinkle Resistant
These work pants do not wrinkle or show stains easily. They are designed to be anti-shrink even after several washes.
Zipper closure
Machine wash
Stretch denim
Cost and Value
Although these work pants may be more expensive than regular pants, their comfort and durability makes them worth the cost.
Verdict
Levi’s pants are great for daily use as well as electrical work. What makes them a great buy is their superior quality.
- Made of strong and stretchable material
- Five pockets provide easy and convenient storage for tools and other items
- Comfortable thanks to their slim fit design
- Made of 100 percent cotton that is strong and durable
- Requires minimal maintenance and does not shrink even with machine wash
- Do not feature hammer loops
7. Carhartt Work Dungaree
Provide Superior Comfort
These work pants are made of 100 percent cotton and are extremely comfortable. In addition, they are quite easy to wash in a washing machine. The dungarees come with additional utility pockets and a hammer loop.
Sturdy and Durable
This work pant is highly durable and features wide leg openings to accommodate bulky boots. In addition, it has enough room so that they do not feel tight on the thighs or legs while bending or kneeling. These work pants are highly versatile and come in a wide range of colors and sizes.
Weighs 11.75 ounces
Full seat and thigh
Machine wash
Zip fly with buttons
100 percent cotton denim
19-inch leg openings
Cost and Value
The price of this pair of dungarees is quite affordable for everyone. It is durable and will last much longer than cheaper alternatives.
Verdict
This option is affordable, comfortable and perfectly designed for electricians and construction workers.
- Made of 100 percent cotton and is easy to wash in a machine
- Features utility pockets as well as a hammer loop for carrying tools
- The pants have enough room to fit without tearing
- Available in a wide range of colors
- They tend to become loose at the waist with time
8. Carhartt Men’s Rugged Cargo
Highly Versatile
They come in a wide range of colors and designs to accommodate users’ varying tastes and styles. They are designed to be straight throughout the legs and wide at the openings so that they do not become a hindrance when wearing your work boots.
Convenient Storage
Theys feature hand, leg, and back pockets with flaps to provide convenient storage for tools. In addition, they come with separate pockets for cellphones and other small items such as pens.
100 percent cotton
Extra cargo pockets for cellphones and pens
Relaxed fit
Machine wash
Weighs 8 ounces
Relaxed seat and thigh
Strong belt hoops
Cost and Value
These work pants are affordable, durable, and comfortable in design. They provide everything a construction worker would want in a work pant.
Verdict
They are suitable for electricians and construction workers looking for work pants that are low in price and high in features. They are functional and allow you to achieve the stylish look at work.
- Available in a wide range of colors and designs for a more stylish look
- Wide leg openings to accommodate sizable work boots
- Has many pockets including separate pockets for cellphones and pens
Machine washable and easy to maintain
- Straight design may not stretch adequately when bending or kneeling
9. LEE Dungaree Jeans
Minimal Maintenance
They require minimal maintenance and can be washed in a machine without losing the softness of their fabrics or their color. In addition, they are designed to be wrinkle resistant and do not easily stretch or wear out.
Comfortable and Durable
These pants dry easily after washing. In addition, they are light yet strong and durable. They feature five standard pockets for carrying tools as well as one large loop for a hammer. You can wear this pant when at work as well as after work without looking out of place.
100 percent cotton
Machine wash
Belted
Relaxed seat and thigh areas
Cost and Value
They come in various fits and colors. They are light but strong and durable making them ideal for both work and casual activities. For the price, they are quite a bargain.
Verdict
These work pants are ideal for carpenters and electricians looking for affordable work pants that can also be worn on casual occasions.
- Five pockets provide adequate storage for tools and other items
- Wrinkle and stain resistant
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Requires minimal maintenance and are machine washable
- Can feel a bit tight while working
10. Riggs Workwear men’s Ripstop
Convenience
These pants have convenient storage for various types of tools. They come with pockets and a hammer loop for hanging your hammer as well as other tools you need for your work. You can also secure your tools and other items including pens and cellphones in its vertical pockets.
Comfortable
These work pants are not just comfortable to wear but they are also highly durable. They are designed to withstand the rigors of construction work. The pants feature reinforced knees, which means that you do not need to worry about the knee area wearing out faster than the other parts of the pants.
Made from 100 percent cotton
Provides enough room to fit
Reinforced knees
Convenient pocket storage and hammer loop
Lined pack pockets
Dirt drop vent
Cost and Value
These are affordable rugged but comfortable work pants that will save you significant amounts of money on unnecessary replacements.
Verdict
If you are looking for an option that will last for a long time, these pants would be the recommended choice. They may not win a fashion contest, but they are highly functional.
- Roomy cargo pockets with concealed flaps
- Reinforced knees
- Gusseted to allow easy movement
- Excellent fit in thigh, knee and seat areas
- Hammer loop
- May not be suitable for hot climates
Types of work pants
There are many types of work pants on the market. However, here are some of the most popular options:
Dungarees
These are work outfits that feature jean-like pants attached to an apron-type top. These work pants are available in a wide range of colors. However, blue denim is one of the most popular dungaree colors. Dungarees feature tough materials, which are often much tougher than the material used to make traditional jeans. Therefore, they are likely to last much longer than regular jeans. In addition, dungarees have wide leg openings to accommodate steel toe boots or other safety boots.
Carpenter Pants
These pants feature tough material to enhance durability. In addition, they have loose, flexible fit to allow you to move easily while working. These pants feature pockets, loops, and tabs for hanging tools that you work with. Carpenter pants often feature wider waists to allow contractors to carry their tool belts easily.
Cargo Pants
These pants are made of the same material as traditional jeans. However, cargo pants have one considerable advantage over conventional jeans; they come with additional pockets. Extra pockets provide more room for storing your tools. Although cargo pants may resemble regular pants, they have a much looser fit than regular pants to allow easier movement when working.
Painter Pants
Painter pants are quite similar to carpenter pants including extra pockets and tough materials. In addition, painter pants have loops for securing your hammer and other tools. However, the most distinct difference between painter pants and carpenter pants is that the former feature blight colors. Although painter pants are popularly used by painters, they are also common with other construction workers; whether they are painting or not.
Double Knee Work Pants
Experienced construction workers know that work pants usually wear out faster at the knees than the other parts of the pants. The wear is often caused by friction caused by frequent kneeling and bending when working. Double knee work pants solve this problem because they come with extra fabric sewn into the knee area. The extra layer of fabric prevents the knee area from wearing out faster than the other parts of the pants. However, the extra feature of this work pant makes it more expensive than other work pants.
Factors to Consider When Buying Work Pants
To get the best out of your work pants, you need to consider several factors including:
Material
This is one of the most important considerations to make when buying work pants because of its significant impact on comfortability. It also determines how long the pants will last. Work pants are made of a wide range of materials:
Denim: Many construction workers prefer denim work pants because of their comfortability. In addition, they come in a wide range of styles including flannel and fleece, which are ideal for cold climates. Although denim work pants have significant advantages over other work pants, they are not as durable as other work pants. The best thing is that they are quite comfortable once you break them in.
Cotton duck: Also known as canvas work pants, cotton duck feature smooth surfaces that make them less prone to wear and tear. In addition, they are heavy-duty work pants thanks to their sturdy materials. Although they are not entirely fire resistant, they perform quite well in hot climates. They are also quite effective in windy conditions.
Fitting
The fit of your work pants determines how comfortable they can be when working. There are three main types of fit for work pants: classic, slim fit, and relaxed. Classis is the average fit. On the other hand, the relaxed fit provides extra wiggle room around the thighs and seat area. Relaxed fit pants are considered the most comfortable work pants. Finally, slim fit work pants have the modern look and feature slimmer legs than classic fit pants. Despite their slim fit, they often have large leg openings to allow you to wear your safety boots comfortably.
Weight
This how heavy the work pants feel when you wear them. The weight of your work pants is determined by your preference and the climate of your work location. Heavy-duty work pants are suitable for cold climates while light work pants are ideal for warm climates. It is important to know that work pants made of lighter fabrics often do not last as long as those made of tough fabrics. The good thing is that some light work pants feature reinforced double knees and seems to enhance durability.
Seam Construction
Consider the quality of the seam when buying work pants. The poorer the quality of the stitching the less durable the work pants. Consider choosing work pants with triple-stitched main and taped seams. Pants reinforced with rivets and bartacks are highly durable.
Zippers
Check the zippers of the work pants you intend to buy to see if they can withstand dirt, grime, and repeated use.
Waterproofing
If you work in wet areas, consider choosing work pants that are treated with water repellants. This will help to ensure that water beads do not accumulate on your work pants when working. If you work in windy environments, choose work pants that feature wind-blocking technology.
Belt Loops
Quality work pants usually feature belt loops for hanging work tools. Be sure to choose work pants with strong belt loops. Wider and fortified belt loops provide maximum support for work tools.
Tips for Work Pants Maintenance
Use kneepads to protect your knees when working. Kneepads also support the knees when lifting heavy objects. Kneepads can be made of a wide range of materials including plastic and rubber among others. Wearing kneepads help to protect your pants from getting into contact with work surfaces hence protecting the pants from wear and tear. Kneepads can only give you the service you need if you choose the right ones. Pay close attention to the size of the pads.
Right-sized kneepads are not likely to keep slipping off and exposing your pants to hard work surfaces. In addition, choose kneepads that are comfortable to wear. Your kneepads should have enough padding material.
Invest in quality pants. Cheap pants are not likely to serve you for longer. The best work pants are usually made of quality materials, which are often not cheap. In addition, be sure to choose work pants with the right size and fitting. Although they might be slightly expensive than other work pants, the extra cost will be totally worth it.
Be extra cautious when working. Although many construction sites have rough surfaces, it is important to be cautious and handle yourself carefully at the job site. Avoid sitting on edged or rough surfaces such as stones because they are likely to damage your pants. In addition, avoid nails because they might tear your pants. In general, avoid any situation that might put your pants at risk of becoming damaged.
Clean your pants carefully. Regular cleaning of your pants will not only guarantee their durability but it will also help you achieve the clean look. On the same breath, be careful how you wash your pants because some cleaning methods may shorten the lifespan of your pants. Avoid cleaning your work pants with harsh detergents. In addition, be sure to check the back label of your work pants for cleaning instructions.
Criteria for Evaluation
Convenience
This helps to make a worker’s life much easier. Pockets and loops provide extra storage for your work tools and hammer so that you do not have to make frequent trips to your toolbox to search for the tools you need. Work pants with lots of pockets and loops can help you to keep your work tools close by. In addition, work pants with convenient storage translate to carrying lighter toolboxes or even none at all.
Apart from convenient storage, quality work pants should have additional ingenious features including easy cleaning and fast drying materials. Construction workers do not like spending hours of their free time after work washing their clothes, which is why quality work pants feature easy to maintain fabrics. All the work pants in this list have convenient storage and are easy to maintain.
Heavy-Duty Durability
As a construction worker, it is not enough to have cheap work pants that seem fine. Quality work pants are made of durable materials that will withstand the test of time. Cheap work pants might look OK to take to the construction site but they may serve you for only a couple of months before they completely wear out. If work pants are not made of durable or rugged fabrics such as hose fabric or duck, they are not ideal for construction work. Although not all work pants use the same materials, some feature double layers of fabric to enhance durability. The work pants in this list are designed to handle the rigors of construction sites.
Flexible Materials
Construction work involves lots of physical effort including lots of bending, standing and stretching all day long. Therefore, getting work pants made of flexible fabric may be the best idea because they adapt to your movements. Your regular pair of jeans is not an option because they are likely to break after a few days of heavy lifting, bending and squatting. The satisfaction you got for saving money will go the moment your cheap work pants break. All the work pants featured in this list are made of flexible material.
Comfort Features
A few years ago, comfort was not the considered the most important factor when working at a construction site. Today, things have considerably changed. Many work pants have improved in their comfort attributes, which translates to lots of great options out there. Today, work pants are made of comfortable fabrics including cotton and other blends that are incredibly comfortable. The work pants in this list are made of comfortable fabric.
F.A.Qs
Q: What material is the best?
A: The most important thing to check for in a pair of work pants is the material it is made of. Rule out all pants made of materials that you are allergic to and pick the right one. Pure cotton is the best material for pants for electricians. The best things about this material are that it is safe, stretchable, and comfortable. Polyester is softer but may develop holes faster. On the other hand, denim tends to get softer and more comfortable with time. It is the most durable material for work pants.
Q: What kind of fit should I get?
A: The fit of your work pants determines its comfort level. The best fit for electricians is the relaxed fit because it is roomy and can accommodate heavy boots.
Q: Do I need extra pockets in my work pants?
A: Work pants usually have extra pockets than usual for carrying all the tools you need for your work. In most cases, they have loops for hammers and extra pockets for securing tools, cellphones, and pens.
Q: What is the best color for a pair of work pants?
A: The best option is a dark color like deep indigo or dark blue. Darker colors hide stains and help you look as presentable as possible when working.
