Pros
- Four-way stretch fabric
- Incredibly clean aesthetic
- No-snag pockets
- Water resistant
Cons
- A little noisier than expected in motion
The best overall blue ribbon gets pinned on this standup pair of pants from TRUEWERK. They proved top of the heap in all of our major categories and considerations, feeling good, looking good, and down for any kind of work you could dream up.
The pockets are so sleek they practically blend into the pants while the four-way stretch fabric spells elasticity to the max. We found the exterior to be virtually un-tearable while the interior vented well and stayed cool, even during the sweatiest of activities. While the crotch is gusseted, the articulated knees mean lateral and quicker movements are a breeze.
Our testing revealed a great-fitting pair of pants that we never really wanted to take off. It’s a bit of a cliche to talk about not having to worry about your clothes so you can focus on the task at hand but there’s a real truth to that here. At times, it felt like we were wearing a second layer of skin, one with tons of cool features like smartly-shaped and placed pockets (no-snag pen and knife pockets, for example) and enough support to assist the most daring mountaineer or intrepid handyman.
Read more: Best Work Boots for Men
Gussets | Yes |
---|---|
Knee Protection | Articulated knees |
Materials | Nylon-polyester blend |
Pockets | 7 |
Special Features | Abrasion and stain protect, lined pockets |
Pros
- Available in big and tall sizes
- Dependable and durable
- Engineered for all weather
- High visibility color option
Cons
- The sizing is a bit off
Tough does not even begin to capture the essence of this pair of pants. After testing, we honestly feel like you could be buried in these bad boys and they would still perform like they did on day one. The cotton-polyester canvas fabric is tough as nails and the top-loading front pockets are great for tools. We loved the oxford panels and the extra loop in the back was great for securing that one extra tool (you can’t have too many). While they weren’t our favorite pair of pants for the colder months, we did appreciate how they handled chillier conditions.
Gussets | Yes |
---|---|
Knee Protection | Articulated |
Materials | Cotton-poly canvas |
Pockets | 6 |
Special Features | Top-loading knee pad pockets |
Best Value Work Pants
Amazon Essentials Men’s Carpenter Jean with Tool Pockets
Pros
- Durable cotton canvas build
- Tons of colors available
- Comfortable fit
- Reinforced heel to help limit wear and tear
Cons
- No special features
- Lifespan not as long as other pants on this list
The Amazon Essentials work pants are barebones, but they get the job. Over 2,000 five-star reviews are attributed to these bad boys, with reviews pointing out the pants are “as tough as a duffel bag” and have smart features like reinforced heels (a surprising rarity for most work pants).
The fact you can buy these pants in several different colors and they cost less than $30 makes them a solid work pant buy. They will hold up admirably, but in the even you notice they’re wearing down faster than expected, you can simply go re-up on a fresh pair and have them at your door in 1-2 days.
Read more: Best Workout Clothes on Amazon
Gussets | No |
---|---|
Knee Protection | NA |
Materials | Cotton |
Pockets | 6 |
Special Features | No |
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Pros
- Warm flannel on inner of pant
- Good level of stretch
- Ample pocket space with a hidden cell pocket included
Cons
- Suitable only for cold temperatures
Work doesn’t stop just because the weather changes. This coming winter, don’t let the cold weather get the best of you with these flannel-lined pants from Carhartt. They also offer plenty of storage with several accessible pockets—including a dedicated cell phone pocket on the leg.
During testing, we were also drawn to the relaxed fit and right amount of stretch, thanks to a small percentage of spandex. They kept their shape and feel after lots of hours of labor and the reinforced belt loops prove their worth. The insulation levels are great for the colder months and we were impressed by how they kept chilly winds at bay.
Gussets | No |
---|---|
Knee Protection | No |
Materials | Cotton, spandex |
Pockets | 5 |
Special Features | Rugged Flex tech |
Pros
- Under $30
- Tons of colors available
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Classic work pant design
- Suitable for job sites and for the office
Cons
- Twill fabric not as flexible as some might prefer.
Who said work pants can’t be stylish? This pair from Dickies is office-friendly enough for meetings and presentations—while still providing durable protection with a heavyweight twill for when you head back to the job site.
When wearing these pants, we loved how sturdy and wrinkle-resistant they were. When testing, we also enjoyed how the 874 allows enough space to wear our boots with, as well as the fact the waist closure was secure and kept shirts tucked in without ever sagging down onto the hips either. Looking good while logging the hours, that’s how it should be.
Read more: Best Polos for Men
Materials | Polyester, cotton |
---|---|
Pockets | 4 |
Special Features | Wide tunnel belt loops |
Pros
- Has more stretch than one would expect
- Stylish tapered look
- Good for construction
- Hidden cell phone pocket
Cons
- Pants lean to fit tighter. Might want to consider sizing up in waist.
Some guys don’t like the baggy relaxed fit, we get it. We found Carhartt’s widely popular Rugged Flex pant in a tapered cut gave us the most amount of room while also keeping a slimming look. The canvas on the pant has just the right amount of toughness, all while staying comfortable and true to fit.
Carhartt also makes sure to work in a good amount of stretch so you can bend and get low in them. Here’s a rare instance where a work pant can also double as a casual pant, if you ever need to go straight from the job site to dinner with the family.
Gussets | No |
---|---|
Knee Protection | No |
Material | Cotton, spandex |
Pockets | 5 |
Special Features | Rugged Flex tech |
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Pros
- Great breathability, especially in warm weather
- Secure waistband that keeps shirts tucked
- Teflon coated to help repell dust and moisture
- Ample pocket space
- Cool rugged design
Cons
- Some might not prefer the baggy fit
Triple-stitched and coated with Teflon, the Taclite Pro is a work pant made to handle dirt, mud, grease, you name it, while staying lightweight and cool. The pant is made with a cotton/poly stretch ripstop fabric that’s water-resistant and super breathable, making it a solid work pant for warm weather.
The Taclite Pro also has lots of deep pocket space for optimized storage. While this pant shines bright in multiple areas, we found the Tactlite Pro’s combination of its fabric with a spacious cut allows elite breathability and movement—making this a pant you can quite literally run and jump in if needed.
Read more: Best T-Shirts for Men
Gussets | No |
---|---|
Knee Protection | Double layered |
Materials | Polyester, cotton |
Pockets | 8 |
Special Features | Teflon coated |
Pros
- Added knee protection
- Several colors available
- Action gusset and deep pockets
- Roomy fit makes it comfortable to move around in
Cons
- Waist band has some friction to it and needs a second to break in
Not only are these Wrangler work pants a great deal at around $45, but they’re also constructed with 100% cotton rip-resistant fabric to help prevent holes and punctures. A lot of guys rave about the Ranger Pant’s cut, allowing just the right amount of space to move around in the pant without making it look like they’re wearing a tent.
The pants accommodate boots too, so you won’t have any trouble slipping on your stompers. Other design notes that make this pant elite are the action-gusseted crotch and the triple-needle stitching reinforcement in high-wear areas like the knees.
Gussets | No |
---|---|
Knee Protection | Reinforced |
Materials | Cotton |
Pockets | 7 |
Special Features | Ripstop fabric |
Pros
- Strong 8.8-ounce canvas material
- Deep pockets
- Added gusset and knee protection
- Dedicated cell phone pocket with closure
- High level of storage
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Pants can get hot when working for long periods of time
Whether you’re building bridges or putting together your kid’s playground, these tried-and-true Trademark Pants from Caterpillar are a builder’s best friend. They’re basically the strongest pants on this entire list, thanks to an 8.8-ounce C2X cotton-polyester canvas that’s tear and water-resistant.
When testing these pants, we found the diamond gusset and knee-reinforcement added comfort and durability when moving on the ground for jobs like bathroom remodeling. We loved how the Trademark Pant utilizes its pocket space too. We’re talking holster pockets, deep cargo pockets, a rear tool pocket, and a cell phone pocket with a secure closure.
If you’re looking for a strong pair of work pants with ample pocket space and tons of comfort, then the Trademark Pant is a no brainer buy for sure.
Read more: Best Work Shoes
Gussets | Yes |
---|---|
Knee Protection | Articulated |
Materials | Cotton, polyester |
Pockets | 8 |
Special Features | Top-loading knee pad pockets |
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Pros
- Trusted durability and comfort
- Wears in gracefully
- Tapered boot cut design
- Timeless style
Cons
- Not ideal for professional work environments that consist of all-day manual labor
- No diamond gusset on the crotch
Every guy needs a good pair of work jeans, and the 517 Boot Cut passes all the tests with flying colors. Aside from being stylish enough to wear casually, the 517 is cut to wear your best pair of work boots with. You get trusted Levi’s durability and high level of comfort that’s only going to get better the more you break them in. Couple these notes with the fact you’ve got a tapered cut that allows room but doesn’t look too baggy, and you’ve got the best go-to work jean for one dang good price point.
We’ve been using these as our go-to work pants for all types of home projects, from cutting down tree limbs in the yard to painting walls and redoing bathrooms.
Read more: Best Boots for Men
Gussets | Yes |
---|---|
Knee Protection | No |
Materials | Cotton |
Pockets | 4 |
Special Features | No |
Best Carpenter Jeans Work Pants
Wrangler Riggs Workwear Mens Ripstop Carpenter Jeans
Now 31% Off
Pros
- Long lifespan
- Not too baggy like other carpenter pants can be
- Tons of pocket space
- Pants fit over boots with ease
Cons
- Doesn’t have knee reinforcement. See the Wrangler Ranger Pant if you want knee protection.
A long-time favorite of carpenters and handymen, the Wrangler Ripstop Carpenter Jeans have a perfect relaxed fit and a durable 100% cotton durashield denim build. The jeans aren’t totally bootcut, but they accomodate work boots most definitely. Small features like an action gusset crotch helps provide comfort when squatting and moving, and deep front pockets help maximize storage and keep small items from tumbling out.
We also appreciated the slight western look to these pants (cowboys are back in fashion, y’all), especially when teamed up with a brown belt and brown pair of boots. The weight is ideal and given the price, there’s some serious value going on here.
Gussets | No |
---|---|
Knee Protection | No |
Materials | Cotton |
Pockets | 4 |
Special Features | Durashield denim |
Pros
- Impressive level of stretch
- Can be worn through all seasons
- Abrasion-resistant fabric
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Pant length is longer than expected
With enough pockets to hold everything you need for a day’s work, these Dickies pants can get you through any work day. They’re also constructed from a flex-friendly fabric, so you can move around with ease. You’d be hard-pressed to tear this pair, even on the most demanding job sites.
The fit is a bit more contemporary, sitting slightly lower than more traditional pairs. And the reinforcement is there without being uncomfortable, offering a virtually seamless feel with inherent durability. Did we mention that they com in more than 10 quality color choices? Go get some.
Gussets | Yes |
---|---|
Knee Protection | NA |
Materials | Cotton, polyester, elastane |
Pockets | 6 |
Special Features | Tough Max tech |
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Pros
- Excellent level of stretch
- Wide leg opening for boots
- Lots of pocket space (8 total pockets)
Cons
- Some of the darker colors can fade quickly
If your job site requires constant movement and ups and downs, these pants from Wolverine are perfect for you. Featuring a durable, yet flexible material, you can expect a great range of motion for all sorts of work time duties. Seriously, you could wear these during a strenuous workout at the gym and they’d keep pace.
Mostly cotton with a bit of spandex, this pair touts eight pockets in total. They’re made for mobility and built tough, able to handle farming, forestry, construction, and more. The Steelhead Stretch Pants came to us highly recommended and they more than lived up to the hype.
Read more: Best Work Shirts
Gussets | No |
---|---|
Knee Protection | No |
Materials | Cotton, spandex canvas |
Pockets | 8 |
Special Features | No |
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Tons of colors and patterns available
- Ample stretch
- Breathable
Cons
- Thin fabric might not be as protective as some workers need
Fending off water while breathable, these parts are all about performance. The ripstop nylon offers cool sheen and the level of comfort is through the roof. While some jobs might require a slightly higher level of protection, the cargo pants work hard for the price.
Machine washable, these babies come in a shocking 34 color and pattern options. Decidedly army in style, the pants do not come with a tactical built but we suggest getting one to complete the sharp look. During testing, we loved the useful D-ring, how they fought off potential stains, and cargo pockets big enough for water bottles.
Gussets | Yes |
---|---|
Knee Protection | No |
Materials | Duramax ripstop fabric (cotton/poly blend) |
Pockets | 10 |
Special Features | Ripstop fabric |
Best Eco-Friendly Work Pants
Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Cargo Pants
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Deep pockets
- Made from 12.9-ounce hemp canvas
- High abrasion-resistance
Cons
- Pants can get hot when worn for long periods of time
Featuring solid and durable rip-resistant fabric, this option from Patagonia is a sturdier version of a traditional cargo pant. A relaxed fit that needs no breaking-in throughout provides greater freedom of movement for a more comfortable all-day wear.
While they’re not exactly eye catching, we love the fact that these pants are eco-friendly and made from responsible materials. They can heat up on a long and warm day, but overall, the pants showed well in the field. Bonus points for drop-in front pockets reinforced with gussets and a neatly contoured waistband. Patagonia does it again.
Gussets | Yes |
---|---|
Knee Protection | NA |
Materials | 12.9-oz 55% industrial hemp/27% recycled polyester/18% organic cotton |
Pockets | 6 |
Special Features | Made in Fair Trade Certified factory |
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Pros
- Made in USA
- High level of comfort
- Long lifespan
These canvas work pants put style first, and safety a close second. So you won’t likely want to break a sweat in them. But, as a pair of utility pants, the Roughneck is made with stretch for movement and comfort for daily wear in mind, giving you seriously on-point workwear style whatever you pair it with.
We suggest getting a snug pair you can wear belt-less, as the minimal look suits these pants well. You get standards like five pockets and a zip fly but also cool accents like custom metal hardware. Oh, and they come in three signature colors and six custom colors.
Gussets | No |
---|---|
Knee Protection | 9 |
Materials | Cotton, spandex |
Pockets | 5 |
Special Features | Custom metal hardware |
Pros
- Metal hardware
- Gusseted crotch
- Canvas has more stretch than other canvas pants we’ve tested
- Stylish enough to wear outside of work
Cons
- Takes a second to break in
These don’t look like your run-of-the-mill work pants because they are not meant to be. Updated with breathable, stretch canvas and a more relaxed fit that doesn’t feel baggy, the new Rover is versatile enough to be worn like everyday jeans or chinos while being rugged enough for all your DIY home projects. The gusseted crotch adds more mobility to make them work as travel pants. Huckberry and quality tend to go hand in hand and that’s the care here. Might we all get an extra pair. The straight cut is iconic and tasteful while tech like dart seams behind the knees make them all the more nimble.
Gussets | Yes |
---|---|
Knee Protection | Dart seams |
Materials | 73% cotton, 25% Repreve TruTemp365® (recycled polyester), 2% lycra |
Pockets | 4 |
Special Features | Stretch canvas |