The 20 Best Work Pants For Men
For every time you’re able to reach for slim dark denim or cool corduroys or go-anywhere chinos during the winter months, there are times where you simply have to get down to business. A new season, like the impending shift to spring (slowly but surely!) throws this into even sharper relief. For those times, you need a durable, rugged and dependable pair of pants cut out for work this season and beyond. So, what you really need is one of our picks (or more) for the best work pants for men, as it were.
The great thing about durable work pants is that plenty of them feature the same DNA as other favorite pants in your arsenal — including a dependable fit and quality construction — yet this breed of pants features something a little more, well, work-ready.
There’s not a better time of year to stock up on dependable work pants than right now. The changing of the seasons seems to call out for gear that can get the job done — regardless of what the weather is like outside. Be it a crisp, unexpectedly cool spring morning with dew still wet on the grass, or a hard day of work in the field that swiftly turns into an evening’s work lit by lamps and fire light — yes, your work pants have to be able to do it all.
Carhartt Rugged Flex Rigby Double-Front Utility Pant
When you think of men’s work pants, perhaps your mind jumps right away to Carhartt and its iconic, tough workwear. For performance that kicks into high gear right when you need it (say, during a fall storm), the Rugged Flex Rigby Double-Front Utility Pants are exactly the way to go — plus, the pricing is more than agreeable, meaning you can pick up multiple pairs for tough performance.
REI Co-Op Trailsmith Pants
You know you can head to REI to get the best men’s deals on plenty of gear positively made for the wide open outdoors — and of course, they stock and sell plenty of gear that would work quite well for tackling your list of home projects this fall. Such is the case with the Trailsmith Pants, made from a cotton-poly-spandex blend for stretch plus durability, and finished off with extra reinforcement at key stress points (a la the knees). It doesn’t hurt that they look pretty great for when the only item on your list is starting up the bonfire and cracking another beer, either.
Proof Rover Pants
If at first the Proof Rover Pants don’t quite look like the work pants you’re used to seeing, that’s perfectly fine. Today’s best work pants are rugged, durable and dependable — yet also stylish and made for wearing off-duty in some cases, too. The Proof Rover Pants in particular come in neutral colors for an agreeable price, featuring a cotton-Sorbtek-lycra blend for mobility and engineered performance, along with a gusseted crotch for extra durability. What’s not to love about that?
Timberland PRO Gridflex Canvas Work Pants
In addition to Timberland’s rock-solid boots and hard-wearing outerwear, the Timberland PRO line is continually impressive in its scope and its dependability. Take the Timberland PRO Gridflex Canvas Work Pants, a no-fuss, no-frills pair of work pants that provide nothing but the best in reliable performance and durability. The perfect complement to your Timberland PRO boots, to be sure.
Filson C.C.F. Utility Canvas Pants
The Filson C.C.F. line is the latest addition to Filson’s storied heritage and history, and it’s a collection that expands on the brand’s tough approach to workwear and performance. The Filson C.C.F. Utility Canvas Pants are but the latest example of this, made from cotton duck fabric with remarkable triple-needle stitching that makes ‘em some of the hardest-wearing work pants around. Rugged performance is the name of the game when it comes to the best men’s work pants, and Filson drives this home nicely.
Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Work Pants
The good folks at Eddie Bauer know plenty about outfitting adventures and explorers for the great outdoors, and we see no reason why you can’t put the brand’s Guide Pro Work Pants to use — even if your pursuits mostly extend toward your backyard treeline and not a mountain peak. These are made from tough stretch fabric with a DWR finish, all the better for long days out on the job, and they also feature built-in UPF 50+ sun protection. All your bases are covered with these tough, dependable work pants.
Topo Designs Dual Pants
We always appreciate the consideration Topo Designs puts into its gear, focused on making pieces that are suited for outdoor exploration, trail ascents, town brewery visits and plain, old-fashioned hard work on chilly fall and winter mornings in equal measure. Thus, meet the Topo Designs Dual Pants, your new favorite pair of work pants when the going gets tough. With the kind of cut that works for the trail, the town, or for whatever awaits in your pole barn, these pants feature a water-repellent finish & fabric that’s made with cotton, nylon, and lycra stretch duck canvas. In short, everything’s taken care of — except your next project.
1620 Double Knee Utility Pants
When you want durable work pants with all the right bells and whistles, and nothing that will get in your way or slow you down, you want work pants like this pair from 1620 USA. With articulated knees and a gusseted crotch for ease of movement, these pants feature everything from a split tool/pen pocket (on the left leg) to watch and phone pockets. They’ll handle your everyday carry and your essential gear with ease, no matter how much work you’ve got to get done.
Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Canvas 5-Pocket Pants
We admire Patagonia for the brand’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and conservation, and it’s certainly helpful that the gear they make lives up to the company’s approach to making long-lasting, durable goods. So, meet the lauded and much-loved Iron Forge Hemp Canvas 5-Pocket Pants, made with a proprietary fabric that’s more durable than regular cotton duck canvas. They’re also finished off with tough riveted detailing and added pockets for your EDC tools.
Duluth Trading Fire Hose Cargo Work Pants
You’ve seen the ads for the Duluth Trading Fire Hose Work Pants, right? While we don’t know if these pants are quite that hard-wearing, we do know that they’re more than dependable and durable for any situation you can think of in the cold months to come. Made with fire hose cotton canvas, these pants are actually pre-washed for softness — without losing any durability. Triple-stitched seams provide another dash of toughness, while the brand’s Comfortable Crouch Gusset and FendOff fabric treatment are design touches that set Duluth Trading (and the Fire Hose Pants) apart.
Filson Alcan Double Front Pants
The quality and heritage built into each and every piece of Filson gear is pretty remarkable, so you might be surprised that the legendary Pacific Northwest outfitter continues to outdo itself year after year. The Filson Alcan Double Front Pants (part of Filson’s new Alcan moto collection) are road-ready pants that are more than prepared for the demands of a long day’s work. The key here is the tough-as-nails cotton duck canvas fabric, reinforced with ballistic nylon to make ‘em suited for riding or hauling brush.
KUHL The Law Jeans
Jeans were arguably the original work pants, prized for their durability and utility in the wild West. That same spirit holds true with KUHL’s The Law Jeans, which are brought into the 21st century thanks to the brand’s KNOCKABOUT cloth. This is a stretch canvas fabric resistant to tears and abrasions, so it shouldn’t be flimsy in the slightest. The only thing missing from your workwear wardrobe is a thermal shirt and a waxed trucker jacket to step from winter into spring.
Dickies Men’s Tough Max Duck Carpenter Pant
It wouldn’t be a guide to the best men’s work pants without including Dickies, a pioneering brand that’s still got you covered from head to toe through adverse conditions and tough jobs. It’s the right blend of fabrication and hard-wearing construction that places Dickies work pants a cut above the rest, and the Duck Carpenter Pants shine through. Added pockets for everyday carry essentials, plus that time-tested Dickies fabric, make these a must-have to gear up for spring yard work.
Truewerk T1 WerkPants
Although you need your work pants to be hearty and rugged, it’s often tough to find a pair that’s breathable enough for hot spring and summer days. That problem is met head-on with the Truewerk T1 Werk Pants, made with the same abrasion and tear-resistant fabric you know and love, but with a warm-weather twist. They also happen to be lightweight and quick-drying, proving that you can work hard and stay cool all the while.
Men’s Wolverine Steelhead Stretch Pant
Get ready for a beautiful blend of durability and versatility. These Steelhead Stretch Pants are made of incredibly tough canvas with just enough stretch (from the one percent spandex) to let you move easily no matter how active your work. The natural waist, loose seat and thighs, and wide leg style makes them supremely comfortable, and compatible with the heaviest work boots. Made for work but suitable for leisure, they’re an excellent when you want to transition from job site to off-duty in style.
5.11 Quest Pant
Hyper-tough and built for rugged workers, the 5.11 Quest is a pair of pants that has earned its name in the world of heavy-duty work clothing. The blend of cotton and polyester makes it lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, while still being suitable for wet-weather conditions. For those who need to carry tools, the eight built-in pockets will be a godsend — and are CCW-compatible. With its articulated knee, back leg hem guard, and running gusset, they’re capable of keeping up with even the toughest manual labor.
Howler Brothers Frontside 5-Pocket Pants
Forget all the heavy-duty pants that look like you just wandered off a construction site; with these bad boys, you’ll be stylish on and on the clock. The classic design of the Frontside gives these work pants a beautiful degree of “chic” that men will be proud to wear, but thanks to the reinforced back pockets, triple needle stitching, and excellent flexibility, they’re rugged enough to take on any job.
Outerknown Voyager Utility Pant
These Voyager Utility Pants make a difference — not just to your comfort, but to our planet. Made from 100 percent organic cotton, these are produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory, and even use renewable materials (tagua palm nuts for the buttons) to ensure a high-quality, eco-friendly product. They’re also super stylish, with a relaxed, washed look and well-worn feel. Inspired by military spec designs, these pants will be your best friend on the job.
Todd Snyder Japanese Workman’s Pant in Black
Don’t let the military-caliber durability and style fool you into thinking these are just hardcore, heavy-duty pants. The Japanese Workman’s full-cut, slouchy fit makes them incredibly comfortable, and you’ll love how soft the cotton feels on your skin. That cotton is sourced directly from Japan and incorporated into the military canvas to make a super-rugged clothing item you’ll always want to wear.
Carhartt Work In Progress Aviation Cargo Pants
Carhartt is renowned around North America for its tough, durable, reliable work clothing, and these Aviation Cargo pants live up to the reputation. With built-in cargo pockets, drawstring cuffs for maximum protection, articulated knees for mobility, and ripstop fabric that make them uber-resistant to tearing, these straight-cut, comfort-fit pants are made specifically for hard-working guys like you.
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