Best Work Pants For Men 2024, Reviewed And Rated - Forbes Vetted

Designed to handle constant wear and tear, the best work pants for men offer a level of durability and function that regular jeans just can’t match. Featuring tough fabrics, reinforced seams and plenty of pockets for tools, work pants are built to keep up with your toughest tasks while still being comfortable enough for a full day of movement. My top pick for the best men’s work pants is the classic Carhartt Duck Utility Work Pant that’s made with durable, heavyweight fabric. I also like Truewerk’s T1 Werkpant for its lightweight, technical fabric that’s easy to wear in hot weather, and 1620 Workwear’s Double Knee Utility Pant 2.0 for its bombproof reliability.

With a dresser full of men’s work pants from Carhartt, Truewerk and Fjallraven, I set out to identify the best work pants that cater to the needs of different guys, whether you’re roofing, landscaping or managing your off-grid home. If your work pants have seen better days or you simply can’t decide which pair to buy, this guide will help you find the right pair for your needs.

The best work pants for men deliver long-lasting comfort and storage pockets for all your ... [+] essentials.

Carhartt

Sizes: 28 to 54W, 30 to 36L | Colors: 4 | Fit: Loose | Utility features: Utility pockets, hammer loop, reinforced belt loops | Water resistance: No

Carhartt has been making workwear since 1889, and after more than a century of experience, the brand certainly knows what it takes to design high-quality pants. Thanks to its 12-ounce, ring-spun cotton duck fabric, the Washed Duck Utility Pant is heavyweight, durable and ready to tackle just about any job you throw at it. The style sits high on the waist with ample room in the seat and thigh, but it’s not so baggy that the fabric gets in your way when climbing a ladder or kneeling down.

I picked up a pair of these classic Carhartt pants a few years ago when I spotted them in a free pile on the side of the road, and they’ve been my go-to ever since. The fabric might feel a bit stiff and restrictive when you try them on for the first time, but it takes just a few hours for everything to loosen up, and the style only gets more comfortable the more you wear it. Also great: The reinforced pockets and belt loops help this pair withstand wear and tear over the years.

Amazon

Sizes: 28 to 58W, 28 to 36L | Colors: 17 | Fit: Relaxed | Utility features: Reinforced seams, wide tunnel belt loops | Water resistance: No

Based on their original work pant design, the 874 Work Pant from Dickies combines classic features like a workwear waistband with an 8.5-ounce poly-cotton twill that’s wrinkle- and stain-resistant. This style is known for its versatility, which is why it’s worn by all kinds of workers and style icons alike, with a high waist and relaxed fit that tapers down the leg.

Because the 874 balances substance and style, I’d recommend it for light-duty work that doesn’t take a toll on your pants. If you’re a mechanic or custodian who needs simple, durable bottoms, these are a great choice. And if you just want to add another work pant to your collection without setting your wallet on fire, you can’t beat the $30 price tag. Use the money you saved to invest in a pair of the best heavy-duty work boots.

1620 Workwear

Sizes: 28 to 46W, 27 to 36L | Colors: 6 | Fit: Regular | Utility features: Back yoke welt pockets, double knee reinforcement, hammer loops on both sides, knife clip, watch pocket | Water resistance: Yes

1620 Workwear recently updated their bestselling double-knee pant to include three additional storage pockets, thicker threads, ergonomic knee reinforcements and a handful of other tiny details. This style is made from a 14-ounce Cordura-Nyco plain weave fabric that’s coated for water- and stain-resistance, and it has a hint of stretch for ease of movement. It’s also quicker drying—and holds up against ten times more abrasions—than cotton duck fabric.

While it comes as no surprise that work pants are designed to be durable, 1620 Workwear goes above and beyond to make these pants bombproof, so they’re a great option if your job takes a toll on your pants, whether you’re a roofer or you work with sheet metal. To be sure, they’re very expensive at $198, but the brand’s strong warranty protects against defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product, so you can think of them as a long-term investment.

Amazon

Sizes: 28 t0 44W, 30 to 36L | Colors: 6 | Fit: Standard | Utility features: 8 utility pockets, articulated knees | Water resistance: No

Great for hot weather, the T1 WerkPants from Truewerk are lightweight and breathable without sacrificing durability and performance. The proprietary WerkFabric feels soft against the skin while wicking moisture, drying quickly and providing four-way stretchy comfort in the seat and thighs for a wide range of movements on the job. Other noteworthy features include tactical belt loops, fabric-lined utility pockets that protect your legs against sharp items, reinforced double stitching for added durability and a series of pockets for a pencil, phone and other essentials.

When I first picked up a pair of T1 pants, I was skeptical of the nylon fabric’s long-term durability, but I’ve found that it easily stands up to yardwork, jumping dogs with sharp nails and so much more. In fact, the style is so comfortable and reliable that I wind up wearing my T1 pants all the time, even if “work” isn’t on the agenda. And while this specific blend of nylon and spandex is perfect for hot weather, Truewerk also designs the T2 WerkPant with heavier fabric for cooler weather, and the T3 Werkpant with waterproof, fleece-lined fabric for extreme cold.

Amazon

Sizes: 30 to 42W, 30 or 32L | Colors: 5 | Fit: Regular | Utility features: Stretch canvas, fleece insulation | Water resistance: No

Founded in 1948, Weatherproof Vintage makes clothing with the elements in mind. For example, this cozy stretch canvas work pant is lined in soft-bonded fleece to keep out the chill whether you’re doing yard work, shoveling snow or working in cold storage. And while many fleece-lined pants tend to look and feel a bit bulky, this streamlined, five-pocket pant has a classic, put-together look. That means you can wear it while you work, or you can just as easily pair it with good-looking winter boots if you’re vacationing at a ski resort or heading out with friends and family in a chilly city, like Chicago or Boston.

Amazon

Sizes: 28 to 54W, 30 to 34L | Colors: 9 | Fit: Relaxed | Utility features: 7 pockets, tool loop, knee pad pockets | Water resistance: No

Cut from a rugged cotton-polyester-blend canvas, Caterpillar’s Trademark Work Pant is both breathable and sturdy, and strategic seaming makes bending and moving around a breeze. The 20-inch boot leg opening accommodates bulky work boots, and there are pockets for days, including front holster pockets, knee pad pockets, cargo pockets, a rear tool pocket, cell phone pocket, ruler pocket, carpenter loop and tool loop. If you’re someone who prefers to carry all of your go-to tools, or if you find that pockets make it easier to stay organized, this is a great style that carries all of your essentials and then some.

Stio

Sizes: 30 to 40W, regular or short inseam | Colors: 4 | Fit: Regular | Utility features: Double layered knee, back thigh utility pocket | Water resistance: No

Jackson Hole-based Stio takes inspiration from the mountains, which is why Rivet Canvas Utility Pant easily transitions from rugged ranch work to in-town errands without breaking a sweat. Its classic five-pocket design pairs with reinforced knees to withstand lots of wear, and the organic cotton fabric is breathable and odor-resistant, so you’re comfortable and ready for every task, even if you’re not sure what the day will bring.

While I haven’t tested Stio’s work apparel, I have worn their bestselling ski jackets, bibs and snow gloves in the dead of winter, so I can attest to their build quality and attention to detail. As simple as these pants may seem, they’re ready for just about anything, and the style cleans up nice if you want to wear them on the town.

Amazon

Sizes: 28 to 44W, 30 to 34L | Colors: 8 | Fit: Regular | Utility features: 2 thigh pockets, axe pocket, map pocket, multi-tool pocket | Water resistance: Yes

I bought a pair of Fjallraven’s Vidda Pro Trousers in 2020 after a friend raved about their ample pockets, tapered fit and durability. In the years since, they’ve become a go-to as soon as summer ends and cool weather returns. I mostly use the array of cargo pockets for essentials like my phone, wallet, keys and a pocket knife, but Fjallraven has really thought through the design—they even included a dedicated pocket for a hatchet, along with nested pockets to keep everything secure. The pants also feature clever details you wouldn’t think of: Elastic straps and snap buttons at the cuffs allow you to customize the fit around your ankle, and there’s a hidden hook under each leg to attach to your laces, keeping the pants snug against your shoes.

The main drawback of the Vidda Pro is the price—it’s definitely an investment. But Fjallraven’s G-1000 fabric lives up to the hype for durability. Plus, treating it with Greenland Wax makes it even tougher and more water-resistant, which helps justify the cost.

The Forbes Vetted team boasts a deep library of guides to outdoor, adventure and fitness gear. Our section on apparel offers recommendations for the best heated vests, the best hiking pants and more.

When choosing the best work pants for men, we sought out bestselling styles from brands with stellar reputations for creating high-quality clothes and relied on our own long experience with work gear.

Because a typical work week looks a bit different for everyone, it’s important to consider factors like fit, material and storage when deciding on the best work pants for your unique needs. We break down those factors below.

The most common fits for work pants are relaxed, regular and slim fit. A relaxed fit provides a roomier feel with extra space in the leg and seat, while slim fit pants hug the legs more tightly. Regular fit falls somewhere between relaxed and slim fit, providing a balanced feel that’s not too loose or too tight.

The material used to make a pair of work pants plays a major role in its durability and overall quality. When looking at a good pair of work pants, the primary materials you’ll come across are cotton, cotton duck, spandex, cordura and polyester.

The best work pants for men should feature well-placed utility pockets to fit your tools, phone and anything else you’d need for a job. Some work pants also sport hammer loops for additional storage. Make sure to consider the type of work you need when evaluating your storage needs.

After reviewing dozens of options, the most durable pants in our opinion are the 1620 Workwear Double Knee Utility Pant 2.0. Made from a Cordura-Nyco weave fabric, they’re designed to be water- and stain-resistant. Also, these pants can withstand ten times more abrasion than other options, plus they have knee reinforcements to prevent tears.

The best materials for men’s work pants are typically heavy-duty cotton, canvas and blends with synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester or spandex. Cotton and canvas provide durability and breathability, ideal for tough outdoor conditions, while added synthetic fibers increase flexibility and resilience. To boost water resistance and comfort, look for pants with ripstop fabric or a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. These materials ensure your work pants will hold up well to demanding tasks without compromising on comfort.

Depending on how messy you get, work pants can be worn two to four times before needing to be washed. That said, if you’ve sweated in them or have visible stains, you can wash them after each wear.

We added the Fjallraven Vidda Pro Trousers as the best backcountry work pants for men and beefed up the product reviews with firsthand testing insights.

We added a buyer’s guide and answered common questions about work pants for men.