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The best work pants for men often mean sturdy combat or cargo styles. These days, you can even find that utility in dressier models. We’ve rounded up the best for all scenarios.
What do you think of when considering the best men’s work pants? A lot of pockets, perhaps. A good balance of stretch and strength, for sure. You need to be protected while maintaining full mobility if you’re on an oil rig or logging.
Still, what if you’re in construction but must meet with clients and investors? Or what if you’re in operations in a white-collar office? I work in a high-end auction house. The gent who handles our huge exhibition installations is often in a hard hat one minute and in a board meeting the next.
Whether you need practical yet versatile work trousers or dedicated utility pants, we’ve got you covered.
Best Men’s Pants for Work in Various Fields
When you think of work pants, workwear probably comes to mind. You know, the kind of practically-built garment that pairs naturally with steel-toe boots. And, of course, the bulk of our choices will reflect that.
However, as mentioned, we took every consideration when choosing our winners, from purpose to the brand’s trustworthiness. Plus, they’re all pretty stylish!
Best Men’s Dress Pants for Work: Kuhl Resistor Pants
Advantages:
There are three versions of the Kuhl Resistor Pants. Kuhl built the Klassik as sturdily as a pair of workwear pants, but they feature a clean design. This means it works in the smart casual and even business casual realm. You can wear it with a sport coat and button-down, then remove the coat and button-down, leaving your t-shirt, and pair it with a hard hat for quick handyman jobs. The Tapered is a touch more workwear-looking with its extra stitching but more fitted. Meanwhile, the chino is dressier but less industrial.
Disadvantages:
While versatile, this isn’t as utilitarian as true work pants. There aren’t several pockets to put tools in. It’s more suited for a day of mostly supervision, meetings, and just a bit of actual manual labor.
Specs:
- Price: $129
- Sizes Available: 28-42
- Height Compatibility: 5’4” to 6’3”
The Kuhl Resistor Pant will definitely suit us skinny guys. For larger men, a 42 often accommodates those who wear Ls and XLs. From a height perspective, this model may work on those in the 5’4” range or 6’3” range, depending on your proportions.
Best Work Pants for Men in Construction: Duluth Fire Hose Work Pants
Advantages:
There’s a reason these Duluth Fire Hose Work Pants are famous in the workwear world. They’re hard-wearing yet flexible, meaning you can crouch, jump, kneel, and climb in these. The canvas construction ensures top-notch durability.
In my experience, they don’t fray like some Dickie’s do. My favorite part is the three-in-one pockets that you can conveniently velcro at the main compartment.
Disadvantages:
There are inconsistent sizing options per cut. For example, the slim version has fewer sizes, but the relaxed version offers a wide range. Check out the specs below, where I explain what this means for smaller and larger men.
Specs:
- Price: $74.50
- Sizes Available: 30-48
- Height Compatibility: 5’4” to 6’5” (depending on the cut)
The Duluth Fire Hose Work Pants are modest-man-friendly if you choose the relaxed model. However, they’re not great for short gents who want to wear them in slimmer fits for style purposes. The standard cut is perfect for men who are bigger in the waist area since it goes up to a 48. Meanwhile, the relaxed version even goes up to a size 50.
Best Work Pants for Men in Construction Alternative: Wrangler Riggs
Advantages:
The Wrangler Riggs are seriously built but lighter than most utility trousers. They’re definitely one of the most comfortable men’s pants for work.
Between the triple stitching and the ripstop material, though, they can handle a beating. This makes them perfect for construction or a hike. Even more, they boast a reinforced tape clip on the pocket.
Disadvantages:
The waist sizes lean towards the low side. If you usually wear a 32, you might need to size up to a 33. This, of course, also depends on your preferences. Moreover, it isn’t the best model for modest men—more on that next.
Specs:
- Price: $40-$55
- Sizes Available: 30-60
- Height Compatibility: 5’7” to 6’5”
While these pants are perfect for bigger guys (they go up to a 60 waist!), especially short men should skip them. At 5’7”, I can comfortably wear a size 30, and you might even get away with them if you’re 5’6”. After all, work pants aren’t supposed to be slim. That’s as low as it’ll go, though.
Best Casual Work Pants for Men: Abbreviated Workwear Pants
Advantages:
I’m a big fan of Abbreviated Apparel. They make menswear essentials for shorter gents, and that’s one of the biggest pros of these pants. Even modest men in the 5’ range can wear these.
Thanks to that cotton canvas build, These Abbreviated Workwear Pants are stylish and well-made. They get extra credit points for the huge back pockets and the storage options via the extra side pocket and side loop.
Disadvantages:
These pants are perfect for short and average men but not for extra tall or wide gents. That’s not the brand’s focus, after all. For bigger men, check out our next pick.
Specs:
- Price: $75
- Sizes Available: 28-36
- Height Compatibility: 5’0”-5’9”
You really won’t find better pants for short men out there. If you’re a smaller gent looking for work pants, these are the ones.
Best Casual Work Pants for Men Alternative: 1620 Double Knee Utility Pant
Advantages:
The Double Knee Utility Pant from 1620 Workwear is as intelligently designed as it is robust. The brand makes them from a proprietary fabric that’s 10 times more abrasion-resistant and twice as fast-drying as canvas. Plus, they can handle hot temperatures. Did I mention that it’s made in America using American-made fabrics?
The pocket design is truly innovative. There are slanted, easy-access pockets so you can access them while sitting. The ample front pockets are easy to reach into. Also, the mid-thigh utility pocket provides extra in-a-pinch storage for more EDC.
Disadvantages:
At almost $200, these premium pants have a premium price. I’ve seen dress pants at this price. But hey, you get what you pay for.
Specs:
- Price: $198
- Sizes Available: 28-46
- Height Compatibility: 5’3”-6’5”
Just look at that range of sizes! 1620 makes their Double Knee Utility Pants for most extra-small and extra-large men. And I’m referring to both height and waist size.
Best Men’s Work Pants for Hot Weather: Tomahawk Performance Hot Weather Combat Pants
Advantages:
If you’re looking for a stylish yet practical pair of pants for the summer, look no further than these Performance Hot Weather Combat Pants by Tomahawk. They’re lightweight, antimicrobial, and even offer UV protection. This is a legitimate combat pant Tomahawk builds to avoid snags.
The fabric is NMND, which means it won’t melt or drip even when on fire. I’d even go as far as to give these pants two further distinctions. They’re the best lightweight work pants for men and the best breathable work pants for men.
Disadvantages:
Again, these are expensive pants. However, they’re true professional pants that’ll last you a lifetime. Think of them as investments. Moreover, due to their popularity, they occasionally sell out, so you might need to keep hitting that refresh button.
Specs:
- Price: $305
- Sizes Available: 30-40
- Height Compatibility: 5’7”-6’4”
These pants fit average men, taller men, and some modest men. Again, it depends on your proportions and preferred fit. If you’re short and you like traditionally non-slim combat pants, you may get away with the Tomahawk Hot Weather Pants.
Best Men’s Athleisure Pants for Work: Lululemon ABC Cargo Pant Warpstreme
Advantages:
Thanks to the Warpstreme fabric, these cargo pants are truly among the most comfortable work pants for men. Lululemon’s proprietary fabric is a blend of tough polyester and stretchy elastane. Basically, it combines the best of work pants with the best of athleisure pants.
The ABC Cargo Pants are breathable, flaunt four-way stretch, and are wrinkle-resistant. They also look great with a button-down or a hoodie.
Disadvantages:
Of course, these pants aren’t going to be as rugged as traditional work pants. If you’re doing more flex-oriented jobs, they’ll do the trick. You might want to defer to the best construction pants category if you’re doing a more high-impact activity. Still, they’re definitely the best stretch work pants for men on the market.
Specs:
- Price: $128
- Sizes Available: 28-40
- Height Compatibility: 5’5”-6’4”
Since Lululemon’s standard inseam is around 34, you might want to try these on in the store to get the right fit. Otherwise, order your regular size and the size below and above, and then return the ones you decide against.
Best Office Work Pants for Men: Proper Cloth Textured Stretch Wool Dress Pants
Advantages:
Classy and timeless, the Proper Cloth Textured Stretch Wool Pants go with any dress shirt, sport coat, or suit jacket. However, they’re a touch more athletic than traditional office pants because of the added stretch. These are the kinds of pants that will last you forever.
Disadvantages:
As with any high-end pair of pants, this is another pricey option. However, as someone with quite a bit of experience with Proper Cloth, I’d say it’s worth it.
Moreover, these aren’t work pants as much as they’re pants for work — white-collar work, that is. They’re better than the average non-stretchy dress pants but won’t replace proper cargo or carpenter’s pants.
Specs:
- Price: $245
- Sizes Available: 28-43
- Height Compatibility: 5’5”-6’5”
Within the standard sizing, there’s a wide range to choose from. Even more, if you’re extra short or extra tall (or extra thin or robust), you can always use their proprietary custom sizing option. Many know Proper Cloth for their innovative tailoring-over-the-internet services.
Best Office Work Pants for Men Alternative: State & Liberty Athletic Fit Stretch Dress Pants
Advantages:
The State & Liberty Athletic Fit Stretch Dress Pants are literally as stretchy as athletic pants. In fact, the brand designed them for athletes. I’ve worn them to business casual picnics and garden parties. A few of these events ended up with impromptu flag football games, which put these pants to good use.
From a style perspective, they’re 100% formal and come in a wide range of colors. As such, they pair well with
Disadvantages:
Like the Proper Cloth dress pants, this model’s streamlined design is made just for the office. While you have a full range of movement in them, they don’t have the pockets and utility that true work pants have.
Specs:
- Price: $135
- Sizes Available: 28-42
- Height Compatibility: 5’4”-6’7”
The brand designed these for more athletic builds. So these pants are for you whether you’re tall, short, thin, or thick but need more room in the seat, thighs, and quads.
Best Business Casual Work Pants for Men: 1620 Slim Fit Double Knee Utility Pant
Advantages:
Like the regular-fit Double Knee Utility Pants, the Slim Fit is well-built and intelligently designed. This more streamlined cut works beautifully with sport coats, especially since the slanted pockets are so clean-looking.
I wouldn’t wear them in truly formal situations, but they’ll blend in with button-ups and loafers much better than traditionally cut work pants. They even offer a few versatile colorways, including what I consider the best khaki work pants for men.
Disadvantages:
Unfortunately, unlike the regular-fit Double Knee Utility Pants, the Slims don’t range as wide. On the bright side, they still have all the inseam options available.
Specs:
- Price: $198
- Sizes Available: 30-40
- Height Compatibility: 5’3”-6’5”
Most people will be able to find their size with these pants. However, extra thin men, those smaller than 28, might not get the slim look they desire. Moreover, men over a size 40 might find these a touch too slim.
Best Business Casual Work Pants for Men Alternative: Proper Cloth Navy Fatigue Pants
Advantages:
The Proper Cloth Fatigue Pants have a handsome faded look that can add a cool factor to any outfit. You can wear them with a button-up and suit jacket or a simple crew-neck t-shirt. The front pockets are cargo-pant deep but feature a dressier slanted cut. Meanwhile, the back pockets are conveniently buttoned.
Disadvantages:
What you get in formality, you lose in utility. The brand competently designed the pockets, but they aren’t as robust as the ones you’d find on more casual, traditional work pants.
Specs:
- Price: $195
- Sizes Available: 28-43
- Height Compatibility: 5’5”-6’5”
Again, there’s a wide range just within the standard sizing. However, as with the dress pants, you can use their customization services to get the perfect fit. Proper Cloth even sends their clothes with a return label in case you need further changes.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Work Pants
You have many things to consider when choosing the best men’s pants for work. What if you need a pair for hot weather and construction? Or business casual and athleisure? In these cases, you’ll need to determine which features are most important and which ones to compromise. Here are the primary considerations.
Fit Types for Work Pants
Remember, the slimmer the pants, the more formal they are. Many brands design work pants to have a relaxed fit for comfort and movement. So, the less office-oriented your job is, the less you have to worry about looking streamlined. If you do both on-field and in-office tasks, it’s a matter of deciding where in the middle will best suit your practical and aesthetic needs.
Key Features of Work Pants
Here are some key details you often want for your work pants:
- Pockets. The more pockets there are, the more utilitarian the pants are. Consider innovatively-designed pockets with two- or three-in-one compositions. The deeper the pockets are, the more you can store, but shallow pockets are easier to access.
- Flaps and button closures
- Loops to hang tools
- Gusseted lap areas for mobility
- Articulated knees for flexibility
Materials and Durability Considerations
Many brands make work pants with strong canvas material. Triple stitching, fortification using good hardware (metal buttons, for example), and reinforced hems are other ways to enhance the strength of the garment. However, you also want to consider breathability and flame resistance.
Mobility in Work Pants
You usually want a relaxed fit for enhanced mobility. Other ways to do this include stretch panels and multi-piece construction that articulates bend points. The more relaxed and stitched-up the pants are, though, the more casual they look. If you need dressier work pants, you might consider performance blends.
Where to Buy Work Pants
My favorite places to get work pants are workwear-specific local stores or even workwear-oriented second-hand shops.
Here are some routes to consider:
- Workwear stores like Marc’s Uniform & Workwear in Brooklyn. Just poke through Google to see what’s in your local area.
- Uniform stores
- Army surplus shops
- Second-hand shops, especially ones that focus on denim, uniforms, and Americana
- Work-oriented brands like Carhartt or 1620
- Department stores
- Your local mall
- Box stores like Target and Walmart
FAQ
Here are the most common questions regarding work pants!
What Are Work Pants Made Of?
Traditionally, work pants are made of canvas, often cotton canvas.
Are Leather Pants Appropriate for Work?
It depends on your industry. They aren’t usually appropriate in an office or practical in a workwear-necessary environment like a construction site.
Can You Wear Cargo Pants to Work?
You can often wear cargo pants at jobs that require manual skills. However, in a hybrid job, you can wear slimmer, streamlined cargo pants in smart casual situations.
What Shoes Do You Wear With Work Pants?
You can wear work boots if you’re on the job site,
Conclusion: The Right Pair for You
When it comes to choosing the best men’s work pants, it’s a matter of deciding what’s best for your needs.
Looking for the best outdoor work pants for men? Then you might consider our choice for hot weather—it has tons of pockets and is perfect for breaking a sweat. If you want the best cargo work pants for men, the 1620 option has truly creative pocket designs.
And, of course, if you’re just shopping for style, it’s all about what speaks to you!
Questions? Comments? Drop them in the comments below.
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