Work pants recommendations

N

Naildrivingman

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Apr 8, 2017
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I've been wearing the Carhartt Double Knee Dungaree work pants for about 20 years.  Generally I will buy 6 pairs wearing one pair per day and a backup for emergencies or Saturday work.  I am pretty impressed with how well these have worked for me, but I really like the idea of built in knee pads.  The Carhartt's have a knee pad pocket, but when I kneel, the pad is just above the critical part of my tibias and they get sore pretty quick.  I am interested in other offerings out there and I have done some research on Blaklader and Bjornlader.

Here's what I'm looking for:
1. Similar or better durability to the Carhartt (six pairs last me about two years, I think the washing is just as hard on them as I am)
2. Longer (lower) kneepad pocket
3. Price comparable to durability (the Carhartts cost me about $55/pair and last about two years)
4. Roomy in the seat and thighs (I'm not afraid of a sandwich if you know what I mean  [wink])
5. Built in pouches are nice, but not a deal breaker
6. Material weight is not a big deal.  I've worn the Carhartts in 100 degree heat.  Theyre not the most comfortable when it is hot, but I manage.
7. Pirate's pant are not an option.

I've also heard about Mascot brand pants, but I haven't researched them yet.  BTW, my target size is probably 42 waist by 34 inseam.  Because of the potential for restocking and/or return shipping charges, I would rather not have to order more than once to get the right size.  Ideally I would order one pair of the size that I think will fit and if they do I would order another 4-5 pairs.  Therefore, shrinkage of the product is of absolute importance, especially the inseam.  I don't want to go to work looking like I'm wading with my cane pole in search of supper.

Thanks in advance.
Chris
 
RustE said:
Duluth Firehose Pants?

Carhartt RipStop Cotton Cargo Pants?
Click to expand...
I am also considering the Duluth Pants, forgot to mention them.  Ultimately, I may end up going domestic to avoid the return hassle if the pants don't fit.  I'd rather walk into a store and try before I buy rather than order and return.

I'll look into the rip stop.  I'm not familiar with them.
 
Naildrivingman said:
Generally I will buy 6 pairs wearing one pair per day and a backup for emergencies or Saturday work.

Here's what I'm looking for:
1. Similar or better durability to the Carhartt (six pairs last me about two years, I think the washing is just as hard on them as I am)
Click to expand...

What are you doing that requires such frequent washing?  I guarantee the washing is what is wearing out your pants (so many!) in such a short time period as two years.  Unless you are doing concrete work every day where the pants actually get dirty.  Or maybe working in the dirt digging holes.  How do pants get so dirty that they need washing after just one day of usage?  Working on a construction site for 12 hours a day does not get pants dirty enough to require washing after one day.  They aren't clean after a day of use.  But they are far from dirty enough to warrant washing.  You would need two, three or more days to actually get them dirty enough to wash.  Working with sharp metal that tears holes in the pants would validate the two years duration.  But even if you rip holes in the pants, you still don't need to wash them every day.
 
I have two pairs of the Duluth Firehose flex and love them.  I don't use the kneepads, but they showed them to me in the store and they look well designed.  I like that the flaps on the cargo pockets are made so they can be folded completely inside the pocket, which makes carrying/extracting tools very easy. They also have the system of belt loops with velcro that let you attach their pouches, etc.  Someone put a lot of thought into these pants.  They wash great.  Just got some of the dry on the fly cargo shorts , and they're great too.  Their stuff is expensive, but if you sign up for their emails, you can get discounts as much as 40% (which I used on the shorts).  If they last a long time, the initial buy in is worth it.
 
RustE said:
Duluth Firehose Pants?

Carhartt RipStop Cotton Cargo Pants?
Click to expand...

I did not like the rip stop cargo pants. The knees wore out pretty quickly and I ran through 3/5 pair in under a year. Edgevale (https://edgevale.bigcartel.com/) might be an option to consider, if they have your size. Made in America, too.
 
Have you seen Jobman USA?

www.jobmanusa.com

They are Euro work clothes imported into the Mobile AL area. Great service, good folks.

Their are tons of options and styles. Call them for buying advice.

Really good work gloves at a great price point too.

If you buy a jacket from them be aware they zip from the opposite side!
 
Duluth firehose work pants are much sturdier than Carhartt and the kneepad inserts are the icing on the cake if you kneel a lot.  In general with Duluth their regular prices are high (~$70 per pair) but if you get on their mailing list they have pretty regular sales where these are offered for ~$45.
 
I used to always wear Carhartt carpenter pants as I always carry two mechanical pencils, a pen, a Milwaukee marker, and the one meter Wiha folding rule.  The Carhartts wear very well however, the left side pocket is too small for my phone.  I now buy Duluth firehose work pants and shorts as the pocket is large enough for my phone.  I also have CAT brand euro style work pants with the Redbacks knee pads.  These seem indestructible but are too heavy for summer work, I usually only wear these for demo work.
 
I can only get one wearing of work clothes in the summer due to my very effective cooling system (sweat.)  I started buying Gravel Gear pants thru Northern Tools a couple of years ago and for the price have been pleased.  Right now several versions are $30 a pair.  Are they the equivalent of the imported workwear?  No, but they are cooler and less expensive.

Atlas 46 is also a brand to look at.

Peter
 
SouthRider said:
Have you seen Jobman USA?

www.jobmanusa.com

They are Euro work clothes imported into the Mobile AL area. Great service, good folks.

Their are tons of options and styles. Call them for buying advice.

Really good work gloves at a great price point too.

If you buy a jacket from them be aware they zip from the opposite side!
Click to expand...
That line looks pretty nice. I will look into it. I do like the Kevlar knee patches. Thx so much.
 
Pnw painter said:
HAXIT said:
Any clothes that I have just became a work clothes. [big grin]
But you might want to look at this.
https://www.fhb.de/en/products/work-clothing/product/florian-125100-work-trousers/
Click to expand...

Do you have any idea if they sell/ship to the US. For some reason my iPhone wasn’t letting me click on the order button[emoji35]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Here is the importer for north America US/Canada that you can order from.
http://www.steetz.com/buy-tools/german-work-wear-fhb/work-wear/florian-work-trousers/
 
I have a 2 yr. old brand new pair of blakladder brawny pants in my closet - wore them once.

Way too heavy, way too hot.

They are so heavy they could possibly last 10+ years of daily use.

Definitely order suspenders to hold them up.
 
Naildrivingman said:
I think I've settled on the Blaklader Brawny Pants.  Thanks to all who provided advice.
Click to expand...

Obviously late to this thread....I have a half dozen Blaklader now from when I first got one almost 10 years ago.  Great pants.  The Cordura fabric ones are the best.  Super tough and not too thick.

The 3/4 pant is a fave.  Still knee padded but with better air circulation.

Get their gel foam inserts or RedBacks.  Huge diff!
 
I just got my Double Knees from these guys, been in em a week.  Wow, life changers.  So easy to move in but feel as tough as canvas.  www.1620usa.com  They took forever (they custom make and hem them!) but they are UNREAL.  Small shop that custom developed the fabric, it is like nothing I have ever worn.  I will say they are spendy, but they back em' up with a warranty and they feel super durable, ad made in the USA.  I will let you know more once I have more time in them, I am so sick of buying SO many pants.  I just want to find something that lasts, so I spent the money.  There is some discount codes out there too if you google, I got 15% off on mine.  So far, best pants I have ever owned.  Stay tuned!
 
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