Tested: The Best Durable Work Pants For The Job Site

Anyone that’s spent their fair share of time on the jobsite or in the shop is well aware of how quickly a regular pair of pants will succumb to the rigors and abuses of hard labor. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of workwear brands that have stepped up to address this issue, delivering ultra-rugged pants that have been engineered specifically to stand up to the stresses that come with manual labor and working with one’s hands — the most capable and hardwearing of which we’ve rounded up to deliver this handpicked guide to and hands-on review of the best work pants for the shop and jobsite.

Selection & Testing

With dozens and dozens of workwear-style pants currently on the market, we had no shortage of options to choose from when we set out to uncover the best work pants on the market. In an attempt to narrow our focus and seek out the segment’s latest and greatest available offerings, we first generated a list of criteria that would be used to judge each potential candidate for inclusion. This criteria included key characteristics such as materials, construction technique, fit and cut, features, and overall design. Using these qualities to guide our search, we then pieced together a shortlist of candidates that we suspected of potentially representing the work pant sector’s best of the best. As informative as product descriptions and spec sheets can be, the only way to get a comprehensive sense of how a pair of work pants actually feel and perform is to actually use them. So, that’s precisely what we did, tracking down each pair of work pants from our shortlist and putting each one to the test. 

In a bid to more objectively test and judge each pair, we devised a series of tests that were used to put each work pant model through its paces. This included a kneeling, squatting, and stretching test that was done to test the range of motion and overall mobility afforded by each pair. We also tested the pocket and storage layout on each pair, loading up every work pant model with a standard array of commonly-used hand tools such as a hammer, measuring tape, contractors pencil, a pocket knife, and several bit drivers, along with a wallet and smartphone — giving us a more thorough understanding of the real-world performance and utility offered by each pair’s loadout of pockets and slips. Additionally, a small corner sander fitted with a medium grit was applied to the construction of each pair we tested, simulating long-term wear and tear on each pair’s primary material, providing us with an objective sense of how well every pair was able to stand up to abrasions and scuffs. To complete our testing, each pair was also worn while performing maintenance around my house and while wrenching on several cars and bikes. This latter, more general test afforded a more overall sense of comfort and performance. 

After each pair completed our testing process, we then used the intel and information from our hands-on experience to narrow our original shortlist of candidates down to a final selection of what we found to be the very best work pants that money can buy. It’s also worth mentioning that our testing process resulted in some pairs barely being edged out for a spot on the main list — several of which can be found at the bottom of this guide as honorable mentions. 

Measurements: I’m a skinny 6’2″ and weigh in at around 180lbs. Although I personally lean towards slim-fit pants, we primarily aimed at sourcing and featuring straight-cut pairs of workwear pants for this list. Each pair of work pants you see in this guide is a size 32” (waist) x 34” (inseam). These work pants were also tested using a pair of heritage work boots.

Carhartt Rugged Flex Canvas Cargo Work Pant

Best Budget Pick: Originally operating under the banner of Hamilton Carhartt & Company when it was first established in 1889, Carhartt is almost certainly the most iconic American workwear brand currently in operation. And while the company has massively grown over the years, remaining family-owned and family-run — a fact that allows Carhartt to maintain the same principles — of quality, durability, dependability, and value — established by Hamilton when the company was little more than a pair of sewing machines making overalls in a small Detroit loft. The Carhartt Rugged Flex Canvas Cargo Work Pant very much encapsulate these four guiding values, being rugged, well-crafted, value-laden, and undeniably built-to-last. 

Previously sold as the “Rugged Flex Rigby Cargo Pant,” before receiving a minor update, the Rugged Flex Canvas Cargo Work Pant is made from a Spandex-infused cotton “Rugged Flex” fabric construction with reinforced stitching and sewn-on-seam belt loops. Boasting a robust and sturdy feel, the pants sport a classic five-pocket layout that’s supplemented via a pair of oversized, reinforced cargo pockets. The left side cargo pocket is also overlaid with split utility pockets — totaling nine pockets all together. The range of motion on these pants isn’t particularly restrictive, allowing me to both squat down and bend and raise my knees, though they don’t feel totally unencumbered like 1620’s Slim Fit Double Knee Utility Pant 2.0, Patagonia’s Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants, Iron & Resin’s Union Work Pants, and KÜHL’s Above The Law Pant. 

Unsurprisingly, as the least-expensive pair of pants on this list by a pretty significant margin, I expected Carhartt’s Rugged Flex Canvas Cargo Work Pant to quickly succumb to the corner sander, get noticeably eaten up in short order, and score at or towards the very bottom of the pack out of all the pants I’d be testing. And on one hand, I was correct in that they did indeed score at the very bottom of the pack, though not by anywhere nearly as much as I’d anticipated. As fairly budget-friendly mass-produced work pants, I was also expecting Carhartt’s Rugged Flex Canvas Cargo Work Pant to be seriously lacking in overall build quality, and while it didn’t quite measure up to the pricier USA-made pairs I tested, the construction on these are nonetheless solid. One area this pants did score highly was comfort. Between their semi-loose cut, relaxed seat, and light stretch properties, this pair was a pleasure to wear, and I actually found them more comfortable than several pairs of slacks and normal jeans that I own.

The cargo pockets on these pants unsurprisingly provide a generous amount of storage space, plus can be closed to semi-securely transport tools, gear, or other small items. While deep and spacious, these cargo pockets unfortunately aren’t very well anchored, resulting in the contents of my cargo pockets frequently bouncing around and bumping into me when moving around with loaded pockets. It also wasn’t until after testing some of the pairs of workwear-specific pants from brands like 1620, KÜHL, and Iron & Resin that I realized how much I appreciate work pants that have pockets and loops that are designed and sized specifically to haul common tools — something Carhartt’s Rugged Flex Canvas Cargo Work Pant no doubt lacks (side rom its cell phone slot in the right cargo pocket). What’s more, this pair’s generally hardwearing build quality, decent range of motion, and generously-sized cargo pockets also make them fairly versatile, and allow them to effectively serve as hiking pants or tactical pants. 

Verdict: At the end of the day, it’s not just this pair’s roughly $50 price that makes them special — or the fact you can snag two pairs for roughly a bill — but it’s also the fact that they don’t look or feel noticeable cheaper or poorly-crafted even when compared to their more premium counterparts, at least until more closely scrutinized. This means they’re not only accessibly-priced, but they also afford pretty tremendous bang-for-your-buck — factors that make these an excellent choice for anyone shopping for a hardwearing pair of work pants that doesn’t want to break the bank. 

Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants

Best Value Pick: Patagonia is no doubt best known for its outdoor and adventure garments. And while it’s spent the lion’s share of its just over 50 years in operation focusing on this area, it’s more recently applied its knowledge and expertise of designing rugged clothing with an unrestricted range of motion and applied it to the creation of a workwear line — which includes the Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants. Sporting a gusseted crotch, deep drop-in pockets front and back, double-layered knees, seven belt loops, and work-specific reinforcements throughout, Patagonia’s Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants are cut from the brand’s proprietary 12.9oz Iron Forge Hemp canvas, which is incredibly tough, yet doesn’t require any break-in period and feels immensely comfortable to wear right off the rack. 

While I appreciate the reinforced construction, the robust thickness of the knee overlays and their underlying main construction, and and the slits at the bottom that further maximize mobility and allow for a bit of ventilation, I do wish the knee overlays on these pants extended just a bit further up the thigh, as this extra bit of protection culminates just above the knee. The pockets are large and deep enough to accommodate a wide variety of tools, though because of the low back pocket placement, they tend to bang up against the back of my legs when loaded with heavier objects. When put to the sander, the electric hand tool almost immediately left on noticeable mark on the Iron Forge Hemp construction, though never eat through any further. All in all, they held up nicely during this portion of my testing — plus all the seams and stitches just feel super secure and heavily reinforced.  

With tax and shipping, you’re probably looking at spending around $100 when buying a pair of these pants, though you really do get quite a bit for the single Benjamin you’re spending, as these Patagonia work pants are exceedingly comfortable, durable, and well-crafted, plus they feature what’s unquestionably the most unrestricted range of motion out of every pair I tested. Seriously, it’s hard to overstate just how stellar the mobility is on this pair. Moving on, it’s also hard not to want to deduct points for them being made in Sri Lanka, though the quality of the craftsmanship makes it really hard to complain about this area — and I imagine their manufacturing origin plays a big role in the relatively affordable price point they’re sold at. 

With how immensely durable it is — being 25% more abrasion resistant than conventional cotton duck canvas—  and how wildly comfortable it is right out of the box, pre-broken-in, it’s hard not to take an almost-instant-liking to Patagonia’s proprietary Iron Forge Hemp canvas construction. As a result, it probably won’t come as a surprise that I really like that Patagonia also makes a matching chore coat, barn coat, single-layer knee five-pocket pants, shorts, and insulated and non-insulated overalls that are all cut from the brand’s rugged Iron Forge Hemp construction. Back to the pants though. And, though subtle, I’m also a fan of this pair’s muted orange interior trim and accents as they’re simply a cool touch. Additionally, though it admittedly doesn’t change the user experience, I for sure appreciate the fact that Patagonia opts to make these work pants — and its entire workwear lineup — in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

Verdict: Though they cost just a bit more, Patagonia’s Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants are a massive step-up from the $50 workwear pants on the market, as they feature a super durable yet ultra-comfortable construction that’s pieced together using decidedly rugged build quality and craftsmanship — as well as the best mobility and range of motion out of every pair I tested. 

Iron & Resin Union Work Pants

Best Overall Pick: Small boutique operations that use small-batch are often able to deliver products with a level of craftsmanship, fit and finish, and quality control that’s noticeably better than the mass-produced items from much larger brands that they compete with. Case in point, the Iron & Resin Union Work Pants. Carefully crafted in America from 14oz cotton duck canvas, this pair of work pants has been engineered from the ground up specifically for labor, resulting in an ultra-tough pair of trousers that afford excellent range of motion, ample durability, numerous work-specific features, and a host of small custom elements that, while small, really elevate the pants as a whole. 

Iron & Resin’s Union Work Pants feature a basic five-pocket setup supplemented via a rear leg tool/utility pocket. On top of a double-needle-felled rise, back yoke, and outseam, these pants also feature fronts that are double-layered from knee to thigh, and rear ankle cuffs that have also been double-layered to ensure years and years of use. While the generously-sized knee overlays are great, I’m particularly fond of the double-layered rear ankle cuffs, as, despite routinely rolling them up, I can’t tell you how many pairs of pants that I’ve ultimately ruined by stepping on, and eventually eating through the rear ankle cuff, so this reinforced take on the area is right up my alley — and just plain makes sense, especially on a workwear pant. What’s more, while they’re clearly workwear pants, they’re still somewhat versatile, and wouldn’t look out of place as part of a casual outfit — not to mention the fact they pair excellently with a heritage work boot like those from Red Wing, White’s or Thorogood. 

The Southern California company has also bestowed these work pants with a shank button waistband secured via a YKK zippered fly, and a custom-branded D-ring key clip just above the right back pocket. What’s more, all pockets and critical stress points have been reinforced using custom Iron & Resin-branded rivets. The fly’s YKK zipper doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, though it doesn’t possess the unmistakably premium quality or feel that’s present on the rest of the pants — such as on the custom hardware, or the nifty bespoke leather logo patch decorating the pair’s back right pocket. With its solid 12oz cotton duck construction, American craftsmanship, premium trim, and suite of bespoke hardware, it’s actually pretty impressive in my eyes that Iron & Resin is selling these pants for less than $150. 

When put to the sander, the construction of these pants held up fairly well, scoring towards the top of the middle of the pack. While this may not sound too impressive, it’s important to remember how ridiculously rugged — and at times, expensive — some of the other pairs were that I was testing. Right out of the box, Iron & Resin’s Union Work Pants did feel a bit stiff, though they did start to slowly break-in and begin conforming to my legs as I tested them — a process that would no doubt continue, making them more comfortable as time goes on. This was legitimately the only gripe I came across the entire time I tested them — even after thoroughly scrutinizing and examining them. And while they may not be as comfortable as Patagonia’s workwear pants — at least not right off the rack — Iron & Resin’s pair does offer pretty terrific range of motion, which no doubt points to how thoroughly considered and well-calculated they are. 

Verdict: Priced at under $150, Iron & Resin’s Union Work Pants really do tick off every box one could hope for when purchasing a modern pair of work pants. Heavy-duty cotton duck construction? Check. Small-batch American manufacturing? Check. Unrestricted mobility?Check. Premium trim and bespoke hardware? Check and check. 

KÜHL Above The Law Pant

Best Ultra-Tough/Overbuilt Pick: KÜHL’s The Law Pant is a rugged pair of work pants that’s long been one of the brand’s best-sellers. Despite the already-rugged and robust nature of these workwear pants, KÜHL decided to deliver an upgraded version that’s even more hardwearing, known as the KÜHL Above The Law Pant. The pants are made from KÜHL’s proprietary KNOCKABOUT KLOTH, which is a vintage patina-dyed combed cotton canvas infused with 2% Spandex for light stretch properties. This already-rugged primary construction has been further fortified via reinforced thighs and knees that feature a secondary layer of waxed fabric overlays — plus reinforced waxed fabric overlays located just below the wearer’s right front-hand pocket. 

It’s really hard not to thoroughly appreciate how much real-world knowledge and experience that clearly went into the creation of KÜHL’s Above The Law Pant, as they clearly benefit from a “for-workers, by-workers” ethos. This pair’s laundry list of features includes a bar-button-equipped front waistband closure, articulated knees, reinforced belt loops with a double loop at the back waistband, and an inside seam that wraps around to the back of the pant leg to help mitigate abrasions and wear and tear. The bottom hem also has a discreet snap system that allows the cuffs to be perfectly sized around a boot in order to keep out cold air and debris. In total, these pants boast a whopping nine pockets; a pair of standard front-hand pockets; a coin pocket; two stealth cargo pockets; a pair of standard back pockets; a stealth smartphone pocket; and a single zipper-secured 3D gusseted pocket. The pockets on these pants are not only perfectly sized to accommodate a variety of commonly-used tools, but they’re also particularly well-placed, providing easy in-reach access to gear without placing it somewhere that it bangs into your legs when moving around. 

Supplementary to this pair of work pants’ bevy of utility pockets is also a single zipper track running vertically up each leg, starting just above the knee and extending up around 6”. Though they at first appear to be zippered pockets, they’re actually strategically-placed ventilation ports that open to reveal a mesh liner. Having owned countless motorcycle riding garments with these types of zippered ventilation ports, I can say firsthand that these setups are extremely effective — with the Above The Law pants being no different. With how ridiculously robust and over-built they are, I was also legitimately surprised to discover that the KÜHL Above The Law Pant was one of the most comfortable pairs that I tested, only slightly edged-out by Patagonia’s Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants. Additionally, they also boasted absolutely stellar range of motion, again, falling just short of the Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants in this area. Not unlike Iron & Resin’s pants above, KÜHL’s Above The Law Pant don’t exactly come cheap, however, they still offer pretty decent bang-for-your-buck all-things-considered, as you really are getting premium, next-level materials and top-notch craftsmanship for well under the $200 mark (in fact, they aren’t very far north of the $150 mark). 

Being priced towards the middle of the pack, I expected this pair’s sander-test to wind up scoring mid-pack, though it actually outperformed every pair on the list, showing the least wear and tear of every work pant I put to sandpaper. Another surprise was actually found inside the pants, and that was the lining of the interior waistband, which is trimmed in a super-soft moleskin-like ultra suede material. In addition to the ultra-suede inner waistband lining and ventilation ports, these pants also boast a few other small but noteworthy details that I really loved, such as the overlays just below the pocket that ensure an EDC knife’s clip doesn’t wear down the construction from repeated entry and exit. The only real downsides I saw in these pants are the fact that they’re pretty much completely and totally lacking in versatility as they readily announce themselves as being work pants, and that they’re slightly baggier than I’d like — though I realize this latter point is purely subjective (and at least partially due to me having skinnier legs than the average male adult). 

Verdict: If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails, no-nonsense pair of built-to-last work pants that can take on just about any use or conditions, KÜHL’s Above The Law Pant are the obvious choice. Offering solid value, these pants are over-built and over-engineered in the best way possible — plus are exceedingly comfortable and offer stellar mobility. 

Filson Rail-Splitter Jeans

Best Heritage Pick: For more-than-125-years, Filson has been producing quality, built-to-last garments and gear. So, whether you’re looking for outdoor clothing or workwear staples, the Pacific Northwest heritage brand’s catalog is always worth a look. And for proof, look no further than the Filson Rail-Splitter Jeans. Made in America, the Rail-Splitters are crafted from a 14.5oz raw indigo cotton denim and sport a classic five-pocket design. For the most part, what you see is what you get, aside from a few minor features such as the double-layer reinforcements to the bottoms of the pockets, front and rear.

Pre-shrunk and true-to-size right out of the box, this pair definitely benefits from Filson’s usual top-notch build quality. Everything feels super well-anchored and thoroughly reinforced, and despite thoroughly scrutinizing the entire pair, I couldn’t find a single uneven stitching or loose thread anywhere. While I wouldn’t say the Rail-Splitter Jeans boast a slim fit, their straight-cut is definitely on the slimmer side. While this ultimately makes for a more stylish pair of jeans, it also makes it more difficult to get items in and out of their pockets (especially larger ones). This pair of heirloom-grade jeans performed excellently on the sander-test, showing minimal signs of wear and tear and easily scoring toward the very top of the pack. 

While you are no doubt paying the so-called “Filson tax” when buying this pair of nearly $200 jeans, you’re not simply shelling out a bunch of extra dough for a label or brand name, and instead your two Benjamins get you a really well crafted pair of USA-made work pants that are cut from premium denim and bestowed with a host of premium touches such as a custom antique Filson-logoed zipper fly and front pockets made from heavy twill. Because they’re cut from such a heavy-duty 14.5oz denim, these pants do feel pretty stiff when new, and take longer than normal to break-in. They can be a little uncomfortable for the first few weeks, however, I can confidently say from personal firsthand experience that they eventually break-in and fit like a glove. 

From a workwear perspective, it’s definitely unfortunate that this pair doesn’t feature double-layered knees — though Filson does make work pants that do — as this does make them less robust and durable compared to its double-layer-kneed counterparts. Having said that, the single-layer front ultimately gives these jeans a plain appearance that affords them an unparalleled degree of versatility. Because they lend themselves to so many uses, it’s also a lot easier to justify their steeper price tag. The last issue I had with these workwear jeans was with their range of motion. While squatting was no issue, I did notice that it was exceedingly difficult to raise either of my knees above the waistline. Fortunately, this isn’t a position I often find myself in, so it’s hard to deduct too many points for this drawback, though it’s nonetheless worth mentioning. What’s more, this area also lessened as the pair broke in, though it was still noticeable. 

Verdict: Filson’s Rail-Splitter Jeans don’t come cheap, though they’re undeniably built super tough, and benefit from quality American craftsmanship, premium selvedge denim, and a myriad of minor high-end touches. Their price is also much easier to justify when you consider how immensely versatile they are, being hardwearing enough to serve as workwear pants while being stylish enough to lend themselves to just about any outfit or occasion. 

1620 Slim Fit Double Knee Utility Pant 2.0

Best USA-Made Pick: Though it doesn’t yet have the same level of name recognition as heritage brands like Carhartt and Filson, 1620 has quickly made a name for itself in the workwear space delivering super-rugged, over-engineered staples like the brand’s second-generation Slim Fit Double Knee Utility Pant. The 1620 Slim Fit Double Knee Utility Pant 2.0 is cut from DWR-finished 14oz plain-weave CORDURA stretch NYCO — a military BDU-inspired proprietary 1620 fabric construction that’s some ten times more abrasion resistant than cotton duck and dries twice as fast. 

 The pants sport massive overlays, starting just below the knees and extending all the way up the crotch, providing a ton of additional coverage and protection — plus the bottom of the overlays feature an opening that allows them to accept knee pads. Largely thanks to articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, these pants also afforded phenomenal range of motion and what felt like totally unrestricted mobility. You could legitimately wear these to an advanced yoga class and not have any mobility issues. Brimming with cargo space, these pants feature regular back pockets supplemented via back yoke welt pockets, dual watch pockets, a dedicated smartphone pocket, hammer loops on both legs, a pen pocket, and a right zipper-secured pocket. In total, they feature 11 pockets.

With a 14oz weight, I wasn’t at all surprised to see the Slim Fit Double Knee Utility Pant 2.0’s NYCO construction easily stand up to the time it spent under the sander, ultimately showing very few signs of wear and tear. At less than 2.0lbs, these pants aren’t all that heavy, at least for how ridiculously robust and heavy-duty they feel. While fairly minor, I also no doubt appreciate this pair’s zippered pocket, as it provides a more secure area to stash easily-losable or important items. Other small details like I appreciated include a main YKK zipper, a military-spec shank button, and a reinforced knife pocket clip area. Just like with the KÜHL Above The Law Pant, it’s abundantly clear that an extraordinary amount of time and thought went into designing these 1620 pants, and they clearly benefit from designers with ample real-world experience and customer feedback to draw from. 

The fit of these pants is noticeably slimmer than every other pair I tested (aside from Vollebak’s Lumberjeans), though I still wouldn’t classify them as being slim-fit pants, but rather a semi-slim straight cut with a bit of a taper. As someone then tends to wear slim-fit jeans, I really like the fit of these pants, though I know not everyone shares this proclivity. And, while there’s no questioning how incredibly rugged these pants are or their excellent mobility, I did find them to not be the most comfortable pants that I tested — far from it in fact. These pants are also made in America and backed by a lifetime warranty. 

Verdict: The 1620 Slim Fit Double Knee Utility Pant 2.0 are a rugged pair of thoroughly modern work pants that see a highly-calculated work-specific design brought to life using meticulous American manufacturing. Though they do cost a bit more, they’re literally guaranteed to afford a lifetime of use (thanks to a lifetime warranty).  

Vollebak Blue Edition Lumberjeans

Best Premium Pick: Since the brand’s inception, Vollebak has repeatedly pushed the envelop in the garment space by delivering ultra-premium, ultra-innovative, and unmistakably elevated takes on wardrobe staples — with a great example of the UK label’s usual MO being the Vollebak Blue Edition Lumberjeans. Also offered in a Black Edition that’s infused with Dyneema, the Vollebak Blue Edition Lumberjeans are composed of an aramid fiber-infused raw Japanese selvedge denim that’s spun on low-speed looms. This primary construction is then reinforced with CORDURA at the seat and knees. Vollebak’s Blue Edition Lumberjeans boast a standard five-pocket setup that’s been supplemented via a tool loop and an additional knife slip above the back right pocket. Additionally, the front pockets are made from CORDURA while the angled rear pockets have been lined in the same ultra-rugged construction. Rounding out these jeans is a unique accent stitch pattern, a one-piece continuous button selvedge fly, and a handsome leather Vollebak logo patch. 

Unlike most pairs of work pants that readily announce themselves as being workwear bottoms, the Lumberjeans manage to subtly incorporate a double-knee construction with minimal visible, external stitching. In fact, if you’re not actively looking for it, you likely won’t even notice the supplementary color-matched stitching that reinforces this pair’s double knee setup. This ultimately affords these workwear jeans with a ton of versatility, as they mostly look like regular jeans — albeit high-end ones. Not unlike SA1NT’s Dyneema motorcycle jeans — which actually make for a pretty terrific pair of work pants themselves — this pair from Vollebak legitimately looks and feels like premium designer denim. These pants also benefit from the use of what I can only describe as designer-grade trim and mil-spec hardware. Even with a slim fit, the fact this pair features deep pockets with wide-mouth openings actually allows them to easily accommodate tools and other larger items. Based on the materials and build quality, it’s also crystal clear that these pants were engineered and built to last a lifetime. 

As much as I wholeheartedly loved testing these jeans, I did uncover a few issues that I had with Vollebak’s Blue Edition Lumberjeans. Though they still require a break-in period, this pair is more comfortable out of the box compared to the other selvedge construction pairs I tested. I would have also liked to see Vollebak infuse the selvedge construction with a bit of Lycra or Spandex for some added light stretch properties. Because of the slim fit, the pant legs tend to bunch up behind me knees when kneeling or squatting. While this isn’t super comfy, it doesn’t limit or restrict mobility or range of motion. Not unlike Filson’s Rail-Splitter Jeans, I did notice that I had some trouble lifting my knees above my waistline. Small ankles and a slim fit make putting on and removing this pair a bit of a chore — and one that’s made even more difficult if I was wearing thick wool socks. 

Let’s now get to the biggest and most obvious sticking point that most people — including myself — will have with these pants, and that’s their price. At nearly $600, there’s no way getting around the fact that these workwear jeans carry an objectively steep MSRP. And, while its raw selvedge denim is sourced from Japan, these jeans are pieced together in China. You’d honestly never know it from the top-notch build quality they exhibit, though it’s still hard not to view this as a sticking point considering that I’ve bought running used motorcycles for less than the price of the Blue Edition Lumberjeans. Having said that, if you can swing it, they’re truly a fantastic pair of work pants that have been an absolute pleasure to test. 

Verdict: The Vollebak Blue Edition Lumberjeans are a spare-no-expense interpretation of workwear jeans that feature an aramid fiber-infused raw Japanese selvedge denim construction reinforced with CORDURA throughout. Though they boast an exorbitant price, they’re almost certainly the finest premium work pants that money can buy. 

Work Pants Comparison Chart

What Factors To Consider When Shopping

The sheer abundance of available options on the market does give buyers an enormous variety of pairs to pick from, however, it can also make it difficult to sort through the sea of available offerings in order to hone in on the pair that’s most conducive to your particular wants and needs. To help simplify this situation, we’ve put together this condensed guide to the five most crucial areas to take into consideration before buying a pair of work pants.

Materials & Construction Techniques: The biggest factor that will play the most important role in a pair of workwear pants’ overall quality is undoubtedly the materials used to make them, as well as the construction techniques used to piece those materials together. Additionally, you’ll want to explore if a pair has been reinforced with double or triple-stitched seams, reinforced seats, or overlays in key stress areas.

Climate & Conditions: It’s important to have workwear that’s appropriate for the climate you’re working in. Warmer seasons or regions will call for lighter, more breathable materials, while colder months or climates will demand weatherproof constructions with waterproof membranes and sometimes insulation. Fortunately, most workwear-specific brands offer versions of products to accommodate a wide variety of temperatures and work conditions.

Pockets & Storage: Another way workwear pants differ from regular bottoms is in both the number of pockets they often possess, and the way said pockets are designed and laid out specifically for housing common tools and pieces of gear. When reviewing this area, you’ll want to pay attention to the total number of pockets, the type or types of pockets being used, and if they’re anchored, secured, or outfitted with any type of flap or closure.

Fit & Mobility: Performing physical labor requires garments that don’t restrict the wearer’s mobility. Elements such as articulated knees and gusseted crotches will bolster a pair’s range of movement. In order to offer the most possible range of movement and motion, pants need to precisely and snugly fit their wearer, which is also why a decent number of today’s best work pants also feature additional adjustment points to better dial in their fit.

Warranty: Quality constructions and top-notch craftsmanship will almost always yield rugged work pants that will stand up to years of prolonged abuse, however, should you damage a pair, it’s always nice having the peace of mind that a warranty can bring. Because many of these garments have been specifically designed to last a lifetime, the manufacturers behind these products are often willing to stand behind them in the form of lifetime warranties. This is also a premium that you’re typically paying for when opting for more expensive pieces of workwear.

Price & Value: Typically speaking, in the workwear sector, the more you spend, the better garment you’ll get, with pants being no exception. While cheaper pairs can be tempting to opt for, the reality is that most of the time, you’ll actually save money by going with a more expensive pair, as a good pair of work pants will outlive — and hugely outperform — a regular or cheap pair of work pants several times over. With that said, there is still a sweet spot — usually between $100 and $250 — that will get you a great pair of ultra-hardwearing pants without hugely breaking the bank.

Honorable Mentions 

With an MSRP hovering around the $50 mark, the Ben Davis Original Ben’s 100% Cotton Pants afford some of the best value of any work pants on the market — rivaled only by the likes of Carhartt. Composed of USA-sourced 11.5oz Cotton Plenty Tough fabric, these pants don’t offer quite the same level of durability or craftsmanship seen on its pricer counterparts, though they’re nonetheless a pair that’s well worth considering when shopping in this space — especially if you’re on a tight budget. With a history dating back to 1935, Ben Davis’ workwear pants are just about as tried and true as it gets. 

As a huge fan of the Huckberry-owned label’s regular Rover pants, I was delighted to see that the fledgling firm has recently debuted a more hardwearing work-specific version of these slacks known as the Proof Rover Double-Knee Work Pant. Cut from a lightly Lycra-infused blend of cotton and Repreve TruTemp365 — a recycle polyester with impressive moisture-wicking and thermo-regulation properties — these pants are built incredibly tough, plus feature a gusseted crotch for unrestricted mobility, and a vintage-style pigment dye finish. At less than $150, these straight-cut work pants — which are also offered in a slim-cut version — also offer pretty terrific bang-for-your-buck. 

Though technically designed for motorcycle riding, the plain-looking appearance, unrestricted range of motion, top-notch build quality, and ultra-tough Dyneema-infused construction makes the SA1NT Unbreakable Straight Jeans a stellar choice for anyone shopping for a pair of trousers for work use. Whether used in or out of the saddle, for work use, or just for daily wearing, these Dyneema stretch jeans are wildly versatile. At $350, they admittedly don’t come cheap, though the premium nature and feel of these pants more than justify their MSRP — and that’s before considering the fact that their immense quality practically guarantees a lifetime of use.

It’s obviously no secret that Red Wing makes some of the best work boots on the market, though few are privy to the fact that the Minnesota boot-maker is also responsible for some equally-impressive workwear garments — with the Red Wing 66165 Standard Cargo Work Trouser being no exception. Sporting a 6oz poly-cotton construction pieced together using a triple-stitched construction and bar-tacking at all critical stress points, this eight-pocket jean-cut design benefits from small yet important details such as a high-density polyester coil zip from YKK with metal jean button closure. Unfortunately, actually getting your hands on a pair of these work pants seems to be a bit complicated, leading us to relegate these pants to an honorable mention. 

Despite only being founded in 2015, Truewerk unequivocally makes some of the very finest workwear garments on the market. We’d planned on getting hands-on with the absolutely stellar Truewerk T3 Werkpant, though sadly due to shipping issues we were unable to put the T3 Werkpant through our hands-on testing process, and as such have to feature them as a very, very, honorable mention. Crafted around a double-woven triple-layer softshell fabric shell, these thermal softshell work pants feature double-stitched seams and an interior Hex Fleece backing, plus are heavily-water-resistant and completely impervious to wind. At under $100, these work pants also afford what’s quite possibly the best value of any pair currently available. 

Tested: The Best Work Gloves To Keep Your Hands Protected

Interested in checking out another selection of some of our favorite pieces of workwear? Then be sure to head over to our guide and hands-on review of the best work gloves for a deep dive into the finest work mitts currently on the market.