It’s no secret that the best work pants for men need to be hardy, durable and comfortable for long days on the job, whether that means working outside, inside a warehouse or commuting to a site. The quality of your pants often comes to the materials and specific details, like well-placed pockets, flat-lock seams that won’t fray and built-in warmth or breathability. Our top pick overall is Carhartt’s Duck Utility Work Pant, which is a true stalwart that can stand up to the toughest types of work, while Dickies Original Work Pants are the best affordable option out there.
The best work pants for men are rugged and reinforced in high-wear areas to stand up to the toughest ... [+] jobs. 100% Polyester Polo Shirt
Ahead, we gathered research on the best work pants for men, tapping into our expertise in reviewing all types of workwear and insight shared from actual guys who have worn these pants. Here are the top picks that we highly recommend:
Carhartt has been making workwear since 1889, and by this point, it certainly knows what goes into high-quality pants. Thanks to the 12-ounce, ring-spun cotton duck fabric, this pick is heavyweight, durable and able to tackle just about any job you throw at it. The pants sit high on the waist with ample room in the seat and thigh, but they’re not so baggy they’ll get in your way when climbing a ladder or kneeling down. Also great: The reinforced pockets and belt loops help this pair withstand wear and tear over the years.
Sizes: 28 to 54W, 30 to 36L | Fit: Loose | Utility features: Utility pockets, hammer loop, reinforced belt loops | What the reviews say: Many buyers have worn these pants for years and comment on their comfort, “heavy duty construction” and “awesome fit,” while some say “the sizing is way off” from past pairs—check the size chart to be sure.
Based on their original work pant design, the 874 Work Pants from Dickie’s combines classic features like a workwear waistband with an 8.5-ounce poly-cotton twill update that’s wrinkle- and stain-resistant. This style is known for its styling versatility, worn by all kinds of workers and skateboarders alike, with a high waist and relaxed fit with a slight leg taper. Plus, the price simply can’t be beat for its quality.
Sizes: 28 to 58W, 28 to 36L | Fit: Relaxed | Utility features: Reinforced seams, wide tunnel belt loops | What the reviews say: Guys love these for their versatility and durability, one saying “the tough cotton material has saved me many a cut or bruise on the thighs and legs over the years,” and “perfect for school, work or home.” They do run small, though, so many recommend sizing up: “I’ve never had to go this large with any of my other slacks.”
1620 Workwear recently updated their bestselling double knee pant to include three additional storage pockets, thicker threads, ergonomic knee reinforcement and more. This pair is made from a 14-ounce Cordura-Nyco plain weave fabric that’s coated for water and stain resistance. It has stretch for ease of movement and is quicker drying—and holds up against 10 times more abrasions—than cotton duck. The knees have a hidden opening that fits commercial knee pads, a great feature for painting and flooring projects.
Sizes: 30 to 46W, 27 to 36L | Fit: Regular | Utility features: Back yoke welt pockets, double knee reinforcement, hammer loops on both sides, knife clip, watch pocket | What the reviews say: Many like the quality of the fabric and extreme durability, one saying “from the minute I opened them I could tell they were different. Extremely well made.” Some, however, say the fit is “basically skinny jeans” and that the fabric initially feels stiff and “brutal on the knees when squatting or bending fully,” but they break in with wear.
Great for hot weather or sweaty work, the T1 WerkPants are lightweight and breathable without sacrificing durability and performance. The proprietary WerkFabric feels soft against the skin while wicking moisture, drying quickly and providing 4-way stretchy comfort in the seat and thigh for a wide range of movements on the job. Other favorite features include tactical belt loops, fabric-lined utility pockets designed to protect your legs from sharp items, reinforced double stitching throughout for added longevity and a cargo pocket with a security flap. For cooler temps, the heavier T2 WerkPant is worth checking out as well.
Sizes: 30 t0 44W, 30 to 36L | Fit: Standard | Utility features: 8 utility pockets, articulated knees | What the reviews say: Many recommend these for warm weather, saying “they keep you so cool during the dead heat of summer it’s actually enjoyable, as impossible as that may seem,” while some say they shrunk a little after machine washing.
For a pair that looks like a chino but feels comfortable and stretchy like activewear, the garment-dyed 365 Tapered Pant is a solid choice. Available in four fits—athletic tapered (shown here), slim, straight and relaxed—and 15 colors, this pick is primarily made of 8-ounce cotton with a bit of spandex added for comfort and mobility on the job. This wear-anywhere pant is neither too lightweight or heavy, making it an ideal year-round option. Washing tip: the brand recommends washing in cold water, turned inside out, with similar colors.
Sizes: 28 to 44W, 30 to 36L | Fit: Athletic tapered | Utility features: 5 pockets, belt loops | What the reviews say: Many like the athletic fit if have muscular legs, saying it gives you “room in the thigh without looking sloppy down the rest of my leg. If you’ve got big calves, don't worry they don't taper too much.” Others had some sizing issues, saying this pair can run long.
With a mid-rise and straight fit that tapers at the leg, these workhorse jeans from Buck Mason are a classic, high-quality option. They’re made from 14-ounce Japanese denim that has a little ease to it thanks to the added stretch for comfort. Available in five washes, this pick is versatile, tough and also stylish for the weekends. Sizing note: This jean comes standard with a 33.5-inch inseam, but if you need alterations Buck Mason offers a free hemming service.
Sizes: 28 to 40 | Fit: Tapered straight | Utility features: 5 pockets, belt loops | What the reviews say: Not listed
Inspired by the original American chinos of the WWII era, Taylor Stitch’s Foundation Pant is garment-washed and dyed so it comes out like a well-loved vintage pair. The Democratic cut has a straight-fitting thigh with a slight taper at the knee and a medium rise, making this an easy-wearing, instant classic (it’s also available in a slim version). The 8-ounce organic cotton—with sturdy herringbone detail in the pockets and waist—is durable, smooth to the touch and mid-weight for all seasons.
Sizes: 28 to 38W, 32 to 34L | Fit: Tapered straight | Utility features: 5 pockets, belt loops, reinforced seams | What the reviews say: Many comment on the excellent quality, fit and versatility, saying they’re “built for the long haul indeed. Just the right balance between rugged cool and office ready.” Some wearers call out seam issues and inconsistent colors.
Vuori puts a performance twist on the classic 5-pocket silhouette with their tapered fit Meta Pant. This pair can handle everything from a hike to a day of meetings—the lightweight, quick-drying polyester fabric has four-way stretch and UPF protection, and the overall look is still office-appropriate.
Sizes: 28 to 38W, 30 to 34L | Fit: Tailored, slightly fitted through leg | Utility features: Moisture-wicking, UPF 30 | What the reviews say: Wearers appreciate the comfort and flexibility of these pants, pointing out they’re a “travel/business casual essential. Tailored, but not too slim. A lot of give, but looks put together.” Others find the ankle opening a bit narrow.
At Forbes Vetted, we’re experts on men’s fashion and workwear; we’ve made thoughtful recommendations on everything from men’s dress shirts to golf polos. Each one of our shopping guides is thoroughly researched and carefully curated to ensure you have access to the best picks in every category. This particular story was co-written by senior fashion editor Kari Molvar, our in-house style expert who holds a certificate in fashion styling, and Becky Eaton, who has covered such topics as the best men’s work boots and casual pants for men, among many others.
We regularly update our articles to make sure that all prices and product information is current; we also re-evaluate our selections for greatness. During this story’s most recent January 2024 update, we updated our overall winner to Carhartt’s Loose Fit Washed Duck Utility Work Pant and the best affordable work pants to Dickies’ Original 874 Work Pants.
When choosing the best work pants for men, we sought out bestselling styles from brands with stellar reputations for creating high-quality clothes. Since a typical work week looks a bit different for everyone, we considered specs such as material and fit to ensure our selections—from a hard-wearing utility option from Carhartt to sleek Vuori performance pants—covered a wide range of professional needs. Price, too, was taken into account; there are wallet-friendly options you can stock up on as well as higher-end pieces that will last you for years to come. Finally, we pored over customer reviews for key takeaways and insights on each pair of pants.
I am a staff writer at Forbes covering retail. I have been at Forbes since 2013, first on the markets and investing team and then on the billionaires team. In the course of my reporting, I have interviewed the father of Indian gambling, the first female billionaire to enter the space race and the immigrant founder of one of the nation’s most secretive financial upstarts. My work has also appeared in Money Magazine and CNNMoney.com. Tips or story ideas? Email me at ldebter@forbes.com.
I am a staff writer at Forbes covering retail. I have been at Forbes since 2013, first on the markets and investing team and then on the billionaires team. In the course of my reporting, I have interviewed the father of Indian gambling, the first female billionaire to enter the space race and the immigrant founder of one of the nation’s most secretive financial upstarts. My work has also appeared in Money Magazine and CNNMoney.com. Tips or story ideas? Email me at ldebter@forbes.com.
Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. When she's not writing, she can be found doing all the dog mom things with her Jack-Chi, Cash.
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As the special projects editor at Forbes Vetted, I oversee gift guides and editorial packages across verticals. Previously, I was the senior features editor at InStyle, where I spent the last decade writing and editing everything from celebrity cover stories and profiles to fashion features and service pieces. I have also been a contributor at Glamour, W, Ladies’ Home Journal, Elle and more. I'm a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and am currently based in New York City.
After studying product design and journalism in college, I became a full-time freelance writer in 2016, where I found my niche in the shopping and product testing realm. To date, I’ve conducted firsthand product testing on hundreds of items, including everything from grill pans to lawn mowers, and my work has been published on websites such as USA Today, Business Insider, The Spruce, Popular Mechanics, and more.
For product reviews, gift ideas, and latest deals, Subscribe to the Forbes Finds newsletter.
After studying product design and journalism in college, I became a full-time freelance writer in 2016, where I found my niche in the shopping and product testing realm. To date, I’ve conducted firsthand product testing on hundreds of items, including everything from grill pans to lawn mowers, and my work has been published on websites such as USA Today, Business Insider, The Spruce, Popular Mechanics, and more.
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I'm a freelance journalist and product reviewer specializing in parenting and education. My writing has been featured by AARP, Scholastic, Insider, Yahoo, MSN, AAA and more. I spent six years as a high school English teacher, and then began writing full time after my daughter was born. I'm the proud mom to her as well as twin boys (and a fur baby). I have a bachelor of science in education from Penn State and a master of arts in education from Michigan State. You can learn more about me or connect with me on my website.
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