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Not all pants are created equal.

This is especially true when it comes to the pants we work in. 

Here at 911Mettalurgist, we work from our workshops and on-site, and we need pants that will not let us down during the typical workday. That might be climbing large machines or running an outdoor survey off-grid. Finding the best work pants is a challenge we set to uncover by working with our community of metallurgists to understand which brands matched expectations and which work pants just didn’t.

As part of our research, we utilized our community to find out what work pants worked for them, our team recommendations and the latest consumer data to understand which particular pants model was performing best over a large consumer base.

What we think are the best work pants for men in 2023:

1. Cherokee Men’s 874 Flex Work Pant – Our Favourite

I am in love with my 3 pairs of Cherokee 874.

The Cherokee 874 is the perfect professional work pant. It doesn’t have many pockets, but it sports the right flex for easy movement when you are walking up and down the job site. It sports a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, creating the perfect tough-comfort combo. The pants have a simple hook and eye closure, so you can easily get them on and off.

The pants are machine-washable, with the polyester drying fast, so you can wear them the following day. Thanks to the tapered legs and the comfortable construction at the waist, you will feel comfortable in these. Further, the mechanical stretch twill ensures that your pants offer comfort in all work angles.

To ensure a good fit, the pants feature long tunnel belt loops. Further, the pants feature welt back pockets to hold a few items that you need for work.

Notable Features

• Blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton

• Brass zipper with hook and eye closure

• Machine washable

• Flex fabric with mechanical stretch twill

What we love:

• Breathable construction to keep you comfortable during hot workdays

• Comfortable design around the waist with wider hem for added comfort

• They are easy to get on and off with their wide fit and the simple hook and eye closure

• Long-lasting construction, giving you value for your money

We don’t like this as much:

• You need to be keen on the fit above the waist when you are buying for the first time

2. Dickies Relaxed Fit Straight-Leg Men’s Duck Carpenter Jean

These carpenter jeans have all the pockets and loops you need to hold your carpentry tools. Dickies created them tough to last for long and with a relaxed fit to serve you during those very busy days. It features 100% cotton, making them soft and tough to withstand the ruggedness of every-day use.

The pants sport a stylish straight-leg construction to match with your work shirts and t-shirts. Each pair features a design that sits below the waist with a roomy seat to accommodate an active work day. Further, you will have a hammer loop and dual pockets for your tools while you work. The pants have a button closure, which keeps them comfortably on even when you have tools in your pocket.

Notable Features

• 100% cotton construction

• Hummer loop and dual pockets

• Button closure

• Straight leg design

What we love:

• Durable cotton construction gives you value for money

• The relaxed fit of these relaxed straight-leg jeans allows you to use them all day

• The cotton material feels soft and comfortable against your skin

• The strong stitching ensures that your tools are safe whenever you are working a

We don’t like this as much:

• The pockets are designed for small hands, so you may not find them very functional

3. CQR Men’s Tactical Cargo Pants

CQR uses Duratex Ripstop Fabric, making these pants for the active man. You can use them as techwear, casual wear, or have them on during your toughest work day. Its Ripstop fabric ensures that you have cool comfort and that your pants last for long. Even better, the fabric is waterproof, so you can wear them in any weather. Their cargo pants design ensures enough pockets to hold your tools.

The pants have an elastic band on each side for a snug fit. This band works with a button closure to ensure you have the comfort you need to work all day. Depending on the kind of work you do, the different models of these pants have different numbers of pockets to keep your hands free when you work. The cargo pockets have a Velcro closure, so you can keep your small belongings in there for easy access.

You can choose between a relaxed fit that offers you enough room for added comfort; a regular fit that is straight through the leg; and a straight fit that slightly tapers to the leg opening.

Notable Features

• 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton Ripstop fabric

• Multi-purpose cargo pockets

• Zipper and button closure with elastic on the sides

• Velcro cargo pockets

What we love:

• You will have access to multiple pockets, big and small, for all your tools

• Elasticated waistband on the sides ensures that you get a good fit

• The ripstop fabric ensures that the pants are durable to serve you for long

• You can choose whatever fit feels comfortable for you, depending on where you work

We don’t like this as much:

• The mag pouch is uncovered and is relatively small for people who work in the military or law enforcement

4. Cherokee Men’s Original 874 Work Pant

The Cherokee Men’s Original 874 Work Pant is good if you are looking for classical professional work pants. It is one of the most popular work pants from the manufacturer. The pants feature a comfortable, hard-wearing cotton and polyester blend that is easy to care for. Its flattering design with a classic rise keeps it comfortable from the waist downwards. Its legs taper slightly to keep you comfortable and cover the boots.

The distinctive tunnel belt loops and the hook and eye closure ensure that you can have as many tools as possible without the pants falling off. Further, the 8.5 oz. twill ensures that the pants are easy to care for and flex when you work for added comfort. Pick a color that you like and get ready for work. Because these are professional work pants, they do not have as many pockets.

Notable Features

• 65% Polyester and 3% Cotton

• Hook and eye closure

• Machine-washable

• Wrinkle-resistant twill

What we love:

• They sit comfortably at your natural waist for comfort when you are working

• The pants are highly durable and flexible, giving you value for money

• Each pair matches well with other work clothes, thanks to their relaxed fit

• The pants are easy to care for with their machine-washable construction and quick-drying features

We don’t like this as much:

• They are snug around the thighs and people with thick thighs may find them a little restricting

5. Cherokee Men’s Relaxed Fit Straight-Leg Duck Carpenter Jean

These carpenter work pants offer you the comfort and the ruggedness you need to work all day. They are popular for their durable construction. If you compare these with regular blue jeans, the latter will wear out within a few weeks in a demanding job site, while the carpenter pants will serve you for a couple of months. They feature strong 100% cotton construction that is machine washable for easy care. The cotton fabric offers broken-in comfort and sports a stylish distressed look so that you look stylish when you are working on your projects.

The jeans sit just below the natural waistline, which feels as comfortable as any other every-day pants. Further, they have a roomy seat to accommodate your movements. When you start working, use the hammer loop at the back and the dual pockets to hold your tools and keep your hands free for efficiency.

The button closure makes the pants easy to put on and remove. Like all other Dickies clothes, the pants show superior craftmanship with long-lasting comfort. Their straight fit allows them to cover your boots.

Notable Features

• 100% Cotton construction

• Hammer looks and dual pockets for tools

• Stylish distressed look with a relaxed fit

• Button closure with a waist that sits slightly below the natural waistline

What we love:

• These pants will serve you for many months, thanks to the strong 100% cotton construction

• Wrinkle-resistant construction so that you look good in your work clothes every day

• Feels comfortable with a wide seat and the position below the natural waistline

• Easy-to-use button closure that is strong enough to keep your pants on when you are working

We don’t like this as much:

• The hammer loop is big that small hammers and mallets can fall off

6. CQR Men’s Flex Ripstop Tactical Pants

CQR Men’s Flex Ripstop Tactical Pants are designed for the military and people in law enforcement. They feature the tough Dura-Flex ripstop fabric you can use for many months without wear. It is great for any job site, and you can also use it as hiking pants and for days when you need to carry a firearm.

These tactical pants feature a host of pockets designed for work tools, Every-Day Carry, and for a handgun. It features an innovative blend of fibers with 63% polyester for ease of care and toughness, 34% cotton to make the pants tough and soft, and 3% elastane to make pants flexible. These materials, combined with high-quality construction techniques, ensure that the pants last long enough to give you value for money. Better still, the material is water-resistant and dirt and stain-resistant, making it easier to care for.

An elastic waistband on the sides gives you a good fit around the waist. You can buy the tactical belt (sold separately) to keep the pants on when you have heavy tools in any of the eight multi-purpose pockets.

Notable Features

• Eight multi-purpose pockets

• 63% Polyester, 34% Cotton, and 3% Elastane construction

• Zipper and button closure

• Water, stain, and dirt resistant

What we love:

• The fabric was designed to resist dust, stain, and water to keep you comfortable for long

• The material is breathable to wick away sweat during a hot work day

• You have enough pockets to hold all your tools and keep your hands free

• You can choose one of three fits, depending on the nature of your work

We don’t like this as much:

• They do not offer as much warmth as you’d like for winter, so get ready to add a layer beneath them

7. Lee Men’s Performance Series Extreme Comfort Work Pants

The Lee Men’s Work Pants are available in any of three fits; a relaxed fit, straight fit, or slim fit. Pick one, depending on the nature of your work. People looking for professional pants can go for the slim fit for a stylish look. The straight and relaxed fit pants are for the active man. Further, Lee creates their pants in either Total Freedom, Airflow, or Extreme Comfort construction. The Total Freedom pants offer the best stretch, while the airflow pants offer great breathability.

These are mid-rise pants that sit at your natural waist. It might feel uncomfortable if you are used to pants that sit slightly below the waist, but they will make your workday more comfortable. It offers a button closure instead of a zip to further enhance breathability. The pants have only four large pockets to hold your small tools.

The Extreme Comfort pants offer athletic details, such as a flex waistband and mesh pockets. Their classic khaki look makes them ideal for someone who wants to look great.

Notable Features

• 97% Cotton and 3% Spandex construction

• Button closure

• Straight fit construction with slim and relaxed fit options

• Four-pocket design

What we love:

• Super comfortable with the stretch and the soft cotton

• Available in different fit styles to meet the needs of your work

• Rugged construction to serve you for a long time

• They are a great replacement for dress pants for anyone looking for a professional look

We don’t like this as much:

• The pockets are only ideal for EDC and not for work tools

Finally

One pair of pants is not enough, and neither is one type of work pants. There are days you want to look professional and others when you need the ultimate work pants.

You can buy a few professional pants, some carpenter pants, and cargo pants to match all your days at the job site. The best trouser should feel comfortable, hold your tools, and offer you value for money.

If you end up with a poor pair, you will be back shopping after a few weeks, but the right pair will serve you for several months. Take your time while shopping.

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