Denim is one of the most durable fabrics used for clothing. It’s no wonder, then, that many jeans manufacturers began designing jeans specifically used for work. Work jeans for men may have additional pockets and loops for tools, or they may have a fire repelling treatment. In other words, they are different from your average pair of jeans in both their material and functionality.
What makes a good pair of work jeans?
A reliable pair of work jeans is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s an indispensable tool that can make a difference in the quality of your workday. But what exactly should you look for? Here’s some guidance:
Fit
Work jeans should provide an ideal balance between being loose enough for comfort and mobility, but tight enough to not get in your way. An improper fit can lead to discomfort, difficulty in movement, or even safety hazards. Also, consider how they fit with other work gear like boots or tool belts.
Material Quality
A good pair of work jeans should be made of high-quality, durable fabric—typically a robust denim or canvas. Some work jeans even have reinforced stitching or double-layered fabric at high-wear points for increased longevity.
Advanced Features
Modern work jeans often come with advanced features. Look for pairs with water-resistant, fire-resistant, or stain-resistant properties if they suit your line of work. These features can protect you and extend the life of your jeans.
Remember these points when searching for your next pair of work jeans:
- Functional: They should have enough pockets and loops to carry essential tools and items.
- Comfortable: Find a pair that feels good to wear throughout a long workday.
- Durable: The fabric and stitching should be sturdy enough to withstand challenging work conditions.
- Good Investment: Quality work jeans may cost more initially but they can last for years, making them a worthwhile investment.
- Fit: Look for a pair that fits you well, neither too tight nor too loose.
- Material Quality: Choose jeans made of high-quality, robust materials for durability.
- Advanced Features: If it suits your job, consider jeans with advanced properties like water-resistance or fire-resistance.
Work Jeans for Men: Our Denim Picks For All Kinds of Jobs
| Feature | Top Pick: ARIAT Men’s Rebar M4 Straight Leg Jean | Runner Up: 5.11 Tactical Men’s Defender-Flex Straight Jeans | Best Value: Carhartt Men’s Straight Leg Flannel Lined Jean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | ToughMax Denim | 76% Cotton, 24% Polyester with Lycra T400 Tough Max | 85% Cotton, 14% Polyester, 1% Spandex |
| Design | Straight Leg | Straight Leg | Straight Leg |
| Special Features | No-rub comfort inseams, reinforced pockets, Duraflex technology, heavy-duty zippers and hardware | Dual back patch pockets, two rear hip pockets, 5.11 signature mag pockets | Rugged Flex technology, fits over work boots, reinforced belt loops |
| Color Options | 6 | Multiple | Several Denim Washes |
ARIAT Men’s Rebar M4 Straight Leg Jean
Top Pick: Our number one pick for men’s work jeans is the Rebar M4 straight-leg jeans by Ariat. This company specializes in work and western wear and ensures their jeans are the most comfortable and durable you can buy. They use ToughMax denim, which is a material designed to be twice as strong and abrasion resistant as regular 100% cotton jeans.
The Rebar M4 jeans feature no-rub comfort inseams, reinforced pockets, Duraflex technology and heavy-duty zippers and hardware. They are available in 6 different colors.
ARIAT Men’s Rebar M4 Straight Leg Jean
5.11 Tactical Men’s Defender-Flex Straight Jeans
Runner Up: 5.11 produces functional yet stylish apparel for first responders, tactical operators, public safety personnel, and outdoor field guides. They are made of 10 oz mechanical stretch denim from 76% cotton and 24% polyester with Lycra T400 Tough Max, making them comfortable yet extremely durable.
While these jeans are considerably more expensive than some others on our list, 5.11 assures its products are a worthwhile investment. Aside from their proprietary material, they feature dual back patch pockets, two rear hip pockets, and the 5.11 signature mag pockets, made for those who carry a firearm. They come in several colors and in waist sizes 28 to 44 and lengths 30-36.
5.11 Tactical Men’s Defender-Flex Straight Jeans
Carhartt Men’s Straight Leg Flannel Lined Jean
Best Value: Carhartt’s flannel-lined work jeans use Rugged Flex technology, which offers more room to bend in the knee area, more stretch between the legs, and extra flexibility in the hips. They have a straight leg opening that easily fits over work boots, and reinforced belt loops for added protection against wear and tear.
These jeans are made from 85% Cotton, 14% Polyester, and 1% Spandex. They are available in several denim washes.
Carhartt Men’s Straight Leg Flannel Lined Jean
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Men’s Carpenter Jeans
You can’t talk about jeans and not mention Levi Strauss & Co., possibly the most well-known denim brand in the world. Levi’s gold-label men’s carpenter jeans boast superior quality, strength, and durability thanks to their premium denim.
These jeans have classic 5-pocket styling and are relaxed through the seat and thigh. You can get these carpenter jeans in several different colors, and they have a broad range of waist sizes and inseam lengths.
Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Men’s Carpenter Jeans
Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men’s Ripstop Carpenter Jean
The Wrangler Riggs Ripstop jeans can help you keep your tools accessible with 2 slash pockets, 2 back pockets, 2 utility pockets on the right leg, and 1 hammer loop on the left leg.
These jeans are made from 100% Cotton Durashield Denim, which is designed for both durability and comfort. They have a relaxed fit, and deep front pockets, and are available in seven colors.
Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men’s Ripstop Carpenter Jean
Dickies Men’s Straight-Leg Duck Carpenter Jean
Dickies has been making workwear for 100 years, so it’s safe to say their products are built to last. The Duck carpenter jeans sit slightly below the waist and feature a utility pocket, hammer loop, and dual tool pockets.
These carpenter jeans are made with Duck fabric – a woven canvas-like material that is stronger than regular denim. They are available in 7 different colors.
Dickies Men’s Straight-Leg Duck Carpenter Jean
Red Kap Men’s Classic Work Jean
Red Kap makes work jeans for those on a tighter budget, but they state they do not sacrifice in quality. According to the brand, their work jeans offer ripstop reinforcement, wrinkle-resistant coating, and excellent color retention and soil release, which they say will keep your jeans looking good for years to come.
The classic work jeans feature a traditional rise and Bartak reinforced pockets. They are made from prewashed 13.75 oz. heavyweight denim in an indigo color.
Red Kap Men’s Classic Work Jean
Bulwark Men’s Midweight Fr Dungaree
For those who require flame-resistant work jeans, Bulwark specializes in all types of safety-oriented workwear, including chemical-resistant and fire-resistant garments and accessories. Their midweight FR jeans meet or exceed the standards for CAT2 and NFPA.
Besides being flame resistant, these work jeans feature plenty of places to keep your most used items – two utility pockets, a hammer loop, a rule pocket, two deep scoop pockets, and two oversized reinforced hip pockets. They are made from Duck material and come in 4 colors.
Bulwark Men’s Midweight Fr Dungaree
While regular denim jeans may be adequate for some, investing in some quality work jeans can save you money in the long run, as well as improve your workday. We hope our suggestions help you find the best men’s work jeans.
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This article, "Work Jeans for Men: Our Denim Picks For All Kinds of Jobs" was first published on Small Business Trends