Top 10 Carpenter Work Pants & Jeans

Are you looking for a sturdy piece of apparel that will serve your needs in carpentry, construction work, or other related activities? What you need is some high-quality carpenter jeans, or work pants.

The carpentry market size according to ibis world is a very large one with a market size of $41.7 billion dollars in revenue with a growth rate of 9.4%. According to statista statistics, there are almost 699,300 carpenters in the United States. All these carpenters need safe work pants that can offer them high quality safety as they carry their daily chores.

Carpenters work pants are designed specifically for work-related activities, and they are reinforced with special materials to ensure you get both protection and flexibility. Below you can find a comprehensive list of work pants for carpenters that will surely meet your requirements.

So what exactly are carpenter work pants, and what sets them apart a normal pair of pants or trousers? Well, the first thing you’ll notice when you touch a pair of carpenter work pants is the material.

They are usually made of denim or canvas. Canvas is an extremely durable plain-woven fabric. Modern canvas is usually made of cotton or linen, along with polyvinyl chloride.

Carpenter work pants made with canvas are lighter than ones made with denim, as denim is a heavy cotton fabric. Moreover, the canvas work pants are plain weave rather than twill weave.

Canvas comes in two basic types, plain and duck canvas. The threads in duck canvas are more tightly woven. In this article, you will learn more about the different uses and styles of these unique items.

You will also learn more about how to take care of your work pants properly, and the key differences between jeans and work pants. Read on!

What are the Uses of Carpenter Work Pants?

Carpenter Work Pants Provide Added Protection

As I’ve mentioned above, carpenter work pants are worn mainly by carpenters, hence the name. However, you can wear and use these pants for just about anything.

Whether you are interested in construction work around the house, gardening, woodworking, or working in the garage, carpenter work pants can provide added benefits that regular pants can’t. Carpenter work pants are renowned for their strength and durability.

This makes them an excellent choice if you’re planning on doing any sort of manual labor. But, if you are just tired of your jeans ripping or breaking down after a few months due to wear and tear, carpenter work pants are a great alternative.

Rest assured that if you can located and purchase a high-quality pair of carpenter work pants, you won’t need to purchase another pair any time soon!

Carpenter Work Pants Help you Store your Tools

When you buy a pair of carpenter work pants, you will surely notice that the pants feature carrying loops on the sides. These loops are designed for carpenter to place their tools in a convenient and accessible location.

This is also a unique feature that sets these pants apart from regular trousers. If you are a carpenter, you will definitely be working with some tools such as a hammer, and carrying loops are absolutely essential if you want to be able to access your tools easily.

The advantage of these carrying loops is that you won’t have to wear a dedicated tool belt. A tool bet can get very heavy and hinder your comfort and maneuverability while working.

Carrying loops provide a feasible alternative, especially if you are only using one or two tools. The design of carrying loops also makes it simple to store your tools, as you just need to slide your hammer into the loop, and it will stay there until you need it again.

Carpenter Work Pants Carry More Items

By now you’ve probably figured out that carpenter work pants are all about function and practicality. This is why they also feature exceptionally deep pockets.

While this may seem like a standard feature that is present in every pair of jeans or trousers, carpenter work pants will give you more room to carry stuff than any other kind of apparel. The reason for these deep pockets is that carpenters or construction workers are usually required to work with small pieces or components in their daily tasks.

It can be easy to misplace something in a working environment, and the additional room that deep pockets provide makes it convenient for them to store anything they need in a convenient location. Moreover, even if you don’t plan on using your carpenter pants for work, the extra pocket space can definitely be a point in their favor when compared to regular jeans or trousers.

Nowadays the common trend is to wear fitted or skinny jeans, but the tradeoff with this style is that they leave very little room for pockets. In fact, the pockets in most modern jeans can hardly be considered pockets at all, as you will barely be able to squeeze your phone it there!

If you want to the freedom and convenience that large pockets provide, you need to buy some carpenter work pants.

On a side note, if you are planning to do some work during summertime or in hot weather in general, I recommend you check our article on work shorts.

How to Style your Carpenter Work Pants?

Carpenter work pants are very practical and useful to have, but are they fashionable? You might think that a pair of pants made specifically for blue-collar workers would be the last thing to be seen as chic.

The reality is that carpenter work pants are seen as an extremely stylish piece of apparel in the current zeitgeist. The trend of wearing baggy and durable pants first started in the 1990s, but it has recently made a comeback.

So if you were hesitating about buying a pair of carpenter pants due to their limited fashion appeal, think again! Carpenter pants are be mixed and matched with a variety of other items to create unique looks.

Let’s go into more detail as to why carpenter work pants have become so popular in fashion circles as of late.

Lightweight and Comfortable

Without a doubt, the main reason people are gravitating towards baggy carpenter work pants and jeans over fitted or skinny jeans is the added level of comfort these pants provide.

But what makes carpenter work pants more comfortable than regular jeans? And why should you opt for carpenter pants specifically over other baggy pants?

The answer is that carpenter work pants are made with a softer material than normal pants or jeans. Baggy jeans especially can get quite heavy and uncomfortable to wear to long periods, due to the heavy denim material used in their construction.

In addition, carpenter work pants are designed to fit loosely on your body, and will provide ample breathing room so you always remain comfortable. So if you’re looking for a baggy pair of pants that is also lightweight and comfy to wear, these pants are ideal.

Pre-shrunk during Production

Another reason that carpenter work pants are so popular is that they are offered in pre-shrunk styles. As you can probably guess by the name, carpenter work pants and jeans are shrunk during production.  

Items of clothing frequently shrink after they are washed and dried. For pre-shrunk carpenter work pants, you don’t have to think about them reducing to a smaller length when you wash and dry them out.

The carpenter work pants are soaked in a hot water tank, which allows the cotton fabric to compress and shrink. Exposure to heat can cause your regular pants or jeans to shrink and become a smaller size than you wear, effectively making them unusable after just one wash! 

If a clothing item is subjected to hot water or heat energy, the fabric from which it is produced may contract. Pre-shrunk carpenter pants don’t suffer from this flaw because they are already shrunk during manufacturing.

Easy to Maintain

In addition to being practical and comfortable, carpenter work pants are also easy to maintain. This has made them even more popular with fashion circles, as you don’t need to do anything special for your work pants.

If you want to clean them, you have many options. If you want, you can get your work pants dry cleaned. However, carpenter pants are designed to be machine washable, and you can easily chuck them in with the rest of your laundry without worrying about it too much.

Just make sure you check the care tag, and also try to limit their exposure to hot water. Even though carpenter work pants are pre-shrunk, it’s still a good idea to limit their exposure to heat, as they will retain their size better in the long run.

Variety of Styles and Colors

For example, if you want a pair of work pants that you can wear as a regular pair of jeans, you can find those readily available. If you’re instead looking for pair of cargo pants or something similar, carpenter work pants come in that variety as well.

The different choices these flexible pants offer you can allow you to express your creativity and fashion sense.

Top 10 Rated Carpenter Work Pants

Now that you know more about the various uses and benefits of carpenter work pants, you can look for a pair that matches your work-related needs. Or if you’re just looking for a comfortable and baggy pair of jeans to wear, I’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best carpenter work pants on the market. Take a look and you will surely find one that meets your requirements.

1. Caterpillar Men’s carpenter work pants : Our Top pick

Given the broad variety of sizes, different colors and reasonably strong design, I have selected Caterpillar work pants as the overall best choice. Available for both standard and large sizes, these Caterpillar brand work pants are an ideal choice if you are looking for a pair of paints with reinforcement in the knee area.

For example, if your work requires you to spend a lot of time on the ground or on your knees, you need to have some extra layers of protection otherwise you run the risk of premature wear and tear. Moreover, these work pants come in many high-visibility shades to offer extra protection around heavy machinery and areas with a lot of traffic.

The functional pockets are sealed with velcro and reinforced, making it easier for them to carry bulky hardware and supplies. In the waistband, the designers have utilized gripper tape to prevent the pants from shifting or dropping as you walk around.

This product is also machine washable and you don’t have to worry about shrinkage. And of course, any pair of work pants would be incomplete without built-in tool holders, large belt loops and carpenter loops.

Pros

1. Tons of colors, including high visibility options
2. Massive size range
3. Machine washable
4. Built-in tool holders, wide belt loops, and carpenter loop

Cons

1. Somewhat baggy fit reported
2. Back pockets do not handle the wear and tear as well as the other pockets in some instances; reports of them fraying and tearing
3. Some dislike the added gripper tape and report it to irritate their skin

2. Carhartt Dungaree Men’s Original Work Pants: The Best for Construction

Let’s move on to the second item on the list. This is a high quality offering from a well-known brand. Carhartt men’s dungaree work pants are considered by many to be the best men’s work jeans you can buy.

Like all of Carhartt’s products, these work pants are designed with both ergonomics and practicality in mind. The pants are 100% Denim construction jeans, and they are machine washable as well.

As always, Carhartt has prioritized the garment’s durability and functionality above all else. These work pants are made to be used in heavy-duty work environments.

They are ideal for heavy-duty jobs like construction, crafting, contract jobs, plumbing, DIY projects, and more. The pants also feature convenient utility pockets and hammer loops so that you can carry your tools around with ease.

Pros

1. Best jeans for constructions
2. Tool carriage and protection
3. Comfortable fitment
4. Durable

Cons

1. Questionable material quality
2. Poor stitching quality

3. Dickies Redhawk Action Work Utility Trousers : The Practical Choice

Next up I’ve selected a pair of simplistic yet stylish work pants. These Dickies Redhawk action work utility trousers have everything you need if you are a carpenter and tradesmen. What really makes this pair special is the simple design and individual features.

These pants have a classic button and zip closure that provides a secure latch to ensure they stay put while moving about the job site. When it comes to storage space, it’s hard to match this pair, as it features several zipped pockets for more secure storage.

The knees of the work pants are also reinforced with pouch openings for knee pads. This differs from the more commonly featured designs that have traditional velco pads. The Velcro pads are prone to slippage, but this pair solves this issue by giving you openings for kneepads instead.

You can simply remove them when you don’t need them, and this makes the pants much more comfortable to wear. Dickies is a trusted brand in most manual industries due to its consistent ability to produce high-quality, comfortable products for a wide variety of applications, and these pants most certainly reflect this high standard of production.

Pros

1. Tons of storage pockets
2. Stays put and does not slip down the hips if properly sized
3. Very comfortable and durable
4. Knee pad compatible

Cons

1. Some reports of sizing issues
2. Pocket openings can be for some, too narrow

4. Red Kap Men’s Double Knee No-Scratch Mens Carpenter Work Pants : The Stylish Fit

These reinforced knee pants from Red Kap provide an excellent fit and fashionable appearance while still providing your legs with ample protection and allowing you to conveniently place and store your tools. What’s more, these pants come in a wide range of sizes, so you won’t have any problems finding a pair that fits you.

The brand also advertises they have integrated a fully-lined inseam gusset to help provide maximum comfort and support if you need to bend or crouch while wearing these pants. In addition, the brand has also included some reinforced pockets so that you can easily carry all of the tools you may need.

 They also claim that these pants are made for the work you do every day and are designed to be as robust and well-fitting as possible. In my opinion these pants fit very well and are true to their size listing, which is a plus point as many brands neglect to make their sizing accurate and consistent across the board due to the fit of their products.

Some Amazon clients have even called these pants the best work trousers they have ever used!

Pros

1. Attractive fit
2. Reinforced seams, pockets, and knees
3. Very comfortable, designed for natural movement

Cons

1. the cut can make less comfortable than other models

5. Carhartt Men’s Relaxed Fit Washed Twill Dungaree Pant : The Cool Choice

Carhartt is one of the most well-regarded manufacturers of carpenter work pants, and their consistency and quality have allowed them to establish themselves as a highly reliable brand that offers a wide array of workman and outdoor products.

These pants are designed to look fashionable while still offering all the features and perks of work pants, such as carpenter loop storage. They are designed to be lightweight and fit more closely to typical pants, allowing for an easier sizing experience for most people.

Rest assured that you will not find yourself overheating as quickly in these pants especially when compared to wearing synthetic fabrics and blends, as the pants are made with 100% breathable cotton. Carhartt carpenter’s pants are an ideal choice for those with external tool storage options readily available, as there are no cargo pockets due to the tight fitting design.

Even so, most reviewers report these to be a very comfortable product with a relaxed-fit styling which makes it easy to match them with a range of different work boots and other work clothes.

Pros

1. Easy sizing due to design and fit
2. Included carpenter’s loop
3. Neutral colors available
4. Wide sizing range

Cons

1. Some reports of tearing in knees or hem area
2. Lack of pockets bothersome to some users
3. Bottom too narrow for some wider work boots

6. LA Police Gear Mens Urban Ops Tactical Cargo Mens work pants : The Military Choice

These cargo work pants are an excellent no-frills option that will get serve your work-related needs while maintaining a classic cargo look. What’s more, they are also available in a wide selection of neutral tones and inclusive sizes.

If you buy these, you should be aware that the pants offer a slightly tighter fitting than your usual cargo pants because of their unique design. These pants feature large front pockets, deep cargo pockets, and an elastic waist for maximized comfort. The pockets add to their classification as tactical pants.  

Due to the flexible fitting provided by the elastic waist band, you can easily carry a concealed weapon in these pants as well. If you’re from a police or military background, these pants will surely fit you like a glove.

However, if you just need a sturdy pair of work pants that have enough pockets to carry all your essentials, while also being comfortable to wear and well-fitted, this is the ideal choice for you.

Pros

1. Neutral color options
2. Very comfortable thanks to the elastic waistband
3. Tons of storage pockets

Cons

1. Tighter fitting than usual carpenter work pants

7. UNIONBAY Men’s Survivor Iv Relaxed Fit Cargo Pant-Reg and Big and Tall Sizes

These cargo work pants are one of the most popular and well-received products on this list. One of the reasons for their popularity is the broad range of sizes. These pants are suitable for both average and big and tall sizing needs.

These pants are different from the previous products on this list as they are designed to have a baggier and looser fitting. This type of fitting may be less fashionable these days, but the product will provide you with maximum comfort and practicality.

The extra room will make it easier for you to move around and provide you with greater dexterity in the work environment. In addition, this pair will give you lots of storage space to place your tools and other important items, including several velcro pockets.

All in all, these are a solid pair of pants that will likely suit your needs quite well.

Pros

1. Tons of storage
2. Very affordable, fairly priced
3. Many color options
4. Very comfortable

Cons

1. Sizing reported of being skewed in either direction

8. Carhartt Men’s Holter Jean : The Right Fit

For the next item on the list, I’ve selected a pair of carpenter work pants that can be worn for every day uses as well. These holter jeans from Carhartt are suited for both construction work and carpentry, but you can also wear them around the house without any problems.

This particular model has a relatively plain and simplistic design. The fitting is not baggy but still provides ample room to be comfortable, and sits at the waist. Unlike traditional jeans, this pair has a button closure for added protection. This product also features a straight leg opening design, so you don’t have to worry about your hefty work boots not fitting inside the holes.

Additionally, they provide sufficient room for ventilation whilst not being too big, which gives you a comfortable wearing experience that doesn’t compromise on fashion either. The reinforced belt loops are also designed to be robust and won’t rip off so easily.

However, this pant doesn’t have any additional features for tool carriage and safety. The product is made of 82% cotton and 18% polyester.

Pros

1. Proper fit
2. Fits over any boot
3. Plain construction jeans

Cons

1. Poor quality
2. Material comes apart

9. Carhartt Men’s 5 Pockets B480 Traditional jeans

This product is another pair of high-quality jeans from Carhartt. Made in the style of a pair of traditional denim jeans, this product is made of 100% cotton. This means that even though this pair of work pants will look just as good as a pair of Levi’s, they will also be more softer, lighter and more comfortable to wear that traditional denim jeans.

This product comes in three fitment variants. The design of this product makes it usable for work-related activities while also providing a comfortable fit. The product features a slim fit around the groin and thigh areas, much like regular jeans. However, it also features a straighter legs fit, so that you can wear this pair over any work boots.

The pant sits at the waist and the reinforced belt loops keep it steady. You’ll find the traditional 5 pocket combo quite useful while performing construction work. But you can also wear them when you’re out with friends and they will look just as good but feel much more comfortable!

Pros

1. Made for construction works
2. Fits over any boot
3. Comfortable fit

Cons

1. Questionable quality

10. Wrangler Menz 13MWZ Work Jean

Made with a functional fit in mind, these jeans are designed to go over your preferred pair of work boots. Crafted with a relaxed fit in the waist, seat, and thigh, this jean is ideal for both practical uses and comfort so that you can wear it for long periods without any problems.

This classic design is more than capable of withstanding wear and tear. Made with durable heavyweight cotton and felled seams to prevent chafing, this original fit jean was made to last, no matter what you throw at it!

Pros

1. Durable and comfortable fit
2. Sits at natural waist
3. For heavy-duty applications

Cons

1. Stiff jeans
2. You may face fitting issues

Facts about Carpenter Work Pants

How to soften carpenter work pants?

To get rid of the stiffness of new carpenter work pants, wash them with fabric softener. If you have a tumble dryer, dry them with a softening sheet. If you’re air-drying, hang them up and shake them every 20 minutes. Avoid radiator drying as this can make them stiff.

What is the difference between carpenter work pants and carpenter jeans?

Carpenter work pants and carpenter jeans have some key differences. Carpenter work jeans usually feature one or more loops and extra pockets, whereas carpenter work pants usually feature some extra cargo pockets on the sides as well.

Carpenter pants for juniors

Many of the leading brands such as Dickies feature carpenter pants for kids as well, so you can have your junior accompany you to the workplace without any issues!

Carpenter Work Pants FAQ

Do all carpenter pants fit the same?

No, they do not. Sizing and fit vary across different brands and styles. If you are interested in a specific product, be sure to check the sizing dimensions before purchasing so you can ensure you are getting a proper fit.

How can you waterproof carpenter pants?

As most work pants are not waterproofed by design, it is necessary to waterproof them yourself if your job requires such a thing. To waterproof your carpenter work pants, the most common and easy option is to use a waterproofing spray. These are cheap and easily purchased in most retail stores and online through Amazon.

Can you wash work pants in a washing machine?

Generally, most carpenter work pants are machine washable, but it is best to never assume and always check your labeling. Some contain coatings that can be damaged by a washing machine and dryer so be sure to always double-check if you are unsure.

Can you iron work pants?

As with machine washing, ironing work pants will vary depending on whether or not the brand has coated it or used a material that does not suit heat application. Be sure to check the labeling to prevent damaging your pants.

Can you wear thermals under your work pants?

Sure! Most work pants come uninsulated, so wearing thermals under your pants is great if you are working in colder climates.