Spring is already here and summer is on its way, too. It’s time to ditch those polyester work pants and go for something breathable, which does not retain temperature as much, yet is still durable. And what’s better suited for this purpose than cotton pants?
Cotton is a natural hypo-allergenic material that is also very light and allows for good air circulation. Whether you work on big outdoor projects or just want spend a few hours in the garden, cotton will provide you with the needed protection while giving you the desired comfort.
With that in mind, here are some of the best cotton work pants available in the US, and at the very bottom — a Canadian innovation in work gear that will hopefully hit U.S. shelves, too.
Men’s Loose Fit Cargo Pants By Dickies
Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Dickies is one of the leading US-based companies in the work clothing and accessories sector.
This particular style is made of 100% washed cotton wilt, which makes them extra soft. A button waist and a loose fit will ensure all the comfort you need while moving around. The front is plain, while the side comes equipped with pleated cargo pockets. The 19” bottom leg opening makes the pants perfectly fit over work boots.
Men’s Weathered Duck 5 Pocket Pants by Carhartt
Carhartt is another US-based clothing company with roots in work gear manufacturing, and practically Dickies’ main competitor.
The Men’s Weather Duck 5 Pocket Pants are made of 12-oz., 100% cotton ring-spun duck. Ring spinning is a special method for creating yarn that is strong and durable yet soft. The pants come with a relaxed fitting at the seat and the thighs, and end with straight leg openings. One of their main advantages are the 5 pockets, which pretty much allow you to carry a whole tool shed around.
Men’s Wrinkle Resistant Cotton Work Pants by Red Kap
Red Kap is an American company based in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1947, they became famous for developing the first shirts and pants durable enough to be washed in an industrial laundry machine.
Who said cotton needs to be ironed? This pair of pants is made of wrinkle-resistant cotton, so you can wear them straight out of the dryer. The fabric is made of preshrunk twill, so you don’t have to worry about shrinkage over time. Finally, the back outlet waistband will ensure the comfort you need in your day-to-day activities.
Men’s Flame Resistant Heavyweight Jeans by Berne Apparel
Berne Apparel is an Indiana-based US company that started out by manufacturing workwear for farmers in the Midwest.
The company’s flame resistant heavyweight jeans are made from 100% cotton, but the fabric is heavier (14 oz.) as it provides protection against fire and electricity. In fact, it meets a variety of requirements, such as ASTM F1506, NFPA 70E, and OSHA 1910.269(l)(6)(iii). The front button is arc-resistant, while the brass fly will protect you from flames. Extra durability is ensured by the triple needled stitch along the inseam and the seat seam, as well as the reinforced bartacks, placed on all stress points.
Coolworks Workwear Ventilated Pants by Meshwear Technologies
This pair of pants is the innovative work wear we promised to show you. Meshwear Technologies is a Canadian company that came up with the idea of “convertible” work pants.
The inspiration for their ventilated pants came from a steel worker, who couldn’t wear short pants to work. The ventilated pants, while made of polyester instead of cotton, are cleverly equipped with leg covers which easily come off and are just as easily put back on. What’s left below is a tear-resistant mesh that allows for more air circulation while also protecting from fire and abrasion. Simple, yet smart.
As I said, Meshwear Technologies are still operating in Canada only, so their ventilated pants cannot be purchased in the US yet, but I am certainly excited to see more of their innovative products in the future.
I hope this brief guide will assist you in your next purchase. What other gear are you planning to get for this summer? We would love it if you shared your opinion in the comment section below.
Lachezar Stamatov is a recent Psychology graduate with interests spanning across various fields — health, food, technology, sustainable farming, you name it. He loves blogging about his outdoor experiences, so follow his articles to give your motivation a kick. He’s also a regular contributor to the Work N’ Gear blog.
This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT Magazine does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.
