8 Tips for Choosing the Right Work Pants on Your Job Site

Ever had the stress dream where you somehow show up to work with no pants on? (If you haven’t, trust us when we say you’re not missing anything!) However, in industries like construction, transportation, or oil and gas (just to name a few), showing up with an everyday pair of pants isn’t much better than showing up with no pants at all! 

People with tough, physical jobs need work pants that come ready to perform in all kinds of conditions. Lots of options for work pants are available today, including dozens of awesome choices from HiVis Supply. Before you dive in, it’s worth learning about the basics of work pants and the many aspects of choosing the right pair. Get in the know with the eight tips below, and don’t forget to check out our top 10 work pants at the end! 

1. Think about the hazards you encounter or might encounter on the job.

Every job site has its hazards, and knowing them is the first step to picking the right work pants. These are some of the most common dangers that you might need your pants to protect against:

• Contact with tools, materials, and machinery
• Rain, snow, and wind
• Extreme heat and cold
• Abrasion from rough surfaces
• Struck-by accidents from moving vehicles and equipment
• Splashing water, oil, and other liquids
• Flying metal shavings and debris
• Arc flashes and open flames

Safety wear manufacturers equip safety pants to deal with these hazards through features like flame-resistant fabrics, reflective materials, and polyurethane coatings. 

2. Know the compliance requirements for the job site.

On a lot of job sites, workers need to wear gear that complies with various industry safety standards. The two standards most commonly required on the job are ANSI 107 (for hi vis reflective clothing) and NFPA 70E (for flame-resistant clothing). 

The ANSI 107 standards establish levels of high visibility protection based on the amount of reflective material and fluorescent colors a garment has. These high visibility features make workers stand out in vehicle operators’ visual fields, so they’re crucial for preventing deadly struck-by accidents on the job. ANSI Class E is a common rating for reflective pants. Class E pants, when combined with an ANSI Class 2 jacket or vest, create a Class 3 outfit — the highest visibility rating on the scale. However, a pair of Class E pants by themselves may or may not meet your job site safety requirements. 

NFPA 70E is a specialized system that rates the flame-resistant (FR) garments required in industries like steelmaking and industrial electric service. If your job exposes you to arc flash or flash fire hazards, FR protective clothing (including FR pants) is a must-have. Take note of the hazard risk category (HRC) rating that workers on your job sites need. These can range from HRC 1 to the highly protective HRC 4. 

3. Consider the typical weather conditions you’ll be dealing with.

Your workwear helps you stay prepared for weather conditions, so think about what kind of adverse weather you’re most likely to face: 

• Precipitation: Rain, snow, and sleet will soak you to the bone if you’re not wearing waterproof work pants. Look for pants with polyurethane or Teflon-coated fabric, and make sure you know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant clothing. Taped seams are also helpful for pants that need a higher level of water protection.
• Heat: If you’re working in a hot climate, you might be more comfortable with pants made from a lighter and more breathable fabric such as cotton twill. You might even be interested in a pair of hi vis shorts — yes, they exist! 
• Cold: Choose a pair of insulated winter pants if you know you’ll use them for working in the cold. Synthetic polyester fill insulation is the standard choice for workwear. Usually, you’ll want at least four ounces, and people who work in the extreme cold may want more. 
• UV Radiation: Working in the sun exposes you to UV radiation that can give you a nasty sunburn in any season. If you work in direct sunlight for long stretches, work pants with a UPF rating can help block out the sunlight and protect your skin. 

4. Decide which style of pants suits you best. 

Work pants come in many different shapes, designs, and styles. Most fall into one of three basic categories:

• Classic Trouser: They’re simple, they’re reasonably flexible and they’re stylish. Chino-style trousers are a great choice for construction managers and others who split their duties between the office and the job site, while more rugged styles are perfect for mixing it up in the trenches.
• Elastic Waist: Work pants with elastic drawstring waists are also popular, thanks to their comfort and flexibility. They make it easy to find the perfect fit for your pants, and their ability to cinch against a storm makes them good for rainwear.
• Bib Overalls: With extra insulation and tons of pockets, it’s easy to see why hi vis overalls are a working-class classic. Plus, they stay up on their own and provide the wearer with more upper-body flexibility than coveralls. FR bibs are particularly good for layering your FR clothing. 

5. Make build quality a high priority.

Good work pants are built much tougher than a pair of normal jeans or khakis. A well-made pair will include features like reinforced stress points and bound seams. These help your pants last longer by preventing premature wear and tear, but they also keep you safe by resisting abrasion and tearing on the job. Most work pants are made from a polyester-cotton blend. A twill-style fabric is a great choice for basic enhanced visibility pants. If you need heavy-duty pants, you’ll want to look for a durable fabric like ripstop Oxford cloth with a denier rating of at least 150D. Denier refers to the fabric’s thickness and heaviness, and a higher rating generally means a more durable fabric. 

6. Make sure you’re buying the right size.

Getting just the right pants size can be tricky when you’re shopping for workwear. A pair of pants that’s too tight, too loose, or otherwise uncomfortable is going to be an unpleasant distraction at work. It might even hinder your performance or distract you enough to cause an accident. Not totally sure about your dimensions? Measuring your inseam and waist with cloth tape only takes a few minutes, and it’s worth doing just to make sure. Note that for taller people, HiVis Supply has several great pants options with adjustable drop hems to accommodate you. 

7. Decide how many pockets (and what kind) you want in your work pants.

Most people carry workday essentials with them throughout the day, which makes pockets a must. Other workwear pieces like jackets and vests often come equipped with pockets, too, but pants pockets are convenient and many people want them. 

Almost all models of work pants come with at least one set of pockets. Elastic waistband pants commonly have the fewest — many have just two side cargo pockets. Other models have the standard two front and two back pockets, often with an extra set of cargo pockets on the sides. Overalls are the king of pockets, with many models packing six or more. Think about whether you’d like work pants that include special pockets for essentials like pencils and smartphones. Consider, too, whether you’d like pockets that include zippers or snaps to keep the contents from falling out. Finally, think about where the pockets are located on the pants and whether they’ll be easy to access while on the job. 

8. Choose pants designed for comfort and flexibility.

Work pants also need to be comfortable enough for all-day wear. Flexibility is a prime factor to consider since work pants will constantly be flexing as the wearer bends down, climbs, and performs other everyday movements. This is why a lot of workwear pants include flex points built into the knees and crotch to help these areas stretch more efficiently and comfortably. 

Last, but not least, consider purchasing moisture-wicking underlayers to be worn underneath work pants. It can be a game changer for controlling sweat and chafing, which can make a workday seriously uncomfortable. Moisture wicking is also helpful for keeping warm in colder weather because it keeps sweat away from the skin. 

Top 10 Tough Work Pants from HiVis Supply

Tough Duck S607 Enhanced Visibility Safety Work Pant

The sharp-looking navy color and understated design give these work pants a dressier look, but with an added enhanced visibility boost. There’s plenty of space for storing your essentials in the six pockets, and the cotton-polyester twill blend is made for comfort in any situation. 

GSS Safety 8711 Onyx Series Class E HiVis Thermal Ripstop Safety Pants

These ANSI Class E safety pants offer an outstanding value on a job site-ready feature set. A drawstring elastic waist helps them fit just right, and the polyurethane-coated ripstop fabric blocks out water and stains. On top of that, four ounces of polyester insulation make these an awesome choice for working comfortably in cold conditions.

Tough Duck S757 Class 1 10oz Cotton Duck Insulated Contrast Safety Overall

Tough Duck always brings it with their signature cotton duck fabric, and they’ve set the standard yet again with these durable insulated overalls. Stay warm and ready to rock with six ounces of quilted polyfill insulation and 10-ounce premium duck cotton. To make sure you also stay seen, they’re built with high-contrast ANSI Class 1 compliance and Scotchlite™ reflective material.

GSS Safety 8715 Onyx Series Class E Teflon Sweatpants

Who said you can’t work hard in sweatpants? These Class E pants would rather put in a day’s work than watch Netflix (although you can do that in them, too, if you really want to). What’s especially cool is the Teflon Shield+ fabric protector that gives you built-in defense against water and oil, plus other cool features like the leg cargo pockets and inside cell phone pocket. 

National Safety Apparel PNTTECE Class E Hybrid FR Work Pant CAT-2

Here’s another take on classic navy work pants, this time with HRC 2 flame protection built in! The modacrylic fabric blend is naturally flame resistant and won’t ignite or melt, so it’s an excellent option for those who need NFPA 70E compliance in a stylish package. And, with ANSI Class E protection, they’re a great match for a Category 2 or higher hi vis work vest. 

Tough Duck SP01 Class E Safety Cargo Work Pant

Get bright, get loud, and get seen with these Class E safety work pants from Tough Duck. You’ll stand out in any environment, thanks to their bright orange color and Scotchlite™ reflective material. Between the high visibility features, cargo pocket storage, and cotton-polyester twill fabric, you’ll find that these make a great go-to pair for your work wardrobe.

Portwest PW340 Class E HiVis Segmented Work Pants

Looking for high-performance pants built to take whatever the day brings? Here’s your formula: Start with a thick but breathable 600D cotton-poly blend fabric and zip-in knee pad sliders. Then, add ANSI Class E compliant HiVisTex segmented reflective tape for superior comfort and flexibility. Finally, top it off with a 50+ UPF rating to keep your legs safe from the sun! Congratulations — you’ve got a fantastic pair of pants!

Tough Duck S876 Class E Contrast Quilt Lined Insulated Safety Overall

For ultra-bright visibility and cold weather performance, it’s hard to beat these ANSI Class E quilt-lined safety overalls. Lined with six ounces of quilted poly insulation and built from 300D ripstop polyester, they’re built for the most demanding workaround. Fluorescent colors and Scotchlite™ reflectors make them unmistakable in any light conditions, and the black trim adds an elegant vibe. 

GSS Safety 6715 Contrast Series Class E Black Bottom Safety Rain Pant

High visibility rain gear is a must for many jobs, and these ANSI Class E pants are built to keep you bright even in a downpour. A drawstring waistband gives you true adjustable comfort, and the 150D poly blend fabric comes with a water-resistant PU coating. Plus, the economical price point makes them superb for those outfitting a whole crew.

We can’t guarantee you’ll never have the dream about forgetting your pants again, but we can equip you with the best real-life work pants. Browse our whole catalog of hi vis safety pants now, or check out our hi vis vests and hi vis jackets to complete your ANSI-rated work outfit.