Essential Gear for Every Workplace

Photo by Aleksey

Contrary to common belief, workwear has nothing to do with the office. Rather, workwear style is rooted in trades like mining and construction that require rugged and durable clothing to withstand the intense manual labour.

Wearing a T-shirt and shorts may not be the best decision especially if you work in an industrial setup. You need protective work pants like those offered by Strauss to shield you from hazards and ensure your safety and comfort.

Are you interested in work pants but aren’t sure where to start? In this article, we cover the different types of essential workplace trousers that should be in every working man’s closet.

Carpenter/Painter Pants

There have been many different types of work pants throughout the history of workwear. Besides the obvious denim, the most identifiable work pants are carpenter or painter pants. These are two closely related styles.

These types of pants are characterised by:

• Straight fit

• Several large pockets

• Hammer loops

• Bigger leg openings

• Reinforced stitching

Also, traditional carpenter pants are often double-kneed, meaning the knee area is fortified with an extra fabric layer. Many stylish renditions of painter and carpenter pants focus on large pockets and a loose fit, leaving out the more tactical specifications.

Dungarees/Overalls

Overalls, often known as dungarees, are work pants that also come with an attached bib and shoulder straps. They are mostly made of denim, but you can also find them in other sturdy materials such as canvas and corduroy.

In the 60’s and 70’s, overalls transitioned from pure workwear and are now also a part of fashion.

Cargo Pants

Originally tailored for military usage, at some point, cargo pants merged into workwear, thanks to the extra pockets that provide lots of practical storage space. The signature feature of a cargo pant is a pair of accordion or flap pockets on the outside thighs.

Workwear versions of these pants resemble carpenter pants with extra pockets. With durable fabrics and belt loops for storing tools and reinforced pockets, cargo trousers are the perfect choice for on-field workers. Some of them have additional knee reinforcements that are vital for workers who need to kneel as they work.

Holster Trousers

For some occupations, workers are required to carry numerous tools around. In addition to a tools belt, they also require large-size pockets for tools and any other items. This is where the holster trousers come in. They have heavy-duty pockets to accommodate numerous items. Additionally, they are made of heavy-duty fabrics and therefore do not rip off due to the tools’ weight.

FAQs

What are the Safety Standards that Work Pants Should Meet?

Work pants should meet the following safety standards:

• Material Durability: They should be made from durable materials that provide protection against wear and tear when working. Such materials include heavy-duty denim and cotton.

• Flame Resistance: work pants in industries with a risk of exposure to sparks or flames should meet flame-resistance standards. The standards ensure the fabric resists ignition, doesn’t continue to burn after removal of the ignition source and self-extinguishes.

• High Visibility: For workers who are exposed to traffic or low-light conditions, work pants should meet high-visibility standards.

• Chemical Resistance: in environments that involve the handling of chemicals or hazardous substances, work trousers need to resist penetration by liquids and offer a certain level of chemical resistance to shield the wearer’s skin.

What are the Differences between work pants designed for different industries?

Here are the key differences between work pants designed for various industries:

• Construction Industry: Work pants are made of durable materials such as denim and have reinforced knees. There are also high-visibility options to enhance safety.

• Welding Industry: Pants within this industry should be made using flame-resistant materials and have extra reinforcement against heat and sparks.

• Oil and Gas Industry: Work pants should be flame-resistant and have some chemical resistance. They should also have design features for storing tools and PPE.

• Healthcare Industry: Healthcare trousers should be lightweight and made using stretchable fabrics to offer comfort. They should also come with numerous pockets for storing medical tools.

Choosing the right workwear pants is crucial in ensuring safety and maximising productivity.