If you have a job where you work outdoors during the winter months or you are located in a colder climate, you know how uncomfortable it can be to work in freezing weather.
Fortunately, many of the principal manufacturers of work clothing offer insulated pants specifically for this type of work environment.
The workwear market offers a large selection of pants in all kinds of materials from duck cotton canvas to stretch fabric blends to winter jeans to pants specifically created with insulation.
The choice will depend on how cold your work environment gets and the type of fabric combination that you feel most comfortable wearing.
The biggest challenge when selecting work pants for cold weather is how much is too much? Or how much is not enough? Much will depend on the climate you work in and how physically active your profession is while on the job.
When searching for work pants that are lined, the two most common, (but not the only) types of lining used are fleece and flannel.
| Work Pant | Material | Lining | Features | Closure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carhartt Rugged Relaxed Fit Lined | 8-oz. 98% cotton with 2% spandex | 2.3 oz. knit flannel polyester lining | Stretch technology, Cell phone pocket, Machine washable | Button |
| ATG by Wrangler Utility Pant with Fleece Lining | 96% nylon, 4% spandex | Fleece | Water repellent finish, UPF 30 from harmful sun rays, Machine washable | Zipper |
| Wrangler Riggs Flannel Lined | 100% cotton ripstop fabric | 100% brushed cotton flannel | 7 pockets, Crotch gusset, Machine washable | Zipper |
| Berne’s Heritage Bib Overall with Insulation | 100% cotton duck | Bib back insulated | Machine washable, Water repellent finish | Snaps, Full leg zippers |
The Reviews
Best Overall Lined Work Pants
1.) Carhartt Rugged Relaxed Fit Lined Work Pant
- 8-ounce, 98 percent cotton/2 percent spandex canvas
- 2.3 ounce 100 percent polyester knit flannel lining
- Rugged flex durable stretch technology for ease of movement
- Sits at the waist
- Relaxed seat and thigh
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Industry powerhouse Carhartt, well-known and respected for its workwear has a winner in these relaxed-fit, lined work pants.
Produced in 8-ounce 98% cotton with 2% spandex for just that little bit of stretch to ease movement, these work pants feature 2.3 ounces knit flannel lining in 100% polyester.
The fit features a relaxed pants’ seat and thighs for comfort while working. The stretch spandex grants a bigger bend in the knee area, and more flexibility in the hips as well as in between the legs.
The right leg features a secure pocket for your cell phone. Belt loops are reinforced for durability as is the slash pocket at the front.
The straight leg opening fits conveniently over work boots with ease. Available in three colors gravel, Peat, and Dark Khaki, and in normal sizes as well as Big Tall.
Pros
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- 8-oz. 98% cotton with 2% spandex
- 2.3 oz. knit flannel polyester lining
- Secure cell phone pocket
- Reinforced belt loops and slash pocket
- Legs fit over work boots
- Many sizing options
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Cons
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- Only three colors
- Sizing considerations
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Best Fleece-Lined Work Pants
2.) ATG by Wrangler Utility Pant with Fleece Lining
- STAY DRY. A durable water repellent finish helps keep you dry in inclement weather. Dont worry about the weather-rain or snow, these pants help keep you dry.
- WINTER WARMTH. Heavy weight stretch fabric provides a soft feel and additional warmth in cooler temperatures. Fleece lining offers additional warmth.
- ADDED PROTECTION. Shield the sun, even in the snow. UPF 30 provides an additional layer of sun protection on covered areas.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Wrangler’s All Terrain Gear affords great performance when working outside in inclement weather.
Although these utility pants are great for outdoor activities that are not limited to work, on the job they offer great performance.
These are durable lightweight and reinforced utility pants that even offer UPF 30 from harmful sun rays.
Thanks to a water repellent finish, they resist water penetration to keep you dry. Thanks to 4% spandex they are manufactured to facilitate your movement and comfort.
Pros
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- 96% Nylon and 4% spandex
- Fleece lined for warmth
- Zipper closing
- Machine washable
- Water repellent finish
- Heavyweight fabric and fleece lining
- UPF 30 from harmful sun rays
- Soft waistband, straight leg, and knee design for movement
- Utility pocket with a zip and knife pocket.
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Cons
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- Small pocket opening
- Sizing may run small
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Best Flannel-Lined Work Pants
3.) Wrangler Riggs Flannel Lined Work Pants
- RELAXED FIT. This relaxed fit work pant is designed with function and comfort in mind. Built with a relaxed fit through the seat, thigh, and knee, our lined work jean sits comfortably on the waist and leaves plenty of room to fit over your work boots.
- ROOM2MOVE COMFORT. For long days on the job, you want a work pant that keeps you comfortable. Made with an improved fit, this pant features an action gusset crotch and deep front pockets for added range of movement and comfort in wear.
- FLANNEL LINED. Lined in 3.75oz 100% cotton brushed flannel with Thinsulate insulation for added durability, warmth, and comfort, This ripstop work pant offers a layer of protection from the elements While in the workplace.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Manufacturer Wrangler is well-known for its jeans, but this industry powerhouse also has developed a line of workwear called Wrangler Riggs Workwear. These are a popular cargo style.
The pants are 100% cotton ripstop material to prevent ripping or tearing. Pockets, pockets, and more pockets! 2 Side pockets, 2 deep front pockets, 2 back pockets, and a watch pocket bring you to a total of seven.
A hammer loop and tape measure clip are included in the design.
The fit is roomy enough to guarantee your range of movement and a crotch gusset makes bending, driving, and crouching easy. The lining is 100% brushed cotton flannel. Available in four colors and numerous sizing options.
Pros
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- 100% Cotton
- 100% cotton flannel lining
- 7 pockets
- Fit is “room2move” with crotch gusset
- Back pockets are lined
- Reinforced knees
- Hammer loop
- Durable
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Cons
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- Front pockets are tight
- Some sizing considerations
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Best Over Pants Work Pants
4.) Berne’s Heritage Bib Overall with Insulation
- Heavy-duty 10 oz. cotton duck with water repellent finish to keep you warm and dry
- Designed with an insulated high back for added warmth; adjustable elasticized bib straps for comfort
- Full-length heavy-duty brass leg zippers with snap closures make these bibs easy to get on and off
- Double inside chest pockets, multiple external pockets and hammer loop give easy access to essentials
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This Heritage Bib Overall from Berne is a great option for those seeking insulated workwear. It is a medium-weight bib overall produced with a 10-ounce cotton duck for heavy-duty wear.
The outer shell is water repellent and features reinforced main seams with triple-needle stitching. Legs have full-length brass zippers, so putting them on and pulling them off is easy.
Back pockets are reinforced for tools and accessories, and these overalls have a hammer loop, two inside chest pockets, and side pockets. Bib straps are adjustable for a more customized comfortable fit and legs feature snaps for ease.
The bib back is insulated for increased warmth, and leg hems are made in nylon for durability. They are roomy enough to fit over clothes while still moving around freely.
Pros
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- 100% cotton duck
- Snap closures
- Adjustable bib straps
- Full-length heavy-duty zippers on legs
- Lots of pockets
- Reinforced seams and pockets
- Water repellent finish
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Cons
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- Some quality control issues
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Fleece, Flannel, Or? How to Choose
When it comes to keeping you warm, there isn’t that great of a difference between the two. Both fleece and flannel are exceptionally efficacious in maintaining warmth and both are indicated for outdoor activities including work.
A fleece lining can be a bit warmer because fleece tends to trap body heat. But often, as a synthetic, it may not be all that breathable.
Flannel will offer superior breathability and tends to be thinner and less bulky, especially as a lining. So, breathability may be the defining factor when choosing between the two.
Fleece is excellent for trapping your body heat, but if you do manual labor, you may find yourself overheated and perspiring even in freezing temperatures. If you require exceptional insulation from the cold, fleece may be the better choice.
If you also are in temperatures that are below freezing and not particularly physically active, it may be better to select fleece as well.
Wool is an alternative to fleece and flannel, and it maintains one very significant advantage, It will continue to insulate even if it gets wet from intemperate weather.
Another option is to acquire an “over pant” that you can wear over your standard work pants. This means that you can put them on as you need them.
This can be the ideal solution for those pros that do some physical labor or are outdoors some of the time.
A standard example of this kind of pants is snow pants but check to see how resistant the outer shell of the pants is before selecting. Depending on your job, durability can be a big factor.
Some Standard Features to Factor in When Selecting
Whether you are a construction worker, welder, mechanic, carpenter, or even a contractor, you may be looking for a great pair of lined work pants to keep you warm when working outdoors in the freezing or the worst possible cold weather. Here are several characteristics and features to factor into your choice.
Fit
When selecting a pair of pants, it isn’t always limited to finding just the right size. Consider that there are three standard fit styles to think about because one of these designs can make all the difference in your comfort.
Classic Fit. This is the basic cut of pants for those with normal body types.
Slim Fit. These are an attractive choice for those that are thinner and have thinner legs. They are not a tight fit.
Relaxed Fit. The relaxed fit can be a great choice if you have been bodybuilding at the gym or perhaps carry a little extra weight. This cut of pants will give some extra room in the thighs and in the seat of the pants.
Consider that work pants should not be too tight or too loose and should fit comfortably at the waist, thighs, pants’ seat, knees, and eventually the ankles depending on if you wear work boots under or over the pants.
Material
The most common materials used in work pants are denim and cotton duck. If you select denim, you’ll find that they become more comfortable the more that you wash them.
The denim used in workwear will be thicker than a typical pair of jeans. Denim work pants can be lined with either flannel or with fleece. They tend to be less durable than a cotton duck but will be more comfortable in general.
Work pants made in canvas or cotton duck are more resistant to tearing and snagging because the fabric is very smooth. This fabric does a great job of blocking wind when outdoors. They are not specifically resistant to flame, but they do weather higher heat situations.
Both denim and canvas cotton duck will require a period of breaking in.
You can find work pants that are flame-resistant or in a blend of materials that offer specific characteristics. Wool pants are also a viable option.
Don’t forget to consider the weight of the fabric. Heavier fabric weight is normally used for colder weather.
Extra Features
Several features can contribute to finding the best lined work pants for your job and will contribute to the durability of the pants. A few things to look for include:
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- Triple seams
- Taped seams
- Rivets that reinforce seams
- Extra stitches or “bartacks” for seam reinforcement
- DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatments to increase resistance to weather and water
- Zippers. Heavy-duty zippers will withstand use, grime, and dirt better and longer
- Belt Loops. Look for extra belt loops or loops that are reinforced in the event you wear heavy tools
- Hammer Loop integrated into the pants to carry a heavy hammer
- Reflective details for high visibility
- Wind resistance
- Knee protection
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Conclusion
Whatever pants you choose in the long run, they need to keep you warm In your work environment and geared to the amount and type of physical labor that is involved.
If your type of work varies, it may be worth it to invest in several pairs with differing characteristics to meet every professional need.
Hopefully, this article will start you on your search to find the best lined work pants for your cold climate.
