Gained weight recently? Or maybe you’re just built big, and it might be an advantage depending on the type of work you do. But finding the right work pants may be an entirely different story.
Especially if you happen to be on a weight-losing regime, but still need to feel comfortable and enjoy a certain range of movement for physical labor. Nature did not give most of us the perfect body.
The right pair of pants will play a crucial role in how you perform on the job. You may prefer a relaxed fit design that gives you more room in the seat of your pants as well as in the thighs.
Work pants that are tight will inhibit movement, negatively influence your work performance, and may just be downright uncomfortable. Regardless of whether you work in construction, heavy industry, or elsewhere, the right working pants are essential.
Many workwear manufacturers will indicate workwear for larger body types by indicating loose fit or relaxed fit. Sometimes these two terms will be defined identically and utilized interchangeably, however ”loose fit” normally signifies a roomier design of work pants. Fabric material, features, and design can render work pants functional and comfortable.
After asking some of the larger men on our team to test several dozen work pants, our favorites included the Carhartt Relaxed Fit Utility Work Pants as our overall favorite work pants for big guys. Other work pants we like are the super denim Wrangler® Riggs Workwear® Jean Work Pants and the Chef Works Lightweight Baggy Work Pants for those that need something really light and comfortable.
| Work Pants | Material | Sizing | Features | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carhartt Relaxed Fit Utility | Prewashed 100% cotton peached ringspun twill weighs 9.25 ounces | 30 to 50 Waist, 30 to 36 Inseam length | Multiple pockets, Hammer loop, 5 pockets, Reinforced back pockets | Relaxed Fit |
| Wrangler® Riggs Workwear® Jean | 100% cotton 14.5-oz. denim | 30 to 60 Waist, 30 to 36 Inseam Length | Hammer Loop reinforcement leather on 4 pockets | Relaxed Fit, room2move™ design, action gusset |
| Dickies Loose Fit | 65% polyester and 35% cotton | 28 to 58 waist, 30 to 36 Inseam Length | Stain and wrinkle-resistant, Long tunnel belt loops, Double knees | Loose fit |
| Wrangler® Riggs Workwear® Ranger | 10-ounce 100% Ripstop cotton | 29W x 30L To 60W x 32L | Hammer loop, Tape measure clip, 6 pockets, Watch pocket | Room2move ™” design, Crotch gusset |
| Chef Works Lightweight Baggy | 65% polyester and 35% cotton | X-Small to 3X-Large | 4 pockets, Cell phone pocket, drawstring | Baggy, Elastic waist |
The Reviews
Best Overall Work Pants for Large Men
1.) Carhartt Relaxed Fit Utility Work Pants
- 100% Cotton
- Imported
- Zipper closure
- Machine Wash
- 9.25-Ounce, 100% Cotton ring-spun peached twill
- Sits at the waist, Comfortable fit through the seat and thigh with room to move, Multiple tool and utility pockets, Left-leg hammer loop, Relaxed, Straight, standard
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.
You can’t do much better than legendary Carhartt workwear. These twill work pants offer a relaxed fit design that combines comfort with exceptional functionality. They are produced in a prewashed twill for softness that accommodates natural body movement.
The relaxed fit comes with more room in both the pants’ seat and the legs at the thighs. The twill fabric is 9.25-ounce 100% cotton and is machine washable.
These pants are constructed to last and weather the most heavy-duty wear on a daily basis. Belt loops are sewn on the seam, and back pockets for heavy tools or accessories are reinforced.
There are lots of utility pockets for your tools and the left leg features a hammer loop. The Waist size is available to W50 and the pants come in four colors: black, brown, green, and Khaki.
Pros
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- Prewashed 100% cotton peached ringspun twill weighs 9.25 ounces
- More room in seat and thighs
- Belt loops are sewn on the seams
- Multiple pockets
- Hammer loop
- Reinforced back pockets
- Machine washable
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Cons
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- Zipper could be improved
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Best Denim Work Pants for Large Men
2.) Wrangler® Riggs Workwear® Jean Work Pants
- ROOM2MOVE FIT
- DURABLE MATERIALS
- CLASSIC STYLING
- REINFORCED CONSTRUCTION
- TOOL STORAGE
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 Work Horse pair of jeans offer a relaxed fit and feature a gusset for easy movement. Produced in an antique indigo color of 100% durashield cotton denim, the fabric weighs 14.5 ounces for heavy-duty durability.
Sizing is available to a 58 waist. Wrangler has designed these jeans with their exclusive “room2move™” fit making them ideal for large men on the move.
Standard stress areas have been reinforced and the pockets at the back are lined with 1000 denier Cordura® fabric. Reinforcement leather on pockets and a hammer loop completes the deal.
Pros
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- 100% cotton 14.5-oz. denim
- Machine washable
- Lots of sizes available
- room2move™ design
- reinforcement leather on pockets
- action gusset
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Cons
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- hammer loop too small
- material pops out at the base of the zipper
- no cell phone pocket
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Best Multi-Use Work Pants for Large Men
3.) Dickies Loose Fit Work Pants
- Sits at waist with a generous fit in seat and thigh; straight leg
- Reinforced knees
- 8.5 oz. Heavyweight Twill, 65% Polyester/35% Cotton
- Easy-care stain resistant, Wrinkle resistant
- Sturdy metal hook-and-bar closure secures waistband
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 multi-use work pant is impressive for larger men thanks to a loose-fit design. It features double knees with reinforcement for exceptional durability.
Thanks to the original loose fit design, the pants sit at the waist, and there is extra room in the pants’ seat and in the thigh so that when you bend or kneel, your comfort is ensured.
Durability is also guaranteed thanks to the choice of fabric which is an 8.5-ounce heavyweight twill blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton.
The fabric is easy maintenance and nicely resistant to stain as well as to wrinkles. The metal hook and bar closure is heavy-duty to last. Belt loops are Dickies’ signature long-tunnel design to hold the heaviest of tool belts.
The right leg comes with a multi-use pocket, while back pockets have a welt design that is flap-free for easy access. Available in six colors, sizing ranges all the way to a 58 waist.
Pros
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- 65% polyester and 35% cotton
- Easy care
- Stain and wrinkle-resistant
- Affordable
- Long tunnel belt loops
- Double knees
- Six attractive colors
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Cons
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- Reports that they are not true-to-size
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Best Storage Work Pants for Large Men
4.) Wrangler® Riggs Workwear® Ranger 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, this work pant 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.
- DURABLE MATERIALS. Constructed with 10oz 100% Cotton Ripstop fabric, for long-lasting durability 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.
The line of Riggs Workwear by Wrangler is genuinely designed with workers in mind. This pair of 100% cotton work pants feature the patented “room2move ™” design with a roomier fit in the seat, thighs, and knee, as well as a crotch gusset to facilitate movement throughout the day regardless of your profession.
These pants feature a comfortable waist fit and the leg is roomy enough to fit over your work boots.
The fabric is 100% Ripstop cotton for durability and with resistance to tearing. It also offers some environmental protection to your legs. Knees and seams are reinforced as well as a featured tape measure clip.
The back pockets constructed for durability with linings in Cordura that is 1000 denier. But the great thing about these pants is the amount of storage these pants offer thanks to two cargo side pockets, 2 reinforced back pockets, a watch pocket, and two deep front pant pockets. That’s a lot of room!
Available in five colors, sizes run to a 60 waist.
Pros
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- 10-ounce 100% Ripstop cotton
- 5 colors
- Room2move ™” design
- Crotch gusset
- Reinforced construction design and knees
- Available to a size 60W
- Lots of storage
- Hammer loop
- Machine washable
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Cons
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- Zipper could be better quality
- Some fabric stiffness reported
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Best Lightweight Work Pants for Large Men
5.) Chef Works Lightweight Baggy Work Pants
- 65/35 poly/cotton 4.7 oz. lite twill fabric
- Double-needle top stitching detail
- Curved elastic waistband with built-in flat drawstring
- 2 side seam pockets & 2 over sized back pockets
- Built-in cell phone pocket
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.
If you need a really lightweight pair of work pants especially for hot climates or indoor tasks, take a look at these baggy lightweight pants from Chef Works.
Manufactured in a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, they are exceptionally easy to care for, and they are as light as they come with a 4.7-ounce twill fabric blend.
Topstitching is double-needle, and the waist features an elastic waistband that is curved with a flat drawstring built-in.
Despite their lightness, they feature four pockets: two side seam pockets and two generous back pockets. There is also a built-in pocket for your cell phone. Available in black with sizing that goes up to 3XL.
Pros
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- 65% polyester and 35% cotton
- Easy to care for
- Lightweight
- Baggy fit
- Elastic waist with drawstring
- 4 pockets and cell phone pocket
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Cons
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- Crotch zone wears faster than the pants
- Sizing considerations
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See also: How to Keep Your Pants Up When You Have a Big Belly
All Things Considered for the Best Work Pants
When searching for the best work pants for large men, here are the characteristics that we factored into our research.
Material
The material fabric used by manufacturers says a great deal about the durability of the work pants that you are considering. They will also affect your overall comfort and they need to offer some protection.
Certain materials are more successful than others when performing heavy-duty work tasks such as ripstop cotton. Typical work pant materials include:
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- Cotton duck
- Cotton
- Denim
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Construction
Construction will influence exactly how comfortable you are on the job. The design and construction will afford you flexibility, and a generous range of movement for your working necessities.
Durability will also be influenced by seams that might be triple-stitched or taped, zippers that are heavy-duty, fabric that has water repellent treatment, belt loops, and lots of pockets.
Seams may even feature bar tacks or rivets for reinforcement. Many work pants will be constructed with a crotch gusset to aid in bending, sitting, and movement in general.
Features
Features can make the difference in a pair of work pants because not only do you want them to protect your skin and offer a certain degree of comfort, but you need them to be functional.
So, apart from construction features, you may be looking for reinforced belt loops for a tool belt, a hammer loop, DWR or durable water repellent treatments, reflective tape, or details on the pants for high visibility, knee protection, flame resistance, and various kinds of pockets.
Purpose
Determining the reason that you are wearing work pants may appear banal, but it will influence the type of material, construction, and features that you end up looking for to guarantee that they are functional for your professional needs.
Durability
If you are investing money, you want to do so wisely. You’ll want to look for material and pant construction that guarantee the pants last and don’t require that you continuously need to replace them.
Weight
The weight of your work pants is equally important. Heavier fabrics and eventual linings will be used for professionals that work outdoors and specifically in colder climates.
Lighter work pants will be more appropriate for warmer climates or work settings where environmental temperatures are higher.
Cost
One’s wallet is always a determining factor. If you have a budget you need to respect it, but if guaranteeing quality requires a few extra dollars, it may end up saving you money in the long run.
These are the work pants that we selected for the best work pants for large men.
Conclusion
Work pants are rugged, tough, and functional, and are necessary for a multitude of professions such as construction, carpentry, heavy industry, and agriculture to name just a few.
Fit, durability, material, construction, features, cost, and functionality are all part of the equation for the best pair of work pants.
The best method for deciding which workpants are the best is to try them on. If you can’t get to a store or prefer to order online, you may want to order a couple of different sizes initially to establish which size is the best of the brand and model you’ve selected.
Keep in mind that gusseted crotch, good knee bends, and overall functionality. We hope to have furnished some essential information to get you started in your search for the best work pants for large men.
