Work Trousers

Fit and Sizing: Why It Matters on Site

Men's work trousers typically run in waist sizes 28"–54" with short, regular, and tall leg lengths. Women's work trousers often come in UK sizes 6–24, with petite and tall variants for proper knee-pad placement. A trouser that's too short rides up when you kneel; too long and it frays under your boot heel. Measure your inside leg, not your jeans size – workwear cuts differ.

Cargo trousers suit trades that need quick access to tools: tape measures, Stanley knives, wire strippers. Slim-fit black or navy trousers work better for plumbers or electricians visiting client homes where bulk pockets look unprofessional. Stretch panels in the crotch and back yoke prevent splitting when you're climbing ladders or crouching in loft spaces all day.

Fabrics and Durability

Most work trousers use cotton, poly-cotton, or ripstop blends. Pure cotton breathes well but wears faster at stress points. Poly-cotton (65/35 or 50/50 blend) resists tearing and dries quicker after rain. Ripstop fabrics have a grid weave that stops small tears spreading – common in outdoor construction or forestry trousers. Softshell waterproof trousers layer fleece backing with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) outer; they're not fully waterproof like PU-coated rain trousers, but they handle light rain and wind without the bulk.

Reinforcements: knees, hems, and pockets take the most abuse. Knee-pad pockets (top-loading or side-entry) let you drop in foam or gel inserts. Cordura or ballistic nylon patches at the cuffs stop concrete and gravel shredding the hem. Triple-stitched seams and bar-tack reinforcement at pocket corners prevent blow-outs when you're carrying screws or fixings.

Common Specification Mistakes

Buying purely on price. A £15 pair might last two months of hard graft; a £40 pair with reinforced knees can run a year or more – better cost per wear. Ignoring leg length: regular-length trousers on a 6'2" worker leave the knees exposed when kneeling. Choosing fashion cargo pockets over proper tool pockets: slim cargo styling looks good but won't hold a claw hammer securely. If you need waterproof protection in heavy rain, softshell trousers aren't enough – you need PU-coated over-trousers or bib-and-brace rain gear instead.

• Womens navy workwear trousers and women's black work trousers are stocked in sizes 6–24 with tailored waistbands
• Mens work cargo trousers and black trousers for men run 28"–54" waist, short to tall leg lengths
• Petite and tall cuts ensure proper knee-pad alignment and hem clearance
• Waterproof hi vis work trousers combine DWR coating with reflective banding for outdoor visibility roles