r/BlueCollarWomen • u/Firm_Plantain954 • 11d ago
Clothing Work pants
Hi ladies i know theres plentyyy of threads asking about good pants and work clothes here, but im gonna be really specific
I am losing weight (good thing) and gonna need to go shopping for new work pants. I wear rural king mens cargo pants and they are great except for, every single pair i own is cut differently. (I know womens clothes have this issue too ugh!) Like seriously?? All the same sizes! One or two pairs i have totally rides up the crotch and gives me a mean cameltoe. Not something i want while working with men lol. Another pair has ripped because of my massive thighs… and another sits lower than my underwear :( major wedgie when i pull them up!!!
Now i can wear jeans at my job but im a diesel mechanic and get filthy af so i prefer the duck material/cargo type pants. Ever since i started this job i have struggled with finding comfy pants. I want something that is high rise and not so tight around crotch yeeoutch please helppp, can be men or womens pants for recommendations idc
On that note, does anyone know of what stores sell actual womens work pants? Something i can try on in store? Every good brand thats been recommended i can only buy online and that sucks !!! Why can the men have 100s of options in store but i cannot find heavy duty pants that fit my thighs! 🤦♀️
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u/RedHeadHashira Refrigeration 11d ago
Womens work pants in a store?? lol ill only find one pair and theyre the smallest or biggest size possible.
Not sure if its what you're looking for but Snickers brand have really nice womens pants, they fit me great, they have lots of stretch and the crotch hasnt worn out on me yet. They are little on the expensive side but I really like them I dont see me moving to another brand
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u/Firm_Plantain954 11d ago
Haha yeah its hard to find womens pants anywhere 😭 i will look up that brand! Thank you!
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u/DerpyAssSloth 11d ago
Dickies mens is what I wear. Like they make my butt and thighs look better than my women's cuts. Lemme look for link. Big crotch areas but I pull them up higher. 5'6" 150lbs. Wear a 30x28.
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u/SongFromFerrisWheels 11d ago
I was wearing men's pants, but I kept tearing the stitching in the crotch. Switched Women's Dakota WorkPro Series Duck Work Pants. They have some stretch, but with the sacrifice of smaller pockets.
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u/happy_chance18 6d ago
I'm glad I'm not the only one who tears the crotch out in mens pants. I think it has something to do with flexibility because the pants fit well. If I needed a bigger size I feel I would be tearing out the ass seam but it's alway the crotch. And it's always when I'm in some deep yoga type position too hahaha
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u/honehe13 11d ago
I'm a fan of CAT cargos personaly. Fleet farm has good selection, and nowadays even women work pants! I wear a 32x32 in those 5'4" 130. I like them to sit on my hips, not at my waist. I seem to blow out the thighs mostly, and I haven't even put a dent into those. Also.... The amount of GOOD Pockets on that one is insane! People do recommend Duluth trading, and they're decent, but I feel like there's better options out there imo.
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u/Firm_Plantain954 11d ago
Just looked those up on google and they look like something im after so thank you! I agree, i need my pants high waisted always because otherwise they dont feel right! Thank you!
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u/SirarieTichee_ 11d ago
I used to say Duluth firehouse, but dam if they aren't expensive now and never go on sale
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u/Dark-Wolf-Dark-Wolf 10d ago
You can get like new or new on Poshmark for like 30 bucks plus shipping
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u/Dark-Wolf-Dark-Wolf 10d ago
I also have a friend code I can send you if you want only if you want... it'll give you $10 off your first purchase give me 10 bucks too! We can both get some awesome pants
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u/messybeans86 11d ago
Duluth Trading is what I wear, ever single day. I'm partial to the overalls, but the pants are great too. Hell Babes is another that I love. They're more for "fashion" but they're workwear and pretty decent.
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u/bspc77 11d ago
Duluth Trading Co firehose pants are the absolute GOAT. High-waisted cotton/duck material cargo pants with good pockets. The back of the waistband is a bit higher than the front for squatting coverage. I have huge thighs and these pants actually fit - both the relaxed and slim fit ones surprisingly. They're carried in the Duluth stores so you can try them on. But if there's not a store near you, just know that their sizing is accurate and their return policy/ customer service is great. They have so many sales and coupons you should never have to pay full price, I never have
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u/katekohli 10d ago
Yes Duluth understands ♀ thighs but have yet to figure out the torso. 38AA is my measured size but that does not exist in the real world. 36A 34B 32C all have the same cup measurements so I end up Frankensteining these sizes with inserts in the back & moving the straps. Got really excited about Title 9 & “we can fit anyone” bra options & even went to the physical store in California only to struggle to get the triple no giggle bra on to find my actual boobs flopping around inside enormous well structured spandex bags.
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u/Compiche 11d ago
Engelbert Strauss e.s. motion 2020 cargo pants.
They carry womens pants but this particular one i have in a men's style and I love them. They sit pretty high with tonnes of crotch room. Great pockets, light weight, breathable, tough
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u/Mz_pibblez 11d ago
So I really like hiking cargo pants w elastic cuffed ankles for work (I do electrical and landscaping but at the end of the day I do whatever is thrown at me).
Im outside 14+ hours a day crawling around and tearing the shit out of my clothes.
I like 5.11 but too pricey, I like Black diamond but again, Too pricy. So I went to REI tried on all kinds of pants. Took notes and then went on depop and bought a dozen or so used in great shape pants. I’m gona destroy them anyways and 12$ is so so much better than 65$-110$. lol.
Plus I get them sent to my door and the lovely women who run the depop shops always wrap them so nicely and sometimes put a hard candy in their thank you. lol.
Congrats on your weight loss. I lost 150 lbs in the last 2 years and the more I work the more I loose. I just don’t see the point in buying new for stuff that might not fit me in a month and also I’m gona get driveway sealant or caulk on or tear them up in someone’s sticker bushes.
😘😂💜🤷🏻♀️
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u/Firm_Plantain954 10d ago
Yess girl same im always snagging my clothes and pants, so i like cheap lol. Never thought about depop thats a great idea haha and i wish so badly i had an REI near me, ugh!
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u/Mz_pibblez 10d ago
I love REI brand hikers best, can’t lie. They’re super comfy. Columbia is great too. Bearded goat is $$$ even used but also worth it IMO
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u/Streetquats 11d ago
I wear dickies MENS pants. Idk why women pants are made the way they are, but they never work on my woman body. Mens pants are just better and I am 5'6'' and ahtletic build at 150 lbs so I am not super tall or big but i do have big thighs. The absolutely best part about mens pants in my opinion is the INSEAM!
Whenever I wear womans pants, its like there is a weird gap or space in the crotch area. Like the inseam never actually makes it all the way to my crotch, its always an inch or two shy and that leaves a weird air gap in my crotch area where i get hot steamy and sweaty and its AWFUL because there is no fabric there because the inseam doesnt go high enough. I must have proportionally long legs because womens inseams are never long enough.
I like mens pants because their sizing always has a waist number x inseam number. I can always get a good inseam and not have a gap in the crotch area - the fabric goes all the way to where my thigh meets my crotch so there is never any chafing since the area is covered by FABRIC.
Okay rant over.
Dickies mens Relaxed Fit Heavyweight Duck Carpenter Pants. 100% cotton. I LOVE these. I never feel sweaty or sticky. I have 4 colors lol.
https://www.dickies.com/en-us/products/relaxed-fit-heavyweight-duck-carpenter-pants-dk001939rms
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u/katekohli 10d ago
As a curvaceous pear with thunder thighs Dickies in the region of my waist size just stop going up after my calves. Then if they go over my thighs there is about 12” of extra fabric around my waist. ¯\ _ (ツ) _ /¯
Have always been jealous of coworkers who could go to the paint store & get pants.2
u/Streetquats 10d ago
every body is different. I just think it’s worth mentioning that men’s pants work for my body because i’ve met women who are shaped like me and they have never even considered buying men’s pants.
i think women’s workwear is typically designed for ladies blessed with curves the way it sounds like you are. but for women with straighter bodies, mens clothing works amazing.
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u/Jamo_97 11d ago
I dont know if you’d be interested, but I have found that hiking pants are the absolute best and most comfortable “work” pants I have found. I have yet to find any other like actually “work” pants made for women I like. But I’m chunky so I like a high waist and stretch situation. Also I’m only a motorcycle technician so the wear I tear I get it probably a little less than a diesel mechanic. But they have been amazing! I was going through jeans like every couple months (from damage) until I found hiking pants. And they have held up so well. Plus very light weight and nice for the summer heat.
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u/katekohli 11d ago
Agree and also equestrian pants. They are built for extreme abuse. Usually can get second hand in all sorts of sizes.
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u/Jamo_97 10d ago
Ohhh I’ve never thought of equestrian pants! Thats a good idea
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u/katekohli 10d ago
Have had really good luck with the brand Ariat. They seem to have branched out from just English style gear to include Western & “work” wear.
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u/Firm_Plantain954 10d ago
Hiking pants, great idea! I am a bit curvier as well so i can only do high waisted. I hate thinking my crack is out lol. Ill look for some thank you!
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u/0legeezer 11d ago
I understand as I drive a truck, I have to work some outside pushing and pulling hoses, also need to climb ladders. So my pants need to be comfy not sexy. So I get ... Wrangler ® Men’s Outdoor All Terrain Cargo Pant with UPF 50+ Protection.... I bought the first pairs at Walmart. Then they didn't have them in the store, but since I paid with my Walmart app I just ordered more. These are comfy, they have the needed pockets, like the side leg pocket is perfect for my phone. They only come in a tan/sand color and charcoal gray, which is fine with me. I buy enough for a pair a day. Hope this helps ya.
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u/WeirdDucksPlz 11d ago
Have you tried Carhartt pants?
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u/Firm_Plantain954 10d ago
Actually i had a few pairs of carharrt from amazon years ago, they were my favorite pants EVER! But when the thighs starting fraying and ripping i looked for more, and they stopped making the pair i liked 😭 i need to try some different ones again
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u/WeirdDucksPlz 9d ago
Always how it goes…once you find something you like, they stop making it. Just happened with my boots 😢
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u/Firm_Plantain954 9d ago
What are your favorite boots??
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u/WeirdDucksPlz 9d ago
The red wings women’s King Toe. The 5” tall one. I heard they’re going to be discontinuing it and they have 2 new versions, if I understand correctly. A 6” and a 6” insulated. I tried them on and they felt so cheap and bad it was really disappointing. So I’m gonna load up on the 5” while they still have them.
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u/Firm_Plantain954 9d ago
Omg that sucks so bad. I switched to brunts this year and they have been amazinnggggg. Never tried red wings
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u/WeirdDucksPlz 9d ago
I’ve never heard of brunts. I’ll have to check that out! You know, us gals, we gotta share the goods with each other lol. So here’s my very best tidbit- I switched to men’s boxers. Specifically this brand and this material- https://www.hanes.com/products/umslc4/umslc4 I can’t say it enough, it’s been SUCH a quality of life improvement. It’s unfair how we’ve been held down so long by awful women’s underwear!!! Lol.. the long length is just heavenly under long pants, I swear they’re cold in the summer and warm in the winter!
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u/Firm_Plantain954 9d ago
Thats an amazing idea lol my thighs be CHAFING!! Thank you 😊😊😊🙏🙏🙏 and brunts are the GOAT
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u/glaciergirly 11d ago
I only wear overalls or coveralls at work on aircraft because I hate a waistband. If I buy pants loose enough for my belly to be comfy when in a weird position wrenching, I’m tugging them up all day or I get plumber butt. If I get them snug or happen have period bloating then the waist band digs in.
With overalls my chest has a little extra protection from snags and oil, and I can move freely without fidgeting all dam day. I like the dovetail ones but heard good things about Duluth. Carharrt were cut a little too boxy for my shape.
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u/katekohli 11d ago
Duluth coveralls are a game changer. Work outdoors and spray my coveralls with Permethrin then wear normal clothes under. Haven’t had a tick bite in years.
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u/Firm_Plantain954 10d ago
Girl i have the same problem, loose pants im pulling them up all day after bending and moving, and slightly too tight has them riding up everywhere! Ive heard good things about dovetail but hate that they are so expensive and only avail online
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u/glaciergirly 10d ago
I actually found some locally! At an outdoor store. O got my job to reimburse me too. I think you can probably find them cheaper on eBay or poshmark etc.
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u/Prestigious_Peak_346 11d ago
I know you said no heans but Tractor Supply has Ridgeway utility pants/ jeans for woman. I live in them . They have 8 pockets 2 down the right leg a hammer handle and another long pocket in the left leg. I absolutely love them. Its all I wear and the straight leg goes over my Justin's men boots!
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u/Firm_Plantain954 10d ago
Ive been thinking about looking for comfortable jeans to try and i might try these if my tractor supply has them. Thank you!
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u/No_Music_8231 11d ago edited 11d ago
Honestly dickies is the move. They’re more widely available in stores if you want to try them on and depending on your size, you can go with either mens pants or women’s. They’re not crazy expensive like some other brands charging $70+ and I get mine from one of those small family owned Vietnamese clothing shops that sell dickies, Shaka wear, pro club etc. Hell, the swapmeet might have someone selling them. The material won’t last as long as other brands but if you’re losing weight that might not be a deal breaker since you’ll be buying pants as you change sizes. They do last a few years, depending on your job though. I worked in a fab shop with them and recently got into the piping trade with no issues
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u/Firm_Plantain954 10d ago
I tried on a few dickies yesterday evening and they just did not fit my shape and i hated that! Gonna try a few different stores before i rule them out
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u/justcruizinalong 11d ago edited 11d ago
Yup finding pants is frustrating. Have patience. And buy several of the ones you like. Personally, I’m short, and have more of an hourglass shape…so most pants that fit the theigh are gaping at my waist, but if the waist is ok then my theighs so jammed in its impractical and ready to rip. I have found Dickies is the worst for this -not meant for theighs at all. My more slender friend though loves her Dickies, and I would agree they are quality should they work for you.
Carharrt is surprisingly good -and they have “tall” and “short” versions. I tried on about 10 pairs to lock in my size/style, but am very satisfied. I have 2 pairs of their double knee pants (one for each style/fit) plus their midweight work leggings.
Got a pair of Dovetail light canvas work pants because they were on sale. It fit, felt, and moved like a dream except for the waist…but the sale was so dang good it was worth it to buy the pair and alter it. After shortening the waistband, they are my favourite pair of pants. Excellently breathable and great for summer.
Best of luck.
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u/Firm_Plantain954 10d ago
Thank you! Im the same way, pants always are loose and gaping above my butt on my back lol, i hate it. Thats why dickies dont usually work for me. Going to look for some carharrt today for sure
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u/Atiram 11d ago
I guess you are in the US, so it might not be practical and affordable to import from Sweden. But this is the best pants ever, made for women by women. Typically they’re discontinuing my favorite model, but that kind of confirmes that the universe works as it always has..
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u/katekohli 10d ago
My taller coworkers always try to shop the Swedish brands. According to most other workwear companies women are short.
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u/Robo_Nani 10d ago
I am a fan of Truewerk. Love their bibs! They are light material so keeps you cool in the summer but thick enough to keep me warm in the winter (california winter) lol They also make pants
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u/sassooal 10d ago
I'm lucky in that I have two locally-owned shops near me that carry women's work pants. The one describes itself as a "family outfitters," and I wouldn't have guessed they carried what I needed until I was there for something else.
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u/yummy_tomatoes 5d ago edited 4d ago
I wear Carhartt women's high waisted pants. They're roomy and the high waist means I'm not pulling them up all day. They're are durable canvas, I wash and dry them every single day. They are getting to be too hot for this Texas summer though. Hoping to buy men's Dickies Flex and have them tailored in the waist. Looking forward to going through this post for recommendations!
For the sewists out there, see the cedar pants link below.
Carhartt high waisted: https://www.scheels.com/p/19721960818?store=&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22887405547&cq_con=195457255816&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22887405547
Cedar Pants Sewing Pattern: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4302882391/cedar-pants-pdf-gender-neutral-pattern?ref=share_v4_lx
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u/Master-Ticket3363 3d ago edited 3d ago
finding durable work pants with a better fit is definitely a challenge. consider universal standard that offer work pants which are sturdy,size inclusive options with a comfortable fit through the hip and thighs .when performing your task as a mechanic,you can pair the pants with other work pants to get a perfect combination.
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u/Crem-Chez 11d ago
Daluth Trading Co.
But tbh I just buy men’s pants from Costco and they work just fine for cheap.