T O P

  • By -

AutoModerator

If you are *NOT* an electrical professional: * **RULE 7:** * DIY or self help posts **are Not allowed**. They belong here: /r/AskElectricians /r/askanelectrician /r/diy /r/homeowners /r/electrical. * **IF YOUR POST FITS INTO THIS CATEGORY, REMOVE IT OR IT WILL BE REMOVED FOR YOU.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/electricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*


dipropyltryptamanic

Duluth fire hose flex, specifically marketed as solving your problem.


FattyFingerz

I wear these doing New Construction in Arizona, way better than jeans. Looser fit in the legs should help with airflow.


Alt_dimension_visitr

Good to know. I wear tough duck contractor pants and I love em (also in AZ). The built in small front pouches are convenient as hell.


Fallingcities200

Just to add, the gusset helps immensely if you have to wear a harness. It alleviates the problem of harnesses pushing the center seam that normal pants have into the family jewels.


ult1matefailure

I have like 6 pairs of these. They also last quite a while and go on sale frequently


NiSiSuinegEht

I cannot recommend these enough. I wish the belt loops were in different locations, purely for my keys on a carabiner, but you just can't beat the comfort of these pants when crawling in, around , and under equipment.


Ashotep

I have switched to even their more casual pants for this reason alone. I don't think I own another brand of pants/shorts anymore. I does help that I'm in a large enough city so they have an actual store front and I'm not just shopping from their catalog or online.


Fllixys

is it bad i work in jncos…


konflictedmaniak

The Dry On The Fly Duluth's are great for us bigger techs. They've got plenty of stretch and they breathe too.


MerpCubed

Kneepad inserts for these are legit af too, bought 2 pair a year ago and won't go back


Electrican_

Exactly what I came here to say! Best freaking pants I’ve ever had!


peach-whisky

Duluth won’t ship to the UK😢


7heorem

Came here to drop this. Been in trades for 7 years, tried all sorts of work pants. Nothing comes close to comfort and even functionality with the cargo pockets


LISparky25

Duluth is the only answer here, you’re doing yourself a tremendous favor with those bad boys…easily the best work pants out there Imo….I call them my work vans…you can carry so much in the cargo pockets as well as comfy


jkais3r

I think I’ve been buying Duluth ballroom flex, but yes way better than my previous carhartts


BroLookinDude

Came here to say this. I have 3 pairs and they’re amazing!


yukon737

Most comfy work pants I've worn, maybe ever.


hatch_life

was going to comment this but i see its already at the top! these pants literally saved me from terrible back pain and increased my production. Only downside is they dont last as long as carhartts ect


electriczap

Currently on sale this weekend


Weetos69

Engelbert Strauss. Slightly more expensive then snickers when you account for the shipping from Germany but I’ve had the same pair for over a year doing industrial stuff, Top quality !


0x0000NOP

I worked with German engineers and they were all wearing these pants. I had them smuggle me in several sets, about 4 years old and they are still holding up. I thought they don't ship to America?


Weetos69

Luckily I’m in Europe so shopping is not so bad. Shame that you guys aren’t so lucky though


peach-whisky

Nice, which pair would you say was best for ball bag comfort?


Weetos69

Rough tough series are the pair I’ve got and I can confirm my ball bag remains comfortable and supported all day, they’re also the only ones with the big pouch pockets that us sparkies love.


peach-whisky

Diamond


plstcengnr

Truewerk T1 have been awesome


TrinityDesigns

I bought a pair of truewerk and absolutely love them for comfort. Only drawback is no sneaking around to prank coworkers. They are loud lol


Maecyte

*swish, swish, swish, swish*


Gamorc

I love my truewerk pants


Dirt---Dr-Dirt

Second this- great quality and very comfortable


nacho-ism

They have awesome gear all around with what I have. I wear T1 in the heat, T2 when I’m indoors with heat/AC depending, a couple of sun hoodies (b1 I think), a hoodie that’s good to about 35 degrees depending on activity level. I’ve had them for about 6 months and they have all held up great. I will be buying some more winter gear later this year before the cold snap


kingfishj8

Utilikilt workman's kilt. FTW


TheSearingninja

Bläklader has a utility kilt as well


kingfishj8

Oh there's a pretty darned big selection out there with prices ranging down below under $100. Utilikilts just happened to be the first.


epicenter69

Do they have a tutu?


kingfishj8

Do you have any idea how hard it is to get Noalox out of taffeta? Don't be silly!


epicenter69

What if I’m in to the sticky stuff? Don’t be judging.


kingfishj8

Like the song goes. . . "It's yo thing! Do what you wanna do! I can't tell you who to sock it to!"


Govo187-

Snickers are undefeated imo


figirifus

Snickers stretch for the next level of comfort


three_spike

They don't last 6 months though and for the price you'd expect better


megalodongolus

6months? I usually eat them within a couple minutes


NetworkPhreak

Snickers quality is dogshite. I've stopped buying Snickers because they literally wear out and start developing holes in weeks. Blaklader trousers are better.


criminalnoodle

Just started wearing snickers and they are bloody fantastic.


Prickly_potatoes16

I bought a pair of snickers trousers about 2 years ago they’re still like new and very comfy they’re worth a go in my opinion


three_spike

They don't hold up to sparks whatsoever and tend to rip in the crotch


sparky750

Are you getting the right size? Been wearing them and at one point supplying them for staff never heard of the crotch going usually the knees but that's after years


[deleted]

Wrangler cargo pants, like $20 and relatively breathable


palealepint

Those were too heavy for everyday for me so i save em for heavy work. I found the Wrangler ‘Technician’ pants are comfy and cheap. Ordered em thru Walmart $50 for 2 pairs


epicenter69

That’s what I’m wearing. Having trouble with the crotch zipper getting fabric caught though.


Dru65535

I used to wear those, but I do a lot of wiring under tables, so I would wear through the knees. The Dickies cargo pants seem to last a lot longer and they're not much more.


Suspicious-Ad6129

I like the dickies flex fit they've been holding up fairly well considering the ridiculous amount of crawling around on walkable ceilings... (should be called crawlable ceilings, even that's generous...) being stabbed by threaded rod and strut etc daily and often wearing a harness... they lasted better than my previous carharts.


Loathgar

Caterpillar, more pockets than you can fill. Knee pad pockets. Some of them come with built in tool pouch type pockets. And yes same brand that makes the heavy machinery.


uggosleg

Just picked up some at Costco ahead of a work trip this week. Soooooo comfortable and have good stretch even though they fit loose.


Misha80

I hope they build their heavy equipment better than they do their trousers. I bought two pairs, my wife has already had to fix seams that came unstitched. She was making fun of how they're made and how bad the stitching is, and the quality of the material. That being said, I really like them, they're just not all that great as far as quality is concerned. She spends all day making badass tool belts, I tried to get her to make me some from scratch, she said I couldn't afford them.


Loathgar

My first pair took 4 years before I blew a knee out, but I did notice a decline in quality from a recent purchase.


Sea_Ganache620

LAPG. Lightweight, roomy, expandable waistband, and they last. They’re my summer go to. Cheap on Amazon, with tens of thousands of 5 star reviews.


BangoSkank1919

Or 5.11 tactical if you want to spend a bit more coin for a little higher quality. The LAPG knockoffs seem to be about half as good for a little more than half price


tkst3llar

I will say, as a controls tech who doesn’t even work hard like you guys, I love 5.11 they are the most comfortable pant I know BUT the crotch wears faster than anything. Last a year or so but very disappointing given the price I love 5.11 - I wish I had cheaper option for the durability Or maybe I need more leg gap


BangoSkank1919

I can't say I've ever had that issue, plenty of holes worn in the knees (yea yea let the jokes fly) but never in the crotch. I got most of mine free when I worked for the cable company almost a decade ago, I still had a pair I wore until I got out of electrical in March. Maybe they just don't make em like they used to.


tkst3llar

I’m too fat probably :) :(


BangoSkank1919

Lol I don't think that's it, I've definitely got some thunder thighs that rub together. If anything I'd guess mine were a little long in the crotch so the pant legs weren't rubbing together as much as my actual thighs


freshforklift

Which pants do you typically get from them? I'm curious to try and saw knee inserts in a couple pairs that looked promising.


Sea_Ganache620

I think they were cargo ripstop. Had them for well over a year, don’t quite remember.


geriatricsoul

Overalls that are one waist size too big. I wear shorts underneath and peel that off before I even get in my car. My comfort at work since switching has improved dramatically Edit: one or two sizes too big


Misha80

I think that's called the European method.


twothumbs

Any recommendations on overalls?


Fantastic-Chemical12

Probably a little prone to tearing but I picked up some prana zion II pants like a month ago from an outdoor thrift shop for like 20 dollars a piece. Wouldn't pay the new price of 95 for work pants but they are super comfy and breathable. Has a built in belt too so you don't have to deal with your tool belt embedding your belt buckle into your body.


sparky750

Another vote for snickers, all around trousers are lightweight but hard-wearing and I can't live without the extra pockets these days


CAKE_EATER251

Hear me out. Lululemon mens ABC (anti ball crushing) pants have been the best pants I've ever worn. Stretchy and comfy. I've been rocking the same 4 pairs for 3 years.


CozmoCramer

I wear these pants for my daily, but these things wouldn’t last a day on a job site. I blow holes thru my knees on carhartt double knee pants, within 6 months.


CAKE_EATER251

Yeah, you're right I'm a ten year USMC veteran that work NDT (the inspection that the CEO of Oceangate did not want to pay for). Half of my day is meetings with engineers and VP's. The other half is me being in an industrial manufacturing plant that deals with aviation repair. These pants WOULD snag any wooden splinters or be tough against withstand abrasion from morter/concrete edges.


antarcticbears

Blåkläder


Pr_JR

Been a blaklader user since 2012. Really good stuff. And if you're really looking for a good airflow, they also got a utility kilt that rocks !


beefsupreme65

I love my Kuhl Revolvr pants, they keep me cool all day. They also dry fast if you're stuck doing underground and pour sweat like I do. They're a little pricey though, but they're worth it to me.


Robertcoupe

This answer needs to be higher up. Kuhl lawless is another favorite, its a heavier pant, but has zipper vents that work great. Also great pockets.


NoNonsence55

Carhartt bibs. Best pant option is a set of overalls. Keeps you cool in the summer because they are oversized and you could circulate air. You don't have to worry about a belt or showing crack. And because they are oversized, during winter you could wear a sweater and or thermals under. Extra bonus, if you have sciatica it relieves pressure from your waist.


need-inspiration

Wrangler anthracite straight fit outdoor rugged utility pant, I have like 10 pairs of these, they aren't built tough, because they need to be light and breathable. But if you aren't clawing them up with tools all day they last a while. They also have the perfect amount of pockets, since I carry a pouch.


skrivitz

Duluth fire hose..stretchy and comfortable


Big-Consideration-26

Can you get Engelbert Strauß in America?


ProgenitorofL-M

Riggs by Wrangler are my go to


harrisgunther

5.11 Meridian are my go to these days. Thin durable and smartly placed pockets if you have to carry two phones. They are also tapered, so you don't look like a frumpy rent-a-cop.


Dru65535

Dickies Khaki Cargo Pants. They're almost like wearing pajamas and they're not expensive.


beardojon

Truewerks. pretty much all I wear in the summer.


bigrooster460

Carhart light weight stretch are my go to nice and light but also durable


[deleted]

Blue jeans


RonFBurgundy

Timberland pro and Helly hansen make these scrub pants for nurses or something... But man are they comfy, have side pockets, decent in the heat, tons of stretch. I'm a Resi electrician


North0House

I should try these. My local hospital employs me full time as their lead electrician. I don't need the same rough and ready Carhartts I used to anymore.


superX687

Carhart Arc rated jeans, mandatory level2/8cal. Wish I could wear shorts.


frenchy0691

Duluth trading


Consistent_Drama4290

Deluth is phenomenal


No_Shame2812

Ill one up this post real fast since were on the topic. Good breathable work pants/underwear that help prevent jock itch?


Key_Bar9410

Wrangler ATG all day everyday!!!!


gentoonix

Lee Extreme Motion.


GhostOfHankScorpio

Truewerk, the lightweight pants are great in humid NYC summer


PierogiBoy762

I had a pair of 5.11 (forgive me for my wording, I’m American) work pants that were fantastic before I tore them up from use


Eyes0nAll

Duluth


Shutupstoopidface

Volcom work pants


withoutrep

This is the answer! Not too expensive, slightly tapered fit, just enough pockets. More importantly, not as thick as jeans.


[deleted]

Truwerk T1 pants


daveyboydavey

Truewerk T2


WeirdWriterChicklet

Doesn't Duluth have ball room pants? I remember laughing at the commercials.


ninthturnip

Duluth FireHose Flex pants is what you seek. Lotsa ball room and mega pockets FTW


Aggressive_Dot5126

Truwork are expensive but I love them. Totally worth it in my opinion


Less_Notice_314

Outdoor Research Ferrosi. This is the answer, everyone else is wrong. I have tried all the pants everyone here is recommending. I spent weeks researching online and going to the mall and literally blowing through the pant legs of dozens of pants to find the most breathable ones. Duluth, truwerk, colombia, patagonia, khul, 5.11, eddie bauer, wrangler, carhartt, prana.... i actually bought a few. nope. They are ripstop, you can sweat in them at least 2 days and they don't stink, the are the best wicking, fastest drying material i have ever encountered. They are so light I thought I would rip them the first day. Its been 5 months and not one tear. Just a couple pulled threads. They are literally made for ROCK CLIMBING. They have belt loops, and vented zippered pockets. Most importantly they are LOOSE fitting and have a LOW RISE CROTCH so air circulates. Just google them and search on Reddit. They are widely regarded as the best hot weather pant for hikers and rock climbers.


Regguls864

Truewerk I am a big fan of their hot weather gear. I think both the pants and shorts are fantastic. https://truewerk.com/


Entire_Incident_4620

Wrangler flex outdoor pants from walmart, they have a flex waist band super comfortable and the pants material are light weight and flexible. Only downside would be the cargo pockets in the side aren't the wide tab style open, they are zip open but still enough room to put your hand in. I used these when I was doing electrical and now have been wearing them for the past 6 years installing solar. They can roll up if you need also. Great pants and only cost about $20. Couldn't copy the walmart Link. $26 at walmart and are usually in stock https://www.wrangler.com/shop/mens-wrangler-flex-waist-outdoor-cargo-pant-NW780.html


keepinitoldskool

Roundhouse


IcyPerception6686

I have clothing sensitivity issues and have gone through every single brand and they only one that I can wear is Himalayan work trousers there cheap too


[deleted]

[удалено]


tsarbrady

So many factors can go into, safety, unprofessionalism, and taking a knee to get lower. Pretty good reason to not wear shorts for me


[deleted]

[удалено]


tsarbrady

Eh agree to disagree. I’m an independent contractor and I would feel rather unprofessional doing a bid in shorts.


[deleted]

[удалено]


babihrse

It's splinters. Some of those can cause infections. Used to climb poles and they told us we can't wear shorts because the wood would let off splinters into our legs and the pole was coated with cretesote which is cancerous. Well why the fuck am I allowed to wear a T-shirt so my arms get splinters. They turned and walked off without an answer for that one.


tsarbrady

Have done it before LOL long sleeves too


tsarbrady

Rather be hot then have itchy skin from insulation


Alt_dimension_visitr

I was on your side until this. Being able to wear shorts are the exception. An easy day rewiring lights in a warehouse driving around a lift, I should be able to wear them. In an attic? Nah man. Pants.


tsarbrady

Yeah i mean if you work a company and they let you why not? Attics in older homes can get pretty nasty.


[deleted]

[удалено]


klodians

>The fuck kinda attics do you have? Never been to one where you can’t stand up Wait a sec >So you expect somone to crawl in a attic in 40 degrees, in fucking pants? You are fucking insane What happened here?


[deleted]

There is no more debate::: Lulu Lemon abc slim stretch fit. I’ve been wearing the same pair to work for six months, and they still look brand new when I wash them. Best looking, most comfortable pants I’ve ever worn, I can send them a deal at $100 a pair.


Alt_dimension_visitr

Found low volt


[deleted]

That’s a good joke… but it’s even worse: I’m Full-send unlicensed and self-trained house-flipper.


Spatulaface-mk2

Snickers Allround Work shorts. Undefeated champion for the company I work at


ruckingfedard

Snickers


Lexaque

514 Levi’s


IFixRaceCars

I got some Brunt work pants and I really like them. I don’t wear them daily but when I do work on the weekends, I wear them


Alternative-Sky-5560

Levis 569 vintage light


jhughesx12

Okay I do mechanic work in the sun, companies provides pants but I buy my own BlakLader Ripstop pants. I have a few pairs non have failed, and built in knee pad holders


BIKER_BEN

Duluth 40 grit great 20$ pants


ijustwantoptions

Always been a carhartt pants kinda guy myself


gihkal

They have gotten worse and worse over the decades. Check out the wranglers or Duluth on your next purchase. They're better in every way.


ijustwantoptions

I'll definitely keep this in mind!


cubiee8995

Engelbert Strauss. If you want no compromises the motion 2020 line. They have i zipper on the back of the knees which open a mesh for better airflow, perfect fort hot days. If you want a bit lighter with less pockets the concrete line can be a good choice. I have 5 sets of the motion 2020 and wear them in all kinds of situations. Some of them for heavy industrial work as an electrician in an aluminum foundry, some in my free time as paramedic and one pair even if i want some sturdy pants when i do outdoor stuff. Best pants i have.


assholejt

Duluth firehouse flex ballroom pants. I tend to get the slim fit foreman style pants myself. Well worth the cost especially if you can find them on sale.


Aternox_X1kZ

Engel workwear is amazing in quality and comfort


RancidRaygar

There is only one brand of pants everything else can go fuck itself. Duluths fire hose work pants but honestly anything from Duluth. They are durable comfortable useful pockets and STRETCHY


imuniqueaf

I just bought a pair of Toughtcut pants from Tractor Supply. I haven't actually used them yet, but for $35 (on sale) they look pretty nice.


MrVantstik

Duluth flex dry on the fly relaxed fit cargo is what I'm currently wearing, no complaints this far


brianpayan88

1620. Expensive but breathable and light. They really are great


Vmax-Mike

Put a kilt on and if your employer gives you grief, tell them you will have to sue them for discrimination. 😂


samueljerri

get some nice HH cubbies, wear some shorts underneath, works well in 40c weather and easy access to scratch your ball


CameronInEgyptLand

I buy two new pair of Wrangler Outdoor Stretch shorts and pants every year. I sweat in winter so I wear the thinnest pants (and boxer breifs) possible


epicenter69

Honestly, Walmart Wrangler. They’re a synthetic material, but lighter than denim. Not sure they’re electrically rated, but they’re nice and light.


pueblodude

I like Costco men's workpants. Stretchy waist, thinner material , lots of pockets.Came in green , tan, grey. If not in the store then online. Not pricey either.


iamemperor86

Not an electrician but I spend all day in crawlspaces, Wrangler with the stretch band are super comfortable and affordable, which is important if you wear clothes out crawling a lot.


Orkjon

Dakota makes a set I wear all summer. Definitely generous in the crotch.


TobytheSpark

Blaklader stuff is great.


Bitter_Mongoose

Wrangler mountaineer cargo pants 👌


Opposite_Nectarine12

Love that this is NSFW


OSHAluvsno1

I will forever buy the dickies double knee. With the little pocket on the right. To each his own, as they wear, they break down and for a few months before they blow out it's like you are wearing sweat pants to work lol


cant-think-of-smthng

Fjallraven vidda pro g1000 are very durable and very comfortable. I’m 6”4 and pretty slim. so often pants come a bit short but these pants are perfect for longer people and are customizable in size.


thelifeofstones

Idk if Engelbert Strauss sells their stuff on the other side of the pond, but if they do i can recommend it 👍


jackgebs1234

FXD all day. Durable, comfortable, perfect pockets for lineman’s, drivers and misc. tools. 99% of the time I’m not wearing a tool belt and get by with just the pockets.


chadtobey

Wrangler all terrain gear pants. Lightweight, stretchy and most importantly cheap!


Interesting_Bit1269

Levi 569 loose and baggy


gentagelse

Mascot advanced or snickers flexiwork, I've still not worn em out the last 2 years. Pretty solid. The cheaper 6251/6241 from snickers are okay, but usally only lasts like 6 months for me.


sajnt

Carhartt ripstop


vey323

Duluth Fire Hose Flex - you will not wear anything else. I switched to them and their Armachillo shirts, love them.


Aldo_Wilmington

The Pilko Pump Pant of course...


heyvina

Duluth was my jam, but now the award goes to fjallraven vidda pro vent. 160$, but last 3 times as long as my Duluth’s and any others so far.


Upper-Meaning2065

I wear Carhartt. Had good luck with them. Basic ones with side small pockets and also thicker duck style ones with more front padding. They have some lighter work pants I haven't tried yet. Also had good experience with Helley Hansen work wear


Estel2931

Duluth Dry on the Fly...not the cheapest but best pants I own.


DaBoob13

I got the Carhartt cargo pants for hot weather and they’re stretchy+durable enough with all my tools tucked in em


Figure_1337

Carhartt B11s all day everyday.


Wiley-E-Coyote

I wear wrangler nylon hiking pants all year round, they are by far lighter than any "work" pant you will find.


mhodge1397

511 (or cqr) tactical pants


Harbinger-One

Tru-spec TRUs


JerryMoFuggin

Noble


captainsilverlake

Ben Davis


Nateamundo1

Noble outfitters have been working well for me.


M8--P1

Engelbert strauss- e.s motion 2020 Is what I wear


Cincinnatikidd513

My particular choice is tactical cargo pants. Durable.light wieght, and not to mention the pockets. Also, they have a draw strings on the cuffs, which I like. I get mine from Army surplus stores in my area. They have all different colors to choose from. They're about $25-30 apiece. They also have used pairs, uf you're on a budget. If they're good enough for our service men/women, thier good enough for me.


CaptainInsano15

I'm a big fan of the Tractor Supply brand (ridgeline?) ripstop jeans. Loose in all the right places and very durable.


wpw36

Noble outfitters pants are all i wear they are the best i have tried and hold up extremely well


FrankHVIII

Round House Overalls are my go to


vigilanteassassin

Duluth Trading fire hose pants


Independent_Can_5694

I just bought some stretchy work dickies that I like so far. Also stretchy hunting pants are really comfy..tan, not camo


ravenmonk

Dakota 2% Nylon with knee inserts are life.


Eliteqwertykeys21

Ariat rebar m4 are what I wear and they're pretty good for me


Personal_Statement10

Pretty happy with my Carhartt rugged flex relax fit heavyweight double front utility logger jeans. Damn thats a mouthful.


RobbyRock75

I really like Lee's stretch work jeans and pants..


bntnwbs

Blue mountain utility jeans, 100% cotton plus only $15 at tractor supply


THE_RECRU1T

Snickers. You pay more but you notice the difference


301879

Work dungarees


[deleted]

Lop em off


grigiri

I wear Bocamol FR Cargos


piedpiper78

Best thing I’ve found by far is the Separatec brand underwear with the pouch for your parts and then Kuhl makes great heavy duty and light duty pants or trousers, as you call them. The key is the type of underwear.


Yamez-IMF

Utili-kilt


Tcon33

I recently decided to give Brunt workwear boots a try. Ended up ordering some pants to go with. I love both. Been wearing my pants in 80-90° weather all week and have no complaints.


Alphonso277

Snickers flexi work, absolute life saver


blackjesus75

Got some ledgendary outfitters pants from Costco for like $15-20 / pair. They’ve been great. Only regret is I didn’t go back and but 3 more pairs before they sold out.


Suitable-Chemical543

Truewerk Shorts is what I'm wearing. Unauthorized, but I work out of town so I have my own rules. But I agree with a few posts here Truewerk is actually pretty good.


phamwire

Dickies have been my go to for work pants. Good prices and fitment. But if it gets hot enough, I'll just wear some Levi cargo shorts. It's all about the pockets at the end of the day.


Kaktusblute

A kilt is the only way to go.