Scruffs provides some expert advice on what to look for when buying your next pair of work trousers.
Go into any builders’ merchant and you’ll likely see a wide range of trousers on display from 20 quid to over £150 – but what’s the difference?
Good work trousers should be durable, comfortable, and functional, and there are some key things you need to look out for..to make sure your trousers are fit for the job.
What do you do in yours!?
With work trousers what’s great for one trade could be totally wrong for another. It’s important to review the basic features of any trousers to ensure they are right for the job you’re doing. Working indoors or out…..in small spaces or not, need lots of pockets or tool holders? What do you want from your trousers?
If comfort is important look for technical materials with added stretch to give flexibility designed to give flexibility.
Get technical – what are they made from?
Hard wearing fabric is essential in all workwear, and with the on-going development in fabric technology the choice of performance fabrics available is increasing with specific focus on comfort and flexibility.
High performance workwear with mechanical stretch improves both comfort and flexibility without compromising on strength and durability.
The best mechanical stretch fabrics also have moisture wicking properties, which draws sweat away from the body to keep you cool and dry. Then there’s high-end 4-way stretch with nylon, which is not only super flexible, it’s also lightweight and strong too.
Look out for CORDURA, which is specially designed to be highly durable and resistant to abrasions, tears and scuffs, which is why it’s often used on high wear areas such as the knees.
The right tools
Do you need pockets, tool or hammer loops? Make sure you get trousers with the right number of pockets in the right place for the task at hand.
Hanging tools from holsters and tools loops can make trousers heavy. If that’s what you use them for make sure trousers come with a sturdy belt, or one that can be added.
If you need access to a mobile phone on the job ensure that there’s a dedicated pocket for that purpose – which has to be handy and secure too.
Tested to the max
It’s a good idea to check out independent reviews for products to get an honest opinion from others in the trade.
