The other day, my friend Alex joined me for a lazy lunch on a terrace. All 6’4’’ of him was looking particularly Parisian chic, and as he rocked up to the table, I couldn’t help but ask him where his dashing blue trousers were from. “Oh, these?” He asked, grinning. “They’re Dickies, I got them on Amazon for thirty bucks.”
There you have it, people, the best Dickies pants for men have made it out of factory fashion and onto France’s finest, all while maintaining their practical approach to menswear.
Decked out with enviably durable construction and multiple silhouettes to choose from, the best Dickies pants for men are the ultimate building blocks for any streamlined outfit. Whether you use them to build out a capsule wardrobe or as another pair in an endless rotation, Dickies are easy to reach for, simple to style, and, frankly put, some of the best men’s pants a guy can own. Keep reading to discover the seven best pairs below.
Key Takeaways
After spending hours and hours perusing tons of reviews and forums, the numbers are in. As far as the best Dickies pants for men, it’s a true challenge to surpass the originals.
The 874 Flex Work Pants have been on the market for nearly 60 years and aren’t going anywhere any time soon, with rugged construction, job site-friendly features, and a straight leg that can be dressed up or kept casual with ease.
For a variation of the classic Dickies, the Relaxed Cargo Pants are a solid runner-up with a baggier fit and lots of pockets.
Why they’re great: When you think of Dickies pants, these are likely the trouser style that comes to mind. As classic as it gets, these work pants have a bit of give to them for ease of movement, making them prime to wear for any circumstance with a high degree of versatility.
Since they’re crafted from 8 ounces of twill, most men find tht they work for year-round wear and won’t bog you down even as the days heat up. The straight leg is simple to style with three lengths to choose from (standard practice with most Dickies), and the reinforced seams ensure that they’ll last you for a long time to come.
Who are these for? If you’re seeking the tried-and-true Dickies pant style, then these are the best choice. They’re the OGs, on the market since 1967 with very few changes made since their inception. You can even get away with wearing them as dress pants in a pinch. Or choose the sand colorway and wear them as your go-to men’s khaki pants.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Like all Dickies pants, these will feel a bit rigid when you first receive them. However, they’ll soften up very nicely after the first few wears.
Sizes: 29–50 | Material: 65% polyester, 35% cotton | Colors: 6 | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, gentle spin cycle with liquid detergent (not powder), air dry
Why they’re great: Since the brand has roots in workwear, it only makes sense that some of the top Dickies pants are cargos. Designed to hold it all and then some, these pants are the ultimate choice for a trendy, or better yet, practical, outfit.
Employing all of the qualities that keep Dickies on top, these pants are made from a sturdy, wrinkle-resistant twill with reinforced seams and decked out with cargo pockets to keep your most important valuables (or tools) close at hand, especially if you need more than a pair of five pocket pants.
Who are these for? For the man who has plenty to tote around or simply the guy who likes a more relaxed fit, these are some of the nicest Dickies pants. They’re especially handy for streetwear-inspired outfits, given the cargo construction, allowing you to build a head-turning wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Given the relaxed fit, these pants are definitely on the baggy side, especially around the legs. Think of a Dickie-Junco hybrid.
Sizes: 30–44 | Material: 100% polyester | Colors: 3 | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, gentle spin cycle with liquid detergent (not powder), air dry
Why they’re great: Although most Dickies pants feature a straight leg, if you prefer a more fitted silhouette, then these are a promising choice. They have a cut similar to skinny jeans that tightens around the lower thighs and calves, with compelling features like a reinforced double knee and a multi-use cell phone pocket on the side of the leg.
Who are these for? Find normal Dickies too baggy for your taste? These offer a much slimmer, streamlined look while maintaining all the qualities of Dickies pants for men.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you choose these Dickies, then it’s worth knowing that the colors fade a bit after the wash. This fit also runs small, so you’d be wise to order a size up.
Sizes: 28–42 | Material: 81% cotton, 18% polyester, 1% elastane | Colors: 10 | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, gentle spin cycle with liquid detergent (not powder), air dry
Why they’re great: Not completely sold on the original 874s? These are very similar, though with a slightly slimmer fit. These pants employ the beloved twill construction and all of the Dickies extras (tunnel belt loops, flex fabric, deep pockets, and wrinkle resistance), and guys find all of that an excellent choice for the office since they look sharp with a non-constricting design.
Who are these for? Sometimes Dickies can be challenging to dress up, given the slightly relaxed fit of the originals. These are the perfect alternative for nicer-looking work pants that can be styled in various ways.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These have less of a taper than similar styles from other brands, which may be a surprise if you expect a more narrow leg.
Sizes: 30–38 | Material: 65% polyester, 35% cotton | Colors: 5 | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, gentle spin cycle with liquid detergent (not powder), air dry
Why they’re great: Nothing screams ’90s revival quite like Dickies carpenter jeans. These are some of the top Dickies pants if you’re looking for something different than the brand’s classic workwear. Although still outfitted with worksite additions, these stylish pants are a fun addition to any wardrobe – easy to style with a white tee or your favorite graphic hoodie.
Who are these for? Contrary to popular belief, Dickies is anything but a one-trick pony, and the proof is in the pudding (these pants). If you’ve cycled through standard Dickies or are looking for a durable pair of carpenter jeans for men, these come highly recommended.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Many men call these the best pants for the job site, but some remark that the denim is a bit lightweight.
Sizes: 30–50 | Material: 100% cotton | Colors: 6 | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, gentle spin cycle with liquid detergent (not powder), air dry
Why they’re great: Leave it to Dickies to create something for everyone. Sure, the brand has carpenter jeans, but they also have multiple styles to suit every unique preference. These have a more fitted design than Dickies’ other carpenter pants while keeping the hammer loop, tool pockets, and reinforced fabric in the design.
They look sleek and polished while still upholding all practical aspects of a good pair of work pants. Who says you can’t have it all?
Who are these for? Imagine a pair of pants that you can wear on the job site and then out on date night… Too good to be true? Not quite. These carpenter pants are simple to style and easy to reach whenever you need a pair of comfortable bottoms.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Compared to other Dickies pants, these might seem to have a more lightweight material.
Sizes: 30–56 | Material: 68% cotton, 30% polyester, 2% elastane | Colors: 11 | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, gentle spin cycle with liquid detergent (not powder), air dry
Why they’re great: Dickies is no stranger to collabs, and this Wacko partnership takes the brand from its work roots to streetwear. Nicer than your average Dickies, these are the best choice for something a bit more upscale and comparable to a pair of men’s chinos.
Featuring the classic khaki colorway and iconic twill construction, these pants are enhanced with front pleats and an embroidered back pocket.
Who are these for? Maybe you like the look and feel of Dickies but are gunning for a more stylish option. These are an excellent middle ground between a practical and trendy garment.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although classic Dickies will normally run you thirty bucks or so, these are nearly ten times the price.
Sizes: S–XL | Material: 65% polyester, 35% cotton | Colors: 1 | Care: Machine wash cold inside out, gentle spin cycle with liquid detergent (not powder), air dry
Buying Considerations for the Best Dickies Pants for Men
Fit
The main consideration when choosing Dickies pants is the fit. Although most Dickies typically have a similar construction, the actual style of the pants varies greatly. For the most classic look, stick with the original 874s, which have a normal straight leg. These are the Dickies you’ve probably seen guys wearing out and about – think skaters, men in the office, and fashionable guys on the street (ahem, my friend Alex).
But if you’re looking for more of a taper or pair of pants that you can really dress up, consider more fitted styles like slim Dickies that narrow at the ankle. Or, swing in the opposite direction and choose a pair of ’90s-inspired Dickies carpenter pants to stand out. Though slightly more difficult to wear for formal occasions, the ultra baggy carpenter pants from the brand look sleek with a white tee and sneakers for a streetwear-inspired outfit.
Features
Since they were conceptualized as workwear, Dickies pants have certain features that set them apart from other trousers. At a minimum, Dickies pants should have tunnel belt loops, plenty of deep pockets, and reinforced seams. These features are necessary for the longevity of the garment, especially if the trousers are going to see plenty of wear.
Some pairs of Dickies take it a step further, with hammer loops, cargo pockets, and tool slips (that double as phone pockets), which are prime for the job site. But you’ll even find more upscale Dickies, including features like pleats or cuffed hems for a modern trouser style. It all comes down to your intended use for your Dickies and what you’re really looking for in a pair of pants.
Material
The last consideration is material since the majority of Dickies pants have the same rigid composition that makes them nearly indestructible. This is thanks to a 65% polyester, 35% cotton blend that has an almost canvas-like feel to it.
However, if you’ve previously owned a pair of Dickies or have even tried them on before, then you likely recall how structured the material is. It softens after a few washes, but if you’d like pants with more give to them, then choose a pair with a touch of elastane for added flexibility and ease of movement.
How We Chose
I’m not going to lie, I definitely have some personal beef with Dickies. At my boarding school in Utah, the pants were standard issue – part of our daily uniform (only made worse by a different colored polo for each day of the week).
I spent years being personally victimized by an uncomfortable high waist digging into my sides and a rigid polyester blend restricting my every movement. That is until I tried a pair of men’s Dickies pants (which I promptly wore for the rest of my high school career, double rolled waistband and all).
I always knew that the original 874 Dickies looked better than the women’s styles, but by golly, no one had ever mentioned that they were comfortable, too. This revelation sent me on a decade-long search for the top Dickies pants for men.
I’ve tested dozens of styles myself and harangued my guy friends to give me their feedback on what silhouettes, constructions, and features denoted the pants as some of the best.
Out of everything that was tried, the seven pairs on this list have ultimately been chosen as the best Dickies pants for men.
Why Trust Us?
Aside from the fact that she spent years wearing Dickies every single day, Jane is a menswear fanatic who spends her time hunting down the latest styles, trends, and pieces. She’s a particular fan of trousers and everyday garments, as shown in her recent articles about dark wash jeans and cargo shorts.
Her writing is guided by the belief that every man has the ability to build a reliably stylish wardrobe, regardless of age, budget, or personal fashion sense, and Jane strives to give men the tools to do this through her articles. Trust Jane’s keen eye for quality and style to guide you in finding the perfect pair of Dickies pants.
Final Verdict
On the quest for the best Dickies pants for men, it’s hard to beat the Original 874 Flex Work Pants with a modern straight leg fit, a super durable construction, and a bit of stretch for ease of movement. Though if you’d like something slightly different from the classic Dickies style, then the brand’s Relaxed Cargo Pants have a baggy, workwear look to them.
FAQ
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The Dickies pants that everyone wears are the original 874 style. These are by far the most popular Dickies pants, with the iconic straight leg fit, reinforced seams, tunnel belt loops, and the classic Dickies material.
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Skaters wear Dickies because of their durability and style. Made from a rigid polyester cotton blend, Dickies can withstand the throws of skateboarding while also providing the backbone of a streetwear-inspired outfit.
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If you prefer a roomier fit, especially around the legs, it’s recommended to size up two times for the original Dickies 874 style. However, if you stay true to size, this style will fit like slim slightly high waisted pants. It only depends on personal preference.
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