A Complete Guide to Work Trousers

Work trousers provide protection and comfort when performing tasks at work, especially in dark, harsh, or potentially hazardous conditions.

They are available in various colours, fabrics, sizes, and styles to offer the right solution for different environments and types of work. However, personal preferences may also be accommodated, with different leg lengths and waist sizes available for the ultimate mix of practicality and comfort.

Some work trousers are intended solely for safety reasons, while others provide a range of attributes to ensure wearers are comfortable and productive throughout the working day. These features include knee pads and pockets for tools and other necessary equipment. Overall, work trousers are usually made from durable and hard-wearing materials designed to last when completing manual tasks.

Certain types, such as hi-vis trousers and flame-retardant trousers, are personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE trousers protect the wearer against injury when working in hazardous or high-risk environments.

Work trousers are available in a variety of different materials, depending on the specific application they are designed for and the hazards they are intended to protect against. However, a durable polyester-cotton mix is among the most popular work trouser materials. It is commonly chosen to protect against scratches and sharp object injuries. The use of materials like polyester and cotton ensures comfortable and breathable trousers while remaining highly durable. As a result, they are ideal for those who work in challenging environments while promoting safety and security.

Hi-vis trousers and workwear are typically made from polyester or cotton with micro-prismatic reflective bands. These reflective bands provide additional visibility and comply with PPE regulations for working in certain industries and environments.

However, synthetic materials like rayon, nylon, acetate, and polyester could melt if they encounter fire or extremely high temperatures. This means they are not suitable for flame-retardant clothing. Instead, materials like Kevlar are preferred for flame-retardant clothing, as the material's strong fibres and heat resistance make it a great option for this type of application.

When choosing the best work trousers, here are some factors to consider:

1. Durability: Look for trousers made from durable materials that can withstand your work demands. Sturdy fabrics resistant to tears and abrasions are most suitable
2. Comfort: Opt for trousers that offer a comfortable fit and freedom of movement. Look for features like a relaxed or ergonomic fit, stretchable fabric, and articulated knees for enhanced comfort during extended work hours
3. Functionality: Consider your work's specific requirements. Look for trousers with functional features such as multiple pockets, tool loops, and hammer holders. This will enable convenient storage and easy access to tools or equipment
4. Protection: If your work involves hazards, consider trousers with added security. This could include flame-resistant materials, high-visibility strips for low-light conditions, or water-resistant coatings for outdoor work
5. Quality: It's generally advisable to choose trousers from reputable manufacturers known for quality workwear

Remember that the best workwear trousers for you ultimately depend on your personal preferences, work environment, and specific job requirements. Prioritise factors like durability, comfort, functionality, and protection to find effective trousers that meet your needs.

Personal protective equipment is designed to protect the wearer from injury and keep people safe while working. There are many different forms of PPE, trousers being just one example of protective clothing. PPE can protect all parts of the body including the hands, feet, head, eyes, and ears.

PPE trousers are needed for a range of reasons, but the wearer's safety is undoubtedly the most critical. Different types of protective trousers and workwear are available. Each type offers different levels of protection to the wearer while being best suited to varying environments. As protective trousers can safeguard the wearer against hazards ranging from chemicals to extreme temperatures, it is paramount to choose the best work trousers for the particular task at hand.

Hi-vis trousers are made from reflective material designed to improve wearer visibility in potentially hazardous environments. Another example is flame retardant clothing which can provide valuable protection in high-risk environments such as chemical plants and the oil and gas industry.

Work trousers are often exposed to liquids and products which can stain them. Therefore, it’s useful to know how to remove some of the more common stains from your protective trousers and workwear. Always refer back to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific garment as the below tips will not suit every material.

Common stains include glue, paint and silicone – and while certain substances can't be removed, there are some tricks to get rid of marks. Here are some stain removal tips to try:

Silicone

If not treated properly, silicone can create a permanent stain on fabric similar to a grease mark. Most silicone types can be dissolved and removed from fabric using rubbing alcohol. After removing the majority of the silicone, wet a clean cloth with a substantial amount of rubbing alcohol. Avoid rubbing the silicone stain, as this could make it exacerbated, so blot the mark instead and it should disappear.

Paint

To remove gloss or emulsion paint from work trousers, you need to determine whether it’s oil or water-based paint. The latter will usually wash out, however, oil-based paints can be more stubborn to remove.

Use a paint remover to get rid of the stain. With a cloth dipped in paint thinner or paint remover, gently dab the stain then leave the trousers to soak in warm, soapy water. Always check the care label first, as you don't want to damage the garment.

Choosing the best work trousers can be overwhelming, but our guide has offered practical tips and guidelines to simplify the process. Considering factors such as fit, mobility, reinforcement, and comfort, you can now confidently select work trousers that strike the ideal balance between functionality and style.

Remember, finding the right pair of work trousers is essential for your comfort and safety. By utilising the information provided in our guide, you can confidently embark on your search for the perfect work trousers, knowing that you are equipped with the insights needed to make a good choice.