Tens of millions of men and women work in blue-collared jobs like manufacturing and construction. These jobs are critical to the country’s infrastructure and economy. Unlike white-collared jobs, however, they are more laborious and require a greater amount of physical work. Because of this, it’s important for blue-collared workers to wear comfortable, durable pants, such as denim jeans.
The right pair of denim jeans will offer the perfect balance of comfort, strength, style and durability. If you work in a laborious job, you really can’t go wrong with a pair of denim jeans. With that said, however, not all jeans are made the same, so you need to selectively choose the right pair for the job. Here are 10 things to look for in a pair of working jeans.
#1) 100% Denim Construction
Working jeans should be made of denim and only denim. In recent years, some companies have begun to experiment with the use of two or more materials in their jeans. Stretch jeans, for instance, are often made with polyester or spandex, which is responsible for their elastic properties. The problem with stretch jeans and similar fabric blends, however, is that they lack the strength and durability of 100% denim jeans. Assuming you plan on wearing them while working, it’s best to stick with 100% denim jeans for this reason.
#2) Relaxed Fit
Denim jeans are available in countless different styles, some of which include skinny, straight leg, high-rise, low-rise and slim fit. So, which style should you choose? For working jeans, it’s usually a good idea to choose relaxed fit. As the name suggests, relaxed fit jeans are characterized by a looser and more relaxed fit. Therefore, you can easily move around without feeling constricted or otherwise restrained. The same cannot be said when wearing skinny or straight leg jeans.
#3) Lightweight
You may not realize it, but jeans vary in weight, with some being heavier than others. A pair of high-quality working jeans should feature a durable construction, while still being light enough so it doesn’t slow you down. Just how much should your working jeans weigh exactly? Between 7 and 14 ounces is usually the sweet spot. This ensures your jeans aren’t too heavy, nor are they too light.
#4) Go Dark
Of course, you should also choose denim jeans with a somewhat dark color, such as indigo blue. This isn’t going to affect how they feel, but it will affect the degree to which they reveal stains. If you work outdoors, for instance, you may end up getting mud or dirt on your jeans. Denim jeans are easy to maintain, and surface stains such as these can be removed in the washing machine with little effort. With that said, you should take the necessary precautions to avoid stains when possible, such as wearing dark indigo-colored jeans instead of light jeans. Mud and dirt will still stain them, but the dark color of indigo conceals them more effectively than lighter colors and tones.
#5) Boot Cut
Boot-cut jeans are characterized by a larger opening around the ankles, allowing you to wear them over your boots. Now, boot-cut jeans aren’t for everyone. If you normally wear tennis or athletic shoes to work, there’s really no point in wearing boot-cut jeans. On the other hand, if you wear boots to work, boot-cut jeans will certainly prove useful. With this style, the bottom part of your jeans will rest securely over the top of your boots.
#6) NOT Distressed
I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it’s worth mentioning that distressed jeans should be avoided for work. Distressed jeans are characterized by visual imperfections and signs of wear. A typical pair of distressed jeans, for instance, may feature frayed denim around the knees and thighs, as well as discoloration in other areas. Some men and women prefer the unique style of distressed jeans, as they look “worn in.” And while there’s nothing wrong with wearing distressed jeans outside of the workplace, they should generally be avoided when you’re on the job.
#7) Custom Fit
Don’t make the mistake of buying your work jeans from a local retail or department store. While this may seem harmless enough, it will likely result in your jeans either being too big or too small. So, where do you get jeans that fit? The answer is simple: order a pair of custom-fitted jeans from the denim experts here at MakeYourOwnJeans. When ordering, you can specify your own body measurements, which we’ll use to customize your jeans so they fit just right.
#8) Easy to Maintain
Of course, it’s also a good idea to choose jeans that are easy to maintain, especially if you intend on wearing them on a regular basis. The good news is that most 100% denim jeans require nothing more than washing and drying. With that said, you should still check the care label for specific recommendations by the manufacturer. You can usually find the care label inside the waistband. This tag reveals specific instructions from the manufacturer regarding how to clean and care for the jeans.
#9) Deep Pockets
A good pair of work jeans should feature deep, spacious pockets. This isn’t going to affect how they feel, nor will affect how they look. Deep pockets will, however, allow you to store more belongings in your jeans. And if you intend to wear them while working, you’ll probably be carrying a fair amount of items, which is why deep pockets are recommended.
#10) Comfortable
Finally, choose a pair of work jeans that are soft and comfortable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average U.S. employee works for approximately 7.7 hours a day. If your jeans are rough and uncomfortable, that means you’ll have to wear them for nearly eight full hours. Choosing a pair of comfortable work jeans will make your job a little easier and a little more enjoyable.
