Kinds of Work Pants

Some pants have multiple layers to protect debris from penetrating their surface.

Work pants are typically worn by manual labor workers who need special types of apparel to both protect their lower body and hold supplies. Manufactured out of a variety of materials, some work pants fit very snugly, while others have baggy pockets that provide more room for storage. In general, different types of work pants reflect the nature of the wearer's workplace and job responsibilities.

Denim

Denim pants are the most basic form of work pants and are utilized by workers in a variety of professions, such as carpentry, roofing, plumbing, construction and painting. Many use the terms "jeans" and "denim" interchangeably. In 19th century America, these were actually different materials. Jeans had interwoven threads of the same color (often blue), and denim had two different colored threads (often blue & white) interwoven. Although true denim may be more expensive, it is generally a more durable fabric that also feels comfortable on the body. In the 21st century, "blue jeans" and "denim" have come to mean the same thing and are typically woven with blue (or black) thread and white, in a twill design for durability as well as fashion.

Electrical Safety

Those working with electricity need special types of work pants to prevent electrocution or burning of the legs. Electrical safety pants must have arc flash resistance, which is basically a resistance to sudden heat or flame. Electricians and other similar occupations may opt to layer their pants, but the layers underneath the outer layer must be made of cotton, wool, rayon, silk or blends of these materials, because these fibers do not melt in extreme heat.

Painter and Carpenter

Painters and carpenters generally wear painter pants or carpenter bib overalls. Painter pants are often white or another neutral color, and may be constructed of cotton or wool. They are usually static dissipative, which means that they do not hold electrical current. This protects painters who may paint in areas with electrical wires or fuse boxes. Carpenter bib overalls are generally made from colorful materials, which helps encourage visibility and safety, and are lightweight, insulated and sometimes waterproof.

Specialty

Whereas the requirements of each job differ, some professions have specially made pants that accommodate different work environments. For example, roofers must spend a lot of time on top of hot buildings, kneeling down to hammer nails into shingles. There are special pants with padded knee guards built into them, which protect the worker's knees. Other professions, such as firefighting, might require flame resistant pants.

References

• Depaul University: Jeans
• Virginia Tech: Electrical Protective Clothing
• Cop Tool: Who Knew So Much Science Went Into Work Pants -- Blaklader
• Jefferson College: Residential Carpentry
• Virginia Tech: Appendix E: Protective Clothing/Body Wear
• Iowa State University; Facts About Fabric Flammability; July 2003