Hey all,
I am lookin’ for some new workwear, something a little more professional looking than jeans. Anyone wearing carhartt washed duck work pants, are they comfortable? Pros cons?
Also how about the same pants but flannel lined. Are they going to be too warm in 50 to 60 degree weather?
Thanks for any opinnions.
Webby
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Replies
Never tried the Carhartt flannel-lined, but my experience with flannel-lined stuff is that if you're doing any work at all and it's warmer than about 32 deg F, you'll be too hot.
I prefer multiple layers (long johns, then regular jeans or Carhartts). That way, if I'm getting hot, I can take off the long johns and put the jeans back on. If you have only flannel-lined jeans, you're pretty much stuck (unless you're working by yourself and indoors or out in the boonies... :-)
I have a pair of Carhartt pants that is my favorite, it's their style B11 in moss green. I laso have several pairs with flannel lining for winter wear and also a few pairs of Carhartt logger jeans. I personally think that a clean and relatively new pair of denim jeans looks more "professional" than a pair of Carhartt pants. Especially since after about three times wearing the Carhartts, they are a mess. Mine have some small holes, paint, marker, and some miscellaneous oil stains. Not professional - they are work and field clothes.
But they are really good and comfortable clothes.
I am all about the layering, so I was thinking the same with the flannel lined pants plus they aren't cheap.
I have been doing construction inspection for an engineering firm. On public utility projects. I really don't do that much labor, but I am with the crew and out in the elements. I get a little muddy, I take some pictures, measure a little sketch a little, and keep a log book. I wear jeans now, but I thought I might try a different pant. I like the b11's.
At times I deal with the public, construction managers, engineers, county officials and public service department employees etc. so that's why I mentioned "a little more professional."
Thanks for the opinnions.
Webby
Edited 11/7/2006 7:59 pm ET by webby
Edited 11/7/2006 8:01 pm ET by webby
Well, if you're doing construction inspections in the field, people are going to expect you to be a bit grubby. Heck, I'd wonder if you were doing your job if you weren't a bit grubby. "Professional-appearing" is a perception of the viewer. I wouldn't expect you to be in a white button-down shirt, loafers and slacks if you were out in the field.
My point-of-view comes from spending 50% of my time in the office and 50% of my time in the field, and I'm not about to change clothes in the middle of the day just to meet with a client or a public official. I will semi-apologize: "sorry about the mud, I've been laying out a parking lot at the new mega-mart" or "whoops, didn't see those burrs on my coat, I've been cutting survey lines all morning in a swamp on the west end." They will understand. I try to look presentable - clean jeans, clean boots, a nice shirt and a jacket - for planning and zoning hearings, court appearances, meetings after hours, etc. or when I KNOW I won't be out in the slop. I reserve my paint-spotted and ripped jeans and slogan t-shirts for the weekends and when I'm trying to be incognito.
FWIW, I am a PE who owns a consulting engineering and surveying firm, so I have a good idea what you are trying to do.
Hi Webby,
I've got a ton of Carhartt stuff... pants, jackets, thermals, socks, hats, etc. I like 'em all very much. They can be expensive, but I find that they're worth it in the long run because they wear like iron. I blow the knees out in a pair of denim jeans in about six months. I get about two years or more out of the Carhartts. Not the most fashionable thing in the world, but they're comfortable and durable which makes 'em just right for work.
Regarding the flannel lined......... like someone else said... unless it's 32 or below out or you're standing still, you'll have swamp azz by 9am. Even worse was a pair of fleece lined jeans I had once. At one point I dropped 'em right there on the frame just to air out and cool off.
I work outside all day, every day, year round. There just isn't much inside work for framers. So I agree that layering is key. On very cold, but very bright winters days I find that one black or dark blue sweatshirt will keep you as warm or warmer than two grey sweatshirts. Almost all of my winter work clothes are black or dark blue. Last year I bought some Under Armour polypro long underwear (I'd guess that's what you'd call 'em). The top and bottoms both look like black spandex so you look like you're getting dressed for scuba diving in the morning..... but man are they warm. Once the sun comes up and I get moving around I'm often working in just those with a long sleeve t-shirt (black of course) and a pair of pants and am plenty of warm until we stop for break.
Also try the Carhartt arctic socks. I've got about 5 pair now and I think they're great. Smartwool is another nice 'next to skin' layer for both socks and underwear.
Oh.... another nice Carhartt product is their "short jacket". You can get it in a variety of weights of insulation and it's cut short so it stops at your waist band which makes it not get in the way of your tool belt at all. Good thinking, huh?
"...you'll have swamp azz by 9am."
"swamp azz"?
hahahahahahahahahahaha, thanks, man. Nothing like a good belly laugh.
"swamp azz" hahahahahahahahaha, that's a classic.
what's funny is I understood it too...Phat
Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability
I'm also a Carhartt fan and it's hard to go wrong with most of what they make.
The only cons I can think of are the cost, but that's the price of doing business.
I just picked up a set of the breathable rain gear and so far it looks good for rain days. It's basically patterned along the same lines as the gore-tex jackets that are sold by Marmot, The North Face, Etc.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
I love Carhartt,
But recently they have been getting un explainable holes in the. Like 1" square chewed out of them. I recently moved to a different city and same thing..so it's not the washer/water/detergent.
In my experience they seem to go like this. Perfect one day and the next, thread bare.Really weird!
That said they out last most others and are quite comfy. I'm in So.Cal so pretty much wear shorts all year long...what's flannel?
Al
check out duluth trading company...i've been getting a catalog and they have some cool stuff-or looks like it anyway,
my carhartt jacket is just getting broke in after 10 years.
Yes, Duluth trading company is the place for shirts. I am a diehard carhart for the pants. I can't live without my hammer/maglight/hammertacker/tinsnips/impulse nailer loop that the carhart has.I love Duluth trading company's shirts. They have the long shirts to hide the plumbers crack.Damn plumbers:)
Flannel lined for 50-60 degrees, yous got to be kidding. Charhatt makes good clothes, but you will burn up with flannel at those temps. Go to wally world, buy their kakeys(sp?) 9-10 bills per pair, look professional, dry fast if wet and cool to work in hotter temps. Plus their only 9-10 bucks if you trash a pair no big deal.
I have 4-5 pairs of the flannel duck pants, but they don't come out of storage until the temps hit in the 30's and lower.
If you do much climbing and clambering around, try http://www.arborwear.com. Their stuff is specifically for arborists, but it makes great workwear for carpenters. I've got half carhartt, half arborwear.
I always like the double kneed carhartt duck dungaree, as far as that goes. 50-60 degrees is just the right temperature for that pant- up in the 80s I switch to the lighter weight painter's dungaree.
zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
I gotta go with Duluth Trading and Carrhart. When I was working I built up a supply of both, and quality, to me, seems equal.
If you buy cheap, you get cheap. In the long run fewer good quality items will cost you less.
...The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it. -Mark Twain...
Question for all. I have a number of pair of non-lined Carhart pants and a few jackets. Generally I have been very happy with these as is quite obvious since I keep buying them. Re the pants, I have gotten most form Gemplers, which seems expensive, but there is also a store nearby called Dick's Sporting Goods. One of those mega sports stores. Anyway I bought a pair of Carhart pants there. Second time I wore them I triped on some antique pump jacks laying around on site, fell, and the pants ripped. Not a seam, but the fabric itself. I can't remember if the pants caught on a piece of metal or what. Anyway, I had to wonder if the Carharts from the sporting goods store were of thiner material or something... Thoughts?
I just got some Riggs work pant by Wrangler @ Dicks Sporting Goods...
Ripstop nylon
phone pocket
hamminger loop
and leather rienforcing on the pocket where you always hang your tape.
Relaxed fit (much needed by my fata$$)
34$ a pair plus a mail in rebate for 10$ a pair!!!
I got 3 pair
they also come in denim.
The People have spoken!!!
I bought the denim version at Dick's. $25-$10 rebate. So far I like them. I couldn't buy the nylon, reminded me too much of parachute pants from the mid 80's.John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
Tell us what the people said-without mincing words!
You have not been paying attention, have you Mr. Slateman???
The People have spoken!!!
Yes I have T but I wanted you to spell it out as only you can on this forum. I love to read your diatribes on the little Shrub and co.
Come on let loose with some stylin verbiage! PLease.
it is not allowed outside of he tavern monsieur....
besides it has all been said before by better speakers than I...
The People have spoken!!!
slateman,
I always get an education from your posts on roofing and other homebuilding topics and generally enjoy your presence here. However, there is a time and a place for political editorials and this is not it. I'd appreciate it if you'd move on down to the tavern with that.
I do realize that you are not soley at fault as Mister T's tagline is, shall we say... tempting... to many who read it.
Thanks for your consideration.
-BrianView Image
I was thinking the same thing, Brian. You beat me to the punch, so to speak... Slateman and MisterT are both welcome to their opinions, political or otherwise, but there is a time and a place.
Sorry for the hijack-got swept up in the afterglow of the elections.
Brian,
You're right I got carried away-forgot the topic at hand,but Mister T did right by saying it should be in the Tavern.
Walter
I don't want to be like T.O. and get the 15 yards for excessive celebration...
The People have spoken!!!
T
Thanks for having the sense to not respond to my question-But I do enjoy your incisive wit.
yer welcome...
and thanx
have a cold one in the tavern on me...
The People have spoken!!!
Thanks everyone for the websites and the info.
Yeah i don't want the swamp azz, but i have never had flannel lined pants before, I will take the temperature into consideration. I have actually been wearing the wrangler carp. jeans from Walmart. The are really comfortable but the side pockets don't hold as much as other brands of real carp. jeans.
Thanks again.
"thou shalt not tempt"
caught me in violation of rule 372/b.22.2.3.-elect.
The People have spoken!!!
I was going to leave it alone, but the font and color get my goat. Read the reaction around the world from people who hate America and think we are the evil empire. They are happy..from Chavez to Al'Sadr to the puke French president.
You will be known by the company you keep and to whom you provide comfort.
Guess you missed the memo.View Image
I love these. They are 151's. Very light and comfortable. Look nice too. These are seconds. I can't tell the difference. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/178,23917_Carhartt-Washed-Canvas-Work-Jeans-For-Men.html
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
I wear Carhartt stuff all of the time for everything. Drives my wife crazy. Standard uniform is a pair of 501 Levis and an ash Carhart pocket T. I must have about 25 of them some short sleeve and some long.
Notice I said Levis though. I have several pairs of Carhartt jeans, but they are a bit long from the crotch to the waist to suit me. I do wear the flannel lined Carhartts in the winter. When it's too cold for them I break out the insulated bibs. When it's really cold I wear the insulated coveralls.
Hear are 2 of my favorite Carhartt stores
http://workingperson.com/
http://www.theworkwearstore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?
They have the "tall" sizes that I can't find elsewhere. You would think that every man in America is short and fat going by the sizes available at local stores.
k
I had been wearing all Carharts for a while, but then they off shored to Mexico. Now that wouldn't be enough to put me off completely, but then the new ones started to fall apart - the waistband on one pair literally came off after the second time I washed them. Others have been fraying around the pockets in a way that the old ones didn't. My new favorites are Skillers - http://www.skillers.com/index2.htm# . I've been wearing these for a couple of months and am very happy about the pockets, the hammer loop placement, and especially the knee pads. I now wear knee pads all day and don't even notice them until I drop to my knees and it doesn't hurt.
_____________________________________
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It only wastes your time and annoys the pig."
I have worn Bailey's Wild #### Duck work pants for several years now because I found the QC to be a little higher in them than Carhartt. Any way you go I think canvas is best, I go through 4 pairs of good jeans before a canvas pair starts to feel broken in. Baileys has always taken care of me for my saws plus they've got a good selection timber framing tools that I keep dreaming about... who couldn't use a Makita 16" circ saw.
http://store.baileys-online.com/cgi-bin/baileys/1100
The only bad thing about their pants is they only have a 32" inseam, works for me but not for everyone.
-day
Carharrts are awesome, but the Firehose pants from Duluth are A LOT more comfortable...same deal with inseams as other makers tho', the firehose only go to 34'' inseam, so I get them and have the wife drop the hem and re- capture the lost length.
Carhartts win on lengths, and the odd waist sizes, I am a 33/36..and can get them readily ( even tho' they are irregulars) , but the saving grace for Firehose is that they are treated for stain resistance and the crotch gusset is a blessing, when climbing scaffold or perched on a roof, with a leg tucked under the other leg.
The fire hose also look a bit more dressy even with all the pockets wadded up with the days worth of goodies.
I mixed and placed concrete with a brandy new pr of firehose on, and slopped much on me, it all washed out with out a sign..even foam tends to unwash from them..My Carhartts still sport foam, from 2 yrs ago.
I even begged Duluth to make them in 36'' inseam, they can't. I get some Carhartts that are close to 38"" and them is the best for boots that have thicker soles.
Being as I am sitting here in neck traction for the next few hours, I can't expouse much ion shirts, I am probly gonna be an inch taller by 600.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Shooting rubber bands at the Moon