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Do you have difficulty finding work pants that are both practical and lightweight? If so, it is important to find the best work pants for hot weather. This is especially true if you have to work during the summer months. The ideal work pants are lightweight and breathable, but also tough enough to withstand a work site. Here are some tips for finding the best work pants for hot weather:
Our Best Lightweight Work Pants Picks
Here’s a list of our very own best lightweight work pants list for 2022 based on material, comfort, and fit, plus our guide on what to look for in them.
1. TRU-SPEC 24-7 Tactical Pants
These stylish pants are made for harsh weather conditions. They can be worn on a tactical mission, camping, and hiking thanks to the lightweight but durable fabric. The pockets galore offer deep, expandable pockets with hook and closure plus multiple hidden pockets for tools and/or weapons. Despite the fact that they can be more useful out in the wild, these can even be used for athletic or daily wear.
Material
These pants are made with a polyester and cotton blend, which offer a breathable but warm material. These pants shed water well, are wrinkle and stain-resistant, and durable. The fabric is not stifling in the heat, and it feels well-made and long-lasting.
Comfort
Depending on what you like, the adjustable slider waistband accommodates the pants to either paddle style or inside-the-pants holsters for maximum comfort. A great feature of these pants is that the knees are reinforced with an extra layer of fabric.
Fit
The fit of these pants allows for plenty of room in the seat and crotch area without being baggy. They are a slimmer fit than standard military ACU/BDU pants, but not overly tight. The wide belt loops mean your belt is not pinched when you bend and move. This gives them a professional, tidy look that’s perfect for work or everyday wear.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Velcro secured flaps | A bit noisy |
| Generous pocket size | |
| Expandable waist | |
| Well stitched |
2.Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Pants
These pants feature moisture management technology— ideal for extended workdays and the outdoors since it keeps you cool and your clothing dry. The adjustable belt, partial elastic at the waist, and pockets galore (two front and two tabbed back pockets, two large cargo pockets, and a zippered security pocket) are what make this pair of pants practical and comfortable at the same time.
Material
The Omni-Wick quickly absorbs moisture from the skin into the material to let it quickly evaporate, thus keeping you cool and your clothing dry. Besides, the protective Omni-SHADE technology of the pants features UPF 50 to help block and shield UVA and UVB sun rays. The fabric does not make noise and is somewhat water-resistant.
Comfort
Since they are lightweight, these pants are flexible and really well made. The pants’ wide comfort range and performance make them great for summer days or the days with occasional rain. Even though the material is lighter, it is still strong enough to withstand bushes and sticks.
Fit
As a regular fit, these pants have a straight leg cut and articulated knees made from 100% ripstop nylon for ultimate comfort during active outdoor adventures. They might fit baggy depending on the person, but that only gives perfect mobility.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Button closure | Sizing can be off |
| Partial Elastic at Waist | |
| Omni-wick & Omni-shade | |
| Protective all-weather |
3.Carhartt Men’s Relaxed Fit Twill Utility Work Pant
If you’ve been looking for a pair of breathable and durable pants, look no further because the Carhartt Men’s Relaxed Fit Twill Utility Work Pants are 100% cotton and 100% made for you. With their four different neutral and stylish colors, these pants will do you justice on any occasion. Their material is super comfortable, and they sit comfortably at the waist; on top of that, they have deep enough pockets for you to fit your keys, wallet, and anything else you want.
Material
The Carhartt Men’s Relaxed Fit Twill Utility Work Pants are made of 100% cotton, making them soft and extremely comfortable to wear all day long. They are also machine washable, which is very convenient for any busy person, and there is no need to worry about the material being ruined.
Comfort
These pants are relaxed at the thighs and sit at the waist, which makes them super comfortable for walking. And, when you’re sitting down they don’t tighten up at the thighs. In addition, they have multiple pockets so they can hold many of your items, avoiding this way the need to carry additional bags.
Fit
The straight leg opening makes them very stylish to wear and easier to put; they don’t feel tight around the ankles. Overall, these pants have a relaxed fit, so no matter whether you’re sitting down or walking, you will surely feel comfortable in them.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Button closure plus utility and tool pockets | Sizes may run small so it may be best to order two sizes up |
| Machine washable and 100% cotton | |
| Four different colors to choose from | |
| They are a relaxed fit and sit comfortably at the waist | |
| Room for tools/equipment |
4. Dickies Men’s Lightweight Duck Carpenter Jeans
The style of these rugged pants includes a coin pocket, the Dickies’ signature stitching on the back pockets, deep pockets and a utility pocket, and a tool leg loop. They can feel rigid upon first wear, however after the first wash, the pants will soften but not shrink at all, plus they maintain color through every wash.
Material
The 100% cotton fabric makes them a lightweight, soft garment but still tough and suitable for year-round wear.
Comfort
The pants sit slightly below the waist, making them comfortable and functional. The pockets are a decent size, so you won’t feel discomfort when sitting down even with items in them.
Fit
Their relaxed fit gives extra room in the seat and thigh for bending, stooping, and kneeling. The tapered leg makes it easy to fit over work boots.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Color doesn’t fade | Stiff before first wash |
| Functional | Can run long for some |
| Year-round wear | |
| Tool leg loop |
5. Wrangler Authentics Men’s Premium Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Cargo Pant
If cargo pants are your style, then the Wrangler Authentics Men’s Premium Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Cargo Pants might just be the perfect pair for you. These 100% cotton pants come with a relaxed fit at the ankles, thighs, and waist. They house 8 pockets for you to store your small items in, come with a zipper closure, and are machine washable.
Material
These premium cargo pants are made of 100% cotton, which makes them soft, lightweight, and comfortable to wear. These Wrangler Authentics Cargo Pants are also machine washable, have a zipper closure made from brass, and have a metal button.
Comfort
If comfort is what you’re seeking, then comfort you shall get with the Wrangler Authentics Men’s Premium Cargo Pants. These cargo pants sit comfortably at the waist with a relaxed thigh fit. Whether you’re working, out for a walk, or carrying out an everyday activity, these pants will provide the comfort you need in any setting.
Fit
These pants have a relaxed fit design, and their 100% cotton twill construction makes them comfortable and extremely durable. The ankle design is finished with a straight leg cut with plenty of space. And speaking of space, these pants come with 8 roomy pockets for maximum storage capacity for your tools, wallet, phone, keys, and other items.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| The 100% cotton twill construction makes these pants durable, so they are great not only for casual wear but also in work settings | A reviewer reported that they wished the pockets were larger |
| These cargo pants have 4 cargo flap pockets, 2 back pockets with flaps, and 2 slash pockets | |
| They have a relaxed fit at the waist, thighs, and ankles, which will provide much-needed comfort all day long | |
| Four different colors |
6. Caterpillar Men’s H2o Defender Pants
These pants make one of the best functional and lightweight work attire. Some features include reflective piping at the knees, contrast Cardura oxford knee pad pocket, scuff guards in extra durable nylon oxford, and snap-off tool bags. The material helps increase the pants’ life, and the additional features ensure you have maximum functionality.
Material
The H2O flex fabric is made of 65% Cotton, 33% Polyester, 2% Elastane blend. This hard-wearing fabric offers stretch for optimal movement in a water-resistant finish that will keep you dry longer. The material is tough to stand up to abuse well.
Comfort
The pants include built-in knee pad pockets and are really light, so they’ll keep you cool, are comfortable, and super functional at the same time. They are really soft, so it doesn’t get too hot in them. In addition, the contrast inside the waistband has a gripper tape to keep shirts in and pants in place.
Fit
The fit is precise, not too tight or too loose—just right. The classic fitting bottoms feature 18-inch leg openings to ensure they’ll fit over your bulky work boots.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| D-ring at waist | Not fit for winter |
| Bellowed cargo pocket with secure flap closure | |
| Layered multipurpose pockets | |
| Scuff Guards | |
| Carpenter loop |
7.Carhartt Men’s Force Tappen Cargo Pants
These are the ideal lighter heavy-duty cargo pants. They have multiple utility pockets that include a hidden hook-and-loop back pocket, cargo flaps, and secure zipper pocket. The pockets have Velcro closures located deeply enough not to snag on T-shirts. The strong sewn-on-seam belt loops add security from wear and tear.
Material
The 100% cotton ripstop fabric is what makes these so breathable and durable. If you’re looking for pants that help to keep the sweat down, these are the ones!
Comfort
The Fast Dry technology helps dry the moisture for maximum comfort during long summer workdays. Articulated knees enhance ease of movement, and the generous crotch room ensures the pants to be non-restricting. That makes them great either for work or for hanging around.
Fit
The relaxed fit, straight leg opening, and how these sit slightly below the waist gives a full range of motion for any job.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Velcro closure | Inconsistent sizing |
| Heavy-duty | |
| Relaxed fit | |
| Fast-dry technology | |
| Rip-stop fabric |
What to Look For in Lightweight Work Pants?
Work pants that both keep you safe and cool during the hot season can be hard to find. That’s why there are some features you should take into consideration like material, comfort, and style, including what you personally prefer while you’re on the job.
Let’s take a look into what we consider to be important when you’re on the lookout for the best lightweight work pants.
Material
The material—or a blend of fabrics—plays a significant role in how much the pants will be able to keep you cool and protected. Primarily because lightweight pants tend to have a material that might not be durable enough.
Nylon, cotton, linen, polyester are common base material variants. Cotton is best if you want to go for light and breezy pants. Linen is great for breathability, although they tend to crease easily. Some work pant variants are made with stain-resistant or rip-stop fabric. Make sure to look at which pants would be most beneficial for the work you do.
Comfort
You may come across work pants that strive to be durable and practical, which can compromise comfort. If pants claim to have a bit of stretch on them, that means they offer better mobility. Breathability and whether the pants have a quick-drying technology means you will be comfortable during hotter days.
Style
The pants’ design also helps with how comfortable you will feel and how functional you’ll be in your work pants. If you need to utilize multiple tools, then a pair of cargo pants may be your go-to since they come with many spacious utility pockets. Relaxed fit or loose-fit is recommended for working in the hot summer heat since they offer better breathability, wick off sweat better, plus, they keep you dry and cool.
The best work pants for hot days are those that have a durable yet breathable material, are comfortable, and overall practical. We hope this list will help you find your ideal lightweight work pants.
