Trousers

About Trousers

Work trousers are an essential element of professional workwear, designed to provide durability, comfort and functionality in demanding environments. Unlike standard casual trousers, professional work trousers incorporate reinforced fabrics, additional pockets for tools and equipment, and features such as knee pad pockets, holster pockets and hammer loops. Whether you're working on a construction site, in a warehouse, or carrying out maintenance tasks, the right pair of work trousers can significantly impact your comfort and productivity throughout the working day.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes trousers from leading workwear manufacturers including Apache, Dickies, DeWalt, Caterpillar and Portwest, with options ranging from lightweight cargo trousers for warehouse work to flame-resistant trousers for welding and electrical applications. Modern work trousers now incorporate advanced fabric technologies such as 4-way stretch materials, ripstop weaves and moisture-wicking properties, whilst maintaining the toughness required for heavy-duty trade work. Many contemporary designs feature tapered legs and slim-fit profiles that combine a professional appearance with practical functionality.

Specialist work trousers address specific industry requirements, including flame-resistant options certified to BS EN ISO standards for welding and electrical work, hi-vis trousers compliant with EN ISO 20471 for roadside work, and waterproof trousers for outdoor applications. Holster pocket trousers eliminate the need for separate tool belts, whilst knee pad pocket designs allow for comfortable kneeling during tasks such as tiling, plumbing or electrical installation work.

Jargon Buster

• Holster Pockets: External pockets, often reinforced with Cordura fabric, designed to hold tools, fasteners and small equipment without the need for a separate tool belt. Typically positioned on the thighs for easy access.
• Knee Pad Pockets: Internal compartments built into the knee area that accommodate removable foam or gel knee pads, providing cushioning and protection when kneeling on hard surfaces.
• Cordura Fabric: A highly durable nylon fabric with exceptional abrasion resistance, commonly used to reinforce high-wear areas such as holster pockets, knee sections and hem areas.
• 4-Way Stretch: Fabric technology that stretches both horizontally and vertically, providing enhanced freedom of movement and comfort during bending, kneeling and reaching movements.
• Flame-Resistant (FR): Trousers manufactured from fabrics that self-extinguish when exposed to flame, essential for welding, electrical work and environments with fire or arc flash hazards. Certified to standards such as BS EN ISO 11611 and BS EN ISO 11612.
• Triple-Stitched Seams: Reinforced stitching technique using three rows of stitching to significantly increase seam strength and prevent splitting under stress.

Who Uses Trousers?

Professional work trousers are essential for a wide range of trades and industries:

• Construction Workers: Bricklayers, labourers and site supervisors requiring durable trousers with multiple pockets for tools and personal items
• Electricians: Sparkies need flame-resistant trousers with holster pockets for testers, screwdrivers and cable accessories
• Carpenters and Joiners: Chippies benefit from holster pocket designs for tape measures, pencils, squares and utility knives
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Trousers with knee pad pockets for comfort during pipework installation and maintenance
• Welders and Fabricators: Flame-resistant trousers certified to BS EN ISO standards for protection against sparks and molten metal
• Warehouse Operatives: Lightweight cargo trousers for comfort during picking, packing and loading operations
• Mechanics and Engineers: Oil-resistant trousers with multiple pockets for spanners, sockets and diagnostic tools
• Landscapers and Groundsworkers: Durable outdoor trousers resistant to moisture and abrasion
• Painters and Decorators: Trousers with holster pockets for scrapers, brushes and filling knives
• Maintenance Technicians: Multi-pocket designs for carrying various tools and components

How to Choose the Right Trousers

Workplace Hazards: Identify specific risks in your working environment. Welders and electrical workers require flame-resistant trousers certified to appropriate BS EN ISO standards. Those working near roads or on construction sites need hi-vis trousers compliant with EN ISO 20471. Outdoor workers benefit from waterproof or water-resistant options.

Pocket Configuration: Consider what tools and equipment you need to carry daily. Holster pocket trousers suit electricians, carpenters and plumbers who carry multiple hand tools. Cargo pockets provide general storage, whilst hammer loops and ruler pockets offer specific tool organisation. Tooled-Up stocks various configurations to match different trade requirements.

Knee Protection: If your work involves frequent kneeling – such as tiling, flooring installation, plumbing or electrical work – choose trousers with built-in knee pad pockets. This feature allows you to insert protective pads that cushion your knees and reduce fatigue and long-term joint damage.

Fabric and Stretch: Traditional polycotton blends offer excellent durability and value, whilst modern stretch fabrics incorporating elastane provide superior comfort and freedom of movement. 4-way stretch materials are particularly beneficial for active work involving climbing, bending and reaching. Ripstop weaves resist tearing, whilst Cordura reinforcements extend the life of high-wear areas.

Fit and Style: Work trousers are available in regular, slim-fit and tapered leg styles. Slim-fit designs offer a more contemporary appearance whilst maintaining functionality. Ensure adequate room for movement and layering in cold weather, but avoid excessively baggy fits that can catch on equipment or create trip hazards.

Climate Considerations: Lightweight trousers with moisture-wicking properties suit warm environments and active work, whilst heavier-weight options with thermal linings provide warmth for outdoor winter work. Ventilation features such as mesh-lined pockets improve breathability during summer months.

Durability Features: Look for reinforced stitching, particularly triple-stitched seams at stress points. Cordura or Oxford weave reinforcements at knees, holster pockets and hems significantly extend garment life. Metal or reinforced belt loops prevent tearing when carrying heavy tool belts.

Popular Accessories

• Knee Pads: Foam or gel inserts designed to fit knee pad pockets, providing cushioning and protection during kneeling tasks
• Work Belts: Leather or synthetic belts designed to support the weight of holster pockets and tools without stretching or breaking
• Braces/Suspenders: Distribute weight more evenly across shoulders, particularly useful when carrying heavy tools in holster pockets
• Work Boots: Safety footwear with steel or composite toe caps to complement protective workwear
• High-Visibility Vests: Additional hi-vis protection when standard trousers don't meet visibility requirements
• Tool Belts and Pouches: Supplementary storage that attaches to belt loops for additional tool carrying capacity
• Waterproof Over-Trousers: Weather protection that fits over standard work trousers during wet conditions
• Base Layers: Thermal underwear for cold weather or moisture-wicking layers for hot environments

Safety Information

When working in hazardous environments, ensure your trousers meet relevant safety standards. Flame-resistant trousers for welding must comply with BS EN ISO 11611, whilst those for general flame exposure should meet BS EN ISO 11612. Arc-rated trousers are essential for electrical workers facing arc flash hazards, with protection levels indicated by ATPV or EBT ratings.

Hi-vis trousers for road work, railway environments or construction sites must meet EN ISO 20471 standards, with appropriate classification (Class 1, 2 or 3) based on risk assessment. The HSE provides guidance on visibility requirements for different working environments.

Flame-resistant garments require proper care to maintain their protective properties. Always follow manufacturer washing instructions, avoid fabric softeners and bleach, and inspect regularly for damage. Contamination with flammable substances such as oil or solvents can compromise flame resistance and create additional hazards.

Ensure trousers fit properly without excessive length that could create trip hazards or catch in machinery. Avoid wearing torn or damaged trousers in professional environments, as compromised fabric offers reduced protection and presents an unprofessional appearance. Replace work trousers when reinforcements wear through or when fabric shows significant deterioration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between holster pocket and cargo pocket trousers?
Holster pockets are external pockets designed specifically to hold tools and equipment, typically positioned on the thighs and reinforced with durable Cordura fabric. They're designed to replace tool belts and provide easy access to frequently used items. Cargo pockets are simpler side pockets intended for general storage of personal items, lunch, or light equipment rather than heavy tools.

Do I need flame-resistant trousers for electrical work?
Yes, electricians and electrical engineers should wear flame-resistant trousers when working on live circuits or in environments where arc flash hazards exist. The HSE recommends appropriate arc-rated PPE for electrical work. Even when working on isolated circuits, flame-resistant workwear provides protection against accidental contact and thermal hazards. Check your employer's risk assessment and PPE requirements.

How should work trousers fit?
Work trousers should fit comfortably with adequate room for movement, bending and kneeling without restriction. They should sit at your natural waist without requiring a belt to stay up, though a belt is recommended when using holster pockets. Length should reach the top of your work boots with slight break at the front. Avoid excessively long legs that drag on the ground, as this creates trip hazards and causes premature wear.

Can I put knee pads in any work trousers?
No, only trousers specifically designed with knee pad pockets can accommodate removable pads. These trousers feature internal compartments positioned at the correct height with openings for pad insertion. Standard trousers without these pockets cannot accommodate knee pads properly. If your work involves regular kneeling, choose trousers specifically featuring knee pad pockets.

How do I maintain flame-resistant work trousers?
Wash flame-resistant trousers according to manufacturer instructions, typically using regular detergent at temperatures up to 60°C. Never use fabric softeners, bleach or starch, as these can coat fibres and reduce flame resistance. Avoid contamination with flammable substances such as petrol, oil or solvents. Inspect regularly for damage and replace when fabric shows significant wear, as compromised areas lose protective properties.