It’s summertime and the heat is on.
Do you know what that means?
It’s time to find the perfect work pants for hot weather!
There are a few things to consider when choosing work pants that keep you cool during this time of year while still being functional, so we’ve compiled a list of things to consider to help you find the perfect pair that suits your needs.
Durability
Think of good work pants for hot weather as an investment; you want to get your money’s worth out of a good pair.
You want durable pants that will last you through this summer and the next one, so opt for a pair that you know will last you a long time to avoid having to buy a new one every time summer rolls around.
Ability to Wick Moisture
You want to ensure your pants can wick away moisture from the body so you stay dry and cool.
This is especially important during warmer weather because if sweat can’t escape through evaporation, it will build up on your skin and lead to potential discomfort or may even cause skin problems.
Flexibility
Tight fitted clothing may be uncomfortable and distracting, especially for jobs that require you to move around a lot.
Opt for pants that offer you the ability to move around freely and comfortably, like ones that have a relaxed or loose fit rather than skin-tight ones.
Practicality
In general, a pair of work pants that don’t need to be ironed and are easy to wash are the most ideal.
You can worry less about the maintenance of your pants and focus on your work if you opt for pants with these qualities!
Material
Various materials are used for work pants, and sometimes some are even made out of a mixture of two or more. Here’s a list of the most common materials you should consider together with their pros and cons:
- Cotton – Cotton is probably the most commonly used material for work pants because it’s durable, lightweight, and easy to care for. Although cotton keeps you cool by absorbing sweat rather than wicking it off, it still offers good breathability, making it an excellent material choice for working in hot weather. However, cotton isn’t waterproof, so this material isn’t ideal for working outside during a downpour or doing activities that involve water immersion.
- Linen – Linen is a great material choice if you’re looking for pants that are lightweight and comfortable; its breathability and wicking power make it excellent for hot weather. Linen isn’t as durable as other materials though, which means the lifespan of linen work pants is much shorter compared to others.
- Polyester – Polyester is made out of synthetic materials, which makes it extremely lightweight, and it also offers excellent moisture-wicking abilities. This material isn’t as comfortable as cotton though, as it lacks breathability. It also requires more delicate washing since it can shrink when washed incorrectly.
- Nylon – Nylon has similar qualities as polyester, but nylon tends to be a cooler material. It is also known for its durability and its ability to hold colour well.
Colour
Of course, this is completely subjective to your personal preferences.
But it’s worth noting that dark-coloured clothes absorb more heat than lighter ones, so consider getting a light-coloured pair of work pants to beat the heat while you work.
“Also, some colours may look brighter than others in different lighting conditions, and some pants may appear faded after multiple washes.”
Consider what type of environment your pants will be worn in when choosing a colour; white may look great on the beach, but it isn’t exactly practical around oil spills or dirt, so you might want to consider shades of grey instead.
Crotch Gusset
A crotch gusset may be something you also want to consider when choosing a pair of work pants, as the crotch area is where most pants take on some wear and tear first—especially if you do physically demanding labor at your job.
The crotch gusset is an extra piece of material that some work pants have that lets you move around more freely and comfortably. It also lessens stress on the crotch area, which lengthens the lifespan of your pants by avoiding rips and tears.
Conclusion
Picking the right pair of work pants for the hot weather might be a daunting task with all the available options out there, but having knowledge about the different things to consider when choosing one should help make deciding easier!