123
Testing
The tests performed on these jeans are meant to simulate real-world abuse. Tearing, abrasion, and overall strength will be tested using various methods.
The Contenders
I gathered ten non-stretch carpenter jeans to hopefully provide a good variety of work pants for you to choose from.
-
-
-
Check PriceFor a bit less, you don't give up much for these jeans. They're a ton of workwear for the money!
I earn commissions on purchases, at no extra cost to you.
-
Check Price
With a great combination of features, durability, and value, these are easily the best in the lineup.
I earn commissions on purchases, at no extra cost to you.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Carhartt
- Model: Utility Jean
- 13oz 100% cotton
- $45
- Made in Nicaragua
Wrangler
- Model: Carpenter Jean
- 14.5oz 100% Cotton
- $35
- Made in Mexico
Gusset
- Model: Carpenter Jean
- 14.5oz 100% Cotton
- $88.95
- Made in USA
Big Bill
- Model: Carpenter Jeans
- 100% Cotton unlisted weight
- $28.99
- Made in Bangladesh
Key Apparel
- Model: Carpenter
- 12oz 100% Cotton
- Price: $33
- Made in Mexico
Round House
- Model: Stone Washed Carpenter Jean
- 14oz 100% Cotton
- $89.95
- Made in USA
Ben Davis
- Model: Carpenter Pants
- 14oz 100% Cotton
- $53.00
- Made in Kenya
Dickies
- Model: Relaxed Fit Carpenter Jeans
- 11.75oz 100% Cotton Denim
- $35
- Made in Bangladesh
Union Line
- Model: 25309 Denim Carpenter Jean
- 14.7oz 100% Cotton
- $88
- Made in USA
Patagonia Workwear
- Model: Work Denim 5-pocket pants
- 11.5oz 66% organic cotton, 20% hemp, 14% TENCEL
- $125
- Made in Sri Lanka
Belt Loop Pull
For this test I hooked up each pair of jeans to my engine hoist and measured the force needed to tear off each belt loop.
Breathability
Airflow can be a double-edged sword when it comes to workwear. On one hand, it can be a benefit in warmer temperatures but often a denser fabric is a tougher fabric.
Leg Pull
This is the test that is the most dramatic, resulting in a big split as the legs of each pair of pants are torn apart on my engine hoist. This test reveals the weakest point of each pair of jeans.
Penetration
Using an arbor press, I measured the force needed to push a piece of ¼″ threaded rod through the denim of each pair of jeans.
Abrasion
Meauring abrasion has always been a challenge because its difficult to simulate the daily wear most jeans are exposed to. Luckily I found a machine designed to do exactly this, called a Martindale abrasion tester. It simulates real-world abrasion by rubbing an abrasive over fabric in an oscilating figure-8 pattern. Using 220 grit abrasive, I measured approximately how many passes were needed to expose the weft yarns.
Hammer Loop
The hammer loop is a feature you either love or hate. Personally I’ve never used my hammer loop, but some people can’t seem to get by without it. I measured how many pounds were needed to tear the hammer loop off each pair of pants.
The Winner(s)
Looking at the winners from each category, there are four which stand out: Carhartt, Wrangler RIGGS, Gusset, and Round House. Carhartt had the most wins, and at $45 is a bargain for the features and durability you get.
With a great combination of features, durability, and value, these are easily the best in the lineup.
For a little less money ($35) Wrangler RIGGS is a great option, though with fewer pockets and a more “stock” look.
For a bit less, you don't give up much for these jeans. They're a ton of workwear for the money!
Gusset and Round House are the clear choice if you’re looking for an American made work jean and don’t mind paying a little extra.
No matter which one you choose, these four are the best of the bunch.
Join the Discussion