Pants

[NorthernHeat]

Never thought I would be asking other men this, but I am sick of ordering pants OVER AND OVER that dont fit...

Question is what pants are yall using that you are happy with when it comes to carrying all the stuff we do every day?

My main problem is I have a normal waist (38) but I have to order size 40 or 42 pants just so they will fit in the butt and thigh area. This causes problems with all the excess fabric around the waist in regards to IWB (specifically AIWB) carry...

This has caused me to need to find some pants that fit in the waist correctly, but have extra room in the butt and thigh.

Carhartt and alike pants have never even close to worked because they are way too small in the legs with the correct size waist, but I do like how they look over a 5.11 mall ninja look.

Only things I have found to work so far have been Lee Carpenter Jeans (Carpenter Jeans in general work better and have a better fit).

I thought I would put this question out there to others smarter than me so maybe you can help me skip the months of:
1. Order
2. Return
3. Repeat

Brands I have heard discussed before are Duluth Trading Co, Carhartt (as discussed above), Vertex, 5.11...

Like I said, I would prefer the Carhartt style pant to the 5.11 style, but Ill go with what works...

Thanks for any and all suggestions

[orionz06]

More fashion friendly clothing will be more form fitting in the ass. Head to a mall and try Express, J. Crew, Banana Republic, and even American Eagle. It is OK for fabric to tough your thighs.

ETA: Misread slightly. Still, same comments apply. Try on pants other than Lee and Carhartt. Don't fear fabric touching your legs.

[NorthernHeat]

More fashion friendly clothing will be more form fitting in the ass. Head to a mall and try Express, J. Crew, Banana Republic, and even American Eagle. It is OK for fabric to tough your thighs.

Maybe a kilt is what I'm looking for then? Lol

[MVS]

So do you do a lot of Squatting?

[JV_]

Have you considered just buying the pants you like, and having a tailor make the needed adjustments? There are plenty of people with non-standard body types where off the shelf clothing just doesn't fit them well.

[NorthernHeat]

I had not thought about that.

I didn't feel like my body type was that different, but after years of searching I still have not found anything I have been really happy with.

Years of football workouts have caused a not so friendly body type when it comes to anything other than basketball shorts or sweatpants I guess.

[NorthernHeat]

So do you do a lot of Squatting?

Only for top dollar...:cool:

[41magfan]

http://www.arborwear.com/products/pants

[Drang]

For a couple of years now I've been trying to wear out a couple pair of Riggs (by Wrangler) "Ranger" carpenter pants. They carry all the crap I need, the hammer loop is big enough to make them not obviously tactical pants but not so big it catches on stuff. Not too pricey. Not sure how they'd fit someone with power lifter thighs, but they're baggy enough for comfort.

[Lon]

For a couple of years now I've been trying to wear out a couple pair of Riggs (by Wrangler) "Ranger" carpenter pants. They carry all the crap I need, the hammer loop is big enough to make them not obviously tactical pants but not so big it catches on stuff. Not too pricey. Not sure how they'd fit someone with power lifter thighs, but they're baggy enough for comfort.

I have a couple pairs as well. I like them a lot. Functional, but not tactical.

[Up1911Fan]

95% of the time I wear Vertx cargo's, Vertx everyday khaki's or Kuhl Rydrs. The fit well, are durable and carry everything pretty well. The Kuhl's thigh phone pocket is really nice when not wearing cargo's as my phone is usually in the right cargo pocket.

[Lon]

I've got Vertx as well. They're tied with the Riggs pants for being my favorite. I wear the Vertx more at work than the Riggs when I'm dressing down (serving warrants, etc.) instead of my normal shirt and tie.

[TORCH2J]

Riggs. Try these (http://www.amazon.com/Riggs-Workwear-Wrangler-Ripstop-Carpenter/dp/B000A2K88M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414723911&sr=8-2&keywords=riggs+workwear+by+wrangler), looser than Carhartt in the thighs.

[RoyGBiv]

Kuhl Rydrs. (http://www.rei.com/product/869938/kuhl-easy-rydr-pants-mens-32-inseam)
Interesting. Thanks. Looks useful without looking cargo or tactical. Could wear those at work and pull of the Metro look.
REI opening nearby soon... will try on.

[Up1911Fan]

I think you'll like them, my favorite non cargo pants.

[Hizzie]

I have a terrible time finding clothes that fit. I find one of two things: the clothes are sized for tall little boys instead of men or they are cut for big fat bellies. Most of the time I rock plain old Wrangler cargo pants in Ripstop or twill. I have finally found a "tactical" pant I can actually wear. Propper STL1 pant. It stretches, and not in the maternity waistband kinda way. They are reasonably prices and look nice enough for business casual. Only down side in the low rise is a No-Go for AIWB.

[Dagga Boy]

Most know I wear Duluth Firehouse workpants and shorts (the new 12 inch ones are my favorite) almost exclusively. They are easy to move in, cut for men, and almost impossible to wear out with great pockets.

[1slow]

Duluth's Firehose 6 pocket workpants are my go to.
Their only failing is that being cotton they take forever to dry and thus are not good for cold and wet or 100 degrees and 100% humidity. In those cases I like Railriders mid weight nylon 6 pocket pants, which are not as durable but dry quick.

[JM Campbell]

Duluth's Firehose 6 pocket workpants are my go to.
Their only failing is that being cotton they take forever to dry and thus are not good for cold and wet or 100 degrees and 100% humidity. In those cases I like Railriders mid weight nylon 6 pocket pants, which are not as durable but dry quick.

Try the stretch version, they are water/stain resistant and more comfortable then the standard fire hose imo.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

[RoyGBiv]

Propper STL1 pant.

http://images1.opticsplanet.com/365-240-ffffff/opplanet-propper-stl-1-pant-black-30x30-f52821h001-v2.jpg

[Irelander]

Anyone try the Mountain Khaki (http://www.mountainkhakis.com/) pants? I saw a review from Kyle Defoor and thought they looked like a good durable pair of pants. They are pricey but if they last a long time then you might still be ahead.

[Irelander]

I really like the fit of boot cut pants but find that they are all have a low rise waist. So when I pull my pants up where they need to be for discreet pistol carry, the crotch ends up slammed into my jollies. Some jeans are worse than others but for the most part I am finding out that they don't work well with IWB carry. I'm going to be moving toward replacing my jeans with khakis.

[Up1911Fan]

Anyone try the Mountain Khaki (http://www.mountainkhakis.com/) pants? I saw a review from Kyle Defoor and thought they looked like a good durable pair of pants. They are pricey but if they last a long time then you might still be ahead.

Didn't work for me. I had a few pairs but switched to the Kuhl Rydr's. The front pocket's were extremely tight, the ride height on the waist simply didn't work for me carrying AIWB. I had both the Original Mountain Pants and the Alpine Utility Pants.

[HCM]

OP- I have similar fit issues - I really like the fit of the Cabelas Trail Hiker II cargos. I buy and wear these daily despite getting 5.11's from work. They are cargos but look normal. Not all the cabelas pants are cut the same but these are gtg for those with big butt / thighs.

[Hizzie]

http://images1.opticsplanet.com/365-240-ffffff/opplanet-propper-stl-1-pant-black-30x30-f52821h001-v2.jpg

One stupid feature isn't enough to turn me off of em. Imagine working an accident scene in the heat and not having to hike up your pant legs to squat down or kneel.

[Shellback]

If you're looking for jeans I'd recommend you check out Stonemaster Jeans. (http://stonemastergear.com/the-stonemaster-jean/) Designed by and for rock climbers so they have a gusseted crotch, a little spandex for stretchiness and a regular height waist which works very well for AIWB. The front pockets are really deep and microfiber lined which makes them super soft. Sounds funny til you try it...

I like the fact that there are no labels on the jeans and the only way to tell what they are is a small logo on the button. The dark wash looks really nice and is good for an evening out as well. Lastly, I emailed the owner for a custom size, 34X35, and he had them delivered in about 2 weeks time for no additional cost.

And they're made in the good ol' US of A.

[BN]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Wrangler-Rugged-Wear174-Angler-Pants/722694.uts

I've been wearing these in denim for the last few years. The front pockets are big enough for a J-Frame or small auto with out printing and the side pocket is just right for a knife and a pen. The waist has a little bit of elastic in it for a better fit.

[jc000]

Anyone try the Mountain Khaki (http://www.mountainkhakis.com/) pants? I saw a review from Kyle Defoor and thought they looked like a good durable pair of pants. They are pricey but if they last a long time then you might still be ahead.

I like mountain khaki pants, like the fit a lot, but I havent found them particularly durable. For pricy outdoor gear, patagonia has held up the best for me.

[mtnbkr]

Most know I wear Duluth Firehouse workpants and shorts (the new 12 inch ones are my favorite) almost exclusively. They are easy to move in, cut for men, and almost impossible to wear out with great pockets.

Absolutely!

I have two pair from when I wore a 36" waist and a new pair at my current 34" size. One of the 36" pair was my hunting/camping pants, yet look good enough to wear to work after a good washing. They do repel stains well.

Duluth used to have Firehose Chinos which were ideal for office wear (more casual than traditional khakis, but not quite jeans). I had two pair that I wore for a couple years, but I've now lost enough weight that I can't wear them. When I went shopping for replacements, I learned they no longer carry them. :(

Chris

[SAWBONES]

Agree re: Duluth Trading. Solid, well made clothes.

[DonW]

I tried one Vertx, but the front left pocket is too shallow for a J-frame in a Mika - while sitting it begins to show. I contacted them on this and did not get a reply.

[rob_s]

Anyone try the Mountain Khaki (http://www.mountainkhakis.com/) pants? I saw a review from Kyle Defoor and thought they looked like a good durable pair of pants. They are pricey but if they last a long time then you might still be ahead.

All I wear now. They have two cuts, normal and "Broadway" which is slimmer. Buy from Amazon. Order several of each bracketing sizes, return what doesn't fit. I have them I three weights and love all three.

[Seven_Sicks_Two]

I'm going to go a bit against the grain here and suggest Levi 501 Shrink to Fit jeans. Buy them an inch larger in the waist than you normally wear while carrying IWB/AIWB and three inches longer than your inseam. Turn 'em inside out and soak 'em in hot water for 20 minutes or so. Hang them up until they're just damp, then put them on with all your EDC gear. Go walk a few blocks, they'll stretch a bit through the thighs, knees, and seat while you're walking around but fit great through the waist and will be more or less "fit" to you.

[Up1911Fan]

I tried one Vertx, but the front left pocket is too shallow for a J-frame in a Mika - while sitting it begins to show. I contacted them on this and did not get a reply.

You could always have a tailor deepen the pocket an inch or so. Just an option if you find pants you like that work for you except pocket depth.

[YVK]

Anyone try the Mountain Khaki (http://www.mountainkhakis.com/) pants? I saw a review from Kyle Defoor and thought they looked like a good durable pair of pants. They are pricey but if they last a long time then you might still be ahead.

MKs are good stuff. My only problem was the width and location of front right belt loop, interfering with my appendix holsters. All of my MK pants, as well as TAD gear stuff has this loop moved.

[Clusterfrack]

I have some 5.11 and Vertx, but mostly wear $27 Dickies (http://www.dickies.com/mens-clothing/mens-pants/Regular-Fit-5Pocket-StayDarkreg-Pant-C7988.jsp).

[Duces Tecum]

http://www.billskhakis.com

Their khakis duplicate WWII military models: wide at the thighs and bottoms.

[JDM]

At work, I wear Cahrhartt scrubs exclusively. They work really well for carrying a gun, reload and clinch pick as they have real belt loops and close like regular pants.

When I'm not at work I'll wear either Khul pants of some variety, or jeans made for rock climbing.

I need a little stretch in my pants.

[LittleLebowski]

http://www.billskhakis.com

Their khakis duplicate WWII military models: wide at the thighs and bottoms.

And.....I just saw the price.

[Crews]

Anyone try the Mountain Khaki (http://www.mountainkhakis.com/) pants? I saw a review from Kyle Defoor and thought they looked like a good durable pair of pants. They are pricey but if they last a long time then you might still be ahead.

I wear them all the time. I can wear them to the ranch, them take them to the dry cleaner and wear them to the office for business casual. Awesome pants.

A word of warning, finding the sizes that work for you is trial and error. I thought it was worth the effort, you may not. I use the "Broadway Fit" for a little bit trimmer fit. The OP would definitely want to try out the original fit.

[orionz06]

Since I finally rounded out my reference holster box this weekend with them I figured I'd mention them....

Been wearing some TAD Gear Covert DC pants to replace my Carhartt pants for working in the dungeon and other activities. They appear to be a normal rise and appear to be bomb proof.

[Wheeler]

I prefer the Riggs Ranger Pants made by Wrangler. Better quality than the Carhartts and they really take a beating. I use them exclusively at work. The front pockets are deep enough for a J frame. Gussets crotch, reinforced knees, plethora of pockets and they rarely bind up.
If you prefer your pants without cargo pockets they have a line of carpenter pants with all the same features. You can also get them lined for those chilly days.

[Frank R]

About ten years ago, I ordered a dozen pair of various pants from Lands End. At that time, they customed tailored for a nominal fee and did a very good job.

I don't know if they still do this but it's worth looking into.

[Terence]

My thighs don't seem to be proportional to my waist, maybe because I do a little weight lifting now and then. Ive found that Eddie Bauer jeans are cut larger in the thigh so they fit very well. Try those, maybe?

[rob_s]

Because of this thread I ordered another pair of Mountain Khakis, this time in the standard fit instead of the Broadway fit that I normally buy. Same waist size, same length. Major saggy bottom, no-go.

What's nice about the Broadway fit option is that you can size up for IWB and still not look like you're wearing MC Hammer pants. So I generally wear a 35W 32L in the Broadway fit, but for carry I can go to a 36W 32L and still have a relatively trim pair of pants and still fit a gun, and don't look like I dropped a load in my pants.

http://www.mountainkhakis.com/products/men/pants/mens-poplin-pant-broadway-fit.cfm
Ultra-lightweight 4.65 oz material. Great for S Florida hot weather. Fabric looks and feels a synthetic though.

http://www.mountainkhakis.com/products/men/pants/ms-teton-twill-pant-broadway-fit.cfm
8.5 oz material. The "typical" khaki pant in terms of looks, and perfect compromise of hot/cold if you want just one pair of pants and don't live too far north.

http://www.mountainkhakis.com/products/men/pants/original-mountain-pant-broadway-fit.cfm
10.4 oz, jeans-style rear pockets, very hot for outdoor S Florida summers, great for S Florida winters.

[RoyGBiv]

Because of this thread I ordered another pair of Mountain Khakis, this time in the standard fit instead of the Broadway fit that I normally buy. Same waist size, same length. Major saggy bottom, no-go.

What's nice about the Broadway fit option is that you can size up for IWB and still not look like you're wearing MC Hammer pants. So I generally wear a 35W 32L in the Broadway fit, but for carry I can go to a 36W 32L and still have a relatively trim pair of pants and still fit a gun, and don't look like I dropped a load in my pants.

http://www.mountainkhakis.com/products/men/pants/mens-poplin-pant-broadway-fit.cfm
Ultra-lightweight 4.65 oz material. Great for S Florida hot weather. Fabric looks and feels a synthetic though.

http://www.mountainkhakis.com/products/men/pants/ms-teton-twill-pant-broadway-fit.cfm
8.5 oz material. The "typical" khaki pant in terms of looks, and perfect compromise of hot/cold if you want just one pair of pants and don't live too far north.

http://www.mountainkhakis.com/products/men/pants/original-mountain-pant-broadway-fit.cfm
10.4 oz, jeans-style rear pockets, very hot for outdoor S Florida summers, great for S Florida winters.
Thanks for the info... What's missing in these MK's for me is any extra storage. Still trying to find a pic of the "side seam pocket". Also looks like a fairly tall rise for this short guy. I'm hoping the Kuhl's are not cut like a fire hose.

Tried on some Columbia ROT pants and several store brand designs at Cabelas the other day. All awful fitting and way too heavy fabric for Texas weather. REI is opening here in a few days/week. Hoping for some luck there with Kuhl.

[Crews]

What's nice about the Broadway fit option is that you can size up for IWB and still not look like you're wearing MC Hammer pants. So I generally wear a 35W 32L in the Broadway fit, but for carry I can go to a 36W 32L and still have a relatively trim pair of pants and still fit a gun, and don't look like I dropped a load in my pants.

I agree with this statement 110%

[rob_s]

Thanks for the info... What's missing in these MK's for me is any extra storage. Still trying to find a pic of the "side seam pocket". Also looks like a fairly tall rise for this short guy. I'm hoping the Kuhl's are not cut like a fire hose.

Tried on some Columbia ROT pants and several store brand designs at Cabelas the other day. All awful fitting and way too heavy fabric for Texas weather. REI is opening here in a few days/week. Hoping for some luck there with Kuhl.

Yeah, I specifically DON'T want a bunch of pockets. I may grab some Alpine Utility pants for range days. They are also 10.4 oz so they match the feel of the "original" pant but add a small cargo pocket.
http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Khakis-Broadway-Utility-32-Inch/dp/B00KLXQQ0E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415111236&sr=8-1&keywords=mountain+khaki+alpine+utility+pants+broad way


The side-seam pocket is the exception here for me. I keep my knife clipped in there. Here's a pic from Amazon

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71%2Byoz8ZMKL._SL1500_.jpg

[RoyGBiv]

^^^ Thanks for the pic rob_s!

I think I'd get a lot of happiness out of a well integrated cell phone pocket. Like this one below... I'm not a cargo fan at all. Definitely not looking for "STORAGE", but would like someplace other than my pockets to keep my phone and maybe wallet (already using a slim wallet).

I'll link the pic.. it's a bit big. See side views, pic 2,3,4 http://www.rei.com/product/869938/kuhl-easy-rydr-pants-mens-32-inseam

ETA: Really lilked the fit and utility of these at Cabela's Cabela's XPG™ Trekker Pants (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clothing/Mens-Casual-Clothing/Mens-Casual-Pants/Mens-Cargo-Pants|/pc/104797080/c/104746680/sc/104262480/i/104076180/Cabelas-XPGtrade-Trekker-Pants/1804348.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fmens-cargo-pants%2F_%2FN-1100852%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104076180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat1047 97080%253Bcat104262480&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104797080%3Bcat104262480%3Bcat104 076180), but definitely not "business" appropriate. And the zippers... :eek:

[rob_s]

I can't take anything on my legs.

FWIW, my "carry" is
Left-front: cell
right-front: keys
on-seam: leatherman skeletool
right-rear: wallet
left-rear: handkerchief

moving the knife out of the way of the keys/hand in the right-front was a big selling point for me. I can't stand anything, including empty pockets, on my thighs at work since I'm mostly relegated to desk-bitch work these days. The seams, snaps, etc. are too annoying. If I still spent more of my day on my feet I might feel differently about it.

[Shellback]

Because of this thread I ordered another pair of Mountain Khakis, this time in the standard fit instead of the Broadway fit that I normally buy. Same waist size, same length. Major saggy bottom, no-go.

What's nice about the Broadway fit option is that you can size up for IWB and still not look like you're wearing MC Hammer pants. So I generally wear a 35W 32L in the Broadway fit, but for carry I can go to a 36W 32L and still have a relatively trim pair of pants and still fit a gun, and don't look like I dropped a load in my pants.

That's one of the benefits of rock climbing jeans as well. The Stonemaster jeans I mentioned earlier have 2 or 3% spandex in them so the waist has a little extra give, you can wear your normal size, and still roll IWB without tightness or saggy butt issues.

FWIW - I tried the Prana Axiom jeans which were comfy but they weren't long enough, they're made overseas, and then I found Stonemaster, which is made in America, have longer sizes, and they were great about taking a special order size for an XL inseam.

[RoyGBiv]

Prana Axiom
Another brand at REI... Can't wait for that place to open. LOL

[Shellback]

Another brand at REI... Can't wait for that place to open. LOL

Definitely worth getting a membership to REI in my opinion. They have some great sales for members and you get cash back on your purchases.

[MGW]

When did decent pants get so freaking expensive?

[rob_s]

When did decent pants get so freaking expensive?

I keep thinking the same thing. Right or wrong, it just is. I won't go over $100 though and rarely go over $60.

If you're thinking that 20 years ago you paid $30 for pants,that's $50 or more in today's money.

[MGW]

If you're thinking that 20 years ago you paid $30 for pants,that's $50 or more in today's money.

Guilty. But $80-$100+ seems excessive.

[RoyGBiv]

Had a chance to stop by a local Service Supply place today and try on a few things. What is it about civil service that requires pants with thighs 3x the norm? Wide enough for Lou Ferrigno in Green-guy mode. Tried on some 5.11's, Vertx and a few others. Crossed them all off the list. If you can handle the wide thighs, Vertx makes some nice stuff. Some of it is smart looking enough for business casual.

Wound up ordering 2 different styles of MK's and one prAna. The local outdoor shops only carry a small selection of those brands.
Enough to get a feel for proper sizing. At least Amazon has free returns.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[rob_s]

I got my MK jeans in yesterday, and am wearing them today. PERFECT fit for what I want, just a little looser than the Broadway fit, not as baggy as the regular, and they were true-to-size in that I ordered the exact same W & L as the broadways I wear and the jeans fit perfectly.

I'm going to be ordering a bunch more from these folks, including a few over-sized waists for IWB.

[Hizzie]

I picked up a pair of the Duluth Flex Fire Hose cargo pants. Wow! I'm a convert. They look professional enough for uniform on the ambulance and are stupid stretchy. Waist is a little smaller than expected but makes them fit better actually since I always have to size up to have room for my ass and thighs. I'll be ordering a few more pairs for work asap. Looks like I'll be asking Santa for clothes.