Stretch work jeans make it much more comfortable to bend and crouch on the job. All of the jeans below are flexible work jeans, but you’ll need to decide if you want a carpenter style, double-front style, or traditional style pair of work jeans.
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These are our choices for best flex work jeans:
- Carhartt Men’s Rugged Flex Relaxed Straight Leg Jean (click here to view)
- Dickies Men’s Relaxed-Fit Flex Performance Carpenter Jean (click here to view)
- Carhartt Men’s Rugged Flex Double-Front Utility Jean (click here to view)
- Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Men’s Carpenter Jeans (click here to view)
- Duluth Trading Co. Men’s 40 Grit Flex Carpenter Jeans (click here to view)
- *Big & Tall* Wrangler Relaxed Fit Stretch Jeans (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Carhartt Straight Fit Double Front Jeans (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Dickies Denim Straight Flex Carpenter Pant (click here to view)
The Carhartt jeans at the top of our list have a traditional five-pocket design without utility pockets or a hammer loop down the leg. These jeans can transition easily from on to off the clock.
Most double-knee jeans are built to take on knee pad inserts. If you prefer to wear knee pad inserts, just be sure that the double front jeans are compatible with the size of knee pad you prefer.
In this article let’s take a closer look at the best stretch work jeans on this list so you can find an option that works for you. Let’s also discuss a few things you will want to consider when buying flexible work jeans, and other ways to add comfort (like a gusset).
Flexible Stretch Jeans for Work
Carhartt Men’s Rugged Flex Relaxed Straight Leg Jean
These Carhartt jeans are basic work jeans. They are not carpenter design and they do not have double-knees. If you prefer carpenter or double-knee jeans, we cover those later in the article.
Here’s what these Carhartt flex work jeans look like:
This is the current price of these Carhartt work jeans available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these jeans:
- Material – This mid-weight jean keeps you moving with total ease. Constructed of durable, 12-ounce 85% cotton/14% polyester/1% spandex abrasion-resistant denim, the Rugged Flex® stretch technology keeps you comfortable on a double shift or on a night out with friends.
- Pockets – Five-pocket styling with large rear patch pockets provides ample storage to whatever you need to keep within close reach. These jeans do not have utility pockets or a tool loop.
- Fit – A relaxed fit with an extra-roomy seat and thigh ensures all-day comfort. The straight leg gives the jean a classic look.
Click here to buy these Carhartt flexible work jeans available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These jeans are machine washable.
Dickies Men’s Relaxed-Fit Flex Performance Carpenter Jean
Dickies is well-known for making budget-friendly workwear. If you are looking for stretch carpenter jeans, these will be a great option.
Here’s what these Dickies Men’s Relaxed-Fit Flex Performance Carpenter Jean look like:
This is the current price of these Dickies stretch work jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these jeans:
- Material – Featuring Dickies TOUGH MAX™ technology, this 11.5-ounce, 63% cotton/35% polyester/2% lycra jean is abrasion resistant and twice as tough and longer lasting than cotton denim.
- Pockets – Classic five-pocket styling with large rear patch pockets means there is plenty of room for all your worksite essentials. Traditional carpenter details include a left-leg hammer loop.
- Fit – This relaxed-fit jean sits slightly below the natural waist and is generously cut throughout the seat and thigh. The straight leg offers a 20” opening, ideal for accommodating your favorite work boots.
Click here to buy these Dickies flexible work jeans available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These jeans are machine washable.
Carhartt Men’s Rugged Flex Double-Front Utility Jean
If you are looking for a pair of stretch fabric work jeans that have a double knee, Carhartt has a great option for you. Here’s what these Carhartt Men’s Rugged Flex Relaxed Double Front Work Jeans look like:
This is the current price of these Carhartt flex work jeans available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these jeans:
- Stretch Material – These jeans are made with a 12-ounce denim fabric blend that gives these jeans some flexibility, allowing for increased range of motion.
- Double Knee – The double-front legs have cleanout openings that easily have room for knee pads.
- Pockets – Storage options abound with multiple tool and utility pockets in addition to the standard front and back pockets.
- Fit – Whether you’re standing or squatting, you’ll do it in complete comfort. The relaxed fit offers a spacious seat and thigh with a straight leg opening.
Click here to buy these Carhartt flex work jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These jeans are machine washable.
Other Stretch Work Jeans to Consider
- Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Men’s Carpenter Jeans – These Signature Carpenter Jeans are another nice option to consider if you are looking for flexible carpenter jeans. These jeans have a relaxed fit that won’t hug tight against your legs. Dual utility pockets on right leg, hammer loop on left leg. Cotton/elastane stretch blend. Click here to view these work jeans at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- *Big & Tall* Wrangler Relaxed Fit Stretch Jeans – If you are looking for work jeans in extended sizing, these Wrangler relaxed fit jeans are offered up to a size 66 waist in certain styles. These jeans have classic five-pocket styling and are made to fit over boots. Click here to view these big and tall stretch work jeans (affiliate link takes you to kingsize.com).
- *Women’s* Carhartt Straight Fit Double Front Jeans – These Carhartt women’s work jeans have a straight, flexible design. Double front knee reinforcement can handle knee pad inserts. Made with a 10.5-ounce cotton/poly/spandex fabric blend. Higher rise in back for extra coverage. Click here to view these Carhartt women’s stretch work jeans available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
4 Things to Consider When Buying Stretch Work Jeans
Knee Pads
Do you need work pants with knee pads?
Many jeans with reinforced knees will be compatible with knee pad inserts. There will be a small opening at the bottom of the double knee where you can insert your knee pad.
You will, of course, want to make sure that the opening is compatible with whatever inserts you plan to use. Most knee pad inserts will fit just fine, but it may be worth double checking.
Design
Our list contains a wide variety of jean styles. The Carhartt jeans at the top of our list do not have utility pockets or a tool loop. If you need utility pockets and tool loops you will want to stick with a carpenter style jean.
You’ll also want to consider the leg opening. Most work jeans have leg openings that are compatible with work boots, but there can be exceptions. To read more, visit our article about the best jeans for work boots.
You will also want to consider the type of stretch these jeans have (what are flex jeans?). Most types of stretch work jeans are made with a 2-way stretch material designed to stretch left and right. But there are also 4-way stretch jeans on the market that stretch and recover in all four directions. To read more, visit our article: What are 4 way stretch jeans?
Made in USA
Do you prefer work jeans made in the USA? If so, there are three companies I’d recommend your consider: Round House jeans, Diamond Gusset jeans, and Ciano Farmer Denim Co. jeans.
Gusset
A crotch gusset is a piece of material sewn into the crotch to create extra space for you to comfortably bend, kneel, and crouch while you work. If you prefer a relaxed fit, a crotch gusset is an additional way to provide space.
If you are interested in stretch work jeans that have a crotch gusset, visit our article about the best gusseted crotch jeans.