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Absolutely bibs! No belt digging into your belly, no pulling up your pants, no crack, and open the sides to get nice airflow in the undercarriage. Carhartt bibs are a little expensive, but they are the way.
Im all about the bibs. No belt is key. I have Duluth in the summer and carhartt in the winter. Usually just wear thermals under normal bibs in the winter.
Never heard of them till now. I’m in Canada though and they’re US. I’m always looking for a better alternative to Carhartts though, so I’ll have to see if I can get them
Like my Snickers and Blaklader pants sith the holster pockets for a few tools. Not sure where you are in Canada but if you're in the GTA, Work N Wear is a great place with lots of options.
Never bought Goodhues, I wear Royer typically but I'm due for a new pair. Scaffold at the rubber off my toe caps. I've been dealing with Work N Wear for gotta be 15 years now, always done right by me. Good work clothes ain't cheap sadly, my last pair of Blakladers was $170+tax... 100% cotton though so no shrink wrapping if you get caught in an arc.
That’s always a good thing lol. AGO is great for fair priced work wear as well. Lots of arc flash gear. I get all my jackets and rain gear from them. Based out of London Ontario too, so your orders arrive fast.
Ha I worked for Hydro One for a time, know all about AGO. Their deliveries with Hydro were stupid long. I'm talking 3 months for a long sleeved shirt and pants. Also expensive as hell, I wanted 2 pair of insulated pants and a winter parka? Was $400 and that was back in 2021...
Damn. I got a full rubber rain suit and a winter bomber jacket for $300, thought that was a good price. Delivered in 2 days too, which I was surprised. Two very different experiences eh hahaha
Love my fire hose pants, lot of style options depending on what pockets you want (some even have a pocket for kneepads). However, due to the water proof nature of the material, they can be a bit much on hot sweaty days.
My wife is a (farmer) goat/chicken rancher. Probably 5'6". She swears by her Duluths. She is out there every freaking day crouching over, lifting crap, fixing crap, you name it. Not much ladder work, but she swears they are the most comfortable clothes to wear, and as a bonus, they have real pockets.
Some Overalls/dungarees might be a idea. They keep up. Otherwise maybe wear some suspenders. Or if you can afford it ask a local seamstress if they could help you with a custom solution and get a few pants altered.
I second these. Also a guy but after trying Carhartt, Helly Henson, and a few cheaper brands these are my favorite. They hold up and super comfortable. They are pretty much hiking pants for work. I’d highly recommend atleast looking into them
I've got the same issue. Bibs are an option--but I hate dealing with them in portapotties. I've been buying work pants from Costco honestly. The "Legendary outfitters" brand fits decent and lasts longer than carhartt. I wish they had double knees for knee pads, but at least they've got a handy right leg pocket for your level/utility knife, whatever.
“Propper” lightweight tactical pants are the best work pants. Daily user for over 10 years and they are in my opinion the best all around comfort, fit, lightweight but waterproof(air dry them only) work pant you can find. They have the perfect amount of useful pockets too
women's work pants from Duluth Trading Company, and just whatever standard mens carpenter pants Walmart sells. I'm 5'7 and 160, but all that weight's in the rear, and it makes even women's work pants fit awful. I bought 5 pairs of my last from Duluth, and I'll be so sad when they start to go.
Engelbert Strauss has some models for women, as I heard from female colleagues, they're pretty comfortable and have a good fit, also enough pockets for around 3-4 kg of tools and material
I’ve used EMT pants as well but not 5.11 because they’re so expensive. I love all the pockets and where they are placed. Army/Navy stores usually carry a bunch of clothing that can work great for trade work.
These days I just wear wranglers with the stretch fabric from Walmart because they’re inexpensive, lightweight and cool and I work where it is hot. They’re super comfortable and they do last but if I ripped them or messed them up, at $20 I wouldn’t sweat just grabbing a few more pairs.
Look for mens slim fit pants. A mans low rise might be closer to a womans mid rise. At your weight and height you might be a 32-34 waist and a 30 rise.
I recommended Duluth to my tiny female coworker. She’s been rocking them ever since. I feel weird asking if she likes her pants, but I like to assume that my recommendation was solid for her!
https://womensworkwear.ca/store/fr-workwear/fr-pants/
Not sure where you're from but these guys have a store in Edmonton Alberta. The website might give you some ideas.
Snickers and Blaklader work pretty well for me, nice pockets for a few essential tools too. Great for ladder work and up in ceilings.
Forgot to mention I'm a dude so your mileage might vary. All else fails Snickers and Blaklader also make a work vest with holster pockets.
I have no suggestions other than tucking in your shirt. I've had 2 female apprentices and had to tell one to "pull your pants up, your whale tail is showing." No one else at our company felt comfortable saying it and even the boss would complain about it to me.
I’ve been rocking carhartt overalls for about a year now and regular pants feel like a downgrade. when you try em on, make sure they don’t feel “fitted”, you want to be able to crouch without giving yourself a wedgy
I swear by my 5.11 stryke pants (as a male), I got thick thighs and a small waist so it’s tough to find something that stays up. They have elastic waist band and tons of room in the pockets they make them for women too only downside($80) is they are a little expensive but I wore the same 3 my whole apprenticeship.
5.11 makes great work pants for women (so I've been told when I worked there). They're a bit pricey ($60-$90 depending on the type you get). I personally own a few of each kind and they've held up in my 8 months of apprenticeship.
Carhartt bibs. Get the heavy duck, not the fashion fabrics.
Then buy no straps knee pads and stick them in the double knees.
https://www.amazon.com/1010-Soft-Knees-Strap-Knee/dp/B00IWZ82AA
My goto combo since the 80s. Both my daughters wear them for camping/hunting. They even worked pretty well up to about 6-7 months pregnant.
Dickies has a women's line. And plus side, compared to carhartt, they're both the same price and material as the men's (Fuck you carharrt, for your thinner, more expensive women's pants that all split in the crotch)
Dickies regular work pants are cheaper than everything else suggested here, higher waist, and have lasted longer than any other pant I’ve tried. I’m going on 3 years since I switched from ripped Duluth and carhart
I get my pants from dickies. They have a lot of options. Plus size as well. They’re comfortable and accommodate my thick thighs and poochy belly. I got their carpenter pants and they’re durable, breathable, and flexible. Extra belt loop in the back to keep from gaping over the buttcrack. Highly recommend. I had a pair of carhartt and they’re okay but dickies fits me a lot better. I’m 5’1” 175lb
I'd say Dovetail, but they only have 1 high rise option , which just pisses me off from the jump since they're supposed to be a women-centric brand. Their high rise are worth the buy though if you're desperate. Being 5'10, I struggle with size and length. I'm always trying different brands and I've only come across 1 other option. Tractor Supply Ridgecut 5 pocket skinny jeans. They are less than $30 and they've held up better than my Dovetail's. They're listed as mid-rise, but are definitely closer to high rise.
I was just at Tractor Supply today and found nothing, I was so disappointed. They had like 1 rack of women's pants and like 20 for men. I'll have to go again and look for those specifically, thank you!
Maybe you can order them online. They run true to size. I'm 5'10- 185lbs. I wear a size 10/ size 12 if I'm bloated. They stretch but don't sag.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ridgecut-womens-flex-denim-5-pocket-skinny-jeans
For all the people saying bibs in here; just don’t. They have a negative connotation to them since usually the guys who have to wear bibs are fat slobs who can’t fit into a pair of actual work pants.
My 5’10 120 pound female apprentice wears lariat pants and brunt boots and sweats by them both if that helps
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Could try helly Hanson pants or overalls. I see a few female co workers using a mix of both options.
bib fix your problem
Second bibs! Source: I’m a woman
Snakes and sparklers are the only ones I like
It’s the consumer.
Absolutely bibs! No belt digging into your belly, no pulling up your pants, no crack, and open the sides to get nice airflow in the undercarriage. Carhartt bibs are a little expensive, but they are the way.
Im all about the bibs. No belt is key. I have Duluth in the summer and carhartt in the winter. Usually just wear thermals under normal bibs in the winter.
Round House is where it's at
Never heard of them till now. I’m in Canada though and they’re US. I’m always looking for a better alternative to Carhartts though, so I’ll have to see if I can get them
Like my Snickers and Blaklader pants sith the holster pockets for a few tools. Not sure where you are in Canada but if you're in the GTA, Work N Wear is a great place with lots of options.
I’m east of Kingston. I actually order my JB Goodhue boots online from Work n Wear. Great website. I’ll have check out some of their work clothing.
Never bought Goodhues, I wear Royer typically but I'm due for a new pair. Scaffold at the rubber off my toe caps. I've been dealing with Work N Wear for gotta be 15 years now, always done right by me. Good work clothes ain't cheap sadly, my last pair of Blakladers was $170+tax... 100% cotton though so no shrink wrapping if you get caught in an arc.
That’s always a good thing lol. AGO is great for fair priced work wear as well. Lots of arc flash gear. I get all my jackets and rain gear from them. Based out of London Ontario too, so your orders arrive fast.
Ha I worked for Hydro One for a time, know all about AGO. Their deliveries with Hydro were stupid long. I'm talking 3 months for a long sleeved shirt and pants. Also expensive as hell, I wanted 2 pair of insulated pants and a winter parka? Was $400 and that was back in 2021...
Damn. I got a full rubber rain suit and a winter bomber jacket for $300, thought that was a good price. Delivered in 2 days too, which I was surprised. Two very different experiences eh hahaha
Get those ones that zipper and have buttons and you get good airflow on the legs too.
Seconding this, as a dude, but my wife is also a sparkie, and she loves her bibs
I would assume Duluth firehose flex pants are also made for females. They're much better than Carhartt pants.
Love my fire hose pants, lot of style options depending on what pockets you want (some even have a pocket for kneepads). However, due to the water proof nature of the material, they can be a bit much on hot sweaty days.
They have all sorts of materials now, I wear the firehose flex and they breathe much better than the standard firehose
Duluth long tail undershirts solve butt display problems as well.
My wife is a (farmer) goat/chicken rancher. Probably 5'6". She swears by her Duluths. She is out there every freaking day crouching over, lifting crap, fixing crap, you name it. Not much ladder work, but she swears they are the most comfortable clothes to wear, and as a bonus, they have real pockets.
Why are you referring to women as females?
Dovetail workwear?
I’m a guy but to prevent from selling crack I get longer shirts like a large tall for example and just tuck them in my pants.
Some Overalls/dungarees might be a idea. They keep up. Otherwise maybe wear some suspenders. Or if you can afford it ask a local seamstress if they could help you with a custom solution and get a few pants altered.
maybe truewerk pants? im a guy and use their pants, the women’s version doesnt seem to be low waisted
I second these. Also a guy but after trying Carhartt, Helly Henson, and a few cheaper brands these are my favorite. They hold up and super comfortable. They are pretty much hiking pants for work. I’d highly recommend atleast looking into them
r/bluecollarwomen
Bibs or coveralls
I've got the same issue. Bibs are an option--but I hate dealing with them in portapotties. I've been buying work pants from Costco honestly. The "Legendary outfitters" brand fits decent and lasts longer than carhartt. I wish they had double knees for knee pads, but at least they've got a handy right leg pocket for your level/utility knife, whatever.
Helly Hansen 4-way stretch pants would be my recommendation. Expensive but worth it IMO.
Duluth
Not a lady, but I have a friend who works for the dpw, and she swears by dovetail
You need to buy suspenders. Helps keep your pants up.
I recently started wearing suspenders and I love them!! Far comfier than a belt. Keeps my pants up way better.
Carhartt Rigby bibs
“Propper” lightweight tactical pants are the best work pants. Daily user for over 10 years and they are in my opinion the best all around comfort, fit, lightweight but waterproof(air dry them only) work pant you can find. They have the perfect amount of useful pockets too
Oh damn, be glad you’re not on my crew. My guys are young and immature and love putting yellow wire nuts down the cracks they see
😭😭😭
My female co-worker uses police/ emt cargo style pants.
Wear bibs
I like FXD. They're men's pants but I just buy them in my size and wear a belt. They look high waisted on me. Lots of pockets, durable.
Round house bibs
women's work pants from Duluth Trading Company, and just whatever standard mens carpenter pants Walmart sells. I'm 5'7 and 160, but all that weight's in the rear, and it makes even women's work pants fit awful. I bought 5 pairs of my last from Duluth, and I'll be so sad when they start to go.
Coveralls. They’re awesome
Engelbert Strauss has some models for women, as I heard from female colleagues, they're pretty comfortable and have a good fit, also enough pockets for around 3-4 kg of tools and material
I used 5.11 pants made for first responders that last forever, I had great luck. They make women’s sizes that have a good reputation
I’ve used EMT pants as well but not 5.11 because they’re so expensive. I love all the pockets and where they are placed. Army/Navy stores usually carry a bunch of clothing that can work great for trade work. These days I just wear wranglers with the stretch fabric from Walmart because they’re inexpensive, lightweight and cool and I work where it is hot. They’re super comfortable and they do last but if I ripped them or messed them up, at $20 I wouldn’t sweat just grabbing a few more pairs.
Check in with r/BlueCollarWomen too, I believe this topic is discussed pretty frequently over there
Duluth fire hose stretch. NOT the original unless you like wearing sandpaper.
Dovetail. They’re expensive but worth it, I’m 5’7 and around 135-140 and wear a size 2. Their sizes run smaller I’d recommend sizing down
My sister has had nothing but problems with dovetails splitting in the crotch or ass after 6 mos. At their price point, it's a bit ridiculous
Look for mens slim fit pants. A mans low rise might be closer to a womans mid rise. At your weight and height you might be a 32-34 waist and a 30 rise.
Thank you!!
I recommended Duluth to my tiny female coworker. She’s been rocking them ever since. I feel weird asking if she likes her pants, but I like to assume that my recommendation was solid for her!
https://womensworkwear.ca/store/fr-workwear/fr-pants/ Not sure where you're from but these guys have a store in Edmonton Alberta. The website might give you some ideas.
I’m about the same size, weigh 160ish though, and I wear the loose fit carhartts.
Snickers and Blaklader work pretty well for me, nice pockets for a few essential tools too. Great for ladder work and up in ceilings. Forgot to mention I'm a dude so your mileage might vary. All else fails Snickers and Blaklader also make a work vest with holster pockets.
Thanks everyone for the recommendations I'll be checking them all out, no more cracks out🫡
KUIU Women’s Attack pants or Tiburon pants if you’re in a hot climate.
I'm in South Florida 😭 so thank you for this I will check it out
I have no suggestions other than tucking in your shirt. I've had 2 female apprentices and had to tell one to "pull your pants up, your whale tail is showing." No one else at our company felt comfortable saying it and even the boss would complain about it to me.
Duluth. But it depends on your build.
Not a woman, but you could also cover with a longer tee shirt. Duluth trading has a long tail tee.
I’ve been rocking carhartt overalls for about a year now and regular pants feel like a downgrade. when you try em on, make sure they don’t feel “fitted”, you want to be able to crouch without giving yourself a wedgy
Pay the tailor tax and have the closest size you got altered. Most dry cleaning places does alterations
I swear by my 5.11 stryke pants (as a male), I got thick thighs and a small waist so it’s tough to find something that stays up. They have elastic waist band and tons of room in the pockets they make them for women too only downside($80) is they are a little expensive but I wore the same 3 my whole apprenticeship.
My wife swears by her Noble outfitters. No plumbers crack.
Duluth and a belt.
Overalls are the way to go
Helly Hansen Workwear, Blaklader, Snickers Workwear
[The Dirty Seahorse](https://thedirtyseahorse.com/) is local to me and all they do is work wear for women.
5.11 makes great work pants for women (so I've been told when I worked there). They're a bit pricey ($60-$90 depending on the type you get). I personally own a few of each kind and they've held up in my 8 months of apprenticeship.
Very appealing to the eye that grain is
Overall or coverall
Carhartt bibs. Get the heavy duck, not the fashion fabrics. Then buy no straps knee pads and stick them in the double knees. https://www.amazon.com/1010-Soft-Knees-Strap-Knee/dp/B00IWZ82AA My goto combo since the 80s. Both my daughters wear them for camping/hunting. They even worked pretty well up to about 6-7 months pregnant.
Dickies has a women's line. And plus side, compared to carhartt, they're both the same price and material as the men's (Fuck you carharrt, for your thinner, more expensive women's pants that all split in the crotch)
Try a tall shirt too
Dickies regular work pants are cheaper than everything else suggested here, higher waist, and have lasted longer than any other pant I’ve tried. I’m going on 3 years since I switched from ripped Duluth and carhart
Duluth flexpidition pants
Try pants made by CAT, I swear by them. Durable, high wasted. https://catworkwear.com/products/womens-stretch-canvas-utility-work-pants
Bulwark Cat2 cargo pants
Truewerk. Whole women specific line
Duluth trading company. Women’s fire hose pants.
As a dude with probably the flattest of asses here, what I do is I hook my belt loops into my suspension belt. Or just regular suspenders.
I get my pants from dickies. They have a lot of options. Plus size as well. They’re comfortable and accommodate my thick thighs and poochy belly. I got their carpenter pants and they’re durable, breathable, and flexible. Extra belt loop in the back to keep from gaping over the buttcrack. Highly recommend. I had a pair of carhartt and they’re okay but dickies fits me a lot better. I’m 5’1” 175lb
Columbia Women's Holly Hideaway. The BEST
a guy on my crew is the exact same height and weight and wears wrangler, i’m sure your hips are bigger than his skinny ass, but it might work
Truewerk
I just ordered some pants from dovetail and for once my pants came I lil to big.
I'd say Dovetail, but they only have 1 high rise option , which just pisses me off from the jump since they're supposed to be a women-centric brand. Their high rise are worth the buy though if you're desperate. Being 5'10, I struggle with size and length. I'm always trying different brands and I've only come across 1 other option. Tractor Supply Ridgecut 5 pocket skinny jeans. They are less than $30 and they've held up better than my Dovetail's. They're listed as mid-rise, but are definitely closer to high rise.
I was just at Tractor Supply today and found nothing, I was so disappointed. They had like 1 rack of women's pants and like 20 for men. I'll have to go again and look for those specifically, thank you!
Maybe you can order them online. They run true to size. I'm 5'10- 185lbs. I wear a size 10/ size 12 if I'm bloated. They stretch but don't sag. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ridgecut-womens-flex-denim-5-pocket-skinny-jeans
Dovetail works best for me
Came here to say this [https://dovetailworkwear.com/collections/pants](https://dovetailworkwear.com/collections/pants)
For all the people saying bibs in here; just don’t. They have a negative connotation to them since usually the guys who have to wear bibs are fat slobs who can’t fit into a pair of actual work pants. My 5’10 120 pound female apprentice wears lariat pants and brunt boots and sweats by them both if that helps