29 OCTOBER 2024

Practical advice & expertise

CHOOSING YOUR WORK TROUSERS

Choosing work trousers is an essential step for professionals who want to combine comfort, safety and durability in their day-to-day work. A good pair of work trousers should be suitable for your job, offer an adequate level of protection and withstand the most demanding conditions. This guide will help you to understand the criteria to consider when choosing the ideal pair of work trousers, the different types available on the market, and the materials, technologies and standards used to offer maximum protection and comfort.

Criteria to consider when choosing work trousers

Type of professional activity

The first criterion for choosing work trousers is the nature of your professional activity. Craftsmen, electricians, gardeners, and construction workers have different needs in terms of protection and functionality. Jobs involving mechanical risks (cuts, punctures) require hard-wearing trousers, while those exposed to electrical risks will need insulating models, for example. The degree of mobility required is also an important factor. If your work involves frequent movement, climbing or crouching, opt for trousers that offer great freedom of movement and good ergonomics.

The level of protection

The level of protection is also a fundamental criterion when choosing your work trousers. Work trousers can incorporate reinforced knee, thigh, or hip protectors to prevent injury in the event of a fall or contact with sharp objects. Some models are flame-retardant to withstand high temperatures, while others offer chemical resistance or electrical insulation. The choice of level of protection depends on the specific risks associated with your working environment.

Durability and resistance of work trousers

Durability and strength are key to ensuring that your trousers can withstand everyday wear and tear. Work trousers should be made from robust materials. Not only do these materials provide greater resistance to abrasion and tearing, but they also last longer despite frequent washing and harsh conditions. Choosing durable trousers means better long-term profitability.

The different types of work trousers

Classic work trousers

Advantages and disadvantages

Classic work trousers are often considered the basic solution for many trades. They are generally simple, lightweight and designed for activities where the level of risk is moderate. Advantages include affordability, acceptable comfort and a fit that allows good freedom of movement. However, its drawbacks include a limited level of protection, particularly against more serious risks such as punctures or chemicals, and durability that may be less than that of reinforced models.

Recommended uses

Classic work trousers are recommended for jobs where the risk of injury is low. They are ideal for workers in clean environments such as workshops, warehouses or logistics activities. They are also popular for jobs requiring less physical effort or less exposure to external hazards, such as maintenance workers or industrial office staff.

Parade has two models in this category;

Firstly, the BOGOTA work trousers. Available in 3 colours (blue, khaki and mustard), these lightweight trousers are ideal for a professional and casual mid-season look. With their impeccable fit and beautiful finish, BOGOTA are versatile trousers: they'll take you to your client meetings, to building sites and around town! They fit close to the body in a fabric that's light, robust and stretchy. As work trousers above all, BOGOTA lets you keep all your tools close to hand thanks to its various pockets.

Let us introduce you to the BENAC trousers, our heavy-duty work trousers. Available in sizes 38 to 52, they have been designed to fit both men and women. Their straight, slightly fitted cut and mid-rise waistband with integrated elasticated sides suit all body shapes.

Made from stretch fabric with double stitching at the crotch, the trousers are comfortable to wear and hard-wearing. The practical stretch cotton fabric can be machine-washed at 60°C. Modern and comfortable, the mixed BENAC trousers are suitable for all professional sectors and can be combined with all our PARADE tops.

Reinforced work trousers

Advantages and disadvantages

Reinforced work trousers feature additional areas of reinforcement, often in the knees, hips and thighs, where wear and tear is most common. The main benefit is, of course, increased protection and durability. As well as resisting tears and abrasions, they can incorporate specific protection features such as knee-pad pockets. Note that if the trousers are standardised with knee-pad pockets, then they are no longer work trousers but protective trousers (PPE).

However, these trousers are generally heavier and can be less comfortable, especially in hot conditions. They are also more expensive than conventional models.

Recommended uses

These trousers are ideal for professionals in demanding manual jobs, such as construction workers, carpenters, plumbers or tilers. They are particularly suited to environments where the risk of injury is high, and where repeated movements, such as kneeling or squatting, are frequent. Reinforced trousers are therefore ideal for construction sites or outdoor work in difficult conditions.

BAYAC DENIM

BAYAC DENIM work jeans are designed for both men and women, and for small and large sizes. The unisex work trousers have a regular fit and come in sizes 36 to 52. The mid-rise waistband adjusts to the wearer's body shape thanks to side elastic bands. With BAYAC DENIM, PARADE goes even further! We've developed BE-EXTEND technology: easily adjustable hems. The first orange thread lengthens the leg by 2 cm. A second extends the leg by a further 1.5 cm.

BAYAC DENIM is made mainly from organic cotton, which is robust and supple. It has a YKK zip fastening and double stitching on the front and back for added durability.

And let's not forget its practicality, with easy-care 60°C fabric and a total of 6 pockets.

Parade's BAJARO trousers are made entirely from Ripstop fabric with double stitching at the crotch and back. BAJARO is ultra-resistant to abrasion and tears, and protects you from the elements, while remaining lightweight. Ideal for men and women working in construction and landscaping!

With multiple pockets, you'll always have your equipment to hand. Maximum comfort is guaranteed thanks to its ergonomic design with integrated elasticated waistband, comfort seams at the knees and PARADE High Waistband technology that covers the lower back perfectly in all postures.

Multi-pocket work trousers

Advantages and disadvantages

Multi-pocket work trousers offer a highly functional solution for those who need to carry several tools or pieces of equipment. The many pockets mean that tools such as screwdrivers, tape measures and screws can be kept close to hand. The main advantage is its practicality, making it easy to access tools without having to carry a tool belt. However, the multitude of pockets can also make the trousers bulkier and sometimes uncomfortable, especially when overloaded. They may also be less suitable for high-risk environments, as tools can get in the way if you move suddenly.

Recommended uses

Multi-pocket trousers are particularly popular with tradespeople who frequently use small tools or accessories, such as electricians, plumbers and maintenance technicians. They are also practical for professionals who work on building sites or in confined spaces where carrying a toolbox can be complicated. However, it is preferable to use it in environments where the need for maximum protection is less, because the priority here is functionality.

BRAKEL NEW

The BRAKEL NEW trousers are robust, warm and flexible. They are made from a thick, but not stiff, fabric with a brushed interior, stretch inserts and carefully placed abrasion-resistant reinforcements. Compliant with NF EN 14404 + A1 Category II, it also has 2 Velcro pockets on the knees for ANKARO-standard protective plates. BRAKEL NEW has a straight cut that can be adjusted at the waist using side velcro fasteners. It features PARADE Waistband technology to protect your lower back from cold and draughts.

Designed to accompany you on all your worksites, the BRAKEL NEW protective trousers have plenty of storage space, with no fewer than ten pockets, a hammer strap, a key ring and a ruler pocket. So as well as being reinforced work trousers, BRAKEL NEW also has the advantage of being multi-pocketed, with pockets designed to adapt to the wearer's every movement without creating any discomfort, so it's the garment that adapts to the wearer's needs and not the other way round.

Our protective jogging suit

With a slim fit in sizes 36 to 52, the BELIZE NEW jogging suit is perfect for both men and women. Made from thick, extra-soft brushed fleece and fitted with a wide elasticated waistband that can be adjusted with a drawcord, they guarantee absolute comfort at work and in everyday life.

A special feature is the EN 14404-standard kneepad pockets. Add ANKARO protective plates and turn your work jogging into protective jogging that complies with standard NF EN 14404 + A1 Category II. Belize New has double stitching on the fork and back, and water-repellent nylon abrasion-resistant reinforcements on the knees, pockets and waist for extra durability.

As practical as traditional work trousers, the BELIZE NEW protective jogging suit is also carefully designed for practicality, with multi-pockets and other options.

Materials and technologies used in work trousers

Resistant materials

Our work trousers are made from materials chosen for their strength and durability. Among the most common is polyamide (also known as nylon®), which offers a good compromise between abrasion resistance and comfort. Polyester is also widely used for its thinness, strength and quick-drying properties.

At Parade, we have developed BE-RESIST technology on some of our trousers to increase protection against cuts and chafing in high-risk areas (knees, thighs). This technology makes the fabric highly resistant to tearing and wear. The reinforcement threads are woven with a Ripstop grid structure.

The choice of materials coupled with the weaving technology means they can withstand the toughest conditions, guaranteeing long life, even under intensive use.

Finally, some models can include elastane in the fabric to provide comfort and freedom of movement, this is our BE-STRETCH technology indicated by this picto :

At Parade, we have also developed BE-EXTEND technology. BE-EXTEND is a trouser hem that can be adjusted to 3 levels of length, allowing users to gain up to 3.5cm extra to adapt to their morphology (initial length, +2cm and +1.5cm extra).

Technological advances have made it possible to develop work trousers that are increasingly functional and protective for their wearers. Among the most common technologies are integrated knee-pad pockets. These pockets allow the insertion of additional knee protection, ideal for professionals who spend a lot of time on their knees, such as tilers or gardeners.

At Parade, we have work trousers with inserts for knee pads: BELIZE, BOMBAY, BRAKEL, BENXI, BATURA, BOREAL. At PARADE we also have CE EN 14404 approved knee pads such as AKABA or ANKARO.

Work trousers can also be treated with specific finishes, such as water-repellent coatings or anti-stain treatments, which allow you to work in dirty environments without damaging the fabric. Others incorporate reflective strips to improve visibility in low-light environments, which is particularly useful for night workers or those working on road sites.

Our advices for looking after your work trousers

Taking care of your work trousers is crucial to extending their life and maintaining their protective properties. Here are a few practical tips for looking after your work trousers:

- Wash at the right temperature: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing your trousers. Washing at high temperatures can alter the properties of materials, especially those treated with special finishes (water-repellent, stain-resistant). It is often recommended to wash work trousers at a temperature of 30 to 40°C.

- Separating garments: When washing, avoid mixing your work trousers with delicate or coloured garments. Rubbing rough fabrics such as Cordura or Kevlar could damage more delicate garments.

- Natural drying: Whenever possible, air dry rather than tumble dry. Machine drying can affect the strength of the fibres, particularly for trousers with stretch components or waterproof membranes. If you use a tumble dryer, opt for a low temperature.

Finally, if your trousers are showing signs of wear (loose seams, tears), it's best to repair them quickly. This will prevent the damage from getting worse and reduce the risk of accidents caused by poor protection.

By following these tips, you'll optimise the durability and performance of your work trousers, while ensuring your safety in the best possible conditions. For more advice on workwear care, read our dedicated article.

Choosing the right pair of work trousers is an investment that shouldn't be overlooked. Whether you opt for a classic, reinforced or multi-pocket model, it's essential to choose trousers that suit your activity, offer the right level of protection and are hard-wearing enough to last over time.