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Few pieces tend to work as hard as workwear pants in summer. Originally made for workers enduring manual labor tasks like carpentry or coal mining, the workwear style has blossomed into a design classic that brands have been leaning on for decades.

Legacy workwear brands like Stan Ray and Dickies have championed the industry since their inception, providing sturdy and dependable pants that can handle the most heavy-duty tasks. Carhartt and its streetwear-focused WIP division is arguably the biggest name amongst the rest, and has ventured into the skate scene as skaters often need reliable clothing to hold them down against the elements.

While cargo pants and more solid winter pants alternatives are perfect to tackle the cold months and outdoor activities, we believe workwear pants are the perfect summer alternative to jeans and chinos, and below we've brought you our selection of the best workwear (and workwear-inspired) pants from every walk of fashion — from the trusty icons right up to the designer iterations.

Plus, for a full workwear-inspired 'fit, be sure to check out our favorite chore coats.

Shop the best workwear pants for summer below.

Juun.J Cotton Work Trousers

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Juun.JWashed Cotton Work Trousers
$900
Buy at ssense

The fading throughout these gray pants creates marble-like pattern that adds to the practical comforts of the workwear staple a distinguishing design touch.

LEMAIRE Big Work Trousers

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LemaireBig Work Trousers
$890
Buy at ssense

There is a lightness to the look of these boxy slacks, even though they're made of a super sturdy, heavyweight cotton that'll withstand far more than your average white pants.

Carhartt WIP Cargo Pants

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Carhartt WIPRegular Cargo Pants
$145
Buy at ssense

Though in some ways the most obvious pick for a workwear-inspired outfit, these purple-leaning Carhartt WIP pants and their extra-durable ripstop fabric defy category conventions.

Story mfg. Lush Pants

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Story mfg.Lush Pants
$495
Buy at END.

Deemed Lush Pants, these billowing bottoms by Story mfg. create an exaggerated silhouette without

Dickies Double Knee Rec

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DickiesDouble Knee Work Pants Black
$64
Buy at Slam Jam IT

Dickies is one the best brands to ever grace the workwear genre. Adding these to your collection is a no-brainer, they're versatile enough for any outfit or errand.

Dickies Pleated Work Pants

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DickiesUnionville Pleated Work Pants
$95
Buy at END.

From a fashion pov, combining the tailoring of dress pants with the casual functionality of a cargo is nothing short of genius—and for the storied workwear experts of Dickies to dabble in such a fusion makes perfect sense, too.

Polar Skate Co. Striped Pants

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Polar Skate Co.Hickory Stripe '93! Work Pants
$145
Buy at END.

As its name suggests, the brand in question here specialize in skate boarding attire. Knowing that it's in the sport's nature to be rough on one's clothing, Polar Skate Co.'s borrowing of workwear textiles is as stylish as it is smart.

Stüssy Twill Trousers

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StüssyWorkgear Twill Trousers
$170
Buy at Slam Jam

Though they appear like a classy, unassuming chino, these twill-woven trousers are subtly but successfully apply the best bits of workwear to this everyday pair of pants.

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