Carhartt work trousers

Pre-owned Carhartt work trousers in duck canvas, denim and cotton twill, from double-knee and carpenter trousers to cargo styles.

Double knee, carpenter and cargo

Double-knee trousers have a second layer of heavy fabric over the front of the knees. Carhartt calls this construction double front, as on its B01 dungaree. Carpenter trousers have a hammer loop and narrow tool pockets on the leg, and cargo trousers have patch or flap pockets on the thigh. Straight-leg work trousers keep the utility pockets without the extra layer.

Duck canvas is stiff when new and softens with wear, and denim fades at the knees and along the seams. Marks of earlier use, such as paint marks or worn hems, are stated in the condition description of each pair.

Size and measurements

Carhartt sizes its trousers in inches as waist by inseam, written as 34x30 in the title. The work trousers are cut with room through the seat and thigh, to move and kneel in. The waist is stated as that flat width: a pair sized 40x32 in the title has a full waist of 40 inches and measures 20 inches flat. The method is explained in the guide to measuring pit to pit.

Carhartt or Carhartt WIP

Carhartt WIP, the separate European company that makes clothing under the Carhartt name under licence, also makes double-knee and carpenter trousers. On a Carhartt WIP label, Carhartt WIP is written out in full. Those trousers are on the Carhartt WIP page.

The full range is on the Carhartt page, with separate pages for Carhartt jackets and Carhartt T-shirts and for men and women. The guide to workwear fabrics explains canvas, twill and denim, and the complete guide to workwear covers work clothing more broadly.

Frequently asked questions

What are double-knee trousers?

Double-knee trousers are work trousers with a second layer of fabric over the front of the knees. Carhartt calls this construction double front.

What is the difference between carpenter and cargo trousers?

Carpenter trousers have a hammer loop and narrow tool pockets on the side of the leg. Cargo trousers have larger patch or flap pockets on the thigh.

How do Carhartt work trousers fit?

Carhartt work trousers are cut with room through the seat and thigh. The four measurements of each pair are a better guide than the size on the label.

Can Carhartt trousers be washed?

The care label inside the trousers gives the instructions for that pair. Cotton canvas and denim are best washed cold and air dried, because tumble drying is the biggest single cause of shrinkage in cotton.