Let’s be real. When the heat kicks up and you’ve still got hours of graft ahead, comfort isn’t just a bonus, it’s survival. And if there’s one bit of kit that makes or breaks your day when it’s warm? It’s your trousers.
You’re either sweating buckets by lunch or still moving easy by the end of the shift. It’s that simple.
These days, most workers are choosing between two main types — breathable work trousers and stretch work trousers. But which actually helps you stay cooler on the job? And which one’s just a buzzword?
We’ve worn both. Here’s what we reckon.
Breathable Trousers – Good in the Heat?
You know that feeling when your trousers stick to your legs halfway through the day? Breathable trousers help avoid that.
They’re made with lighter materials, usually some sort of poly-cotton mix, and some have vents or mesh bits that let a bit of air in. Not loads, but enough to feel a difference.
They dry quicker too. If you get caught in a summer downpour or you’re just sweating a lot, they don’t stay damp for hours like heavier trousers do.
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Lighter on the legs
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Quick to dry
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Not too clingy when you sweat
Stretch Trousers – Built to Move
These are the ones you want when your job’s full-on physical. Think sparks crawling under floorboards, roofers shifting gear up ladders, or anyone who doesn’t stay still for more than five minutes.
Stretch trousers move with you. They’ve got elastane or something similar in the mix, so instead of tugging or pinching when you bend, they just... flex. No fuss.
Some of the newer ones are lighter too. They’re not as airy as proper breathable trousers, but they’re not thick old canvas either.
Try these:
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DeWalt Harrison Stretch Holster Trousers – loads of pockets, good for daily site use
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Regatta 4Tex Stretch Holsters – lighter, comfy straight out the bag
Best bits:
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Move with you all day
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Less chance of rubbing or bunching
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Better fit, usually
What Keeps You Cooler?
Here’s the honest answer: it depends.
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If you’re outside in the heat all day, breathable trousers win. Hands down. The airflow helps.
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If your job’s all movement — up, down, kneeling, stretching — stretch trousers will probably feel cooler because they’re not fighting you every step.
And honestly? Most decent trousers now try to do both. Bit of flex, bit of airflow. It’s not either-or anymore.
What to Look For
You don’t need a checklist a mile long, but here’s what matters:
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Fabric: If it feels heavy or rough in your hand, it’s going to cook your legs by mid-morning.
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Fit: Too tight = no airflow. Too baggy = dragging on everything.
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Knee panels / holster pockets: Stretch helps if these areas are reinforced — you don’t want stiff knees all day.
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Price: Don’t go too cheap. The £25 pair might look decent, but they’ll cling, rip, or lose shape by Friday.
If you run hot or work in direct sun? Go for breathable trousers. They’ll feel lighter and dry out fast.
If you’re always moving, crawling, climbing, loading vans, stretch trousers will give you the freedom to do your job without thinking about your clothes.
Best bet? Try one of each. Or go for a pair that blends both. There’s loads of choice now that actually fits how real people work.
Browse All Trousers & Shorts
DeWalt Harrison Stretch Holsters
Regatta 4Tex Stretch Trousers
