I need recommendations for good work shirts.
For pants, I was very surprised with a test sample of the Milwaukee Freeflex Tech Pants that they had sent over. I asked for another pair to expedite testing, and I’m sold on them and plan to pick up one or two more in different colors, maybe when there’s a promo.
I also have some Carhartts, jeans, and what-not. What I like about the Freeflex tech pants is that they’re comfortable in almost any situation.
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I’ve liked some of Milwaukee’s other work pants too, but these are more comfortable for mixed environment wearing. Canvas and denim are still good for high durability needs, but with these I forget that they’re work pants.
For shirts, I’ve tried a couple of options but so far I haven’t found a good go-to. I’ve been putting off searching, and hope asking you for some input helps provide a shortcut.
My day to day activities change. I mainly wear t-shirts for indoors work, and sweatshirts when it’s cooler. I like to avoid pulling a shirt over my head if it has sawdust, metal chips, or worse.
I bought Dickies short sleeve button down work shirts from Home Depot, thinking they’d come off easier when I wanted to enter the house. While functional, they were among the most uncomfortable clothes I’ve ever worn. I considered them unwearable and donated them.
Maybe I can hang a shirt in the workshop for tossing over a t-shirt if I’ll be going back and forth. I considered keeping the Dickies for that, but they still felt intolerably and distractingly rough and uncomfortable around the cuffs and collar.
I usually know when I’m going to get covered in dust, chips, or grime, and I try to plan accordingly. Other times, I might just be putting something away and a project task or test sample calls me over and before I know it I’ve whipped out some power tools.
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With the Milwaukee Freeflex pants, I can wear those even when I’m not in the workshop, or outside. They’re comfortable even if I’m wrapping up a post from a computer chair. I can’t say the same about other work pants, including some of their other styles.
I want work shirts where I can do the same – comfortable but also durable and easily removed. I’m sure I’m overthinking it, but I want short sleeve button down work shirts that don’t feel like work shirts.
I have an awesome North Face short sleeve hiking shirt with snap buttons, and it’s got to be 12+ years old now. I checked a few times and never saw the same style from that brand.
Other hiking shirts tend to feel more fragile, too light, or otherwise better suited for outdoor use than my jungle of a workshop.
Work shirts tend to feel ultra-durable and thus thick and heavy, or flimsy and itchy. I don’t care if it looks like a work shirt, it just has to have an unobtrusive feel.
The goal: short sleeve button down work shirts, potentially with snap buttons, and comfortable enough to wear when working inside, outside, on the floor, in a chair, when driving, etc. Or maybe something else?
I want a work shirt that I don’t have to feel or think about.
What do you recommend?
While we’re at it, what do you look for in work shirts? If comfort isn’t your top priority, what is?
Sam
What ive found is browsing the costco shirts (i. Store) and grabbing a few hiking buttondowns when they have them. Thats the dig though. If you find them buy 6 as they may not be there next time.
RJ
Costco has recently had Orvis button shortsleeve shirt in stock. Well priced and hands down the most comfortable shirt I have ever worn. My father in law, who is contractor, has only ever worn Tees, but one day of wearing these converted him. Can’t speak to their durability, they are a light fabric and I have only just started wearing them, but their wearability is the best I have ever experienced. As with many costco items, they arent always stocked, but if you see them, they are worth grabbing.
Dave
I’ll second the Costco Orvis recommendation, they may have buttons instead of snaps as requested but they’re quite comfortable, relatively cheap, and have held up well (my oldest are 3ish years old and I’ve got 6-7 by now). Only thing is that for me they’re more “dress up for a client meeting” wear, when I’m actually doing work I’ve usually got a Milwaukee work shirt or a cheap tee with my company logo.
I’ve been eyeing the Milwaukee pants as they go on sale at HD every few months – I’d really like to know how “true to size” they wear, as buying clothes online when you don’t already own a particular item can be a crapshoot…
Scott F
I like my Orvis stuff as well, one of my favorite Costco brands behind Freedom Foundry. Granted, most of my items are heavier fleece lined flannels, but they’re insanely comfortable and oldest going on 6 years old now. Only worn seasonally and in rotation with 12 others though, so not a true durability test.
If you want to order in any quantity 5+, find it in store and search online to see if it’s available there – may have changed but Costco used to grant something like $25 off a purchase of (any) 5 clothing items and $60 off 10. The $5-6 per item savings easily overcame the $1-2 web upcharge, and I think they have/had free shipping on clothes. Been several years since I had to buy clothes, stocked up on the stuff I like at dirt cheap prices.
Bonnie
This was going to be my recommendation. Light fabric but cheap and comfortable and breathable.
Norm
I like the idea of freeflex for overalls. I just looked them up. I wish the unlined came in other than gray (preferably black).
Nathan
I like pfg fishing shirts for work in the garage in the summers. 90f and 70+ humidity here. Fall winter it’s carhart
Wes
Style-wise, I prefer long sleeve button-down shirts, as they offer the most adaptability. Keep the sleeves rolled down for more protection, or roll them up to cool off. Same with the buttons: keep a few open at the top for airflow, or button it up more if you need more protection. With lighter-weight materials, they can still be plenty cool in hot weather. But I buy a lot of stuff second-hand, and you can never tell how a shirt is going to wear until you’re actually working in it, and some shirts, because of cut or fabric or some combination, end up binding and not being a good option for work, though for me this seems to be much more likely with short-sleeve shirts. The upside is that at a genuine thrift store these don’t cost more than $4 or $5, so if one doesn’t work out it’s not a big loss.
Generally I end up wearing plain t-shirts. They’re cheap enough I don’t mind if they end up getting torn up, and they’re pretty much always comfortable. A henley top is a bonus, especially in hot weather.
teicher
Have you tried True Werk?
https://truewerk.com/
Mike
I’ll second this! TrueWerk is all I wear for pants and shorts anymore. I like some of their sun shirts and wear their button-ups when I have to be presentable. For t-shirts, I just order blanks of the brand I like. They are like $6 and in a variety of colors. Then I don’t feel bad when they get destroyed in a month. Depending on the type, you like many are even cheaper, like my son likes the Hanes heavy cotton, and I think they are under $3 each.
Skylar
This. Most of our crew and a lot of our subs are kitted in Truewerk T1 pants and sun shirts or light hoodies.
They’re pretty durable (even our masonry subs swear by them) and prices aren’t bad, especially during the usual sale periods.
For pants though, 1620 USA cannot be beat. Yes, the prices appear much higher than something like Carhartts, but they will easily last 5x longer and fit better the whole time.
Jronman
Interesting that they think the B1 Sun Tee is durable. Thats all I wear currently and they don’t last for me. At least the current ones don’t last. The previous version seemed more durable to me. The neck seems to be an area that is probe to getting holy in my experience.
WastedP
Thanks for mentioning 1620 USA. Never heard of them. Years ago I switched from wearing cotton Tees to plastic ones to deal with heat. Mostly from REI or Patagonia, but both suppliers changed or discontinued the ones I liked. The 1620 shirts look like they’d be the ticket for me, and the price is tolerable, especially for a domestic garment.
For dirtier work, I throw on a long sleeve button-up. Carhartt used to make a western styled snap shirt made of heavier material. I went through two of them, then they stopped making them.
When Patagonia came out with their hemp workwear, I bought their long sleeve shop shirt, which has a double placket so the buttons don’t scratch your work. They stopped making that, too, but I have found one used online, and they have repaired the original for free (as they do with all of their stuff, including work pants). They also made short sleeve versions of that shirt, too.
Luke
Definitely try TrueWerk. I wear TrueWerk nearly 100% that I’m not at work (IT director). I’m in the Texas heat so my closet is full of the B1/T1/Cloud product lines. I’ve got probably a dozen B1/Cloud shirts and a half dozen T1/T2 pants and half dozen T1/Cloud shorts. They’re my go-to for home projects, yardwork, taking kids to play in the creek, road trips, sporting events… you name it.
The prices do hurt, I’m not gonna lie. But in my late 30s I have most things I need in life, so I just default to requesting more TrueWerk gear for birthdays and christmas.
Jared
I wear coveralls when I’m getting dirty in the shop. It’s not what you asked for – but just something to keep in mind.
They’re not expensive, extremely durable and being one-piece helps if you’re crawling around under a vehicle and don’t want your creeper to run over loose clothing, or if there’s a risk of things getting under your shirt.
I don’t worry so much about wrecking a nice, good-fitting shirt that way either. Plus if I do damage my coveralls (maybe from sparks, rips, etc), not only are replacements cheap – but a simple patch actually makes sense (just highlights that you work instead of making people question if you have somewhere indoors to go at night).
If I’m doing something less involved I’m typically wearing Carhartt T-shirts or Wrangler button-ups. In both cases they’re moderately robust, fit me well and aren’t that expensive (although Carhartt IS starting to feel a bit pricey for what you get).
HC
Which coveralls?
Luke
https://truewerk.com/products/t1-overalls-mens
I use these, but they’re hard to recommend at that price. I wish the fly was about twice as tall, but other than that I’ve been a big fan. I’d like to try some others though, so I’m curious what else people like
Chris D
I started wearing long sleeve UPF sun hoodies in the summer when working outdoors. I was skeptical, but they are at least no hotter than wearing a t shirt, I think cool better when there’s a breeze.
John
Yeah, if you look at people that work outside in the summer (like ag workers) they’re always fully covered up, even often with a hood.
IndianaJonesy (Matt J.)
Academy Sports (if you’re near one) has some nice fishing/hiking shirt options that I like a lot. Don’t remember which style, but they have one that’s a cotton/poly/spandex blend that is my personal favorite, but they are relatively cheap and work well for me.
Mark M.
I went down the same rabbit hole and what I ended up with were Columbia PFG shirts, the 100% polyester ones (do NOT buy the nylon ones, they may be OK in high/dry environments but they SUCK for hot/humid, feels like you’re wearing a trash bag). I actually like the Academy/Magellan shirts as much if not more, and they are cheaper. The back venting is a game-changer, at least here in Central Texas. They are light and surprisingly durable and don’t wrinkle. I have yet to wear one out or even rip one…over time they just get to looking ratty and I’ll retire it, but I get a couple of years out of one. The other benefit of the vented design is you end up with mesh against your skin, rather than solid fabric, at least partially.
The Orvis shirts from Costco are an OK choice, I have a bunch but they are more casual than work, and no venting.
Two other options: Don’t know if they make them anymore, but the Patagonia Island Hopper is a cotton/poly vented shirt that has a nicer feel than the all-poly PFG. You can find them on eBay for pretty cheap, nice shirts but I still like PFG for stretch and lightweight. The real Cadillac option is Poncho Outdoors…the pearl snap version checks all your boxes, but they are expensive. I have 3, worth every penny but pricey enough where I won’t wear it if I’m going to be working on something where I’m likely to get oil or something on it.
IronWood
Big Bill hickory. Thick enough to be durable, thin enough to roll the sleeves up. I like the zip neck but they make button up. Made in USA and last forever. Basically my daily uniform in my railroad days.
https://www.bigbill.com/us_en/hickory-stripe-long-sleeve-shirt-193
John
Anyone know of a retailer that carries the FreeFlex pants and that also has a changing room to try them on?
TomD
Fleet Farm might. They carry at least some Milwaukee work gear and have fitting rooms.
Another Bob
For years I’d buy super cheap t-shirts and jeans on sale and toss them when they ripped. Not very professional looking. I finally tossed all my old junk and settled on the Red Kap 100%cotton short sleeve button down. I think it’s style sc-40. They come in tall sizes and have longer tails so stay tucked in. Button down looks professional but they take a beating. Will hold a nice crease on the sleeves. Wish they came in snaps but only seen buttons. Do make same in 60/40 cotton poly blend if that’s your jam. I know uniform companies used these for many years around me.
I like cotton for welding so I don’t melt my shirt to me. Also stays cooler than plastic polyester etc. I do think cotton/polly blend hold color better. Cotton fades to a nice worn but not shabby look if that makes sense.
In winter I’ll usually wear a cotton waffle style or thermal style shirt for extra warmth and either a short or long sleeve red kap over that.
For pants I’ve settled on the dickies original 874. Used to like them more before they became focused on style brand and jacked up the price. I’d love an all cotton version.
I’ll wear an all cotton volcom short if it’s crazy hot and it’s light duty work.
I did try red kap’s version of the dickies 874. Comes in all cotton but way to baggy. Like 90’s skater kid baggy lol. Use them when I’m welding but that’s it.
Robert
Checking now, the only “Orvis” products on Costco.com are a women’s short sleeve shirt and a men’s hat. Though it locks me into delivery. I guess that means not in stores.
TomD
Costco.com has little or anything to do with in-store supply unless you trigger the Instacart version.
ParamountPaint
I’ll second (or 3rd) the columbia PFG shirts. I picked up a good supply on clearance (at Tractor Supply, of all places) for $10/ea. The ones I’ve bought at regular retail were $50-$60.
Joe H
Sometimes searching for the tactical shirts is another option. I’ve a bdu shirt that I’ve used for rough work from like 13 years ago that has a velcro collar that is great for keeping wood chips and fiberglass from falling down my neck. Super durable and with gussets for articulation and extra material sewn onto high wear areas. Highly breathable fabric so it stays cool and dries quick.
Pat
I find myself using “tactical” pants for work quite a bit. I do low voltage / network installs and find the ones with magazine pockets perfect for a bunch of jobs. Admittedly I’m not doing masonry or carpentry but for crawling around attics and the like they’ve held up well.
al
Duluth for work pants and Carhartt Force for shirts. I dont love the new cut of the Force tshirts but theyre cheap enough and reasonably comfortable
Scott Tucker
2nd Duluth. Pants are awesome, Ty’s and button downs fitment is awesome. Plenty of shoulder /underarm movement without feeling like you’re wearing a bag. Highly recommend
CMF
Starting with pants. Years ago my wife bought me a pair of ultra cheap jeans at Costco (Urban Star?). They were stretch denim. After wearing these, I cannot go back to any other denim or other pants. They “give” everywhere and are so comfortable. I am currently a bit overweight, so more reason these are so comfortable.
In speaking with neighbors and friends, thinking I discovered the holy grail, they all where some sort of stretch pants. Now many even stipulate they stretch in 2 directions.
Shirts, T-shirts, sweaters and most tops stretch, but button down shirts don’t, not that I have seen. I have 1 Orvis from Costco (that came with a waffle fleece top). Nice shirt but I where in so little, I can’t say how it holds up. In realty, I rarely where button down shirts, I am a hoodie guy.
I recent years I very much got into Merino wool. So I typically where a MW base top with a hoodie. When it is cooler, I add a long sleeve T-shirt/fleece or sweater.
Dumb question, but the dickies shirts which are so uncomfortable, they aren’t duck are they? Duck may have some good attributes, but it definitely is uncomfortable. Maybe after everyday use for 2-3 years it is more soft and flexible, but I don’t have the time to work it in.
Stuart
No, they were thin, maybe polyester, but less comfortable than the uniform-type overalls I used to have. It felt like it wasn’t designed to touch skin.
TMedina
I think Stuart is talking about these:
https://www.dickies.com/work-shirts/short-sleeve-work-shirt/1574.html
These have been my go-to for a couple of years now. Reasonably priced, cheap enough that I don’t mind the possibility of tears and wiggling into and under machinery, and durable enough I can dump the occasional heavy stuff in the chest pockets without worry. I can also get Tall sizes without breaking the bank.
I use these as overshirts, with Sprawlmart’s Active brand of ultra light mesh t-shirts underneath.
Disclaimer: I’m a maintenance tech in a sorting and distribution center, so I can be working on machinery one minute and walking past Ivory tower folks the next, so I have to be a mix of practical and presentable at any given time.
Josh
I’m trying true classic T shirts. I tried fresh tees, I’ve been wearing the same t shirt since literally the 90’s used to get them from KC pennys. When my local one went out of business I bought the whole rack, probably 200 shirts for 250 bucks. Had them in white, heather grey and black. Nothing feels like them or fits like them.
For a button up shirt like the North face maybe look at Kuhl brand? I have some protection dog trainer friends who swear by them.
Mateo
I’ve started using the wrangler snap button short sleeve shirts from Walmart. They’re cheap enough, breathe well, and most importantly are easy to get off when soaked in sweat.
Josh Williams
These are incredible. Love the line of fishing shirts they have. Super durable and fast drying. Very comfortable in the summer or anytime really if you work inside
Josh Williams
I wear the wrangler fast drying trail pants in the summer they are incredibly comfortable and breathable, and they have held up extremely well when I manage not to cover them in paint or stain. No knee rips or tears Plus $24 bucks apiece at any Walmart is hard to beat.
Johnathon
It’s Duluth pants for me, but I just switched to 1620 t-shirts and I may try their pants next time I need some.
Matt_T
2 pockets is the main requirement for me. Mostly Carhartt but I’ve also got some $$$tormy Kromer long sleeves which are I like and they hold up really well. I try to stick to lighter colors for short sleeves. That’s one reason I’ve avoided “work shirts”. The dark colors might hide dirt but they’ll also roast you alive in the sun!!!
I’ve tried the fishing shirts. They’re really nice in hot weather if you’re doing something clean or just dusty. Dirtier work they get trashed fast and forget about welding and grinding.
Ted Kitch
I use the Duluth pants and longtail pocket t-shirts. The longtail shirts are great because they don’t come untucked regardless of what you are doing. Buy the Duluth t-shirts on sale.
I’ve also purchased the Milwaukee pants. The Dickies flex pants aren’t bad either.
Alexk
I stopped wearing t shirts because heat and sweat get trapped. Switched to fishing style button shirts with the vent in back. If/when I sweat, it dries fast. It also looks good and professional. Get mine at Sam’s Club for around $15.
OldDominionDIYer
Call me old fashioned but the collared button down short sleeve untucked shirt is comfortable and versatile enough for almost any situation. Red Kap is a decent work shirt and I like that they don’t wrinkle right away and the rip stop is nice too. For me, the features and material and style of work shirts make them expensive but so worth it!
TMedina
I’ve had hit or miss luck with Red Kap sizing. I want to like most of their stuff, but it costs too much for me to gamble on whether or not my next order fits.
fred
Don’t forget that in some trades (I’m thinking welding and lineman) your clothing can encounter flame or electric flashover. Clothing made from 100% natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool etc.) do not promote rapid flame propagation – nor do they melt and stick to your skin like polyester or nylon might do.
Jronman
I currently use the Truewerk B1 Sun Tees. They aren’t as durable as I would have liked but they are comfortable. Truewerk offers button down shirt options too.
One thing I want in a work pant/short is a drawstring/elastic waistband. I don’t want to have to wear a belt or button up my pants. I have seen one pants option and one discontinued shorts option without a button up waistband. Seems like what I want is not popular enough for workwear companies to make. Also something with fewer pockets. I mow lawns. Pockets get full of dust and clippings. Having your standard pocket on each side is all I need. Maybe a tiny pocket further down the leg to clip a pencil or tape measure to would be nice but not essential.
Jronman
Just so happens Truewerk has a buy 2 get 1 free deal going on right now for their button shirts. Through 8/10/25. Includes long and short sleeve versions of the cloud and western cloud designs plus the EDO Polo and EDO Fancy.
Luke
The TrueWerk Cloud short have both drawstring and elastic waistband. I don’t have the pants version, but I imagine it’s the same. I actually use the cloud shorts as a swimsuit. The ‘cell phone’ pocket is perfect for holding needlenose when swimming/fishing up and down the river.
Jronman
The cloud short still has a button up waist. What I am thinking of is the B2 transit pant and the discontinued transit short. Exclusively a drawstring and elastic band. I should try out the transit pant but never get around to ordering a pair.
Luke
I honestly forgot the cloud shorts have a button up waist. Since they’re elastic, I’ve always just left them buttoned.
James
Anything Patagonia Workwear.
They’re expensive and may be ridiculed by some, but my experience with their workwear is 10/10 for comfort and durability.
Personally at the beginning I had to get over wearing it a little bit because of message/political attachments (the politics don’t matter; I just don’t like representing anyone else’s politics but my own), and we help it by putting our company patch over the logo wherever possible to save our techs some hassle from silly taunting.
WastedP
I got an email ad from Patagonia the day the hemp work pants were announced, eight years ago, and had a pair on order that afternoon. They’ve been in for repair twice, you only pay for shipping. The second time I sent them in, they said they couldn’t fix them and sent me a gift card for their full value, which I used to purchase another pair. I used to burn through a pair of double knee Carhartts in a year or so. The Patagucci’s last way longer, and get fixed for free, which makes them a much better value than the Carhart B136’s. They’re also cooler in hot weather. The thinner version is even better in the heat.
The company’s politics had no bearing on my purchase. I just wanted something that would fit and hold up better than the Carhartts. I tried the Riggs and didn’t care for them. Blaklader stuff looks solid, but is too industrial looking for transitions to the showroom. A newer pair of Iron Forge pants looks formal enough for customer meetings, and as they downgrade they go to the shop or field. The only thing I really had to deal with was the weird back pockets. Now I realize those weird pockets can hold a whole toolbox worth of hand tools.
Grady
I wear Wrangler pearl snap shirts. I perfer the denim but all are light weight and comfortable to wear for all occasions.
Jack S
Suggest what some police, firemen, security contractors, etc. wear: 5.11 Tactical. They cost more up front, but last forever. The button-up short sleeve shirts I wear are made for concealed carry, so snap buttons, roomy, quick access, lightweight, cool, not baggy and yes, stylish. To me, they’re very much like the shirts Denzel Washington wore in the “2 Guns” movie. The 5.11 button-up polo shirts I wear are heavy duty, love the pocket for a pen on the outside left sleeve (no pocket on the chest), cool on a hot day and still look in very good shape – even the neckline – after 10 years. Wait for a sale to buy.
Wayne R.
I’ve got a bunch of Gildan white t-shirts that Joann Fabrics was selling for $10 for four. Great in the summer. Amazon’s selling them six for $18. If they get trashed, who cares? So far so good though, my third year with them now.
My other recommendation is for scrubs. Those I have, the tops are reversible, are pretty tough, and they can take a beating in washing. I’ve had great luck with their longevity. Carhartt & Dickies make them too.
Michael
Wrangler ATG pants for sure. Very comfortable.
mark w
+1 I work in a manufacturing in central Florida and wrangler atg and Greg Norman polos kept me looking professional in a non-ac factory tempering glass with tons of PPE. now their my dailys for pants. Also Columbia tends to have decent pants and shirts that are work styled and UPF 50 lightweight clothes for people like me who work in hot + humid climates
eddiesky
I was watching The New Yorkshire Workshop and noticed the work pants the youtuber was wearing had attached outside pockets (think a pouch) as well as reinforced knees. On a chance of a good still frame, I could make out the brand, Snickers. (UK).
I’m trying to get a pair here in the states, along with figuring out size (36/36) conversion to UK sizing. But it looks like a decent duty work pant. And even has hi-viz so when I’m near/on roadway doing work…
Not to keen on the Orvis because it not 100% Cotton on most of their shirts. If you do welding, or near sparks, you don’t want synthetics like Nylon or Spandex.
Adam
I do a mix of heavy automotive(neighborhood clients and specialized clients and my own cars), light woodwork, med-to-light landscaping at home-
I’ve used duluth firehose original pants if the weather allows. If it’s too hot for pants (as it often is,) i have dickies shorts that have held up well.
Workwear shirts are always kirkland tshirt with the sleeves cut off.
I have a Snap-on Jacket that i use for rain/cold/abrasion resistance on my arms and back when absolutely necessary
i’m bald and have a large beard, so easy removal was also a concern when i finally settled on cutoff t shirts- i always just cut a slot in the collar so the collar can stretch around my head and keep any of the sweat/grease/dirt that’s on the shirt away from my face and body when taking the shirt off
A-A-Ron
Milwaukee’s hooded sweatshirts are, shockingly, the best-fitting, most comfortable and durable ones I’ve ever worn. I’m not especially tall at 5’9″, but broad across the shoulders and chest, and their size large fits me where other brands would be too tight. I’ve picked up several on deals over the years and they’ve held up wonderfully.