Dickies is a workwear brand that makes durable clothing and gear for trades, labor, and outdoor work

Dickies manufactures work pants, shirts, jackets, and accessories designed to withstand heavy use on job sites. The brand is owned by Kontoor Brands and has been making workwear since 1922. You'll find Dickies products in most major retailers that stock workwear — Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, Amazon, and specialty work-clothing stores all carry their lines.

The brand is known for using heavy-duty fabrics like 12-ounce cotton duck and reinforced stitching, which means the clothing lasts longer than lighter alternatives. Dickies pieces typically cost less than premium workwear brands but more than basic casual clothing. A pair of Dickies work pants usually runs $30 to $50, and jackets range from $60 to $150 depending on the style and material.

Dickies makes both traditional work clothes (the kind you wear on a construction site or in a warehouse) and casual pieces that look like workwear but are marketed for everyday wear. This guide focuses on their actual work clothing — the pants, shirts, and outerwear meant to protect you while you work.

Key Takeaways

  • Dickies work pants come in multiple fits and fabrics, so you need to know your job's demands before choosing — heavy canvas for rough work, lighter cotton for warm weather, and relaxed fits for movement in tight spaces.
  • The brand uses standard sizing, but fit varies by style, so checking the inseam and waist measurements against your own is more reliable than trusting size alone.
  • Dickies sells through major retailers and their own website, and prices are consistent across channels, so shopping around for sales is worth doing but won't save you much on the base price.
  • Work pants and shirts from Dickies are machine-washable, but heavy-duty fabrics hold up better if you wash them in cold water and air-dry them rather than using high heat.

The main Dickies work pants styles and what each one is built for

Dickies makes several core work pants lines, each designed for different job conditions. The 874 Original Work Pant is their most common style — a relaxed-fit pant in 14-ounce cotton duck with a reinforced crotch and double-stitched seams. It has a straight leg and sits at the natural waist. This style works well for general construction, warehouse work, and jobs where you need room to move. The 874 comes in inseams from 28 to 40 inches and waists from 28 to 50 inches.

The 873 Slim Fit Work Pant is a tapered version of the 874, designed for people who prefer a closer fit or work in spaces where loose fabric gets in the way. It uses the same 14-ounce cotton duck but has a narrower leg opening. This style is popular with electricians and plumbers who work in confined areas.

The Dickies Flex line uses a cotton-polyester blend that stretches, giving you more movement without the bulk of a relaxed fit. These pants are lighter than the standard duck and work well in warm weather or jobs that require a lot of bending and reaching. They cost slightly more than the 874 but wear longer in high-movement jobs.

For warm climates, Dickies makes lightweight work shorts in 7-ounce cotton twill, and cargo pants with extra pockets for tools and supplies. Cargo styles come in both relaxed and slim fits. If you work outdoors year-round, Dickies also makes insulated work pants and lined jackets for cold weather.

How to measure yourself and pick the right size

Dickies uses standard US sizing, but fit varies between styles, so measuring yourself is more reliable than ordering by size alone. You need two measurements: waist and inseam.

To measure your waist, use a soft measuring tape around the fullest part of your belly, keeping the tape snug but not tight. Write down the number in inches. For inseam, wear the shoes you'll wear to work, stand barefoot on a hard floor, and measure from the inside of your ankle bone straight up to your groin. That number is your inseam. Dickies lists both measurements on every product page, so you can match your numbers to the size chart before you buy.

If you're between sizes, Dickies recommends sizing up in the waist rather than down — work pants should sit comfortably at your natural waist without pinching. For inseam, if you're between lengths, choose the shorter one; you can cuff work pants, but you can't lengthen them. Many work-clothing retailers offer free hemming, so ask before you assume you need to cuff.

Dickies work shirts and layering options

Dickies makes short-sleeve and long-sleeve work shirts in cotton and cotton-blend fabrics. The short-sleeve work shirt is a button-up with a chest pocket, made from 5.25-ounce cotton twill. It's designed to be worn alone in warm weather or under a jacket in cooler months. These shirts come in sizes XS to 3XL and are available in solid colors like khaki, navy, and black.

The long-sleeve work shirt uses the same fabric and fit but covers your arms for sun protection or when you're working around sharp edges. Both styles are machine-washable and hold their shape through repeated washing if you air-dry them.

For layering, Dickies makes work jackets in canvas, nylon, and insulated materials. A canvas work jacket is water-resistant and durable but heavier; a nylon jacket is lighter and more packable. Insulated jackets come with fleece or synthetic lining for cold weather. Prices range from $60 for a basic canvas jacket to $150 for an insulated winter coat.

Where to buy Dickies and what to expect on price

You can buy Dickies directly from their website (dickies.com) or through major retailers. Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, Amazon, Target, and specialty workwear stores like Carhartt stores and local uniform shops all stock Dickies products. Prices are consistent across retailers — a 874 Original Work Pant costs roughly the same whether you buy it at Walmart or on Dickies.com.

Sales and discounts happen seasonally. Winter jackets go on sale in late winter and early spring; summer shorts and lightweight pants go on sale in late summer. If you buy online, most retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount (usually $35 to $50), and returns are free if you use their return label.

Some retailers offer bulk discounts if you're buying for a crew or company. If you're outfitting multiple people, calling the store directly or contacting the retailer's business sales team can sometimes get you a lower per-item price.

How to care for Dickies workwear so it lasts

Dickies work clothes are designed to be durable, but how you wash them affects how long they last. Machine-wash in cold water with like colors, and use a gentle or normal cycle. Avoid bleach unless the garment is white, and don't use fabric softener — it breaks down the fibers over time.

Air-dry whenever possible. The dryer's high heat weakens the cotton fibers and can cause shrinkage, especially in the first few washes. If you must use a dryer, use low heat and remove the garment while it's still slightly damp. Heavy-duty work pants can shrink up to 3 percent in the first wash, so expect them to fit slightly looser after you wash them a few times.

For stains, treat them before washing. Grease and oil stains respond to a pre-wash spray or a dab of dish soap rubbed into the fabric. Rust stains are harder to remove and may require a commercial rust remover. Ink and paint stains usually don't come out, so act quickly if you get them wet.

Common mistakes when buying Dickies workwear

The most common mistake is ordering by size without measuring. Dickies fit varies between styles — the 874 and 873 have different leg widths, and the Flex line stretches, so a size 34 in one style may not fit the same as a size 34 in another. Always check the inseam and waist measurements on the product page.

Another mistake is buying too many pieces at once without trying them on first. If you've never worn Dickies before, order one pair of pants and one shirt, wear them for a day or two, and then order more if they fit well. Return policies are usually 30 days, so you have time to test the fit.

A third mistake is assuming all Dickies products are the same weight and durability. The lightweight Flex line and the cargo pants are not as heavy-duty as the classic 874 in 14-ounce duck. If you work in a rough environment with sharp edges or heavy machinery, stick with the heavier fabrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Dickies pants shrink?

Yes, Dickies work pants can shrink 2 to 3 percent in the first wash, especially if you use hot water or a hot dryer. Washing in cold water and air-drying minimizes shrinkage. If you're between sizes, size up slightly to account for this.

Are Dickies work pants good for outdoor work?

Dickies makes work pants suitable for outdoor jobs, but the standard 874 is not waterproof. If you work in wet conditions, look for their water-resistant or insulated lines, or pair standard Dickies with a separate rain jacket.

Can I get Dickies pants hemmed?

Yes. Many retailers that sell Dickies, including Home Depot and Lowe's, offer free or low-cost hemming services. Some specialty workwear stores also hem for a small fee. Ask at the store where you buy them.

What's the difference between Dickies and Carhartt?

Dickies is generally less expensive and lighter-weight, making it better for warm weather and general work. Carhartt is heavier and more expensive, designed for extreme conditions and heavy labor. Both are durable; the choice depends on your job and budget.

Do Dickies work clothes come in tall or petite sizes?

Dickies doesn't make dedicated tall or petite lines, but they offer a wide range of inseams (28 to 40 inches) and waists (28 to 50 inches), so you can usually find a length and width that fits. Check the size chart on the product page to find your exact measurements.