You’re proud of your garden. How could you not be? After all the hours you’ve spent in it with your knees in the dirt and your sweat sticking your shirt to your skin, it’s yours, uniquely and personally.
You’re the king in a garden kingdom populated by leafy citizens. You know each one intimately. You planted, watered, and protected them from the onslaught of weeds that burst from the soil each year. It can be an exhausting job, but it’s one you love.
What you don’t love is having dirt and mud seep through your pants and cake your knees. You don’t love how inflexible your jeans or pants that don’t breathe.
You don’t love how they get ripped, stained, or soaking wet. Perhaps you already bought gardening pants to avoid these problems, but they aren’t very good.
If these situations sound familiar, you’re in the right place! This article will give you our 8 picks for the best men’s gardening pants.
(For the ladies, check out our article on the best women’s gardening pants.)
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Dewalt ProTradesman Combo Men’s Stretch Work Pant
Budget Men’s Gardening Pants:
AXESQUIN Men’s Lightweight Pants
Men’s Gardening Pants Versatility Pick:
RevolutionRace Men’s GP Pants
Best Overall
Dewalt ProTradesman Combo Men’s Stretch Work Pant with Knee Pad
If someone were to tell you that you needed to spend a lot of money to get an amazing pair of men’s gardening pants, they would be mistaken. The Dewalt ProTradesman pants available at Home Depot come at a great price while maintaining overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Not only are these pants comfortable, but with 18 pockets, you’ll always be able to carry tools, seeds, knives, or other personal items. Additionally, these pants come with articulated knees and impact-resistant knee pads that will make kneeling in your garden easy and comfortable.
While the Dewalt ProTradesman pants may not be waterproof, at 64% polyester, they will stand up to water far better than your jeans. These pants have so much going for them, so if you’re in the market for a pair of gardening pants, consider them.
Pros:
- Padded knees
- Heavy-duty
- Great price
- 18 pockets
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Only available in two colors
Budget Option
AXESQUIN Men’s Lightweight Pants
If you need something to garden in and don’t want to spend any more than absolutely necessary, you can find these rain over pants on Amazon. In addition to being among the cheapest pants you’re likely to find outside of a thrift store, they’re light, waterproof, and comfortable.
While they don’t have any pockets and are unlikely to keep you very warm, they can be worn over whatever legwear you already have on, thus potentially mitigating these shortcomings. The positive side of the thinness of these over pants is that they can be folded small enough to be stowed in a pocket.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Waterproof
- Adjustable velcro cuffs
Cons:
- Thin
- No pockets
Men’s Gardening Pants Versatility Pick
RevolutionRace Men’s GP Pants
If you want a pair of men’s gardening pants that balances cost, functionality, and style, these GP pants from RevolutionRace are a great choice.
These pants are available on Amazon and come highly recommended by hundreds of excellent reviews. While they’re a little expensive, they do a bit of everything.
They’re flexible, breathable, and water-resistant. They feature reinforced knees and velcro cuffs. They have lots of pockets and are made of durable material.
They have a cool “tactical” look and come in seven color schemes. Ultimately, they’re a solid choice that can be used for virtually any strenuous outdoor activity.
Pros:
- Reinforced knees
- Water-resistant
- “Tactical” look
- Velcro cuffs
Cons:
- Can be tight around the thighs
- A little pricey
Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit Canvas Work Pant
Carhartt’s Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit Canvas Work Pant is a good-looking pair of pants. Wear it out in public. Unless it’s covered in dirt, an observer wouldn’t know these are your gardening pants. It looks like a hybrid between a nice pair of jeans and slacks, but, make no mistake, it’s hardy.
It has reinforced pockets, including a thigh pocket for knives or other tools. Furthermore, the tough material stretches, allowing you to move and bend comfortably.
Pros:
- Aesthetically designed
- Comes in 6 different colors
- Thigh pocket for tools
- Stretches for ease of movement
Cons:
- Not water-resistant
- Not athletically designed
Gash Hao Men’s Hiking Convertible Pants
The Gash Hao Men’s Convertable Hiking Pants are indeed convertible. Zippers set at the knees of these pants can turn them into shorts and back into pants within seconds.
Some days start off being fine for pants, but then, as you exert yourself, they seem more shorts-friendly. These pants are perfect for those days.
These pants are special for more than one reason. In addition to being convertible, they’re waterproof, quick-drying, light, and comfortable. They also feature zippered thigh pockets.
Pros:
- Convertable
- Zippered pockets
- Water-proof
- Great price
Cons:
- Not insulated
- Material seems rather thin
Criteria to Consider When Shopping for the Best Men’s Gardening Pants
The material that a pair of pants is made of strongly indicates how the pants will perform. For example, if a pair of pants is mostly cotton, it’s less likely to be as water-resistant or as flexible as a synthetic material.
Additionally, a pair of nylon pants may be softer but less waterproof than a pair of polyester pants.
If shopping online, be sure to read customer reviews. They often can clue you in on important information that may not be overtly marketed, such as if the sizing of the pants tends to run small or large.
Perhaps previous customers have discovered that the pants aren’t as durable or as weather-resistant as advertised.
Make sure you’re also being mindful to look for a pair of pants with features that will save you trouble. If a pair of pants has reinforced or padded knees, that could be a game-changer while kneeling in the dirt. In fact, we have a useful article on the best gardening knee pads.
Getting a pair of pants with either extra or zippered pockets is never a bad idea.
The Wide World of Gardening Pants
Very rarely are a pair of pants marketed as “men’s gardening pants.” So, if you want to find the best men’s gardening pants, it helps to know where to look.
You’ll find that many pants that were never designed for gardening work amazingly well as gardening pants.
Here at Minneopa Orchards, we know what works and doesn’t work, and we’re passionate and knowledgeable about gardening. We invite you to continue reading with our easy guide on Gardening Clothes to learn about the best clothing and accessories for all your gardening activities.
Want more garden content? Visit our gardening page for in-depth guides, explainer posts, and great ideas!