I’m not a construction worker. My hands alone would tell you that before I’d need to open my mouth.
You won’t find me in a hard hat, scaling scaffolding, or yelling “Measure twice, cut once!” across a job site. But I do know my way around a pair of work pants.
Back in high school, I spent summers landscaping—hauling mulch, weeding, and pushing a lawnmower through what felt like a sauna. And these days, I like to play weekend carpenter, building furniture in my garage and occasionally pretending I’m on This Old House.
So, while I’m not framing houses or paving roads, I’ve logged enough tools-in-hand hours to spot a pair of pants that are up to the task. Enter the TRUEWERK T1 WerkPant—they sounded like the perfect match for anyone who works hard—or just wants to look like they do. But do they actually deliver? I took them for a spin to find out.
What Is TRUEWERK?
TRUEWERK, founded in 2015 by Brian Cicora, is a workwear brand that seeks to update workwear with the needs of modern trade professionals in mind.
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, TRUEWERK’s designs are inspired by the city’s unpredictable weather and outdoor lifestyle. Frustrated by outdated workwear that failed to meet the demands of skilled labor, Brian launched TRUEWERK to provide lightweight, flexible, and high-performing gear tailored for the complexity of today’s trades.
With roots in outdoor and military technical fabrics, TRUEWERK creates innovative products ranging from climate-ready layering systems to industry-specific pieces.
Knowing that durability is a cornerstone of true workwear, TRUEWERK stands by their product by offering free returns for up to 60 days and free exchanges within 365 days of purchase if a product isn’t up to customer standards.
Things to Consider Before Buying

The T1 WerkPant is designed with worksite functionality in mind. With that, you’ll find features like articulated knees, durable fabric, and plenty of pockets.
That said, it might not be the best fit for everyone. If your typical “workday” involves the occasional leaf-raking session or hanging a few shelves, the nearly $100 price tag might feel a bit steep for something so purpose-built. For heavy-duty tasks, it makes more sense, but casual wearers might want to weigh their needs before diving in.
Another potential drawback is the inseam options. The T1 WerkPant is only available in 30-inch and 32-inch inseams, which could be a dealbreaker for taller guys. If you’re over, say, 6’2 and prefer a longer fit, you might find the sizing restrictive.
My Hands-On Review
Fabric

The T1 WerkPant’s fabric is made from 85% nylon and 15% spandex—a solid balance between durability and stretch.
The nylon gives it a quick-drying effect, though I wouldn’t count on it to keep me dry in a full-on downpour. On the other hand, the 15% spandex content makes that pants impressively stretchy—something I wasn’t expecting on the first wear.
This is a borderline lifesaver considering these have an “athletic fit” as TRUEWERK states, and the lack of extra room throughout the leg would be too stiff without the stretchy fibers.

Breathability is another key feature of the T1 softshell fabric, and despite the fact I wasn’t testing them under their intended summer conditions, the claim holds water.

I wore these on a cold day, and the airflow was noticeable, which is exactly what you’d want from a pant designed specifically for summer work. TRUEWERK’s 1-4 warmth rating system backs this up, with the T1 WerkPant scoring a 1 as their most lightweight option. While this keeps you cool, it also means layering is tricky.
The fabric also holds water, which could be a dealbreaker depending on your needs. It absorbs rather quickly unlike, say, GORE-TEX or a DWR shell material. Given that these are designed for the summer, a brief drying time is given. I’m 99% sure they’d remain waterlogged on a cooler day.

Because of the snug fit, wearing a thermal base layer underneath isn’t something I’d recommend—it’d probably feel too constrictive. For warm-weather tasks, though, the T1 fabric does exactly what it’s meant to do.
Sizing

I went with my usual 32×32, and while the fit works, it leans a bit on the tighter side around the waist and thighs. This is likely due to the athletic fit, which prioritizes a streamlined silhouette to prevent excess fabric from snagging on tools or machinery.
I get it. With lathes, gears, or standing drills in the picture, excess fabric could be the difference between a good day’s work, a settlement claim, or life itself.

So, if you prefer a bit more breathing room through the leg, I’d recommend sizing up the T1 WerkPant one size. This should provide just enough room from waist to toe without an unreasonable gap between skin and fabric.
Despite the snug fit, I didn’t feel restricted thanks to the darted knee design. This thoughtful feature keeps movement easy and natural, even when bending into a squat or spending time working on your knees—a must for anyone laying floorboards or performing a week-long bathroom gut.

One unique detail I appreciated was the two-button front closure. It feels secure and offers a slightly elevated touch that I haven’t encountered on many other ruggedized trousers whether they were work, hiking, or snow pants.
Comfort

Personally, I always spring for natural fabric whenever possible. Synthetic fabrics can sometimes feel stuffy and even irritating, but I didn’t find that dreaded sensation with the T1 WerkPant.
Even without a soft lining that some work pants utilize, the thinner fabric feels soft against the skin, and the breathability is surprisingly good for the robust texture it has. Even during longer wear, I didn’t notice any of that clammy, trapped feeling that some synthetic materials tend to have.

While the fit leaned tight for me, the 15% spandex content helped offset this. The pants stretched in all the right places, never tugging on high-tension areas like the crotch, waist, or calves, which can make or break a day of physical labor. That extra bit of give goes a long way, especially if you’re moving around a lot.

The T1 WerkPant is definitely designed with warm weather in mind. Without enough room to add a thermal layer underneath, they felt pretty chilly during my testing in the Northeast this January.
But given their summer-focused design, they’re not really meant for winter, and I’d expect them to shine in their intended environment—hot days when you need to stay cool and comfortable.
Details

The pocket scheme is the defining factor that dictates the viability of a work pants. Without convenient storage for a phone, writing utensils, and perhaps a handful of wingnuts, they’re hardly any different than a pair of stretch pants from an athleisure brand.
With a total of 8 pockets—including 2 right thigh phone pockets, a small right hip zip pocket, a left thigh utility pocket with an insert flap, 2 hand pockets, and 2 rear pockets—I’d say TRUEWERK has maximized storage without adding unnecessary bulk.

Unlike some utility pants that lean into a cargo-style design and end up feeling clunky, the T1 WerkPant keeps things sleek and functional. The only thing I was surprised to see missing was a hammer loop. Pencils, on the other hand, get a dedicated access point that carpenters will surely appreciate.
Considering these features, along with the breathable, water-resistant fabric and the stretch-infused, comfortable fit, the T1 WerkPant offers serious value at under $90. Even if you don’t work in a manual trade, they’re worth the investment if you need durable, functional pants that can handle whatever you throw at them.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviews for the T1 WerkPant are largely positive, with many folks praising the fabric’s flexibility and how it moves with them on the job.
The pocket design gets a lot of love too—people seem to really appreciate how much storage space they offer without making the pants feel bulky.
That said, not everyone is thrilled. A few reviewers were disappointed with the limited inseam options, especially taller guys who need more length. Overall, though, most reviewers agree that the T1 WerkPant nails it on comfort and durability.
What I Like
- The fabric is stretchy and breathable, making it great for staying comfortable during active work in warmer weather.
- The pocket layout is super functional without adding bulk—plenty of storage for tools and tech without looking like cargo pants.
- The T1 WerkPant’s darted knees make squatting, kneeling, or bending down feel natural and unrestricted.
- The two-button front closure is a small but unique touch that adds a secure, polished feel to the pants.
- TRUEWERK offers a solid return and exchange policy for those who value less risk in trying out new workwear.
What I Don’t Like
- The limited inseam options (30 and 32 inches) might leave taller guys out of luck when it comes to finding a good fit.
- The snug fit means there’s no room for layering, which makes these pants less versatile for colder temperatures.
Who is the T1 WerkPant For?
The T1 WerkPant is perfect for anyone who spends their day working up a sweat—whether you’re laying tile, framing houses, or just trying to fix that leaky pipe under the sink. If you need pants that move with you, stash all your gear, and keep you cool in the summer heat, these are a solid choice.
The Verdict
Having put my pair through its paces, the T1 WerkPant brings the basics of workwear while throwing in some modern upgrades.
The breathable, stretchy fabric and functional pocket layout make them a solid pick for hot days on the job site. Whether you’re hammering nails under the summer sun or finally getting around to that driveway re-pave you’ve put off for one year too many, these pants keep up.
Sure, the inseam options might leave taller guys hanging (literally), and layering isn’t in the cards, but for warm-weather tasks, they deliver. At under $90, they’re like the reliable coworker who always shows up on time and never asks for the day off—dependable and worth having around.
For me, the T1 WerkPant checks a lot of boxes. They’re breathable, stretchy, and the pocket setup is super practical without being bulky. I’ve worn them while bending, squatting, and hauling stuff, and they held up great. If you need work pants for hot weather, these are definitely worth a try.