As the calendar turns to fall, it’s a season that has wide swings for professional tradesmen and tradeswomen. In the south, we’re still flirting with temps in the high 80’s while the far north is already getting chilly. To help you find the gear no matter what the weather’s has planned for the day, we’ve collected some of the best new workwear for contractors that caught our attention. Whether you’re after new work pants, shirts, outerwear, eyewear, footwear, or something else, this guide has something for every man or woman who works the trades for a living.
Jump to These Top Workwear Sections
- Work Shirts
- Work Pants, Shorts, and Belts
- Work Outwear
- Safety Glasses and PPE
- Work Boots and Footwear
Best Fall Work Shirts
Milwaukee Long-Sleeve Tees for Women: $29.99
Milwaukee has several new long-sleeve tees for women this fall, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Gridiron Tee: Available in pocket or logo designs, these tees are made from a 6-ounce 60% cotton/40% polyester blend that balances moisture wicking with durability and includes an anti-odor treatment. Reinforced seams improve the durability even more.
FreeFlex Tee: A little lighter weight than the Gridiron tees and built for more effortless movement, these tees are made from a 4.5-ounce 33% cotton/67% polyester blend that is moisture-wicking and has an anti-odor treatment. The shoulder seams are shifted forward, providing a more comfortable fit when you’re wearing a harness or backpack.
Buy at Acme Tools:
KUIU Motive Flannel Lined Shirt Jacket for Men: $179
KUIU’s workwear expansion continues with the Motive Flannel Lined Shirt Jacket. On the outside, it’s a jobsite-ready button down shirt. On the inside, an insulated lining keeps you warmer than a basic flannel shirt can on its own.
But this isn’t just a basic shirt jacket. It’s purpose-built for contractors. The exterior shell is a 233 g/m² 95% polyester/5% spandex blend constructed with the durability you need on the jobsite. It’s also treated with a PFC-free DWR coating to repel water and stains.
The flannel lining is 213 g/m² 49% recycled polyester/47% polyester/4% elastane.
Those material choices give this shirt jacket excellent stretch and movement. That much polyester could contribute to odor build-up, but it’s not an issue thanks to the ProTX2 anti-microbial treatment. Add in highly functional chest pockets, and you have a darn fine top for chilly days that won’t feel too bulky.
Carhartt Loose Fit Heavyweight Flannel Long Sleeve Shirt for Men: $50 – $55
Carhartt’s Loose Fit Heavyweight Flannel is everything you think of when you want a flannel shirt for cooler days or to layer with a jacket.
It’s made from one-ounce 100% cotton brushed flannel, so there’s no worry about the odor trapping that comes from polyester or a chemical treatment to deal with it.
The loose fit and dual back yoke seam pleats give you plenty of room to move at work or to simply be comfortable as casual wear. To ensure it can stand up to the rigors of your work, the main seams are all triple-stitched.
For those of us on the tall side, there are tall sizes available in all six colors up to size 3XL. In regular lengths, the sizing runs up to 4XL.
Tecovas Performance Western Pearl Snap for Men: $85 – $95
I was already a fan of Tecovas’s Pearl Snap shirts, and the Performance version that we highlighted for spring is also a great pick for fall for warmer days early in the season when you want better air flow and sweat-wicking.
The style includes Tecovas’ class Western yoke coming down across the shoulders and has two chest pockets. The back has generous venting, helping you stay cool and dry.
There are both classic and modern fits available, depending on which color you’re after. The modern fit is more trim for folks who have a more athletic build.
There are more colors available now than there were in the spring. The long sleeve Pearl Snap comes in Pearl Blue, Hunter Green, Black, and White. The short sleeve version is available in Cactus, Navy, Deep Jungle, Orange Zest, Black, and White, along with a limited edition Fall Foliage.
Best Fall Work Pants, Shorts, and Belts
Arcade x Realtree Camo Hardware Utility Belts Men and Women: $44.95 – $54.95
Arcade teamed up with Realtree on a new line of camo performance belts that are a great fit for both work and play.
Featuring the same webbing that offers the stiffness to hold tools while flexing to allow free movement, and micro-adjusting buckles that dial in a perfect fit, the Realtree APX camo pattern blends your passions for work and outdoor adventures. It’s a design that’s well-suited for professional contractors whose favorite color is camo.
The Hardware and Hardware Alu versions are built for greater jobsite durability, and there’s also an Adventure Series model in Realtree Original camo. Both Hardware versions are available in 30 – 40-inch and 38 – 50-inch lengths.
Ariat M4 Low Rise DuraStretch Made Tough Stackable Straight Leg Pant for Men: $54.95
Among the top work pants that made the final cut for Fall, Ariat’s M4 Low Rise DuraStretch Made Tough Stable Straight Leg Pant (whew, that’s a mouthful) has an extremely wide appeal.
Its low-rise, relaxed fit, straight leg design offers a fit that’s in style and frankly looks pretty dang good for casual wear when you’re off the clock. The leg opening is 17 inches, making it work well with either work boots or casual shoes. It’s also available in a wide range of sizes, covering more body types than most.
When it comes to jobsite function, it’s made from durable 9-ounce MTFlex stretch canvas with triple-stitched seams that moves well with you while remaining durable to handle the toughest construction environments. While the primary focus is on comfort and durability, there’s also a bonus utility pocket with a pen slot to go with the standard front and rear pockets.
King’s Camo XKG Pivot Pants for Men: $159.99
King’s Camo is a brand that focuses on the needs of mountain hunters, but they have some gear that makes for an outstanding crossover for tradesmen.
Their XKG Pivot Pant is a midweight design that’s perfect for the fall transition season. It’s a 94% polyester/6% spandex blend that has the 4-way stretch we’re looking for and an outer shell durability that competes well with brands like Truewerk.
What sets it apart from other work pants is a hip vent system. If the day is getting a little too warm or you simply need some extra airflow, unzip the side mesh vents and keep on trucking.
A nice range of functional pockets, a DWR coating to repel rain, and an anti-odor treatment wrap up the major highlights. While the camo isn’t the best color for jobsites, it also comes in charcoal and dark khaki for a better workwear look.
Dickies 247 Regular Fit Work Pants for Men: $54.99
There’s no question that the Dickies 874 work pant is a classic, but its high waist isn’t for everyone. Enter the 247 work pant.
It’s a 100% cotton twill construction inspired by the classics but with a more modern fit. Treated with an enzyme wash, they feel soft right out of the package.
At first glance, it’s a no-frills work pant with standard front and rear pockets and a zippered fly with a single button. However, like the 874, it has a more of a dress pant look than many of today’s work pants, making it a great fit for jobs that require a combination of professional look and durability.
Carhartt Carpenter Canvas Pant for Women: $59.99
For ladies in the trades, you now have a new carpenter’s work pant from Carhartt this fall.
The material is an 11.4-ounce 99% cotton/1% elastane canvas blend built with Carhatt’s Rugged Flex stretch design. While the canvas is durable, it’s also built to move and bend with you.
The fit is loose, with a mid-rise waist, roomy seat, and plenty of room in the legs.
Of course, as a carpenter pant, there are your standard front and rear pockets along with thigh pockets on both sides and the classic hammer loop you expect on this style.
The sizes range from 0 to 26, and it comes in either Carhartt Brown or Black colors.
Best Fall Work Outerwear
Milwaukee Workskin Low-Profile Beanie for Men and Women: $24.99
Need to keep your noggin warm while dealing with sweat this fall? Milwaukee’s new WorkSkin Low-Profile Beanie has you covered.
A 95% polyester/5% spandex material blend handles moisture wicking with a 6-point crown that offers outstanding stretch and flexibility.
Inside, there’s a fleece lining to help retain heat. That lining also feels great against your skin if you’re going for the clean-shaven look up top.
The outside shell features a durable design, so whether you’re wearing it for general warmth or under a hard hat, it’s designed to thrive on the jobsite.
KUIU Brawley Hooded Fleece Jacket for Men: $279
For those days when fall decides to display the chilly side of its personality, KUIU’s Brawley Hooded Fleece Jacket can keep you working comfortably.
The outer shell is made from Toray canvas that’s a 54% polyester/33% cotton/13% spandex blend at a 345 g/m² weight. What’s great about this material is that, unlike other canvas jackets you might have worn, it’s a true 4-way stretch, so you can move more easily on the job. Plus, a DWR coating helps repel water.
Inside, you’re looking at a 160 g/m² 100% polyester sherpa fleece with a FUZE antimicrobial treatment to keep odor under control.
Sherpa-lined front pockets give your hands shelter from the cold, while a zippered exterior chest pocket and interior pocket offer solid storage options. In addition to the material’s natural durability, the elbow is reinforced with a double-panel overlay, and KUIU turns to YKK for a durable zipper.
Ariat Rebar Cordura Ripstop Lightweight Insulated Jacket for Men and Women: $109.95 – $119.95
When you’re on the hunt for a jacket with mid-range insulation to cover milder days, I love what Ariat has going on with their Rebar Cordura Ripstop Lightweight Insulated Jacket.
While its puffy design is reminiscent of your favorite snow skiing jacket, it gets a huge durability boost thanks to 2-ounce 100% Cordura nylon material that features a micro ripstop design. Under the outer shell, there’s 100 grams of Cool Climate Insulation that’s just what the doctor ordered for days that need more than a sweatshirt but not enough to break out your heavier gear.
One of the nice things about the design is that there are sizes for a wide range of body types, including Big and Tall for men and Plus for women who need more room than the standard sizes cover.
This one’s also available as a vest if you prefer a sleeveless design.
Truewerk M2 Werkshield Jacket for Men: $119
Truewerk’s M2 Wekshield Jacket came out in time for those of you with extended cool weather during the Spring seasons to take advantage of it. The same reasons it became a hit then makes it a great choice for Fall.
Its main benefits are T2-level warmth with wind and light rain resistance. What’s special about it is how lightweight it is for the warmth it provides.
Sticking with synthetic materials, the secret is in the 92 % Polyester, 8% Spandex blend—it’s made into a 245 gsm double woven fleece.
As we expect from Truewerk, there are comfort and function features everywhere you look, making this a perfect outer layer for mornings that start cool and warm up to t-shirt temperatures as the day goes on.
The M2 Werkshield is also available as a vest for $90.
Best New Safety Glasses and PPE
Studson SHK-1 Dual-Certified Safety Helmet for Men and Women: $150 –$160
The big deal for Studson’s SHK-1 Safety Helmets is that they are now dual certified for the United States and Canada. For Pros who need Type II protection and work both sides of the border, there’s no longer a need to have different helmets.
Under the hood, Koroyd welded tubes crumple on impact to absorb the force, reducing the risk of life-altering head injuries. In the event that there is a serious injury, an integrated Twiceme NFC chip stores emergency contact and critical medical information, so first responders have quick access to the data they need.
There are more than a dozen colors to choose from, along with vented/non-vented and low-profile/full-brim options.
Wiley X JAKL Sunglasses for Men and Women: $140 – $210
With the Wiley X JAKL, I couldn’t have designed a more perfect pair of sunglasses for my active lifestyle. As we head into Fall, there’s a new style—the American Sniper Brand Signature Series, honoring Navy SEAL Chris Kyle’s legacy of service, courage, and patriotism.
The base design starts with an athletic style that’s great for nearly any outdoor activity or sport you’re into. Thanks to ANSI Z78.1+ certification, it’s good to go as your safety glasses, too.
The open-bottom Triloid nylon frame makes lens replacements a breeze. Combined with Wiley X’s high-performance Captivate polarized lenses, you can swap to match the conditions and enjoy outstanding clarity and contrast throughout the day.
The American Sniper Brand design incorporates a black and red color scheme, highlighted by the logo-etched Captivate non-polarized black mirror lenses with the American Sniper logo and Chris Kyle’s signature on the inside of the frames.
If you’re looking to combine an athletic style with higher-performance safety lenses, the Wiley X JAKL is the perfect fit. And if you’re looking for a statement piece that shows you embrace the same values as Chris Kyle, be sure to grab the American Sniper model.
Best Work Boots and Footwear for Fall
Meindl MT7 Mid-Weight Merino Wool Socks for Men: $28
When it comes to boot socks, merino wool is where it’s at. It’s naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, plus they’re super-comfortable.
For fall, Meindl’s MT7 is a great mid-weight option that gives your feet some extra insulation without being too bulky. They’re 3mm thick and made with a 39% merino wool/39% acrylic/19% polyamide/3% elastic blend.
The comfort is better than other merino wool socks, though. They’re designed to be left and right specific, so they hug your feet perfectly. There’s also a double bunion and joint padding for enhanced cushioning, along with a double-padded heel for extra durability and comfort. There’s even a support zone to enhance alignment stability over the top of your foot and toe ventilation to keep your feet cooler as they heat up.
Keen Utility Liberty Work Boots for Men: $285 – $300
Keen Utility’s Liberty Work Boot features a wedge sole design with tread that has a little extra bite, making it a good all-rounder for most hard or firm ground work surfaces.
Keen Luftcell midsole ensures excellent comfort while the KEEN.FUSION direct attach method gives the Liberty durability you can rely on.
The classic moc toe upper is made from extra-thick leather sourced from LWG-certified tanneries, completing the look.
The Liberty is also part of Keen Utility’s American Built collection. Using premium materials from around the world, they’re built in the here in the US using the most advanced construction methods Keen offers.
Brunt Hawthorne Work Boots for Men or Women: $150 – $160
Brunt’s Hawthorne work boot is named after Brad Hawthorne—a carpenter based out of Maine who does everything from framing to finish work on high-end custom homes. At its heart is a do-everything attitude built for all-day comfort.
Designed with an athletic hiker style look, it features a nubuck leather upper that resists water and barnyard chemicals, plus a Brunt Toe protective cover.
The midsole is the Brunt CUSH’N design that delivers 30% energy return with each step and works with the removable CUSH’N memory foam insole to provide outstanding comfort.
The outsole is oil and slip-resistant, with an aggressive tread that provides grip on almost any surface. For those of you who need it, the boot is EH rated, and Brunt’s SWITCH-FIT system lets you select between regular and wide widths in one boot.
Wolverine Alpha FT Infinity System Work Boots for Men: $175 – $205
Wolverine’s newest boot launch introduces the Infinity System—a three-part design that’s all about comfort and stability.
It starts with the DuraShocks outsole that Wolverine fans know and love. The design absorbs twice the foot strike impact at the heel than other outsoles.
Next up, there’s an EnergyBound cushioned midsole pad. It compresses with the initial strike of your step then rebounds to provide twice the energy return of other boots.
Finally, there’s an Infinity Frame that cradles your foot and provides an upgrade in stability.
The system is effective. PTR Staff Writer Josh McGaffigan told me they’re the most comfortable Wolverine work boots he’s ever worn.
If you like the idea of Wolverine’s Infinity System but prefer a Western-style boot, check out the Rancher options.
