Summer work pants can be challenging to get right. Too lightweight, and they won’t last long. Too heavy, and they hold heat, fatiguing you even quicker than the thermometer suggests. Truewerk’s T1 Werkpants have been a staple of my summer workwear wardrobe, but the T1 Pro offers a couple of significant upgrades. I’ll share what I’ve learned from wearing them this summer and help you decide if they’re worth buying.
Pros
- Lightweight yet durable
- Side mesh vents improve breathability
- Solid pocket loadout
- Comfortable, 4-way stretch material
- Removable knee pads
- True-to-size fit
Cons
- Knee pads are a little tricky to insert while wearing the pants
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Truewerk T1 Pro Werkpants: What They Say
When it comes to the purpose of the T1 Pro, here’s what Truewerk has to say:
“T1 fans have been asking for a WerkPant with knee pads—something lighter and simpler than over-pant options for everyday work. So we started there, and then kept going with other upgrades like a stretch waistband, zippered thigh vents, DWR treatment, and more.”
Key Features
- Integrated Knee Pad Sleeve: Optimized placement and compatible with the Standard Airwerk (included) or Airwerk Pro knee pads
- Zippered Thigh Vents: Improves airflow and heat removal
- Stretch Waistband: Improves comfort and makes movement easier
- Reinforce Knees: Additional T2 fabric improves tear resistance
- Articulated Knees and Gusseted Crotch: Improves durability and freedom of movement
- Double-stitched Seams: Improves durability
- C0 Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Finish: PFAS/ PFOA-free treatment sheds light precipitation
Specifications
- Material: 85% Nylon / 15% Spandex, 176 gsm
- Pockets: 10
- Thigh pencil slot (right)
- Zippered security pocket (right)
- Drop-in phone pocket (right)
- Thigh pencil pocket (left)
- Drop-in utility pocket with secured flap (left)
- Zippered hip pocket for small essentials (right)
- 2 hand pockets
- 2 rear welt pockets
- Fit: Regular waist, medium rise, straight leg
- Sizes: Waist: 28 – 44 inches, Length: 30 – 36 inches
- Colors: Deep Grey, Black, Olive, Sand, Dark Navy
Truewerk T1 Pro Werkpants: What I Say
Comparing Werkpants
The T1 Pro is built on the foundation of Truewerk’s T1 Werkpant. If you’re not familiar with them, the T1 is designed for high durability and warm temperatures. In terms of placement in the lineup, it’s between Truewerk’s ultra-light Cloud AV pants and the 3-season T2.
Just like the T1, the T1 Pro material’s comfort against your skin and how easily it allows you to move are among the best in the business.
The other player in the conversation is the Werkpant XP. Here’s a quick look at how all three of these pants compare:
| T1 Werkpant | T1 Pro Werkpant | XP Werkpant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 85% Nylon 15% Spandex | 85% Nylon 15% Spandex | 92% Polyester 8% Spandex |
| Weight | 176 gsm | 176 gsm | 215 gsm |
| Pockets | 9 | 10 | 7 |
| Knee Pad Sleeve | No | Yes | Yes |
| Zippered Leg Vents | No | Yes | No |
| Price | $89 | $119 | $99 |
Experiencing T1 Pro Werkpants
I ordered my typical 36-inch waist and 34-inch inseam, and the fit was perfect. While you need to be careful with some brands, Truewerk has run true to size across the board for me, so I recommend you order based on your normal measurements.
Of course, all the stretch and movement we’ve come to expect from the T1 are present, so the main focus of my evaluation was on the upgrades of the T1 Pro.
Knee Pads
The big highlight is the integrated knee pads, and if you spend even part of the day on your knees, they’re a lifesaver. After several decades of athletic pursuits and creeping up on the big five-oh in age, my knees aren’t what they used to be, so I appreciate the cushioned support.
I have the standard Airwerk knee pads, and they aren’t overly obtrusive. They’re about 9 3/4 x 6 1/4 inches and 1/4-inch thick. They’re really lightweight, and even though you can feel they’re present, I don’t feel like they weigh down the pants or inhibit my movement at all. You can always take them out if you feel like they’re in the way, though. They’re a little bit of a pain to reinsert while you’re wearing the pants, so keep that in mind if you’re going to need them later in the day.
Most of my work involves occasionally getting down on my knees, and the standard knee pads have the right feel and cushioning for that role. For example, I was recently running some updated cordless drill testing. Our protocol involves several tests at workbench height, but our concrete drilling test is on the shop floor. The standard pads had enough cushion to keep me comfortable on the concrete without feeling like they were too bulky as I moved to other tasks.
If you’re into flooring, plumbing, or other trades that have you on your knees more often, the standard pads are good, but upgrading to the Airwerk Pro knee pads may help even more. The good thing is that you can always try the standard knee pads and order the Pros later if you feel like you need more support.
Thigh Vents
The addition of thigh mesh vents is an important feature that differentiates the T1 Pro from both the T1 and XP versions. It’s a feature I’ve been praising on my KUIU work pants, and I’m glad to see that Truewerk is getting on board. Better still, Truewerk’s price point is significantly lower, so you’re getting a premium design at a better value.
With the vents open, heat and moisture have an easier escape. It’s not like opening up a pair of windows and having a fan blowing air across them, but the air around your legs is a little cooler, and sweat doesn’t just build up until it soaks your socks. Where I am in central Florida, temps in the low to mid-90s with matching levels of humidity are common during the summer, and the extra airflow really does make a difference in comfort.
Open, mesh material prevents sawdust, debris, and bugs from getting in. Closed, the DWR treatment sheds light precipitation, and the zippers prevent it from leaking through.
Hopefully, it’s a feature that finds its way over to the standard T1 the next time they’re due for a refresh.
Should You Buy Them?
For the ultimate in lightweight, breathable comfort, Truewerk’s Cloud AV Werkpants are still the go-to option for the hottest weather… if you can get away with their thin material.
For tradesmen who need legit durability and abrasion resistance during the summer months, the debate is primarily between the T1 and the T1 Pro, and the XP is hanging out there as well. It’s not just a decision between knee pads or no knee pads, though. The side vents make a difference.
All three are excellent, but if you’re like me and need knee support and can genuinely benefit from some extra cooling and moisture management, the T1 Pro is worth spending a little more on.
Sound like the right balance of durability, protection, and comfort you’re after? You can order yours from Truewerk for $119.
