Wrangler Riggs Workwear Mens Ripstop Carpenter Jeans, Slate, 34W x 32L US

Why these carpenter jeans earned a place in my work rotation

I spend a lot of time in jeans that have to do real work—kneeling on concrete, climbing ladders, crawling under trailers, and carrying small hand tools. After several months in the Riggs Carpenter Jeans in Slate (34x32 is my usual size), I can say they’re a thoughtfully built pair of work pants with a few quirks worth knowing before you buy.

Build and materials

These are 100% cotton Durashield denim with a visible ripstop grid. The fabric starts out on the stiff side—reassuringly stout rather than cardboard—but relaxes nicely after a couple of washes. The ripstop is subtle; it doesn’t scream tactical, and the Slate color reads as a deep charcoal that hides dust, grease, and scuffs better than a typical mid-wash blue.

The construction is genuinely heavy-duty. Stitching is tight and consistent, with bar tacks at key stress zones. Belt loops are beefy enough that I don’t worry about a loaded tool belt yanking them loose. The back pockets are lined in Cordura, which is one of my favorite details—wallet corners and tape clips don’t chew through the fabric, and the pocket lips don’t get that fuzzy, frayed look after a few months. There’s also a leather tape-measure tab on the right; it’s a lip rather than a full loop, but it’s been reliable for me, even with a 25-foot tape.

At the crotch, the action gusset is the unsung hero. That extra panel buys you range of motion and does a lot to prevent that dreaded blowout seam. Between the gusset and the relaxed leg, I can squat, step up into trucks, and crouch for long periods without binding.

Fit, sizing, and comfort

Out of the bag, my usual 34x32 cinched tighter in the waist than I expected for a relaxed-fit jean. Through the legs they’re generous—closer to a loose fit—so mobility is excellent. But the waistband is cut more trim than the thigh suggests. After a couple of wears and washes, they eased up a touch, though not dramatically.

If you’re between sizes or you prefer a little give at the waist, consider going up one size. I also tested a 35 (and later a 36 for layering in cold weather), and the comfort difference at the waist was noticeable without the legs turning into sails. Length shrank slightly with a warm tumble dry, so if you’re on the edge of an inseam, plan accordingly or hang-dry.

Comfort-wise, these shine during long days. The denim breathes adequately for heavy cotton, though it runs warm in midsummer. In shoulder seasons or winter, that extra heft is a plus. Once broken in—two to three washes did it for me—they strike a good balance between structure and suppleness.

Pockets and tool carry

The layout is classic carpenter:

• Two deep front slash pockets
• Two Cordura-lined back pockets
• Two right-leg utility pockets of different depths
• A left-side hammer loop
• Leather tape-measure lip on the right

The front pockets are deeper than average and swallow a phone or folding knife without feeling crowded. The dedicated phone/utility pocket on the right leg fits a modern smartphone with a case; it sits high enough not to bang your knee when climbing stairs or ladders.

The second right-leg pocket is deeper but the opening runs on the narrow side. It’s fine for a carpenter’s pencil, a 6-in. square, a utility knife, or driver bits in a small sleeve. I don’t love reaching in for loose bits—my hand barely squeezes past the opening—so I keep little parts in a pouch instead. The hammer loop is stout and works, though as a left-sider it may not be in your muscle memory if you’re used to the opposite placement. I sometimes use it to clip gloves or a small rafter square.

If you live out of cargo pockets or want knee reinforcement for frequent kneeling, note that these don’t have cargo bellows or double-fronts. For my mix of carpentry, light electrical, and facilities tasks, the pocket set is efficient; for heavy kneeling days, I add strap-on knee pads.

On-the-job performance

Durability has been the headline. I’m tough on cuffs and seat seams. After months of dragging these across concrete floors, stepping onto abrasive deck frames, and leaning against rough OSB edges, the hems show expected scuffing but no unraveling. The seat and thigh seams have held firm, and the Cordura-backed pockets look barely broken in.

Range of motion is better than it has any right to be for a heavy denim. The gusset makes a real difference when crouching to run baseboard or squatting to set anchors. Climbing into attics and ducking under trailer frames, I never felt like the pants were fighting me.

The only performance caveats are heat and break-in. On 90-degree days, heavy cotton is still heavy cotton; these won’t breathe like a lighter duck or a stretch-blend. And that first day or two, the fabric’s initial stiffness makes the waistband feel less forgiving. Once the jeans loosened, comfort improved significantly.

Care and longevity

I wash cold with like colors, skip fabric softener (keeps the fibers stronger), and tumble dry low or hang when I can. Color has stayed even, and shrinkage was minimal beyond the first cycle. The ripstop grid helps resist small snags from screws and nails, which in turn prevents tiny abrasions from ballooning into tears.

The reinforced measure tab and belt loops are doing their job. I’ve yanked a loaded clip-on pouch off the loops more than once, and there’s no sign of stretching. Stitching at the tool pockets remains crisp.

What could be better

• Waist sizing runs trim relative to the leg. Many folks will be happier one size up in the waist, especially if you layer base tights in winter.
• The utility pocket opening is tight. It’s great for long, slim tools, less so for fishing out small hardware with gloved hands.
• Warm in summer. The hefty denim is a plus nine months of the year, but on sweltering days, lighter-weight or stretch-blend work pants breathe better.
• No double knees. If you spend hours kneeling, you’ll want external pads or a model with knee reinforcement.

None of these are deal-breakers for me, but they’re worth knowing before you commit.

Who they’re for

If you want a true work jean that prioritizes durability, pocket function, and mobility without going full cargo, these fit the bill. Woodworkers, remodelers, electricians in training, and facilities techs will appreciate the balance: real tool carry without bulk, freedom to squat and climb, and fabric that shrugs off abrasion. If your job lives in hot climates year-round, or you depend on thigh cargo pockets and double-fronts daily, you may prefer a different cut or the brand’s heavier-duty counterpart.

Practical sizing and setup tips

• If you’re between waist sizes, order up one. For winter layering, two up isn’t unreasonable given the trim waistband.
• Expect a slight inseam shrink if you machine dry; hang-dry to preserve length.
• Break-in takes two to three washes. If the first try feels rigid, give them a cycle before you judge.
• Keep small bits in a sleeve or pouch; use the leg pockets for longer tools, phone, and knife.
• Wash cold, low heat dry (or line dry), and skip fabric softener to maintain strength.

Recommendation

I recommend the Riggs Carpenter Jeans for anyone who wants a rugged, no-nonsense work jean with thoughtful reinforcements and genuinely useful pockets. They’ve held up to abrasive jobsite tasks, the action gusset keeps me moving without binding, and the Cordura-lined back pockets are a standout detail that extends the life of a common failure point. Be mindful of the waist fit—sizing up one solves the only persistent comfort gripe I had—and know they’ll run warm in peak summer. With those caveats addressed, they’re a dependable, fairly priced staple that can handle real work week after week.