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Details
- Price $295 at outlier.nyc
- Material Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas (82% nylon, 16% polyester, 2% elastane)
- Fabric Weight 275 gsm
- Weight 18 oz / 503 g (measured)
- Made in Switzerland
Overview
Over the years, I've progressed through different styles—streetwear, raw denim, and ivy prep, just to name a few.
After all that, I feel that I finally landed on the style that I can live with for the rest of my life. And as much as I hate to be married to one brand, the fact remains that Outlier makes up 80% of my wardrobe.
Minimalist style, innovative top-tier materials, and edgy cuts that are not outlandish—Outlier checks every box for me. Even while keeping to a minimalistic styling, it amazes me how they are willing to experiment with different material/cut combinations.
Jackets and pants seem to give them more leeway to do this. But pants are where they are forced to refine the details and push material experimentations, often with delightful results. The Workworks is one such example.
When the Workworks presented itself just in time for Autumn in Tokyo, I was sold just by the specs. I will be returning to work in the office in the coming months as a Japanese salaryman, so let's see if the Workworks can be my everyday pants.
Style
Despite using Workcloth, a fabric with a canvas weave outer that gives it some ruggedness, I found it elegant enough to wear to the office. This is especially so for the black. I've been wearing only black for a few years now, and black has a great way of giving elegance to rugged fabrics.
My weight has been fluctuating over the years. My recent six-days-a-week gym routine has brought it down quite a bit but my frequent street food binges have offset that effort a little.
While I fit into a size 32 waist pants, I know myself too well. After feasting, my belly will go a size up. Larger waist sizes can be fixed with a belt, but you can't do much when it is too tight. This is why I went for a size 33 and this was the right decision.
After a big ie-kei style ramen lunch, the pants would sit snugly around my waist without much discomfort. Even on an empty stomach, the pants would stay on without the help of a belt. Pretty ideal, if you ask me.
The length was slightly long, but not so that it touched the ground. This is of course dependent on your height. I liked the length even though I had to roll it up one or two folds.
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The fit was relaxed but not baggy. It does lean towards looking casual, but depending on the rest of the outfit, it can look sophisticated. I've found that it goes well with both open and closed footwear.
Due to how heavy the pants look, it works particularly well with heavier footwear like boots or Dr Marten sandals. Even with the chunky soles of my HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 7s, it can look off-balanced.
I usually pair it with the Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt and one of Outlier's jackets, like the Outlier Strongshank, to my office. My office is in a pretty old-school-style Japanese environment, but I felt it looked appropriate.
On the back pocket, there is a tag that I first saw on the Willie Norris collection. As a purist, I usually prefer no branding at all, but the tag here is something that has grown on me.
While I don't normally like tucking my top in, this styling is an option. The waist of the Workworks was clean, with the button hidden. Wear a plain short-sleeve t-shirt tucked in, roll up the sleeves a few rolls, and pomade your hair back, and you'll make Steve McQueen proud.
One thing I did notice was that if the waist was too tight, the button flap wouldn't lie completely flat and reveal the gray lining on the inside. This doesn't affect me as I don't tuck my top in, but those who do regularly might mind.
Material
The Outlier WorkWorks pants are crafted from a remarkable material known as Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas—think of it as the superhero of fabrics. On the outside, you have a tough canvas weave made with a hefty dose of Cordura-grade nylon, giving it impressive durability. This is the kind of fabric that can take a beating and still look good doing it.
Flip these pants inside out, and you’re greeted by a surprisingly soft inner layer made from a loosely woven nylon-poly blend. It’s like a cozy hug for your legs, perfect for those long days in the office where every bit of comfort will keep you sane.
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This dual-layer design means you get the best of both worlds: rugged toughness on the outside and gentle softness on the inside.
At 275 gsm (10 oz), this fabric strikes a nice balance—not too heavy, not too light, just right. It’s a bit beefier than Outlier's OG Cloth, but that just adds to its versatility.
Plus, it features a fluorocarbon-free Schoeller Ecorepel Bio treatment that gives it lightweight water and stain resistance. So when you encounter unexpected rain or a rogue coffee spill, you can breathe easily. The material dries much faster than traditional fabrics, keeping you comfy and dry when Mother Nature decides to throw a curveball.
In short, the Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas is a prime example of Outlier’s knack for crafting functional fabrics. With its blend of durability, breathability, and quick-drying properties, it’s the perfect choice for anyone seeking reliable workwear that doesn’t skimp on comfort. So whether you're tackling a project or just enjoying a weekend adventure, these pants have got your back—literally.
Usage
For some time, I was into workwear, specifically Carhartt. Carhartt is as durable as they come. But they are also pretty uncomfortable due to the rugged material. Outlier seems to have found the cheat code to make something durable yet comfortable.
I did not expect the pants to be this comfortable. The rugged outer is deceiving. It felt closer to sweatpants than work pants. Even at 275 gsm, they felt relatively breathable in the cool Autumn weather.
While I haven't tried them in summer, I reckon that they are not ideal and Outlier has better offerings for that temperature.
The waist button is hidden which gives a clean look if you like to tuck in your top, but it does make buttoning it up slightly harder. Outlier's buttons are pretty clean and as someone who doesn't tuck in my top, I wouldn't mind even if the button shows.
The belt loops are thick and oversized, looking set to take on a heavy-duty belt.
There is a discrete dime pocket below the back waistline on the wearer's right. It is quite sizeable compared to the dime pocket you get on five-pocket pants. The lining is gray but they did a great job in the finish that I didn't even know it existed until I read the specs.
The pockets are slightly angled which makes it easy to slip my pockets in, yet not enough to draw attention. The space in the pocket felt very comfortable for my relatively large hands. The inside of the pockets has the gray fabric lining and not the soft nylon-poly blend, but this didn't make it any less comfortable.
Conclusion
I highly recommend the Outlier Workworks for anyone after a fierce blend of durability, comfort, and style. The key is the Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas that hits the spot for me—rugged on the outside, soft on the inside. These pants are versatile enough for the office or a night out, and the hidden button keeps the look sharp when I tuck in my shirt.
What blew me away is the comfort; they feel almost like loungewear, a game changer for workwear-style pants. Plus, with their water and stain resistance, I can tackle the day without a second thought.
If you want pants that combine style, comfort, and durability effortlessly, the Workworks pants are a must-have. They’ve no doubt earned their place in my rotation.
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Tagged outlier pant review water-resistant willie norris workcloth workwear