I’ve struggled to find pants that look reasonable to wear to meetings, but still hold up well when I’m working on the shop floor.

For context, I’m a manufacturing engineer, so my time is split about 50/50 between working at my desk and working on equipment or processes on the shop floor. A lot of that shop floor time is spent in weird positions in mechanical spaces to troubleshoot or set up new equipment.

Jeans don’t hold up for me. I’m bent over, kneeling, and squatting too much. I always end up wearing holes in them or they get stains on the knees from grease or oil.

I’ve tried Carhart-style pants. They hold up well but look weird during the 50% of my job that I’m working at my desk, attending meetings, or visiting suppliers.

I’m currently trying the T2 Werkpant from Truewerk. I haven’t had them long, but I’m impressed so far. The fit and style makes them not stand out in the office, but they’re durable and have the pockets that I want for shop floor. They also make a summer version that’s a bit lighter and moisture wicking. T2 Werkpant

Has anyone else managed to find something with a good balance between durability and not looking out of place in the office?