1620 Pants Review: Are They Worth the Hype in 2025?

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Ever bought “premium” work pants only to realize they’re all hype and no backbone? As a lifelong builder working the California coast, I’ve put nearly every brand to the test, but few have sparked as much debate (and curiosity) as 1620 Workwear. In this 1620 pants review, I put these pants through months of hard jobsite abuse, crawling under houses, hauling lumber, concrete work, and sweating it out in the Santa Barbara sun, to give you the most honest 1620 pants review you’ll find anywhere.

Here’s the bottom line: 1620 Workwear promises top-tier durability, American-made quality, and comfort, but there are some trade-offs you need to know about.

In this honest and unsponsored 1620 workwear review, I’ll break down what works, what doesn’t, and whether these pants are actually worth the steep price for hard-working tradesmen and DIYers.

Looking for more no-nonsense workwear reviews? Check out my full workwear review archive here. And go check out my tool reviews as well.

Let’s dive in and see if 1620 really lives up to the hype, or if you’re better off saving your cash.

What is 1620 Workwear?

I’ll be honest, the first time I saw the social media ads of 1620 Workwear, I thought, “Great, another expensive ‘premium’ brand trying to win over guys who actually work for a living.” But once you dig deeper, you realize these guys are doing things a bit differently.

1620 Workwear is a premium American workwear brand based in Massachusetts, known for making jobsite gear that’s tougher, better fitting, and built to outlast standard work pants. All their products are made in the USA with technical fabrics like Stretch NYCO, which is up to ten times more abrasion-resistant than basic cotton duck.

The founders are tradesmen themselves, frustrated with flimsy mass-market workwear. Their focus is simple: create pants and gear with pro-level durability, comfort, and performance, using real jobsite feedback for every design tweak. You’ll see features like:

• Triple-stitched seams
• Deep tool pockets
• Modern fit designed for active work
• And a whole lot more (keep reading to find out)

Unlike most brands, 1620 manufactures in small batches and stands behind every item with a lifetime guarantee. It’s definitely not the cheapest gear, but if you want American-made workwear that’s actually built for daily abuse, 1620 delivers on that promise.

My First Impressions: Unboxing and My First Day with 1620 Workwear Pants

Opening my first pair of 1620 single knee utility pants, I could instantly tell these weren’t your typical work pants. The fabric is thick, dense, and feels overbuilt, in a good way.

Everything from the tight, flawless stitching to the sturdy hardware shows real attention to detail. Although there were some long leftover threads and minor inconsistencies between two different pairs of the same model (side pockets are slightly different sizes). These things didn’t bother me though.

But let me be real, the stiffness is no joke. These pants could practically stand up on their own! Right out of the bag, the fabric feels like armor, which honestly made me question if I’d just paid a premium for discomfort. Still, I reminded myself: these are meant for real jobsite punishment and built to last, not lounge around in.

I went with Dermitasse (brown) and Granite (gray), and both look sharp, clean, and all business. The fit, though, is definitely modern and snug, especially in the waist and thighs. At 6’2”, 220 lbs, I had to size up to make them comfortable. If you’re built like a true tradesman, do yourself a favor and order up.

Slim fit? Forget it for guys with bigger legs and muscular builds unless skinny jeans and not being able to move are your thing…

Bottom line: 1620’s single knee utility pants impress right out of the box with quality and attention to detail, but be ready for a tough break-in and make sure you get your sizing right for you.

My first day/s was a mix of “wow, these are built tough” and “man, I hope they loosen up soon” but more on that in the next section.

Use code “TEKTON10” for a huge discount!

1620 Workwear in Action: Fit, Comfort, & Break-In

Once you get past the unboxing and actually wear the 1620 work pants on the job, the real test begins. I’ll be honest, those first few days were rough. The fabric is seriously stiff out of the gate, and the “modern fit” hugs in all the places you’re not used to if you’ve spent years in relaxed-fit work pants.

For guys with big legs or a thicker build, you’ll definitely notice it. I had to size up in the waist just to get a more comfortable fit, and even then, bending or kneeling felt tight, especially at first. Forget about the slim fit option if you actually squat or haul lumber for a living.

Comfort improves, but it takes commitment. The break-in process is real, think weeks, not days. The pants soften up slowly and start to move better with your body. After a few wash cycles and enough crawling around, the fabric finally gives a bit, but it never gets flimsy.

Still, I can’t sugarcoat it: kneeling, bending, and climbing ladders was a fight for the first week or two, and the pants definitely pull down in the back when kneeling or bending over until they ease up.

Breathability is another issue, especially if you’re working in the heat. These pants run hot, so if you’re in a hot climate, expect to sweat a bit more than you would in lighter, stretchier options. The trade-off is that you get a serious sense of protection; these feel like true work pants once they’re broken in.

👖My Quick Tip: Break them in a bit off the job first, if you can. Throw them in the wash, wear them around the house, and move/stretch in every direction.

HOWEVER, once the break-in is done, the fit feels tailored and is much better, and the durability is unmatched.

It’s a grind, but if you want pants that will last, that’s the price of admission.

📌Note: I have not tried the 1620 Durastretch pants myself yet, but they may solve all of these quirks if you are willing to get them.

1620 Work Pants Durability, Fabric, and Jobsite Performance

If there’s one area where 1620 really stands out, it’s durability. The Stretch NYCO fabric feels nearly bulletproof, and it shows. I’ve dragged these pants through crawlspaces, scraped them over concrete, and stuffed every pocket with screws and fasteners—no rips, no blown seams, no fraying threads. The material is noticeably thicker and more abrasion-resistant than any standard cotton duck or canvas I’ve worn before.

Reinforced seams, tough utility pockets, and beefy YKK zippers all add to the bombproof feel. Even after months of tough work, the knees and seat show barely any wear. Honestly, they handle abuse that left my old work pants looking tired and shredded. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch also help minimize stress points, so you don’t get those dreaded crotch blowouts or busted knees despite the tighter break-in.

Another big plus is water resistance. That PFC-free DWR finish actually helps shed light rain and jobsite splashes, so you’re not instantly soaked if you kneel in a wet spot. That said, they’re not fully waterproof, just better than average for everyday work conditions.

On performance, they do feel a bit heavy, especially in hot weather, but that’s the trade-off for serious protection. The fabric holds up better to sharp corners, rough lumber, and constant kneeling than just about anything else I’ve tried. And they don’t pill, fade, or lose shape in the wash. These are pants you can actually depend on for season after season.

Bottom line: if you work hard and demand real toughness from your gear, 1620 delivers the kind of durability that justifies the price tag.

1620 Work Pants Review: Style, Professionalism, and Versatility

I’ll admit it… one of the reasons I first tried 1620 was for the look. These pants don’t just scream “workwear,” they actually look sharp on and off the clock. The cut is clean, the colors are professional (my go-to’s are the Dermitasse and Granite, but all their options are solid), and they don’t have that baggy, saggy, and boxy vibe a lot of cheaper work pants give off to me.

The modern fit is clean and athletic, so you look put-together even after a long day in the field. I also like that there’s no loud logos, just classic, all-business style.

You get that subtle “this guy takes pride in his work” feeling when you show up in gear that looks as good as it performs. And while they’re built for hard work, they’re not out of place if you need to swing by the store or grab dinner with the family after a job.

Versatility is another strong point. These pants fit right in whether you’re on a residential remodel, running heavy equipment, or meeting with clients. After a few washes and some honest wear, they even get more comfortable without losing their professional look. Sure, they’re made to get dirty, but they still clean up well and hold their shape better than most.

Bottom line: if you want work pants that look as good as they perform, 1620’s got you covered. They help you project confidence and professionalism, without sacrificing durability.

The Price Factor: Are 1620 Pants Worth the Money?

Let’s be real, 1620 work pants are expensive. When I first saw the price tag, I thought there had to be a catch. For a lot of guys, dropping over $200 on a single pair of work pants sounds crazy, especially when you can grab a stack of cheaper brands for the same money. But after actually putting these pants through real jobsite abuse, I can see why they charge what they do.

I’ve found these hold up longer than any pants I’ve tried, so over time, you might actually spend less than constantly buying throwaways. The durability is next-level, the materials are legit, and you’re actually paying for something that’s made in the USA (if that matters to you).

Still, I’m not gonna pretend the price is “fair” for everyone. If you’re new to the trades, just doing light DIY, or you’re on a tight budget, these might be overkill, and you will have stronger critiques on the price.

I will say this, though: If you time it right and keep an eye out for sales or coupon codes (“TEKTON10” cough cough), you can knock a good chunk off the sticker price. That’s how I justified my first pair, and I’ve seen some pretty decent discounts pop up if you’re patient.

So, are 1620 pants worth the money? For me, yeah, if you’re actually out there beating up your clothes every day and want something that’ll last. If you’re just dabbling or want the cheapest option, there are plenty of alternatives. But if you treat your workwear as an investment, these pants make sense over time. I’d rather buy one pair that lasts two years than keep replacing cheaper stuff every few months.

1620 Pants Review Bottom Line: 1620 pants aren’t cheap, but the build quality, made-in-USA ethics, and legit durability do help justify the price if you’re a serious tradesman who is willing to invest in your workwear as if they are tools.

1620 Pants Review Pros & Cons: Where Do They Excel and Fall Short?

No pair of work pants is perfect, and 1620 is no exception. After months of jobsite use, I’ve had a chance to really put these through their paces, so here’s my honest take on what stands out (and what falls flat) with 1620’s work pants.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you weigh it out:

My advice? If you want the toughest pants out there and don’t mind the price or the break-in, 1620 Workwear delivers, and I highly recommend. Just know exactly what you’re getting before you buy , and use my discount code “TEKTON10” to save big.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy 1620 Workwear?

At the end of the day, 1620 workwear is built for folks who demand a lot from their gear and don’t mind investing up front for long-term durability. I’ve put these pants through months of real-world punishment, and while the break-in is tough and the price is high, the payoff is work pants that actually last, look sharp, and hold up to the daily grind.

If you’re a tradesman, carpenter, or hardcore DIYer who’s tired of cheap pants blowing out or sagging, I can honestly say 1620 is worth a serious look. Just be ready for that initial stiffness, size up if you’re athletic, and watch for a sale to help take the sting out of the price. Want an even better deal?

Use my exclusive discount code TEKTON10 at checkout for big savings!

Would I buy another pair? Absolutely, especially knowing I’m not going to be replacing them every six months.

In fact, after writing this 1620 work pants review, I plan to pick up a pair of the 1620 Workwear Stretch Double Knee 4.0 to test and review so be on the lookout for that. Join my email list so you don’t miss that drop:

If you want to stop worrying about your pants and get back to the work that matters, 1620 delivers.

Wrapping Up the 1620 Work Pants Review for 2025

So that’s my honest 1620 workwear review after real-world abuse, frustration, and some definite wins. These pants aren’t cheap or quick to break in, but if you want workwear that’s built to last and actually lives up to the hype, they’re worth a serious look—especially with the TEKTON10 discount code to help you save.

If you found this review helpful and want more no-nonsense gear breakdowns, DIY tips, or real-world jobsite advice, make sure to join my email list below. I drop new reviews, tool guides, and practical building hacks every week, no fluff, just honest insight.

And while you’re here, check out my other reviews, like my deep dive on Truewerk or my ultimate guide to work pants for tradesmen. Don’t waste your money on the wrong gear; let me do the testing so you don’t have to.

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