There was a time when double-knee pants were reserved for those who actually needed them: plumbers, carpenters, and the like. Nowadays, Carhartt double-knee pants are the bread and butter of contemporary wardrobes the world over.
But for the uninitiated, the question stands: what are double-knee pants? Aren’t all trousers double-knee pants? No.
Double-knee pants are traditionally work pants and feature an extra panel of material — usually a hard-wearing cotton canvas — to each knee, sewn on and often riveted at each corner. The reinforced knees extend the lifespan of the pants which would usually wear and break at the knee first.
Take a walk around Brooklyn or East London, though, and you’ll quickly realize that the audience paying attention to double-knee pants has changed a lot. These pants, now the toast of Instagram mood boards, are everywhere. That’s why it’s essential to diversify your collection. Below, we’ve put together a list of the best double-knee pants to cop for fall and winter to stand out from the crowd.
Shop the best double-knee pants below.
Carhartt WIP Double Knee Trousers
Where better to start than with the OG? Carhartt double knee pants are royalty in the world of workwear pants but that also means they're the most popular. We're opting for this classic black colorway to kick things off.
Brain Dead Double Knee Utility Trousers
Made from heavyweight cotton canvas, these workwear pants are made for the "Brain Dead Power Fist Supplies" company — that's somewhere I'd like to work.
Acne Studios Cotton Canvas Trousers
Along with the extra panels added to the front of the pants, a pigment-dyed finish elevates this Acne Studios legwear style. They look like they've been through many days of hard graft and that's the point.
Patta Canvas Painter Pants
As is the case with many streetwear labels, Patta is an expert in elevating workwear. These canvas painter pants come with a matching chore coat and dungarees.
Jacquemus Le De Nimes Cargo
While it's still best known for its whimsical summer wear, one of the standout themes from recent Jacquemus collections has been its experimentations with workwear. On this pair of pants, the extra knee panels double up as cargo pockets — it's borderline genius.
Awake NY x Carhartt WIP Double Knee Trousers
Awake NY's collaboration with Carhartt WIP (literally) gives workwear its flowers. On the double knee panel of these classic Carhartt WIP pants, you can find a floral motif that's repeated across the collection.
Winnie New York Double Knee Trouser
Idris Balogun, the founder of Winnie New York, told us in a previous interview that splashing out on a pair of low-quality pants is one of the things that inspired him to start a brand. Now that he has his own brand, he's ensuring that his legwear stands the test of time.
Puma x Rhuigi Double Knee Pants
Double-knee pants don't all have to be sturdy canvas styles, Puma and Rhuigi have proven they can also be cozy sweatpants. Complete with a hammer loop and extra pockets, these sweats have all the functionality of workwear pants.
TOMBOGO Convertible Double Knee Cargo Pants
More pockets = more clout. That's just the way it goes in workwear. TOMBOGO kits you out with some beautiful convertiblism here, allowing you to detach the double-knee panels if you're over losing your keys and phone every time you put them away.
Karu Research Double Knee Jeans
Karu Research is bringing bold new character to the world of double-knee carpenter pants. Patterned fabrics stand out against a clean white backdrop.
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