Durable pants for commuting

June 11, 2018 1:11 PM

I'm looking for some durable pants for bicycle commuting that work well in a casual (tech) office. My bicycle commute is 6 miles each way in San Francisco. I'm male, 6'2", and 220lbs, with pretty large thighs. The combination of cycle commuting and thighs that rub together means that I wear through the crotches in my pants fast, and I'm interested in finding some pants that are a little bit more durable.

Previously, I'd used Levi's commuter jeans in the 541 ("athletic") fit. These did a fine job of standing up to the rigors of the commute. Unfortunately, Levi's only offers commuter jeans in the 511 (skinny) fit these days. Skinny jeans do not work super well for me, but I haven't found a great replacement. I'm aware of some expensive tactical pants ($200+ per pair) but I'm a little loathe to spend the cash on them given my history with various jeans.

I've also learned how to patch the holes in my crotch when they happen, but this is kind of a pain in the butt and only lasts so long (when I use a sewing machine I get another 10-14 wears out of them; sashiko is the only way that the patches become more durable, but it's pretty time-consuming and obvious what I've done). So I'd like to focus on stuff I can buy rather than mending methods.

posted by kdar to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (12 answers total)

Best answer: I've owned some swrve cycling clothing and really liked it. Designed for exactly what you want to do: ride to work and then look okay once you're there. Here are their jeans and other pants.
posted by rachelpapers at 1:22 PM on June 11, 2018 [1 favorite]

I find Duluth Trading Company pants to be pretty good for bike commuting. The extra material in the crotch is good for leg mobility while mounting/dismounting, and the seams are moved where they won't rub against your saddle. Unlike a lot of other cycling gear, most of their stuff is cotton, which IMO is a plus for regular wear, although it's obviously a downside for wet/cold weather.
posted by tobascodagama at 1:54 PM on June 11, 2018

No way to change at work once you get there? Then you'd just need pants that don't wrinkle when they're in a backpack.
posted by clone boulevard at 2:40 PM on June 11, 2018

+1 for the "wear something for cycling, change at work". I know it's a massive cliche but this is literally what cycling clothes are for: yes, those horrible tight-fitting lycra things. They don't chafe, they don't wear out; that is what they are *for*. I fought it for a long time but I do ~6 miles each way and honestly, it makes a world of difference. Either take a change of clothes with you (panniers are great) or keep a small wardrobe (change it over time, smaller rucksack for taking things to/from home) at work, depending on storage/carriage/fashion preferences.
posted by parm at 3:05 PM on June 11, 2018

I am going to defend your wish to wear street clothes for your commute. Six miles is a fairly short ride, and it is simply not necessary to change clothes every time you get on the bike. I have been commuting distances between 1.5 to 18 miles one way, and up to 10 miles or so, I found that I was perfectly happy riding in regular pants.

I don't know if they will make a jean for your build, but I can recommend Keirin Cut Jeans. They were designed to fit people who have athletic builds (i.e., big legs and normal size waists). They have expanded their product line since I bought my jeans, so it looks like there's more styles for both men and women. Prices are not crazy expensive.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 3:37 PM on June 11, 2018 [4 favorites]

Perhaps check that your bike saddle doesn't have any stitched seams. I had one that chewed through a pair of jeans super quick. Changed my saddle out for a smooth one and no problems since.
posted by sarah_pdx at 9:04 PM on June 11, 2018

Kuhl Pants rock. Been commuting in them now for a few weeks and love them.
posted by wile e at 2:16 AM on June 12, 2018

I'm about your height and weight. Some of the 5.11 Pants have a seat that is two layers thick, and they're cut nicely for moving around. They're generally made of cotton canvas. Might be worth a look, depending on the climate where you ride.
posted by Wild_Eep at 7:38 AM on June 12, 2018

Response by poster:

No way to change at work once you get there? Then you'd just need pants that don't wrinkle when they're in a backpack.

This is not what my question is about. I've been bicycle commuting for 11 years and I want to wear street clothes when I commute. Thank you.

(And thanks to all the other responses! There's some great stuff in here: lots of brands that I've never heard of before.)
posted by kdar at 9:10 AM on June 12, 2018 [1 favorite]

I commute in the bay area and a lot of my friend wear the Swrve jeans. I didn't realize Levi's is only making 511 Commuters now... am also eyeing the suggestions in this thread.


I agree, changing pants for a 6 mile commute is crazy.
posted by bradbane at 1:48 PM on June 12, 2018

I work on roofs all the time so abrasion-resistant pants are something I spend more time thinking about than most people. So far, the most durable pants I've found (that aren't too expensive for me to buy just so I can ruin them on a roof) are Dickies Pro Cordura Work Pants. They look sorta tactically but they're for sure tough. Not tough enough to last forever on a roof, but probably more than tough enough to survive a bike commute.

They are kinda heavy, though. If you want something lighter for hot weather, my best offer is Propper Summerweight Tactical Pants, which are thin and light but 100% nylon so they're still pretty tough.

Both of the above pants are fairly loose-fitting and offer good mobility.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 4:34 PM on June 12, 2018 [1 favorite]

If you decide to try some expensive tactical pants, Outlier is cool.
posted by actionstations at 7:43 PM on June 12, 2018