FABRIC TYPES

The stretch, durability, and weight of a pair of pants depends on its fabric. Propper pants come in a few broad categories, including but not limited to:

100 percent cotton ripstopFamiliar, classic, high-quality cotton clothing that lasts. Typically comes at a lower price point. Look for it in items like BDU trousers with “100 percent cotton” in the product name.

100 percent polyester ripstopLight, wrinkle-resistant, and also at a lower price point than some of Propper’s fabric blends – you can find it on pants like the EdgeTec EMS Pant.

Nylon/cotton ripstop blendsUsually a proportion of roughly 60 percent nylon and 40 percent cotton ripstop, these blends make for a lighter, quick-drying, more breathable alternative to the full cotton ripstop. They also have a bit more stretch and flexibility without sacrificing durability. Look for it on items like Propper’s BDU work pants.

Polyester/cotton ripstop blendsSimilar to the nylon/cotton blends, these are also light, breathable, and come with a bit of stretch to them – depending on the specific product, some of Propper’s polyester/cotton blends are treated to repel stains and moisture, like the Men’s Lightweight Tactical Pant.

Polyester/cotton/spandex or NEXstretch spandex blendsVery common in top-selling Propper pants, these blends show up in the Kinetic or RevTac lines, where we focus on maximized durability and stretch, as well as a softer feel.

That’s not an exhaustive overview – cotton/twill blends, different blends of nylon/spandex, and more options are on offer as well, so you can get the right uniform or your preferred weight and feel.

FIT TYPES

When you shop for pants, you’re likely to see a few options for “fit types” in product descriptions. Aside from finding your correct size (waist, hip, inseam), the fit type is more about your preferences – pants are designed to fit the wearer a certain way, and you can pick and choose based on what you like.

CLASSIC FIT

These have a stretch waistband sitting slightly below the natural waist, comfortable fit through the hip and thigh, and a straight-cut leg. Look for it on duty cargo pants or other traditional pants categories.

RELAXED FIT

This fit type veers a bit roomier and stretchier than the classic fit. An elastic waistband sitting on the natural waist, straight-cut through the leg but with a bit more room – without getting baggy. Look for it on the Ripstop Tactical Pant for men or the Uniform Slick Pant for women.

ATHLETIC FIT

This fit is more sleek and tailored, with a rigid waistband sitting on the natural waist, and a more streamlined silhouette. You can find this type of fit on Propper’s Aeros pants. More common in men’s pants than women’s options.

MODERN FIT

This option is popular for women’s pants – it’s made with a curved waistband that sits below the waist, along with the classic straight-leg cut. EdgeTec Tactical Pants are a good example of modern fit.

FEATURES

Propper pants are all designed for maximum utility: comfortably carrying gear, avoiding rips and tears, and keeping the wearer comfortable. As you shop for pants, here are a few of the features you might want to seek out:

Slider waistband with
internal shirt gripper

Slider waistbands are a type of adjustable waistband that allows you to tinker with the fit of your pants for maximum comfort. Some Propper pants also have internal shirt grippers so your tucked-in shirt stays in place.

Reinforced seat and/
or knees

Extra layers of fabric on the high-stress areas like the seat or knees help pants last longer and avoid rips or worn-through areas.

Gusseted crotch.

Another feature meant to keep pants sturdy, this is a patch of fabric sewn in to reinforce the crotch area and ensure the wearer has full ease of movement without risking any fabric rips.

Specialty pockets

Pants need lots of pockets, and you can choose a wide variety with Propper. Look for magazine pockets, cell phone pockets, or hand pockets with knife reinforcement so you can carry a blade are a few common options. Some pants specifically designed for certain jobs – like EMS pants – have scissors cargo pockets or hook-and-loop closures on calf pockets.

You have a lot of options for getting exactly the pants you need, so think about your top priorities as you shop. Are you mostly focused on something light and comfortable? Something sleek and professional? Or are you thinking less about look and feel and more about practicalities like pockets and durability? Take a look through our product pages and be sure to ask our customer service professionals if you have any questions.