Some clothes are designed for the runway and end up at work. The Dickies 874 went the other way. It was made in 1967 as a plain, tough work pant for people who fix cars, cook in kitchens and build things, and over the following decades it became a uniform for skaters, musicians and anyone who wants a pair of trousers that will not quit.
Here is what the 874 is, why it has lasted, which fit to buy and where to get a pair.
Unknowndivide may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post.
What it is
The Original 874 Work Pant is a flat-front trouser cut from what Dickies calls its signature twill: an 8.5-ounce blend of 65 percent polyester and 35 percent cotton with no stretch. It sits high, right at the natural waist, with a relaxed fit through the seat and thigh and a straight leg that tapers slightly at the hem.
The details are all about durability. There are reinforced seams, welt back pockets and wide tunnel belt loops. Dickies also lists the fabric as wrinkle resistant with a stain release finish, which is why the pants keep their sharp crease through years of washing. Out of the box the twill feels stiff, and like a good pair of raw jeans it softens the more you wear it.
Where it came from
Dickies started in 1922 as a small Texas company making bib overalls. According to the brand's own history, it grew from overalls into work pants and shirts, then into jeans, outerwear, scrubs and uniforms, and its workwear is now sold in more than 100 countries.
The 874 arrived in 1967. Dickies describes it as the start of its most iconic line, defined by a structured high-rise waistband and rigid, non-stretch fabric that made it a favorite across trades. Over time the pant crossed over from job sites to skate parks and stages, and the brand now sells it alongside a whole family of fits inspired by the original.
Why it is still worth buying
- It is genuinely tough. The firm polyester and cotton twill is built for hard use and keeps its shape far longer than softer chinos.
- It looks clean. The pressed crease and high rise give it a sharper line than most casual pants, so it works with a T-shirt and boots as easily as with a work shirt.
- It comes in a lot of colors. Dickies offers the Original 874 in well over a dozen shades, from black, navy and khaki to charcoal and desert sand.
- It is easy to care for. No special washing, no ironing for most people and no worrying about it on a muddy day.
Which version to buy
Dickies groups the 874 and its offshoots into what it calls the 874 family:
- Original 874. The highest rise, relaxed fit and straight leg. Buy this one if you want the classic look.
- 873 Slim Fit. A lower rise with a slim fit through the seat and thigh and a straight leg. Better if the original feels too roomy.
- 877 Loose Fit. A high rise with a looser seat and thigh, popular for a wider skate silhouette.
- 874 Pro Series. A modern version with a flex waistband, mobility fabric, a tapered leg and a phone pocket. This is the one for active jobs.
On sizing, the 874 is sold by waist and inseam. Because the twill does not stretch and the rise is high, many people find it fits more snugly than their jeans, so check the Dickies size chart before ordering and consider going up an inch in the waist if you are between sizes.
How to wear it
The 874 shines with other heritage pieces. Pair black or navy with a pocket T-shirt and a pair of boots from our heritage boots guide, or wear khaki with a chore coat for a classic workwear look. If you like the idea of tough clothes that age well, read our explainers on Levi's 501 jeans and Carhartt versus Carhartt Work in Progress (WIP), two other workwear staples that crossed over into everyday style.
Where to buy
Dickies sells every color and size through its own online store. You can also pick up the Dickies Original 874 Work Pant in a range of colors, the Dickies Original 874 in black or the slimmer Dickies Slim Straight Fit Work Pant. Check current pricing and available sizes before you order, since both vary by color.
New to tough, long-lasting clothes? Our raw denim beginner's guide is a good next read. More in our sneakers and style hub.
