Truewerk T1 Pro Werkpants: The Complete Summer Work Pant Review

Summer work pants can be tricky to get right. Too lightweight, and they won’t last long. Too heavy, and they hold heat, fatiguing you even quicker than the thermometer suggests. Truewerk’s T1 Werkpants have been a staple of my summer workwear wardrobe, but the T1 Pro offers a couple of significant upgrades. I’ll share what I’ve learned from wearing them this summer and help you decide if they’re worth buying.

When it comes to the purpose of the T1 Pro, here’s what the company notes. Fans had been asking for a WerkPant with knee pads—something lighter and simpler than over-pant options for everyday work. They started with that request and kept going with other upgrades like a stretch waistband, zippered thigh vents, DWR treatment, and more.

Key upgrades include an integrated knee pad sleeve, zippered thigh vents for airflow, and a stretch waistband. The fabric is 85% nylon and 15% spandex, weighing 176 grams per square meter. It also features reinforced knees, articulated joints, double-stitched seams, and a C0 Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish that sheds light precipitation.

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I ordered my typical 36-inch waist and 34-inch inseam, and the fit was perfect. Truewerk has run true to size across the board for me, so I recommend you order based on your normal measurements. Just like the T1, the material’s comfort against your skin and how easily it allows you to move are among the best in the business.

Of course, all the stretch and movement we’ve come to expect from the T1 are present, so the main focus of my evaluation was on the upgrades of the T1 Pro. The big highlight is the integrated knee pads, and if you spend even part of the day on your knees, they’re a lifesaver. After several decades of athletic pursuits and creeping up on the big five-oh in age, my knees aren’t what they used to be, so I appreciate the cushioned support.

I have the standard Airwerk knee pads, and they aren’t overly obtrusive. They’re about 9 3/4 x 6 1/4 inches and 1/4-inch thick. They’re really lightweight, and even though you can feel they’re present, I don’t feel like they weigh down the pants or inhibit my movement at all. You can always take them out if you feel like they’re in the way, though. They’re a little bit of a pain to reinsert while you’re wearing the pants, so keep that in mind if you’re going to need them later in the day.

Most of my work involves occasionally getting down on my knees, and the standard knee pads have the right feel and cushioning for that role. For example, I was recently running some updated cordless drill testing. Our protocol involves several tests at workbench height, but our concrete drilling test is on the shop floor. The standard pads had enough cushion to keep me comfortable on the concrete without feeling like they were too bulky as I moved to other tasks.

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For tradesmen who need legit durability and abrasion resistance during the summer months, the debate is primarily between the T1 and the T1 Pro, and the XP is hanging out there as well. It’s not just a decision between knee pads or no knee pads, though. The side vents make a difference.

Breathability and Vents

The addition of thigh mesh vents is an important feature that differentiates the T1 Pro from both the T1 and XP versions. It’s a feature I’ve been praising on my KUIU work pants, and I’m glad to see that Truewerk is getting on board. Better still, Truewerk’s price point is significantly lower, so you’re getting a premium design at a better value.

With the vents open, heat and moisture have an easier escape. It’s not like opening up a pair of windows and having a fan blowing air across them, but the air around your legs is a little cooler, and sweat doesn’t just build up until it soaks your socks. Where I am in central Florida, temps in the low to mid-90s with matching levels of humidity are common during the summer, and the extra airflow really does make a difference in comfort.

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Open, mesh material prevents sawdust, debris, and bugs from getting in. Closed, the DWR treatment sheds light precipitation, and the zippers prevent it from leaking through. Hopefully, it’s a feature that finds its way over to the standard T1 the next time they’re due for a refresh.

For the ultimate in lightweight, breathable comfort, Truewerk’s Cloud AV Werkpants are still the go-to option for the hottest weather… if you can get away with their thin material. All three are excellent, but if you’re like me and need knee support and can genuinely benefit from some extra cooling and moisture management, the T1 Pro is worth spending a little more on.

You can order yours from Truewerk for $119.