We constantly talk about new technology in machines and software for woodworking, but we seldom talk about advances in clothing. Workers festooned in T-shirts and jeans are really missing out.

Just as Europeans led the way in automated woodworking machinery, they also blazed the trail in work clothing. I was reminded of this again trying out a new pair of Helly Hansen Oxford 4X pants that offer huge improvements over pants that really haven’t advanced much from when Levi Strauss created the first riveted blue jeans for California goldminers in 1873.

The Euro difference
These aren’t generic “cargo” pants or “painters” pants. Euro work pants have versatile pocket configurations, including hanging pockets with double-lined bottoms and nylon webbing that will hold fasteners, hardware, and tools to make tool belts unnecessary.

Then there is, to my mind, the most important difference: built in knee pad pockets. Premium domestic pants from Carhart and Duluth Trading Co. and others offer knee pad pockets, but they are hard to use and designed for thin pads. Euro pants from companies such as Blaklader and Helly Hansen can handle thick, long pads that can easily be installed and removed.

 

New tech for knee pads
The new Helly Hansen Oxford 4X pants up the ante for knee pads with easy access through an external side zipper. You don’t have to take the pants off to change or adjust the pads. 

This is a life-changing improvement for people such as installers who frequently have to drop to their knees to work. Even working in the shop, there are more times than most will admit that their knees hit the floor to maneuver a part, pick up tools or lumber, or deal with an awkward assembly.
 
As an older woodworker, my knees thank me every time I put on these pants with the pads installed. There are no straps to cut off circulation. You hardly know the pads are there until your knees hit the floor.

New tech for comfort
These pants also feature four-way stretch fabric, crotch gussets, and articulated knees for extra comfort. You can change the knee pad location or the length of the pants by 5 cm (2 inches). The lightweight modern fabric adds comfort, especially in warm weather, and in my experience is no less durable. Layers of multiple different kinds of fabric in key locations put durability where you need it.

Yes, at a $165 retail price plus $16-$22 for the knee pads, these are not on the shelf at Walmart with the $19.95 specials. But what’s the cost of a knee replacement? It reminds me a bit when the first European sliding table saws were competing with domestic cabinet saws. You do get what you pay for.

Learn more at hhworkwear.com.