Your performance as a skateboarder shouldn’t just rely on the quality of your skateboard and shoes. A lot of skateboarders forget that their clothes should also match the activity, especially the pants since the sport heavily revolves around dynamic legwork. To guarantee better performance and your own safety, read on to learn some of the best pants for skateboarding.
Before we introduce the products one by one, allow us to give you an idea of what skateboard pants are supposed to be. Luckily for you, knowing the right pair is quite simple. It just needs to be breathable and flexible among others. It won’t hurt to consider style as well.
Best Pants for Skateboarding Review
Volcom Men’s Frickin Modern Fit Stretch Chino Pant
Mostly made of cotton with a sufficient amount of polyester and a little bit of elastane, the Volcom Frickin Chino Pant is a nice combination of comfort, durability, and elasticity. It’s so durable that it can endure the cleaning process of washers.
The composition is also effective for creating a modern fit, a kind of fit that’s skinnier than traditional pants but still super-comfortable and fashionable. To help you find the perfect fit, the brand will provide you with a reliable list of sizes or measurements as well as designs.
While other skateboard pants look too hip and trendy, this one has a more formal look because of its slightly looser fit and higher waistband. That’s why it can be used for casual days in the workplace as well.
Since elastane only covers two percent of each pair, these pants aren’t very stretchy for more intense moves. They’re also kind of rough, which can trigger an itch. And, if you prefer a simpler finish, you should know that the fabric is quite shiny.
Pros:
- Balances comfort, elasticity, and durability
- Can be machine-washed
- Modern fit
- Formal style
- Versatile look
Cons:
- Not enough elasticity for more complicated tricks
- Slightly rough texture
- Too shiny for some people
Dickies Men’s Original 874 Work Pant
While the first option has more cotton than polyester and is made of three different materials, the Dickies Original 874 Work Pant only has 35% cotton but 65% polyester. Interestingly, these pants with tapered legs and traditional rise can resist both stains and wrinkles to withstand heavy use.
Other features that make these pants highly durable and secure are the brass zipper, hook-and-eye closure, and tunnel loops for any belt.
All of the aforementioned aspects of these pants result in a longer-lasting product. We shouldn’t forget about comfort, though, which is made possible by the well-designed thigh, crotch, and bottom areas. As for convenience, the front and back pockets don’t create flaps for a more hassle-free cut.
Unfortunately, the waistband of these pants runs small. The zipper is shorter than the standard length, too. And, worse, some units of this product don’t have hems, which can be dangerous because of the possibility of snags.
Pros:
- More polyester for higher durability
- Won’t wrinkle easily
- Stain-resistant
- Enhanced comfort for your crotch area, bottom, and thighs
- Secure closures
Cons:
- Runs small, especially around the waist
- Overly short zipper
- Possibility of unfinished hems
Rothco Camo Tactical BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) Military Cargo Pants
With an almost-equal 55/45 combination of cotton and polyester plus double-stitched seams, the Rothco Camo BDU Pants can prevent rips and won’t wear out easily. Its design is based on the standard battle dress uniform or BDU of the U.S. Military, resulting in the presence of six pockets: two slashes in the front, two pleated cargo, and two button-downs in the back. Its form will also remain the same no matter how much you bend your knees and move your legs.
For added security, the fly is inspired by the original buttoned design of military uniforms. The hems also come with drawstrings so you can tie them around your shoes or ankles if necessary. And, of course, let’s not forget about the wide variety of camouflage patterns and colors this product offers.
It goes without saying that not all people are comfortable about the idea of wearing military-inspired pants because of the bold patterns. You can definitely find much simpler skateboard pants.
Pros:
- More balanced combination of comfort and durability
- Prevents rips
- Several pockets for convenience
- Secure fly and hems
- Wide range of color and pattern options
Cons:
- Not versatile enough fashion-wise because of its loud colors and patterns
Dickies Men’s Skinny Straight-Fit Work Pant
Tighter than the first option we’ve introduced earlier from the same brand, the Dickies Skinny Straight-Fit Work Pant also has a lower rise, which will specifically settle right below your waist instead of exactly around it.
Meanwhile, Spandex only covers one percent of these pants, but it already makes a huge difference because this product has more stretch than the first Dickies option. You can easily squat while wearing these pants, a natural move for skateboarders. And, that’s while you’re feeling comfortable with the fabric’s softer texture. You can enjoy all of these benefits without spending a lot of money since these pants are very affordable.
However, if you have a much bigger physique, these pants might fit tighter than necessary. This will only get worse if you’ll use a dryer because they tend to shrink if not air-dried. Frequent washing can also make the colors lose their vividness.
Pros:
- Tighter than other Dickies pants but still very comfortable
- Just the right amount of stretch
- Supports more dynamic movements
- Softer feel
- Cheaper than most quality skateboard pants
Cons:
- Not for bigger body frames
- Time-consuming drying process because dryers shouldn’t be used for these pants
- Fading colors
Unionbay Men’s Survivor Relaxed Fit Cargo Pant – Reg and Big and Tall Sizes
Focusing on comfort, the Unionbay Survivor Cargo Pant is purely made of cotton. That’s why it’s either cool or warm enough for spring, summer, or fall. And, even though there’s no polyester, it’s still very durable.
Just like typical cargo pants, the pockets are placed on both sides and the waistband is ready for any kind of belt.
Despite the looser fit of these pants, they still look skinnier than a typical pair of cargo pants. That’s why they look so flattering when worn by taller people, especially those who have a bigger frame.
There are some issues with these pants when it comes to fit, though. The waistband is too low in the back while the front part is too high, forcing some people to fold one side just to balance it out. The zipper can be a bummer as well because it’s tricky to open or close it in just one go.
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear regardless of the weather
- Cargo pants for skateboarding and other intense activities
- Not bulky
- No need to bring anything else besides your skateboard because of the pockets
- Ideal for bigger skateboarders
Cons:
- Might force you to fold the front side because of the lower placement of the back part
- Requires a couple of attempts before the zipper fully opens or closes
Carhartt Men’s Relaxed Fit Washed Twill Dungaree Pant
Another option that’s completely made of cotton, the Carhartt Twill Dungaree Pant is all about comfort as well. Its material is so satisfying to touch that it will probably remind you of delicate fabrics like velvet.
Even though this product isn’t exactly cargo pants, it can still store different items because of its pockets. And, even if you’re going to fill all of its pockets with various objects, it will remain lightweight since it’s much lighter than denim.
When it comes to fit, the waistband is more likely to wrap around your waist itself–not too high, not too low. That’s why there will be more space around your thighs for a more relaxed fit.
The problem with the waistband, though, is it runs small. The darker options tend to fade quickly as well.
Pros:
- Feels good to touch
- Similar to cargo pants in terms of convenience
- Light enough for skateboarding even with full pockets
- Good fit around the waist
- Roomy around the thigh area
Cons:
- Runs small
- Looks faded eventually
Unionbay Men’s Rainier Lightweight Comfort Travel Tech Chino Pants
While the first option from the same brand is a pair of cargo pants, the Unionbay Rainier Chino Pants are simpler because of the absence of multiple side pockets. And, while other options from different brands mostly use polyester and cotton, this one has 94% nylon and 6% Spandex–a little bit more than the usual 1-2% of elastic material.
Rain or shine, these pants are safe to wear because of their resistance to water as well as ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). In addition, if you’re always skateboarding, feel free to wash these pants as frequently as possible because they dry quickly.
These pants can test your patience, however, because some of them have too many loose threads even if brand-new. It won’t even matter if you have a smaller body frame since these pants are all about slimmer legs. Also, watch out for holes caused by sewing mistakes.
Pros:
- Simpler Unionbay pants
- More satisfying stretch
- Water-resistant
- Can protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet rays
- Dries quickly
Cons:
- Loose threads
- Better for skinnier legs
- Possibility of holes
Amazon Essentials Men’s Relaxed-Fit Casual Stretch Khaki
Because of its cotton fabric with a little bit of elastane, the Amazon Essentials Casual Stretch Khaki has enough flexibility while enhancing comfort. Also, its relaxed fit prioritizes comfort for your thighs and legs. It looks tight, but the leg openings are wider than skinny jeans.
What you see is what you get with this product, especially in terms of color. It’s also affordable, considering its premium quality.
Unfortunately, these pants are too stretchy for some people. However, they eventually get tighter with frequent washing, so make sure to buy something that’s a little bit longer than your legs.
Lastly, there’s a bit of confusion with the pockets’ depth. Some people think they’re too small while others see no problem with it. Don’t hesitate to contact the seller if you think there’s an issue with the pockets.
Pros:
- Enough elasticity
- More comfortable feeling for your thighs and legs
- Looks snug but with more space for your legs
- High-quality colors
- Value for money
Cons:
- Too loose for some body types
- Eventually shrinks
- Possible issue with the depth of the pockets
How to Choose Good Pants for Skateboarding
Fit
Skinny Jeans
These pants are the tightest, but some skateboarders still prefer wearing them. That’s because they can be comfortable as well, as long as it’s looser in the right places.
The most important tip to stay comfortable in skinny jeans is to make sure that the crotch area won’t pinch your skin.
Sweatpants
Here’s the total opposite of skinny jeans. Sweatpants are the loosest ones because of their baggy form. They’re usually chosen by people who have a bigger physique.
The ultimate downside of sweatpants is they can fall off your waist if you’re wearing the wrong fit. The trick is to choose something with a smaller yet still-elastic waistband that can be tightened with a drawstring. Your ankles must also be securely wrapped with stretchy hems to prevent the fabric flapping in the wind as you pick up speed on your skateboard.
Work or Cargo Pants
Surprisingly, this type of pants is the best one for skateboarders. It makes sense, though, since cargo pants are designed for tough physical work.
Work pants can endure endless leg movements, especially around the knees. They can also maintain comfort no matter how intense the activity is.
Relaxed
This should be a separate category because certain skinny jeans, sweatpants, and work pants nowadays are specifically designed to have a relaxed fit. That aims to give more room around the waist and thighs. It guarantees comfort and flexibility regardless of whether the legs are tighter or not.
Size
There are several subjective factors to consider when it comes to fit, so you can add some numbers on your decision-making process. We’re talking about the specific size of the pants. This is crucial if you’re going to buy online.
Four simple steps are enough to help you find the right size for your body. Try the following tips:
- Measure your waistline and hips.
- Take note of the dimensions of your favorite pants.
- Check the product’s size chart.
- Pick something that’s two sizes bigger than your actual size (if you’re buying online, check if the seller accepts returns).
Freedom of Movement
Elasticity
There are two options to choose from when considering the range of motions the pants can allow. One of them is the flexibility of the material. If the pants are stretchy, they can instantly adapt to your movements.
The downside? The elastic material can lose its quality in the long run and become saggy instead.
Looseness
If you’re uncomfortable with elastic bottoms, then consider baggy pants. They will feel so comfortable that you’ll find it easier to skip, jump, and run with low-top shoes.
Without enough elasticity, however, you can’t be more flexible. Loose pants might also drop from your waist, which is a safety hazard.
Comfort
Texture
The idea here is pretty straightforward: softer fabrics are definitely more comfortable. Prevent dynamic movements from harming your skin by making sure that the material of your pants won’t scratch.
Temperature
How warm or cool should a pair of skateboard pants be? Well, skateboarding can be enjoyed most seasons, so your pants should be able to keep you comfortable in hot or cold weather. It must have the ability to allow more airflow during sunny days and prevent the cold from penetrating your legs during cooler months.
Weight
Heavier pants can overheat and limit your movements, but they can also protect you from bruises, wounds, and injuries because of the thicker fabric. They’re more durable, too.
Material
Cotton
Most skateboard pants use cotton fabric, and there’s nothing surprising about that. That’s because cotton is breathable, soft, hypoallergenic, and durable. It’s also a big deal that it’s a natural material for it ensures the absence of harmful chemicals and irritating substances.
Remember when we mentioned how skateboard pants should be comfortable for different seasons? You can expect that from cotton pants. Cotton is an insulator, meaning it won’t conduct high or low temperatures significantly.
Additionally, don’t be surprised if cotton pants have more attractive colors. The fabric absorbs dye perfectly.
However, you should know that cotton loses color faster than other fabrics. It also wrinkles easily. And, worse, it can shrink and eventually have mildew.
Denim
This thick fabric is technically from cotton. However, it uses heavier fibers and a different weaving process to become more stylish and durable.
The challenge is to find the right fit. Most of the time, there’s a break-in period, and that’s a bad thing if you want to use the pants immediately. Denim pants can also be very expensive.
Polyester
Since skateboarding is a sport, it makes total sense to choose pants with a fabric that’s commonly used for activewear. Polyester is resistant to moisture, shrinking, stains, and wrinkles, quick-drying, lightweight, easy to clean, and more effective when combined with other fabrics.
On the other hand, polyester is not breathable enough during hot days, not warm enough for cold environments, and too rough for sensitive skin.
Nylon
Polyester is similar to nylon in terms of durability, weight, cleaning convenience, and resistance to wrinkles and shrinkage. However, nylon has a softer texture and tougher construction.
But, when it comes to style, polyester pants tend to look more fashionable because of the brighter colors. Nylon can’t fully absorb dye.
Elastane or Spandex
Elastane and Spandex are basically the same thing. The latter is just a more specific term.
This material adds flexibility or elasticity to fabrics like cotton and polyester. It’s also quite soft to touch and resistant to moisture.
However, it’s a good thing that elastane only covers a very small percentage on the composition of most skateboard pants. Pure Spandex leggings, for example, aren’t breathable. They can be unbearable if worn nonstop for several hours.
Conclusion
Since cargo pants have that secure fit despite being loose, we highly recommend the Rothco Camo BDU Pants for skateboarders. This product perfectly balances the benefits of cotton and polyester to achieve both comfort and durability. It’s also super-convenient with its multiple pockets to eliminate the need for you to bring a bag while skateboarding.
If you’re set to look for more options, don’t forget to consider the factors namely fit, size, freedom of movement, comfort, weight, and material. When you think about fit, consider the pros and cons of wearing skinny jeans, sweatpants, work pants, and relaxed-fit pants. As for material, remember the benefits of cotton, denim, polyester, nylon, and elastane.