Kate Agathon

 

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It’s time to ditch the denim.

 

I’ve worn out two pairs of jeans over the course of a year at my weekend job working in shipping and receiving. While I’ve previously worn jeans in service and in retail jobs, wearing out literal pairs of jeans at a part time job is a first for me.

Dovetail Workwear GO TO Stretch Canvas Pant Review

But, when you consider all the physical labor that is involved in unloading pallets from trucks, moving heavy bike boxes and kayaks around, and packing and shipping items eight hours a day, wearing out denim jeans isn’t surprising.

 

Goodbye, denim. Time to consider a tougher alternative that can withstand the demands of working in a warehouse!

 

Determined to find a durable replacement, my quest took me to Dovetail Workwear. Founded in 2018, the Portland, Oregon-based company has quickly established itself as the go-to brand that makes serious utility apparel for women of all body types and sizes. No longer do women have to resign themselves to ill-fitting and uncomfortable workwear for the sake of durability!

One thing that I absolutely love about this brand is how amazing it fits, something I normally don’t associate with workwear from past experience.

 

I went with the all-new Dovetail GO TO Stretch Canvas Pant, a stretchy canvas work pant that sounded like exactly what I needed (the GO TO collection is the result of Dovetail Workwear’s response to thousands of customer feedback requests asking for affordable pants made from performance textiles and available in a wide range of sizes).

Fit and Style

Constructed from 98 percent cotton and 2 percent spandex, the Cement Gray GO TO Stretch Canvas Pant didn’t require any breaking in. They felt immediately comfortable and weren’t stiff or constrictive (this was especially problematic when I had to bend down in a squat position when I had previously worn jeans).

 

When they arrived, I was delighted at how well they fit. As soon as I put them on, I was thrilled with how the straight leg looked and felt. They were neither too wide (what I expected from utility pants) nor too tight.

 

The midweight material was thick enough to not worry about rips or tears, but not too heavy where I felt weighted down or would feel overheated on a busy day.

 

The only issue I had with them was length, and so I had to get them hemmed (the GO TO Stretch Canvas Pant is offered in 30” and 32” inseams). I typically wear a 28” inseam and these were a 30” inseam. At the advice of the seamstress, I actually had 3 inches instead of the usual 2 inches hemmed because she wanted to ensure that the cuff length was safe for working in a warehouse environment.

 

When I wore them to work later the next weekend, my manager and co-workers immediately noticed my new pants as soon as I walked through the door. We work in outdoor retail, so of course they could spot Dovetail Workwear a mile away.

 

Throughout the day, I was barraged with questions from my inquisitive coworkers. Did I like the pants? How durable were they? etc. My manager remarked that she owned a pair of Dovetail Workwear overalls and loved how perfectly they fit. Another wistfully remarked she had a pair of “knock off Dovetails” and was envious of the pair I was rocking.

 

Most of the comments and questions that I received throughout the day addressed style and durability. How many pockets did they have (eight)? Were they available in additional colors (yes- Carbon Black, Kelp Green, and the aptly named Sawdust Brown)? And, unsurprisingly, how much does a pair of GO TO stretch canvas pants cost? ($59).

 

My co-workers were surprised at how affordable the GO TO Stretch Canvas Pants are. Every one of them assumed they’d be twice the price.

 

Other outdoor brands have created their own version of workwear pants that are more fashion than function. The fabric is not the same quality (durable and stretchy) as the GO TO Stretch Canvas Pants, nor do they have the same practical features.

 

The thoughtful design details (e.g. articulated knee, midrise waist) of the GO TO Stretch Canvas Pants made truck day noticeably better. I liked that the midrise waist kept my stomach in (no muffin tops here) and covered my rear (no plumber’s butt) whenever I had to stoop or stretch. The articulated knees gave me extra room to bend. These are fantastic! I kept thinking throughout the day as we methodically unloaded each pallet.

Other GO TO Stretch Canvas Pant features include a knee slot that can accommodate pads and a tool loop. I did not use them, but I know others will find the details useful.

 

The final word? The GO TO Stretch Canvas Pant is the real deal in workwear at a price that won’t break the bank. I love their durability, reliability and comfort and refuse to wear anything else during my warehouse days.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.