Dickies 874’s And Their Pilling Problem. (Fit, sizing, alternatives, etc.)

[@edibletarget]

I can't go TTS, Dickies are notorious for running small in the waist so I need to size up 2. My only real complaint about them is that they don't breathe well. I feel like the flex versions breathe a bit better.

[@TheIronSnail]

Pinning you because I just realized I’m 3 sizes too big and mine aren’t bad in the waste!

[@iandavies8741]

The flex versions breathe so much better

[@michaelpdrock1]

I wish id read this comment before buying 2 pairs of 32" dickies shorts... Either every other pair of trousers I own are incorrectly sized...or Dickies are way too small... Annoyed is a massive understatement

[@97warlock]

REALLY? I heard multiple peaopl say Dickies runs tru to size. Youre saying they run a bit small in trhe waist? I have a chance at 80 for 9 pair relaxed 34s but I wear 33 ..If what YOU say is true, then maybe I may get the 34s even tho theyre a size too big.

[@benrosenbloom8854]

​@@97warlock They run a good 2 inches small, I can confirm. I just left a company where I worked for 6 years and they always had us wear Dickeies 874 work pants. I wore those things to death (they do get very pilled but they get very comfy with age too!). They absolutely run small. Not just 1 inch. It's 2 inches, at least

[@billtodd7693]

Hope you recover just fine. Sorry you had to miss a trip to Switzerland. Take care.

[@TheIronSnail]

Thanks Bill! Hope all is well with you!

[@Juneof1944]

Thanks for this video! After the last batch of Dickies I bought, maybe around 5 years ago, started getting too stained up to wear anymore, I got a new pair. The pilling is absolutely horrible, and I thought it may have something to do with a fabric change, but, the ink on the tags on my old ones are totally worn off, and I couldn't tell.

[@SCRPYTHELORD]

This channel is honestly amazing.

[@LaidbackSounds]

Dickies used to be dope in the 90's , now their quality is not the same anymore

[@habl00pep]

Truth as the house pain foretold

[@joshbailey4962]

I wear Dickies 874 virtually everyday no matter the season, I’m wearing dickies in the depth of winter and the peak of summer. Dickies are my comfort pant, almost like a hoodie. I can wear them whenever, wherever, how ever I want. They’re just the best pants ever, the fit is just perfect for me. Not to mention the affordability is a massive bonus, and they last a while from my experience.

[@TheIronSnail]

They are really just an amazingly solid pair of pants!

[@ThaiGoalie]

Pretty sure you bought a Walmart pair of Dickies 874s (and I'm not talking about the brand called 'Genuine Dickies' which is also sold at Walmart, and I believe not associated with the Dickies brand at all, or some sort of budget subsidiary of orginal Dickies) But what I've heard from my local family owned workwear store, is that the Dickies 874s sold at Walmart are made cheaper and at a lower quality - and their price point at Walmart stores reflect that in comparasion to Dickies 874 pants that can be purchased from their website. I happen to have both Walmart pairs of 874s, as well as 874s bought from the Dickies website. The ones purchase from the Dickies website are noticeably stiffer when new, and I have not seen any pilling on the website purchased 874s. The 874s I have bought from Walmart have started pilling overtime, and are noticiable lighter and less stiff. Both have the same branding however.

[@kylebrown187]

Genuine dickies have a red logo/tag.

[@neltymind]

poly/cotton blends with much more polyester than cotton always have a pilling problem.

[@hannesbosse9030]

As someone who works a heavy workwear job, I can tell you that carhartt is a whole other ballpark in terms of quality and the fabric (for me) is the most importent part. So I usually look for Duck or Cordura. I thrifted a pair of navy Levi's Sta Prest from 1978. Those are the best imo (not for work of course) 😅 Is that a G Shock Casioak on your wrist? I had mine in the mail yesterday. There is no way 😂

[@TheIronSnail]

Hahaha it's a DW-5600! I haven't bought a Casioak yet but I most likely will soon!

[@giampierluigi4671]

My man wtf? 30$? Where I live (Italy) they’re 70-90€ which is about 75-95$

[@benrosenbloom8854]

That's crazy. Walmart has them any day $29. Amazon too. If I was paying what you are, there are far superior options

[@jizzyg1559]

Same in Poland. It's because in europe Dickies (especially classic models) are considered fashion pants, not TRUE workwear, as in US. Sure, i'm part of the problem, as i'm not blue collar worker and i wear my dickies on motorcycle only, but damn...

[@benrosenbloom8854]

@@jizzyg1559 Seems in the US it's a mix of people buying them as legitimate work pants, and skaters, and people who just like the look

[@sluggysworld469]

thats so sad, here they are so cheap i cut some of mine up without a second thought and i have 4 pairs and they are insanely durable the value for dickies over here is insane

[@powderedtoastman3093]

Amazon often have deals

[@philipbeadle6446]

Feel better! Covid sucks. I grew up in Southern California listening to punk and pop punk and watching my friends skate so I'm a fan of some nice, worn-in Dickies. A little fade and pilling just adds character.

[@TheIronSnail]

Thank you! And I'm trying to accept pilling as a feature not a bug!

[@ernie8419]

exactly! the punks, skaters and homies all wore dickies. its apart of our culture. i prefer the worn in look, not too crispy.

[@dgk6661]

Unpopular opinion: The 874 are far better than any pair of jeans (this includes Japanese brands). I have found that I never get knee or crotch blowouts. Never experienced pilling either. The made in Mexico versions are far better and sit perfectly on the waist without suffocating. However, the sizing is tricky especially with where the garment is created. My advice is select the Mexican made versions.

[@TheIronSnail]

Interesting! I'll have to check those ones out, mine pill like crazy! I bet it's the polyester that keeps them from blowing out, pretty cool!

[@SectorS7VEN]

I noticed too that the Mexico made ones are better, as for jeans I completely agree. I wanted some jeans recently so I bought 5 pairs to have my ass and crotch blow out on 4 of them with in a month. They weren’t tight by any means, I had to wear a belt. Something I’ve never experienced with 874’s in the decade plus I’ve worn them

[@rd-mu2vj]

Been wear Dickies since the 90s, have notice the past couple years the new pairs I’ve bought aren’t holding up anywhere close as my old ones did…you’ve definitely explained why! Funny the price has gone up and the quality has gone down…Thanks for the insight!

[@tswfoutsider]

That's not what he said. I had to rewatch it to understand too, but he is saying the mix of the cotton/polyester changed in the 60-70's. I have a pair from 94 I grabbed from eBay new with tags and a new pair 2024. And they are exactly the same feel and fit.

[@jdamourep]

Im sure once the pilling occurs on my new pants i kight get annoyed by it. But i could always wash them inside out/get a de-piller. But that being said pants despite some issues WILL last especially for fashion purposes. However my main issue that no one talks about is the stiff polyester takes some time to soften but if you have certain thkngs in yoru pocket such as keys they will leave visible marks.

[@aarondeancurtis2199]

Hey Mike, Aaron here from Germany. Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed it. Here in Germany we have the "problem" that you only get Carhartt (WIP) and Dickies as a fashion brand. Unfortunately, both brands are therefore more expensive. Carhartt WIP in particular is just incredibly expensive (100€ per pants) I'm still a big fan of workwear and have some pieces from Carhatt and Dickes. Three Dickies pants (around 50-70€): a new (873) in anthracite, a short one in blue (for the summer) and two weeks ago I bought a vintage Dickies, beige (croped, only 30€). I like the pants a lot and haven't had the peeling problem yet, but I can imagine that it will happen with the new models. In my opinion, dickies simply have more style than Carhatt, I also really like the twill blend because the pants are so airy and yet robust (and look cool). So I can only recommend dickies, but of course carhartt pants are cool too. I think jackets (Michigan an Detroit, I own a vintage Detroit Jacket) from Carhartt are more awesome than the Eisenhower from Dickies. Just my two cents. 😀

[@TheIronSnail]

A fascinating read! Makes sense that the vintage ones didn't pill! For me it's really close between the two brands, I feel like they both have something the other one doesn't

[@EcchiGamingYT]

I was thinking about getting a pair of 874's, but I don't like the fact they have polyester in them, so I went with some 100% cotton D4 Dockers instead. Also, the Dockers have a pleated front unlike the 874's. Dickies did a line of pleated 100% cotton khakis called WP114, but it looks like they've been discontinued. I wasn't sure about pleats at first because of the association with old men, but they've grown on me and it seems they might be coming back in fashion anyway. They do add a bit of visual flair to the pants opposed to flat fronts, which have started to look boring to me.

[@caddyzig]

Oh no! Sorry you got sick. Glad you’re just as creative and entertaining when you’re sick, though! Very interesting video.

[@TheIronSnail]

Hey thanks so much! That means a ton

[@로봇맨-k9v]

The waist size is hard to order. But the pants are very nice. I have 874 pants in five colors in my closet.

[@TheIronSnail]

My friend is having a ton of issues finding the right size as we speak! 5 colors is a total move though

[@agelling]

I would actually suggest getting some Dockers (they are owned by Levi’s) the regular cut is a nice relaxed slightly tapered cut which is very flattering and most importantly 100% coton with nice details.

[@TheIronSnail]

Oh interesting! Maybe I subconsciously knew, ty!

[@lgomez8478]

any notes to take like sizing up or down??

[@samuelguce]

Loving the dockers! Ha! Keen to tell you my Samurai jean story, on my 4th attempt of getting it right.

[@TheIronSnail]

4th attempt! It's hard out there!

[@samuelguce]

@@TheIronSnail after the 2nd it's totally on me lol! The light at the end tunnel now is getting a pair that fits and forgetting about raw denim for at least 5 years.

[@edtorres9316]

Your opening was on point in my case

[@NikonFM2n]

As a construction electrician I wear Dickies pants and t-shirts from Walmart. Jeans are too heavy here in the south Florida heat and humidity.

[@TheIronSnail]

Makes total sense to me!

[@ryszardkoziel]

For a pant with a similar look, the gusseted work pants from Randy’s Garments, an NYC brand, look like a cool premium alternative!

[@TheIronSnail]

Oh let me check those out right now!

[@riley-4205]

great vid hughie, love an iron snail upload 😊

[@TheIronSnail]

Hahaha ty so much!

[@coreyboyd3094]

I've wore Dickies 874 for years in the coal mine never had an issue with them falling apart they last forever

[@TheIronSnail]

Fascinating! Just shows how some brands really really overbuild their pants/clothes

[@harrybrown7680]

The RED KAP PT20 work pants is a popular alternative

[@CharacterInYourReality1127]

I've always had a pair or 2 of dickies around for 15+ years. This pilling issue started within the past couple of years. At first, I thought it had to so with the hard water in the area I moved to. Guess I'm done with 874s.

[@jamesg4670]

Have you ever tried dockers? I feel like its a great alternative to the dickies without the ruggedness but looks more dressy…but comfy and casual enough to wear with a hoodie

[@KodyRidders]

Would love a video overview of dickies denim and carpenter jeans. I use the 874 as a slack / summer pant and dickies carpenter for everything else. The carpenter pants seem almost indestructible

[@franzb69]

i had a pair in the 90s. it has crap material coz of the synthetic fibers. didn't feel well on the skin. felt cheap.

[@TheIronSnail]

They definitely have a certain feel to them! Especially with the coating they put on them

[@dbm92]

I've purchased multiple pairs of the same pant at the same time and both pairs fit completely different. Drives me insane and makes me not buy anymore after over a decade of only wearing 874s

[@bullred9498]

Dickies actually sit at the waist, that’s why they feel smaller, most people run around with their pants too low, the fact I can get these for $30 and don’t have to pull them up or wear a belt when running 😉 is a great plus

[@muhammadfaizabdtalib9267]

What rayban are you wearing?

[@jonathanmayorga6760]

What’s the orange tint that I get on my black dickies? Around the thigh area?

[@AaronSmith-uc7gs]

I’ve wore dickies for actual work and pilling is definitely a problem. But for the most part I’ve notice they hold up well. The only wear and tear I notice after a while is between the thighs

[@jacobvonloh69]

Big pants ftw, feel better man!

[@TheIronSnail]

We

[@Tlow_]

Does the flex variant also pill or is it only on the originals?

[@coreywatson5580]

I wear a 32 and they felt so snug and tight I had to suck in but when I tried the 34 they looked huge should I do a 33 or just try a different style?

[@alfombraspersasyorientaleslior]

consideribg those dickies 874 cost more than 75 dollars in Europe.. for such bad quality.. is a bad deal. Thank you for sharing it.. i'll go get some dockers. It would hace been interesting to know the exact model number orcname of the alternatives the dickies 874 with the same shape.

[@severianthefool7233]

Hey I’m from Jersey too. Morristown!

[@cowboyyt9135]

What’s your height and what size do you wear?

[@josephnerney4823]

I would recommend red kap for a very similar straight fit pant. the plain uniform pant fits better and has the same 65/35 cotton poly blend

[@TheIronSnail]

Looking into them as we speak!

[@xA18kND1x]

Why would he want the same blend if they're pilling...

[@abscbngma7483]

to everyone who owns a pair of black dickies 874, does a freshly bought brand new black dickies 874 has like a shine effect to it? Like is the pants somehow shiny? Like similar to a slacks office/school type of pants? I’ve seen pictures of people wearing it and somehow it looks shiny.

[@tmaxstith5307]

All new dickies have a shine at first, it typically leaves but it can stay for a while

[@rhysrhysrhys]

I started wearing jeans again because Dickies quality got so bad.

[@Gigantor38]

Dickies used to have a W.I.P.-like line as recently as a few years ago called Dickies Construct. Sucks it isn’t around anymore.

[@TheIronSnail]

Oh oof that does suck! Still something to look for on Ebay I guess

[@Gigantor38]

@@TheIronSnail agreed. I’ve come across a few new, discounted pieces online. Very happy with them for the reduced price point. After this video, I’ve invested in some Stan Ray pieces also. Looking forward to styling them!

[@AshleyKinslow]

Try the Dickies Skateboarding line

[@Charles-yq8vv]

They made a Dickies "Premium Collection" 874. How about a follow up review? They're doing a really crappy job of marketing them, so I have no idea what they're like.

[@xpressivemusic4578]

man i had 2 pairs a few years ago and I never had the pilling issue nor could I imagine them every pilling but maybe we get a different type in South Africa. But I would assume that the American version would be better

[@tamperehotline]

Hey, from the top of your head, do you know or could recommend a denim jacket that is close to a levis type II?

[@leopold-buttersstotch9353]

Try brave star. It's the raw denim from old Levi's Mill before it shut down. Actually still made at the Mill.

[@TheIronSnail]

Sugar Cane is also a great choice! TCB is always fabulous -- both reproductions

[@redacted1462]

Oh damn. In the UK a pair of 874s will run you back about £60, if not more. Crazy, I wonder why they're so much cheaper in the USA...

[@EcchiGamingYT]

You can find second hand pairs in perfect condition on Ebay for like £20. You're better off with some 100% cotton Dockers though imo, which can also be found on Ebay for £20 or less.

[@ronaldcachoo]

Hey man, km looking for a pair of straight fit light blue selvage jeans. But i cant find that wash anywhere as most selvage jeans are dark wash or have a yellow tint to them. Do you know about any brands that offer those?

[@TheIronSnail]

Look at Orslow!

[@xavieragee3916]

I think they're meant to be worn high waisted like in the good ole days, so it's more of an above the waist measurement you'd go with. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@roberttudisco6530]

Great video! I love my 874s, and have a pair in Lincoln Green. But yeah, I have the same problem with pilling. However, I also have a pair of 874s which they made out of selvedge denim which are AWESOME!!

[@awjaya7875]

how tall are u?

[@AmisH-q4h]

5:35 that's a crease not a pleat.

[@alexanderosborn7630]

dude your actually so funny good on you

[@Jo-fp3nd]

That's it. I'm subscribing.

[@julikuss110]

on the austrian website, dickies are still 65% cotton. they cost between 70 - 100€ tough…

[@TheShannonagains]

I wore these back in my time as a manager at a fast food place, I'd recommend them for the money, but they were really just for the job, I didn't care for them much outside of work.

[@TheIronSnail]

I wonder how many Dickies lived their lives at fast food restaurants (I bet it's super high)

[@catmanfish]

I've been wearing Dickies my entire life. Both as heavy work wear and as fashion clothing. They're my go to clothes. Nearly indestructible, and pretty cheap.

[@effu9375]

Yo.....he mastered the Asian squat.🔥🔥

[@khaingyn5166]

Been wearing dickies for years, and I owned couple vintage pair and newer pair and does see a whole different in materials. Definitely do have a different love and aesthetic for dickies though

[@seanhicks8569]

I'm a 32 waste is just about everything but Dickies I need a 36 they are super slim in the waste.

[@AbudabuBobbi]

What are you talking about lol. Taken straight from the manufacturer site product description "8.5 oz. 65% Polyester/35% Cotton Twill" still

[@stalwartzero7001]

The tillies slim dickies exclusive don’t pill as much and have a better button instead of that latch above the zipper. Second note, just get an electric pillar, they’re great for socks, pants, sweaters, carpets etc

[@Nick_6x7]

I’m a chubby short guy so 874’s are always too tight. I always get them tapered because by sizing up the legs get comically too wide. but even then I hate wearing them. So tight in the waist, legs too wide etc. I just fang get behind them lol

[@matlindell5022]

In a nutshell,you should definitely buy carhartt !👍

[@TheIronSnail]

This is true!

[@bentleyspotter]

But what shorts are you wearing here?

[@TheIronSnail]

Huckberry Flint and Tinder 365 shorts!

[@thejuanmahaayen]

But why you guys wash it?

[@JamesHerlihy]

Check out left field uniform chinos

[@TheIronSnail]

I love Left Field!

[@shawnflynn1713]

I love dickies old usa made ones were you could let the inseam out. I always search for them in thrift stores. My only complaint is you have to go two or four sizes up depending on your thighs and waist. I don't really buy to many if I don't find them cheap. Dickies are cheaply made and seem to attract so much dirt.

[@TheIronSnail]

I wish I could see some Made in USA ones! Also yes sizing is always so wonky

[@xPat3K]

I love dickies! I prefer the 874 flex variant though. I also like the double knee dickies. I like them worn out and not so shiny and crisp. For its price its definitely a good buy! Fits well too

[@billymurphy3]

I guess this is more fashion oriented for most people but I just can’t wear Dickies. The quality isn’t there. I’ve always seen their workwear and been like “what a price!!” Then I put it on and am like “ehhhhh, nope.” Duluth for me. I’ve been wearing their 5 pocket slims to death and they take a beating. I like the 5 pocket because they can be dressed up with a nice shirt and shoes. Then are also good for putting work in. Seems they’ve added some more staple colors lately. They used to only have a couple but now it seems they have up to 4 steady colors and Black. Just picked up the slim Cargos yesterday and they’re on sale for like $53. Much heavier than the 5 pocket which is pretty cool. I’ve tried a number of the Carhartts but Duluths are just a glove on me baby.

[@MovieGuy666]

J have worked in dickies and they last years.

[@colmcgillveray1010]

I know this is just gonna be one of those really obvious ones but Dickies japan are incredibly good.

[@TheIronSnail]

Didn't even think of checking those out!

[@colmcgillveray1010]

@@TheIronSnail Haa! Do it!

[@colmcgillveray1010]

They have pleats!

[@nb44444]

RVCA Americana Chinos are fantastic

[@cheputydief7317]

Got two pairs of dickies 874, one blue and one brown. They’re the same size (apparently). But the blue one fits perfect. And the brown one fits small. What the heck. This is always the case with dickies for me

[@ObeyDeFi]

I got a pair of 38s since I wear 36s... they arrived and were like 34s! 😂😂😂 wtf they were tight but length was good

[@CHRISMED2]

Is it my imagination or were Dickies back in the 90s straight leg? These new Dickies are all tapered, and the relaxed fit have that weird pattern on the leg. I prefer Ben's

[@takamae.]

I find the Guy Mariano Duck Pants to be the best dickies pants, super comfortable. The 874s are alright got a size 34, i dont need a belt with these. Im tall, have no ass, you can only wear them so high before your member aint enjoying life.

[@miguel__000]

I've been wearing Dickies for over 20 years. I purchased some new ones a couple months ago and they are not the Dickies i used to know. The new material change is not made for work. Old school Dickies were very strong and durable. So disappointed. Should of left them alone .If it aint broken don't fix it!

[@nintendontbutdo5507]

I like the dickies core work pants that are much better than the original pants as they say

[@ernestalcala4369]

Can't go wrong with dickies ripstop and duck fabrics

[@commongentleman529]

I think I caught ADHD from this video, but also got a lot of information, so thanks?

[@TheIronSnail]

Hahaha you’re welcome!

[@evzzs]

873 is actually better

[@aarondeancurtis2199]

Jep same opinion.

[@TheIronSnail]

Going to look into them!

[@colmcgillveray1010]

Shetland jumpers pill...there is really famous photo of JFK on his yacht wearing an incredibly pilled jumper!

[@TheIronSnail]

Heck yeah they do!! I bet that's 100% wool too...I wonder why!

[@colmcgillveray1010]

@@TheIronSnail Well, your wee breakdown of fibre content had me wondering as well!

[@andrewkosikowski3678]

The dockers Easter egg had to be on purpose

[@ryantharpe3288]

George chinos from walmart are the closer to the 874 dickies than anything both are sold at Walmart

[@carlwest5936]

Too baggy for me but I can see how people like them

[@TheIronSnail]

I feel like that makes total sense! Mine are almost too baggy for me after seeing the footage

[@fishrider62]

I wear dickies shorts almost exclusively. They fit me great, and last a long time. I have a pair of 874’s also great. Only complaint, the worlds shortest zippers! I basically have to undo everything to pee! Lol

[@TheIronSnail]

Ha! @Dickies, lengthen your zippers!

[@spikestoyou]

@@TheIronSnaili wish pants manufacturers would read KZbin comments. They could literally compile the suggestions and make the ultimate pants. But they are FEEBLE MINDED FOOLS

[@WalterGomes-yy5st]

Ben Davis for me

[@armandamiri]

Ama,ing video

[@rubberlover666]

Love my Dickies overalls but they balloon so much at the knees they might as well be bell bottoms. Never bought Dickies pants but used to thrift the bottoms of old work uniforms (the chinos with the orange barcodes where the label would be) and alter those. They were usually made of tougher material than Dickies.

[@TheIronSnail]

Interesting to know! Also bell bottoms could be a cool look....

[@rubberlover666]

@@TheIronSnail When will someone make shorteralls for men!!!??!!

[@32srt32]

hope you didnt buy them from walmart, cuz they arent the same 874 pants!

[@MovieGuy666]

they have always peeled, been wearing dickies for 40+ years.

[@mostaccioli.]

Ok but what about Ben Davis c’mon

[@TheIronSnail]

This is a good point!!

[@kuy3796]

D O C K E R S (this was a great and very fun and informative review, thank you!)

[@AmisH-q4h]

Too bad dickies outer legs fail and loose their black seam and a white thread inner seam shows

[@grapesodapopinski571]

Please don’t buy to your normal size. It’s known they run very small in the waist.

[@FerminaHaddenProakzmia]

Thompson Kenneth Davis Melissa Lewis William

[@neltymind]

They're 65% Polyester and only 35% cotton. That's a cheap cost cutting measure and poly/cotton blends nearly always have a pilling problem. With this little cotton, there is also a breathability problem, especially for people who tend to sweat a lot. All in all, those pants are simply garbage. Buy something that's at least 95% cotton. Debating the quality of poly/cootn blend pants is really pointless. Good pants aren't made from that crap. If you want to use quality synthetic fabrics, you don't use polyester but other ones like nylon.

[@oscar-uz4dw]

HiThey are never true to size also bad blend for dickie pants a low quality pant overall just buy the carhartt pant for the extra $.