Dickies vs Ben Davis: Which Workwear Brand Reigns Supreme?
Are you torn between classic workwear brands? The battle of the workwear titans is upon us! We’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide: which brand truly deserves a spot in your wardrobe – Dickies or Ben Davis?
Both Dickies and Ben Davis have cemented their place in history, known for their durability, style, and connection to working-class roots. But what sets them apart? We’ll explore everything from quality and fit to price and overall aesthetic.
This in-depth analysis of Dickies vs Ben Davis will guide you through the key differences, helping you make an informed decision. Get ready to discover which brand aligns best with your needs and personal style. Let the workwear showdown begin!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Dickies | Ben Davis |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Durable Twill | Heavyweight Cotton |
| Fit | Relaxed/Loose | Relaxed/Loose |
| Pockets | Multiple, Functional | Multiple, Functional |
| Durability | High | Very High |
| Waistband | Traditional | Traditional |
| Closure | Button/Zipper | Button/Zipper |
| Style | Workwear/Casual | Workwear/Skate |
| Reinforcements | Bar-tacked stress points | Reinforced stitching |
| Inseam Options | Varied | Varied |
| Color Options | Wide | Wide |
| Weight | Medium | Heavy |
| Origin | Global | Global |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Material & Durability
- Dickies: Typically made from a durable blend of polyester and cotton, known for its resistance to wrinkles and abrasion. Offers good longevity but can sometimes feel less breathable.
- Ben Davis: Often crafted from a heavier-weight cotton twill, renowned for its ruggedness and ability to withstand tough conditions. May be more prone to shrinking and require more breaking in.
- Winner: ben davis
Fit & Style
- Dickies: Offers a variety of fits, from slim to relaxed, catering to a range of preferences. Often features a more streamlined, modern aesthetic.
- Ben Davis: Known for its classic, looser fit, often associated with a workwear style. Provides a more generous cut for ease of movement.
- Winner: dickies
Pockets & Storage
- Dickies: Typically includes multiple pockets, including front slash pockets, back pockets, and often a utility pocket. The pocket construction is generally functional.
- Ben Davis: Features ample pocket space, often with reinforced pockets for added durability. Known for its signature “Gorilla Cut” pockets which are deep and practical.
- Winner: ben davis
Price Point
- Dickies: Generally considered more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for workwear or casual wear. Offers good value for the price.
- Ben Davis: Often priced slightly higher than Dickies, reflecting its heavier-duty construction and brand heritage.
- Winner: dickies
Color & Finish Options
- Dickies: Available in a wide range of colors and washes, providing versatile styling options. Offers both solid colors and pre-faded options.
- Ben Davis: Features a more limited color palette, often focusing on classic workwear hues.
- Winner: dickies
Comfort & Breathability
- Dickies: The polyester-cotton blend offers moderate breathability, but can sometimes feel warm in hot weather.
- Ben Davis: The heavy-duty cotton twill can be less breathable, potentially leading to discomfort in warmer climates.
- Winner: dickies
Brand Reputation & Heritage
- Dickies: Has a long history as a workwear staple, with a strong presence in various subcultures.
- Ben Davis: Also has a rich workwear history, with a focus on rugged durability and a distinct brand identity.
- Winner: Tie
Work-Specific Features
- Dickies: Offers features like stain-resistant finishes on some styles, which can be beneficial in certain work environments.
- Ben Davis: May incorporate reinforced stitching and other design elements specifically for heavy-duty work conditions.
- Winner: ben davis
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Durability | Ben Davis |
| Variety of Styles | Dickies |
| Availability | Dickies |
| Weight | Dickies |
| Classic Design | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Durable Construction: Both brands are known for their robust construction, designed to withstand the rigors of work and everyday wear.
- Functional Pockets: Both Dickies and Ben Davis pants feature multiple pockets, providing ample storage for tools and personal items.
- Relaxed Fit: Both brands offer a relaxed or loose fit, prioritizing comfort and ease of movement.
- Workwear Heritage: Both have a long history rooted in workwear, with designs that have become popular in various subcultures.
- Versatile Style: The pants from both brands are versatile enough to be worn in a variety of settings, from the job site to casual outings.
- Classic Designs: Both brands feature timeless designs that have remained popular for decades, reflecting a commitment to quality and enduring style.
Dickies Vs Ben Davis Buying Guide
Durability and Construction
Both Dickies and Ben Davis are renowned for their robust construction, designed to withstand the rigors of demanding work environments. Dickies often utilizes a blend of polyester and cotton, resulting in a fabric that’s both durable and resistant to wrinkles and fading. Ben Davis, on the other hand, frequently employs a heavier-duty cotton canvas, known for its exceptional abrasion resistance and ability to handle tough tasks. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs: Dickies offers a practical balance, while Ben Davis prioritizes extreme durability.
Dickies uses a poly-cotton blend, and Ben Davis often uses heavy-duty cotton canvas. Both are durable but offer different balances of features.
Fit and Style
Dickies offers a wider range of fits and styles, catering to diverse preferences. From classic straight-leg work pants to slim-fit options, Dickies provides versatility for different body types and style sensibilities. Ben Davis is more focused on the traditional workwear aesthetic, often featuring a looser, more relaxed fit. Their iconic “Gorilla Cut” pants are a testament to their commitment to a roomy, comfortable fit. Consider your desired look and comfort level when making your choice.
Dickies offers a wider variety of fits, while Ben Davis leans towards a more classic workwear style with a relaxed fit.
Material and Comfort
The materials used significantly impact comfort. Dickies’ poly-cotton blend offers a degree of breathability and wrinkle resistance, making it suitable for various climates and work settings. Ben Davis’s heavier cotton canvas can be initially stiffer but often softens with wear, providing excellent protection and a rugged feel. The choice depends on your priorities: breathability and ease of care versus maximum durability and a classic workwear feel. Consider the weather conditions where you’ll be wearing them.
Dickies offers breathability and wrinkle resistance, while Ben Davis prioritizes durability and a rugged feel, and will soften with wear.
Price and Value
Both brands offer excellent value for their price point, providing durable workwear that lasts. Dickies is generally more accessible in terms of price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. Ben Davis may be slightly more expensive, reflecting its use of premium materials and its reputation for exceptional longevity. Consider your budget and the expected lifespan of the garment when evaluating the value proposition of each brand. Both offer a good cost to quality ratio.
Dickies is generally more affordable, while Ben Davis may be pricier due to its premium materials and durability.
Available Features
Dickies and Ben Davis both offer functional features tailored to work environments. Dickies often includes features like stain-resistant finishes and multiple pockets for tools and essentials. Ben Davis frequently incorporates reinforced stitching and heavy-duty zippers, emphasizing durability. Examine the specific features offered by each brand in the style you’re considering to ensure they meet your needs. Think about the pockets and other features you require.
Both brands offer functional features, such as multiple pockets, reinforced stitching, and stain resistance.
Brand Reputation and Legacy
Dickies and Ben Davis both have strong legacies in the workwear industry. Dickies has a long-standing reputation for providing reliable and affordable workwear to a broad customer base. Ben Davis is known for its connection to the working class and its iconic designs. Consider the brand’s history and the values it represents when making your decision. Both brands are respected in the industry.
Dickies is known for reliability and affordability, while Ben Davis is known for its connection to the working class and iconic designs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Dickies If…
- You prefer a wider selection of colors and styles.
- You want a slightly lighter-weight fabric.
- You are looking for a more readily available and accessible brand.
- You want a blend of workwear and casual aesthetics.
Buy Ben Davis If…
- You prioritize extremely durable, heavyweight fabrics.
- You like a more traditional workwear aesthetic.
- You want a brand with a strong connection to skateboarding culture.
- You prefer a focus on classic designs and construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference in material between Dickies and Ben Davis?
Dickies typically uses a poly-cotton blend, offering a balance of durability, wrinkle resistance, and breathability. Ben Davis often uses a heavier-duty cotton canvas known for its exceptional abrasion resistance and rugged feel. The best choice depends on your needs.
Which brand generally offers a better fit for those with broader builds?
Ben Davis is known for its more relaxed and roomy fit, particularly in their “Gorilla Cut” pants, which is often favored by those with broader builds seeking comfort and ease of movement. Dickies offers a wider range of fits, so try a few.
Are Dickies or Ben Davis pants easier to care for?
Dickies, due to its poly-cotton blend, often offers greater wrinkle resistance and ease of care, making it a practical choice for those seeking low-maintenance workwear. Ben Davis, with its heavier cotton, may require more care.
Which brand is typically more affordable?
Dickies is generally more affordable than Ben Davis, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, prices can vary depending on the specific style and features. Both offer good value.
Which brand is better for hot weather?
Dickies, with its poly-cotton blend, generally offers better breathability, making it a slightly more comfortable choice for hot weather conditions. However, both brands offer options suitable for warm climates. Consider the blend.
How do the pockets compare between the two brands?
Both brands offer functional pockets. Dickies often includes multiple pockets, including those with stain-resistant finishes. Ben Davis frequently incorporates reinforced stitching on pockets, emphasizing durability, and the pockets are also roomy.
Which brand has a stronger connection to the workwear tradition?
Both brands have a strong connection to the workwear tradition. Ben Davis has a particularly strong association with the working class. Dickies is also a workwear brand, but is more accessible and has a wider audience.
Final Verdict
Both Dickies and Ben Davis offer excellent workwear options, each with its own strengths. Dickies provides a versatile, affordable, and easy-to-care-for option, with a wider range of fits and styles. Ben Davis excels in durability, ruggedness, and a classic workwear aesthetic, particularly for those seeking a more relaxed fit and heavy-duty construction. The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.
Winner: Tie