Comparison: Fatigue Pants
Why compare fatigue pants? I honestly don’t know if they’re just having a resurgence right now, or if they’ve always been around and I’ve just slept on them. Most likely the latter.
For most guys an assortment of jeans, chinos and dress pants will be more than adequate to get them through most situations. But a combination of Daiki Suzuki’s influence and seeing fits on Reddit, got me hooked on fatigue pants. And instead of reaching for one of my faithful pairs of jeans or chinos, I’m grabbing fatigues more and more these days.
You should note, you can totally get fatigues from military surplus stores, thrifting or buying second hand. I didn’t, but you totally can. These are just the pairs that I own, conveniently they’re at different price points. This is because I do like trying the frugal version of something before seeing what the higher price points have to offer.
Priced from lowest to highest, I own a pair by these brands Uniqlo, Stan Ray, Universal Works and orSlow.
The Specs
| Brand | Uniqlo | Stan Ray | Universal Works | orSlow |
| Type | Washed Jersey Ankle Length Pants | Taper Fit 4 Pocket Fatigue Pant 1201 | Fatigue Pant Light Olive | Slim Fit US Army Fatigue Pant Green |
| Price | $49.90 AUD | $135 AUD | $225 AUD | $360 AUD |
| Material | 96% Cotton, 4% Spandex | 100% Cotton (Ripstop) | 100% Cotton (Twill) | 100% Cotton (Sateen) |
| Side Adjusters | None | None | Yes | Yes |
| Size | L | 34 | 34 | L(4) |
| Waist | 33″ – 36″ | 35″ | 36″ | 34″ |
| Thigh | 14″ | 12″ | 14″ | 12.5″ |
| Rise | 10.6″ | 10″ | 12″ | 10.25″ |
| Inside Leg | 28.75″ | 31.5″ | 30.75″ | 33″ |
| Ankle | 7.5″ | 7.5″ | 8″ | 8″ |
| Cuffed # fit pics | Twice | Thrice | Twice | Thrice |
| Side adjusters used in fit pics | n/a | n/a | Yes | No |
The Look
All of these fatigue pants have one thing in common, that is, they’re a shade of green. With the exception of the pair from Uniqlo, all of them have patch pockets out the front, button down pockets at the rear and belt loops (some also have side adjusters).
The pair by Uniqlo is described as Washed Jersey Ankle Length Pant, which means it has the typical fatigue patch pockets out the front but no button down back pockets, no belt loops and certainly no side adjusters. So not really traditional fatigue pants, but at the cheapest option I tried, it still gives the desired look at a fraction of the cost of the others.
I also tried a bunch of different fits here from slim, taper to wide. I feel like I’ve recently been drifting between slim, tapered, straight and wide fits, because variety is the spice of life, but so is indecision. Welcome to my world. At least I have options right?
Most of the brands offer different fits also, so choose whichever you think fits your style best.
The Feel
Uniqlo
The least traditional of them all, but most likely the most comfortable thanks to it’s low-medium rise and stretch waist. The fabric isn’t as substantial as the others, but the spandex percentage adds to the comfort.
The lack of button down pockets makes for easy access compared to the others but the pros and cons to this type of pocket varies from depending on your personal preference.
Stan Ray
As my first foray into fatigues, Stan Ray was a great entry point. I liked the high rise and the thickness of the ripstop fabric. There were few loose threads here and there but nothing really to complain about at this price range.
Universal Works
Great quality, super comfy and super wide. Once again has a pretty high rise but shorter inseam than the rest, so that could be a deal break for taller guys. But for shorter guys like me it wasn’t an issue at all.
I also didn’t know that I would love side adjusters so much until this pair of pants. Practical for those times when you eat a big meal, which is a lot for me.
orSlow
I justified getting this pair by grabbing it on sale. Essentially everything I loved about the Universal Works pair, but in a slim fit.
The standout is the amazing slubby fabric. The cotton sateen is thinner than the cotton twill of the Universal Works pair, so I feel like the combination of the slim fit and thinner fabric is different enough to be able to wear with different outfits.
Are they Affordable?
If you don’t like them, save your money and don’t even buy a pair.
If you’d just like to test them out, the more frugal options from Uniqlo or Stan Ray would be terrific places to start.
If you’re keen as, and your budget allows for it you can’t go wrong with either pair from Universal Works or orSlow. I hear great things about the fatigues from Engineered Garments also.
Personally I think fatigues have been a great addition to my wardrobe. Jeans and chinos still have their place, but I’m definitely reaching for fatigues more and more these days.
