The call went like this: “Kenny, you’ve gotta try the Walls Ditch Digger Pants. Everyone in the office is wearing them and they’re crazy-comfortable.” There aren’t many people out there I trust when they tell me how much they like workwear, but this guy’s been pretty solid from day one. A few weeks later and it’s time to see if he gets to maintain his high reputation in my book.
If you’re new to Walls, they’re a Williamson-Dickies brand. Where Dickies creates a solid product with more of a value focus, Walls takes things up a notch in design and settles into more of the Carhartt kind of pricing.
Walls Ditch Digger Pants Comfort and Fit
Walls Ditch Digger Pants use a blend of 98% cotton duck and 2% Spandex. While the Spandex percentage is low, it’s just enough to give take the edge out of the stiffness that usually comes with cotton duck. It also gives the material a little extra stretch and winds up being pretty comfortable right out of the door.
I wear a 36 x 34 jean and it’s a little disconcerting that Walls only gives you two inseam options – 30 and 32. Don’t worry, though. The crotch in these pants sit a bit lower than jeans and the 32 length fits me perfectly. If you take a look at their size chart, you’ll find they list 28″ for short, 30″ for regular, and 32″ for tall. In that regard, it’s an accurate chart. On the waist side, I find they fit true to size.
The waistband is what Walls calls “Smooth Move” and it has some extra stretch to it. It’s a nice upgrade to keep the pants more comfortable in the waist that almost anything else I wear – save for a pair of Dickies stretch jeans.
Style
The Ditch Diggers have a relaxed fit, covering the tops of my work boots without coming all the way to the ground. Just like a pair of relaxed fit jeans, they’re not too loose, nor too tight.
You have three colors to choose from and denim isn’t one of them. Denim is my top preference (aside from a pair of khaki shorts when I can get away with it), but I settled on bark brown. You can also go with graphite or pecan.
The gusseted knees and right leg pocket give more of a cargo look than straight-up jeans of a different color.
Walls Ditch Digger Pants Stitching and Pockets
Aside from comfort, work pants are all about function. Most of that boils down to construction and functional pockets. The material doubles up on the knees and the back leg hem gets some reinforcement as well to cover a couple of major wear points. Every seam is either double or triple-stitched, making for a pant that should last a long time.
Walls Ditch Digger Pants start with your traditional four pockets in the front and back. On the right front pocket is a pocket watch pocket (did you know that’s what it was originally designed for?) or coin pocket as some people call it. What I like about the design of these pants is that it’s deep enough to carry my knife separate from the keys and other stuff in the main pocket.
There’s also a right leg pocket. It’s deep and wide enough to hold a smartphone and is positioned at just the right height to reach down and grab it. While I was a little skeptical at carrying my phone in that position, it’s actually out of the way of the pockets that I tend to lean on or bang against. If a smartphone can have feelings, mine feels a little safer there.
Price and Value
Direct from Walls, the Ditch Digger Pants will run $44.99 and it looks like that’s where most of the online retailers are as well. While that’s certainly not as inexpensive as Dickies, it is right in line with Carhartt and other premium brands. Considering the materials, construction, and comfort, it’s a fair price to pay. If they go on sale, get two.
The Bottom Line
Now that my buddy’s reputation stays intact for quality recommendations, I can easily recommend Walls Ditch Digger Pants for Pros as well. With a mid-weight construction, they’re a solid three-season pant (or four-season if you live in the South). Walls backs up their claims of comfort and durability. Even though I still have my favorite jeans that I prefer to wear, these have become my go-to work pants.
Walls Ditch Digger Pants Key Features
- Durable brushed duck cotton and plenty of smart features make this work pant your new go to.
- Relaxed fit, Smooth Move Waistband, Gusseted crotch, Articulated knees, Reinforced kick plate at back leg hem, Durable water repellent
- 11 oz. 98% Cotton 2% Spandex brushed duck
Walls Ditch Digger Pants Specifications
- Item Number: YP83
- Color: Bark Brown, Graphite, Pecan
- Size: 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44
- Inseam: 30, 32
- Price: $44.99
