Now over 100 years old, Dickies today is one of the worlds leading workwear brands. Managing to navigate the great drepression, World War 2 and the progressive era's of the '70s, 80's and 90's, the brand could not be more relevant. Not only in the industrial industry but in the fashion realm too. The brand's heavy-duty denim staples and workwear pieces have become essential everyday items in people's wardrobes. We take a closer look at the popular brand, with a Dickies Buyer's Guide covering sizing, fit guide and more...
Dickies Heritage
Launched in 2023 by C.N. Williamson and E.E. Dickie in Bryan it grew slowly but steadily despite the Great Depression. The brand’s target market was all-American families in the 1930s with affordable clothing made specifically for workwear. During World War 2 Williamson-Dickies was recruited to produce uniforms for the US army. After World War 2 Dickies release a collection of ranch wear for the working cowboys of west texas. After the post-war years, the company grew significantly expanding across the states. Expanding across Europe and the Middle East continuing to focus on affordable workwear with much of their advertising focusing on the value for money.It grew in popularity for casual wear, not just workwear. Through the 80s denim was becoming a staple for a casual wardrobe instead of solely being for hardwearing workwear predominantly worn in heavy labouring or manual jobs. The brand expanded into womenswear with their customers shifting to someone who not only worked hard but liked socialising and having fun too.
Dickies Buyer's Guide - Trousers
Ordering trousers online comes with obvious difficulties. There’s nothing worse than receiving an order you were excited about and it doesn’t quite fit properly. Taking a closer look at the iconic 'Dickies pants' here's everything you need to help get it right... Key things to know:- Know your fit / measure your waist and inside leg
- 65% polyester 35% cotton - Plain twill fabric which is durable, resistant and doesn’t crease as easily
- Reinforced belt loops and hook and eye clasp for the fastening.
- The logo is above the right back pocket
Dickies 872 Trouser (slim fit)
- 28-Short up to 38-Long in-store and online.
- Self-explanatory in the name but these are the more fitted of the dickies trousers. They are noticeably more snug around your waist and thighs. If you are a leaner build these are the perfect hybrid trouser between smart and casual.
- They are longer in the leg giving a more tailored appearance but it also means you can turn them up if you want to.
- These trousers though are more popular with low-profile trainers such as Vans and Converse.
Dickies 873 Trouser (slim straight fit)
- 30-Short to 40-Regular in-store and online.
- The Dickies 873 are a slimmer fit in comparison to the 874 but more slouchy tailored pants in comparison to the 872’s. Hugging your thigh, glutes and groin area. The 873 has a slimmer fit around the thighs but still offers room to breathe. From the knee down it has a slightly tapered leg that overall creates a generally slimmer aesthetic.
- The 873 sits just above your trainer but is similar in length to the 874 so looks great with anything from a pair of Clarks Wallabee to a basketball trainer from sportswear brands such as Puma and BOSS.
- These trousers are true to size. Sizing up will not give you a looser fit, it’s the nature of the trousers to be a slimmer style. They are the same plain twill fabric, with the same effect once worn in. Wearability is where these trousers shine, you can wear them for work, skating, casual, and formal.
Dickies 874 trousers - (original fit)
- 30-Regular to 36-Regular.
- This trouser is their baggiest fit. However, they are still straight-fitting trousers from your hip. Meaning they can be narrow on your hip so if you do have a bigger bum, size up.
- This is their bestselling and most popular style of trousers. The 874 offers smart casual trousers that you can wear from anything from skating to formal occasions.
How to break in Dickies trousers
Dickies trousers may feel stiff at first, but the more you wear them and the more they get washed the better they get. The brand unlike many clothes actually recommend you wash them in a washing machine, so if you feel they are initially too stiff add some fabric softener and put them in for a spin. Note that they are not elasticated so if you are finding them too tight washing them will not provide you with more room, we would advise sizing up.
How to clean your Dickies work trousers
Dickies trousers are made to last so if you take care of them they will last. If you wear them frequently they should last you about 7 years. Over time your trouser might start to pill. To keep them fresh use a lint roller or a de-piller to get rid of the tangled-up fibres.
Are Dickies trousers true to size?
Leg length and inseam length are "true to size," meaning that they'll be in-line with other trousers you own. They can differ, in the waist. While they're said to be relatively similar to other brands in waist size, wearers state that they can run a bit small most likely because there is no give so if in doubt, SIZE UP!
Men's trousers, jeans & bibs size guide| Size | S/M | L/XL | 2XL/3XL | 4XL/5XL |
| Waist | ||||
| Inches | 28 - 32 | 34 - 38 | 40 - 46 | 48 - 52 |
| Chest | ||||
| Inches | 34 - 40 | 42 - 48 | 50 - 56 | 58 - 64 |
| Size | Waist | Hips |
| 4 | 27½ | 37½ |
| 6 | 28½ | 38½ |
| 8 | 29½ | 39½ |
| 10 | 30½ | 40½ |
| 12 | 32 | 42 |
| 14 | 33½ | 43½ |
| 16 | 35 | 45 |
| 18 | 37 | 47 |
| 20 | 39 | 50 |
| 22 | 41 | 53 |
| 24 | 43 | 56 |
Dickies Buyer's Guide - T-Shirts & Jackets
How do Dickies T-shirts fit?
Dickies tees are true to size. Most of them are cut in a relaxed fit with a slouchy and boxy style. They are great for every day with some featuring different variations of the logo or more classic designs.
Are Dickies Tees Comfortable?
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Dickies tees are really comfortable, and the quality is great. They are made mostly from cotton so they’re really breathable and make great layering pieces. They're very lightweight as well, with a slight stretch which just helps keep them comfortable all day.
Men's shirt size guide| Size | s | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL |
| Chest | ||||||||
| Inches | 34 - 36 | 38 - 40 | 42 - 44 | 46 - 48 | 50 - 52 | 54 - 56 | 58 - 60 | 62 - 64 |
| Neck | ||||||||
| Inches | 14 - 14.5 | 15 - 15.5 | 16 - 16.5 | 17 - 17.5 | 18 - 18.5 | 19 - 19.5 | 20 - 20.5 | 21 - 21.5 |
| Letter Size | Numeric Size | Bust |
| XS | 2 - 4 | 34½ |
| S | 6 - 8 | 36½ |
| M | 10 - 12 | 39 |
| Letter Size | 14 - 16 | 42 |
| XL | 18 - 20 | 46 |
| 2XL | 22 - 24 | 50 |
Dickies Canvas Chore Jackets
Up there with the likes of Carhartt the Dickies canvas jacket has become a staple jacket in both men's and women's wardrobes. It's among their best sellers, popular for its minimalist workwear look. Coming in a range of colours this heavy but lose fitting jacket is great all year round.
It’s thought these coats were first worn in France during the industrial period that got the likes of Gustave Eiffel dreaming of towers. The chore jacket was large enough to fit over overalls and had big pockets for keeping tools in. The jacket made it over the pond, and by the 1920s, the chore coat was being made in denim – and the classic denim jacket was born.
Key things to know:- It's made out off 100% cotton canvas
- Polyester pile lining
- Button front and cuffs
- Chore-pocket design
- Woven logo patch
- Corduroy trim
Dickies Einsenhower Jacket
The Eisenhower Silhouette is traced back to World War II. It’s named after General Dwight D. Eisenhower who famously gave the US World War II army uniform a much-needed functional makeover. He pushed to redesign the preexisting garments that he deemed unsuitable for combat. His key sartorial legacy came in the form of the “Eisenhower Jacket” or “Ike Jacket”, which was a light, unlined jacket that was practically designed to deal with the hardwearing nature of the job, without compromising on smartness.
Eisenhower himself went on to become the US president in 1953 and served until 1961. His popularity with the public was no doubt a vital driver of the jacket’s success. Dickies expanded but the jacket never moved away from it's first purpose: to be versatile, rugged and smart. Over the years it has become popular through subcultures from musicians to athletes, popular for its minimal but dressed-up look.
Key things to know:- Made from our signature recycled poly-cotton twill
- Unlined style
- Two zip and angled front welt pockets for essentials
- Adjustable buttons on the waistband for a great fit
How do the Dickies jackets fit?
Dickies jackets are true to size. Our recommendation would be to order in your normal size and they consider if you like the fit. It is a relaxed fit and will be stiffer when you first wear it. Like any of these jackets the more you wear them the better they get, moulding to your body.
Dickies men's jackets size chart| Size | Neck | Chest |
| S | 14 - 14½ | 34 - 36 |
| M | 15 - 15½ | 38 - 40 |
| L | 16 - 16½ | 42 - 44 |
| XL | 17 - 17½ | 46 - 48 |
| 2XL | 18 - 18½ | 50 - 52 |
| 3XL | 19 - 19½ | 54 - 56 |
| 4XL | 20 - 20½ | 58 - 60 |
| 5XL | 21 - 21½ | 62 - 64 |
Where are Dickies made?
While a handful of Dickies' items are made right here in the USA, most of their products are today crafted in Mexico, Japan, China, the Middle East, and the Netherlands. Check the tag on your specific piece to see where it was produced.
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Written by Holly Thompson
