Who doesn’t love a good face-off? And if you’ve kept up with our thrilling clothing comparisons over the years then you’ll already know that there’s plenty of great and worthy challengers out there for the crown of “best workwear brand”. Need high-quality clothing for your job but you don’t want to spend hours searching for it? Well, we’re here to help you out!
Whether you rock a pair of threadbare coveralls that are crying out for replacement or you’re simply looking to enhance your wardrobe with some top-of-the-line shirts, pants, or hi-vis garments, you’ve come to the right place. Today we’re looking at two heavy-hitters in the world of workwear—that’s right, it’s the Red Kap vs Dickies face-off, and we’re diving deep into the best both brands have to offer.
A Little Background – Red Kap vs Dickies
The legacies of both Dickies and Red Kap date back to the 1920s, with both companies beginning life manufacturing rugged bib overalls designed to embody the spirit of the American work ethic. The brands grew quickly to meet increasing demand, and soon enough, the Red Kap vs Dickies debate was raging, with garments from both companies becoming ubiquitous in warehouses, factories, and railways.
Today, both Red Kapp and Dickies have expanded into a huge range of different lines, with a variety of sectors and industries catered for. Alongside bib coveralls you’ll find jackets, jeans, t-shirts, and shorts, alongside a huge range of accessories and other garments designed to provide comfort and rugged durability in any environment and under a variety of conditions.
Fit and Comfort Test
Comfort can be a little subjective, and in the Red Kap vs Dickies face-off this is particularly true.
Off the rack, Dickies offers Comfort Waist clothing featuring a hidden, expandable waist band that keeps the fit snug while offering plenty of room for maneuver. Red Kap, on the other hand, has a line specifically for big and tall men, meaning that each brand has its pros and cons depending on your size. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of different cuts across both the Dickies and Red Kap catalogues to ensure you can find familiar garment fits.
When it comes to fit, both brands are crafted especially for workers in a variety of sizes, however, Dickies has also become known as something of a fashion brand too, so make sure you’re buying garments from the professional line for work purposes.
The huge range of high-quality fabrics used by both brands is pretty much guaranteed to be kind to your skin while still offering enough protection for use in extreme environments.
One final note: you might find that some of the Red Kap items are a little smaller than the same measurements for Dickies, so bear this in mind when ordering.
Cold Weather Test
There’s nothing like a bit of cold weather to really see how Red Kap vs Dickies compare.
Dickies prides itself on its high-tech solutions for workers, with water repellent fabrics designed to keep off the rain. The Dickies Premium Insulated Duck Coveralls are a great example, with 6oz. nylon taffeta insulation and durable water repellent cotton design.
Red Kapp also features water repellent fabrics, alongside wind resistant designs for extreme conditions. Accessories such as the Red Kap Blended Duck Snap-On Hood feature polyester insulation and practical features such as adjustable toggles and drawstrings.
Finally, both brands have such an extensive range of jackets, coats, and hats, that you’re sure to find the right winter gear whatever kind of conditions you work in—whether indoors or outdoors.
Heat Test
When the heat is on, the Red Kap vs Dickies debate lights up.
Dickies performance workwear lines feature moisture wicking technology and odor control to help you stay cool and also, you know, pleasant to be around. Additionally, for those who can wear shorts while they work, then Relaxed Fit Painter’s Shorts are a great way to go, providing plenty of breathing room on hot days or in stuffy environments.
Moisture wicking technology also features in the Red Kapp range, while the introduction of lighter poplin cotton can also make a big difference when trying to keep cool. The shorts in the Red Kap catalogue tend to be less airy but perhaps more professional when it comes to working environments, with the Performance Shop Shorts including features such as no-scratch buttons and zips alongside spandex fabrics for more maneuverability.
Durability Test
Whether rip-stop, duck, denim, or any of the other high-quality fabrics used by both brands, durability is among the first concerns for both manufacturers. You can count on premium build quality and extra strong stitching across all garments, and a range of pop studs, zips, and other fasteners are sure to exhibit superb longevity even under heavy use.
As you’ve probably realized by now, there’s very little to separate the Red Kap vs Dickies debate. Perhaps its unsurprising when two brands start out at the same time and follow a similar trajectory. Durability is another of those points where both brands display top-level characteristics that are difficult to choose between. It’s safe to say whichever way you fall on Red Kap vs Dickies, you’re going to get some premium quality workwear that’s built to last.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.