Besides running clothes, the apparel I wear the most of are dress pants. Given my “real” (i.e. non-Run Oregon) job, I am pretty consistently in business casual attire – collared shirts and slacks or khakis. They are not the most comfortable clothing in the world, but over time I have sought out pieces that look stylish, but have a little more comfort built in. Enter the The Icon pant by Mission Workshop.
First of all, these pants look great. I sort of find them a hybrid between a true work pant and a casual dark chino that can easily transition into more laid back settings. The heather/charcoal color is pretty straightforward and classic, but some cool stitching (on the front of the legs near the upper leg and also the knee) and a small zipped thigh pocket keep things a little fashion forward.
Given that Mission Workshop is into the cycle scene (you can find some of their stuff at local Portland bike shops), these are an exciting combination between comfort and durability. These would be an absolutely perfect pant for any Portlander or Oregonian who commutes in the rain via outdoor means, due to the durable water-resistant (DWR) finish.
The are very soft on the inside and have stretch material that makes bending, walking, and biking a cinch – stuff I definitely can NOT say about the majority of work pants I own. But the comfort doesn’t get in the way of the resilience of the outer material (cotton/nylon blend). It is thicker than most dress pants, meaning that it feels like it will stand up to the elements and will keep on truckin’.
As far as sizing goes, I think the waist is spot on. I generally wear a 33/34 and the 34 was a perfect fit for me. There are no length options, however, so if you need shorter lengths you are going to have to size down a bit. I found that the length in the 34’s was allllllmost too long. I generally wear 34×32, and their size 34 pants measure with a 34.5 inseam. I would have prefered just a tiny bit shorter, but it wasn’t unwearable and looked great nonetheless – especially with boots where a little scrunch at the bottom of the leg is normal.
Now obviously, these pants are an investment at a steep $285. Should you have the ability to add these to your closet, you can feel assured of the quality (the stretch textile was developed specifically for Mission Workshop by Mectex M.I.S. at their mill near Lake Como, Italy). Additionally, Mission Workshop items are guaranteed FOREVER. If any of product fails as a result of defects in materials or workmanship, they will repair or replace them with a like item for free. I bet I have spent over $300 on pants that haven’t lasted me more than a few years each – definitely nowhere near a lifetime.
Company: Mission Workshop
The Mission is where we design, develop, and work in San Francisco. Our workshop was created out of the desire to build gear as tough as it is beautiful. It’s this pursuit that has kept us at it for more than 20 years.
In 2009, down an alleyway in what was once referred to as “The Messenger Ghetto,” surrounded by taquerias and dive bars, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work refurbishing an old warehouse to call home. After a few months of being covered in steel splinters, sheet rock dust, and moldy insulation, we cut the ribbon on our shiny new workspace, storefront, and headquarters. (We’re still in the same spot today and invite you to stop by any time and share some stories and a beverage of one sort or another).
Along the way we’ve worked with our best friends, made new friends, and created a community of folks who share a similar outlook on life. Our full history goes way back to 1994 when my co-founder Mark Falvai and our good friend Doug Hudson started the company Chrome Industries which helped spark an entire movement in technical lifestyle cycling bags and apparel.
Products & Price:
- The Icon pants ($285)
Follow Mission Workshop on Facebook and Instagram. Check out the rest of their catalog as well, which includes bags, apparel, and accessories.
Thank you to Mission Workshop for providing us with a sample item. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
