Freedom Pants

In this society men have a tendency to enjoy the blessing of good health and plenty of provision. While hardworking at either job or project, these individuals tend to get strong and often big through the middle. While this doesn't slow them down, or even reduce their relative agility, there remains few options for clothing. As far as mid to lower coverings (pants), there are commonly only about 3 systems available.

Trousers or pants, -jean (blue-jeans), utility slacks (uniform type), cargo (multi-pocket), or stretch type (warm-ups). The first 3 are typically held up by a belt which in the group of big men we are referencing is virtually un-functional. When wearing a belt around the waist area, which is typically bigger than the hips, as these big but agile move and bend, even a belt so tight as to impinge nerves is going to start slipping down requiring constant stoppages to pull the pants up. If both hands are occupied, once the beltline gets under the belly, you run the risk of the pants hitting the floor! Especially when carrying tools and parts in your pockets. The 4type (stretch) are even worse because you can't get the draw string tight enough.

Because there is no better option, a lot of these men resort to wearing a smaller size under their belly where the smaller size can hang or their hips. This may help with slipping down, but becomes very restrictive, hindering mobility until the pants end up ripping, typically in the crotch.

Some resort to add-on suspenders with spring type clips. This sounds like a solution, however A.) the clips protrude about a half inch from the body and often get opened from catching on everything! (more waisted time hooking them back up) B.) if the clips are quality enough to not let the waistband slip out, after several days they will cut through the layers of the waistband, ruining the pants.

Bib overalls, a workable solution, however the bib flap and the back flap tend to become very hot in the summer or in a heated building in winter.

Coveralls fix the slippage issue but can be hot like overalls and become restrictive as the length from shoulder to crotch is fixed, typically based on the standing dimension. This works fine for the skinny guy where the radius around his back doesn't change much when he bends where as the big man will split right out the back of coveralls.

A system of straps, anchor points, and/or hooks permanently sewn onto. the waist band of any type of pants or trousers that will hold said pants or trousers up regardless of how much is carried in the pockets while allowing complete freedom of movement. Being suspended from the shoulders and worn loose around the middle, freedom of movement is achieved even when bending over, without allowing exposure due to slipping down in the back. centerline of the back. Angle straps to converge approximately 6″ below the neckline to form an “X”. The cross of the “X” should be positioned low enough so that straps don't rub the neck as they cross the shoulders but high enough where the average big man can reach the “X” by reaching over his shoulder. Being able to reach the “X” helps don the straps without getting the straps twisted.

After the straps cross over the shoulders, they should reach down through an adjusting buckle, then through the snap-hook mount and back through the buckle. The snap-hook needs to reach the D-ring the is to be mounted on a loop of strap, sewn into the front waist band on both sides, 5″ from centerline. Straps should be overlength, then trimmed once the finished garment is fitted, allowing 4″ of adjustment to remain for future accommodations.

Sewing process: 20+ pound breaking strength multi strand or stronger, sown in a pattern the maximizes load distribution over as wide an area as possible to give the desired durability.

Note: several options for materials and construction are outlined here, however this is in no way a limit to the possibilities. Although this outlines the more functional configuration, personal preference can allow for different materials and/or component placement.

Most functional tested to date: Start with cargo type pants (multiply pockets), using 1½″ wide strapping, sew 2 straps into the waist band 5″ from

Note: several options for materials and construction are outlined here, however this is in no way a limit to the possibilities. Although this outlines the more functional configuration, personal preference can allow for different materials and/or component placement.

Most functional tested to date: Start with cargo type pants (multiply pockets), using 1½″ wide strapping, sew 2 straps into the waist band 5″ from centerline of the back. Angle straps to converge approximately 6″ below the neckline to form an “X”. The cross of the “X” should be positioned low enough so that straps don't rub the neck as they cross the shoulders but high enough where the average big man can reach the “X” by reaching over his shoulder. Being able to reach the “X” helps don the straps without getting the straps twisted.

After the straps cross over the shoulders, they should reach down through an adjusting buckle, then through the snap-hook mount and back through the buckle. The snap-hook needs to reach the D-ring the is to be mounted on a loop of strap, sewn into the front waist band on both sides, 5″ from centerline. Straps should be overlength, then trimmed once the finished garment is fitted, allowing 4″ of adjustment to remain for future accommodations.

Sewing process: 20+ pound breaking strength multi strand or stronger, sown in a pattern the maximizes load distribution over as wide an area as possible to give the desired durability.

Pants or trousers: anything desired by the individual, including long pants or shorts. Cargo type allow for carrying tools and parts, jean type could be sturdier and more common, utility slacks may fit better in a “work clothes provider system” such as CINTAS, where warm-ups may allow more comfort. Long pants or shorts, whatever fits the mission.

The strap material width of 1½″ has proven sufficient to avoid cutting into shoulders however 2″ could be used if added comfort was needed. The strap material could be in matching color or safety colors or even reflective as the mission dictates. Strap base material could be canvas or cotton which initially more comfortable may have a tendency to roll into a rope after washing. Polypropylene is very cost effective and has proven serviceable. Nylon is an option, while stronger will shrink slightly when wet. Many available materials can be used, both synthetic and natural, having properties what fit specific applications.

Strap color: If the objective is aesthetics, the straps can be color coordinated with the pants or trousers, however, as work apparel the straps should be safety orange or yellow and/or reflective.

As to the hardware, snap-hooks and d-ring, plastic has performed best and can be washed and dried without issue. Metal hardware is an option but should be removed before drying to prevent damage to dryer drum.

Item placement: The strap and D-ring mounting locations from center should move out as the grith is larger. The dimensions used herein are balanced for a 42″ individual. The D-rings may be moved up or down however too high up and they become hard to reach, too low and they will get into the way. D-rings may be deleted with straps extending the snap-hooks down to clip onto an existing belt loop. This option is less expensive and quicker to produce however the belt loops will not bear the load over time and will fail.

Other types of hardware such as male-female buckles may be used but tend to be more cumbersome and some types have shown to not hold adjustments securely. Hook and loop (Velcro) can be substituted for the adjusting buckles and snap hooks if enough attach area is allowed to support the load.