The Schaefer Guide · Pants & Jeans
By the Schaefer Outfitter team, Texas · Updated November 5, 2026 · Specs pulled directly from our product pages
A ranch dungarees are judged on three things: does the rise stay put in the saddle, does the fabric survive fence work, and does the leg sit right over boots. Everything else is detail.
Here is every Schaefer work pant and jean compared by denim weight, rise, leg cut and stretch, so you can buy the right pair the first time.
From left: 5-Pocket Straight Leg Pant, Ranch Flex Boot Cut Dungarees, Brushcloth Ranch Hand Dungaree.
The Dress-to-Work Scale
Our pants run from a dress jean you can wear to church to a 15 oz canvas pant built for brush. Pick by how hard the day will be.
- 5-Pocket Straight Leg Pant
- Ranch Flex Boot Cut
- Ranch Hand Straight Cut
- Ranch Hand Original
- Ranch Hand Reserve
- Fenceline Ranch Hand Dungaree
- Brushcloth Ranch Hand Dungaree
Quick Picks
Denim Dungarees
5-Pocket Straight Leg Pant
Our best-selling pantOur everyday dress jean: a timeless straight leg with classic 5-pocket styling and just enough stretch for easy wear. It looks right with a sport coat or a snap shirt.
- Fabric
- 98–99% cotton, 1–2% elastane (by color)
- Rise / leg
- Mid rise, classic straight leg
- Hardware
- Solid brass shank and rivets, leather patch loop
Ranch Flex Boot Cut Dungarees
Most comfortableA classic dungaree with modern stretch. The 13.2 oz denim sits between mid and heavy weight, so it works year-round. The relaxed boot cut keeps them all cowboy.
- Denim
- 13.2 oz; 93% cotton, 5% Elasterell-P, 2% spandex
- Rise / leg
- Mid rise, relaxed boot cut
- Pockets
- Classic 5-pocket, deep pocket bags
- Washes
- Dark Rinse
- Medium Wash
- Colorado
Ranch Hand® Straight Cut Dungarees
Rigid denimOld-school rigid cotton in a sharper straight leg that stacks clean over boots. No stretch here: it breaks in to you over time, the way denim used to.
- Denim
- 13.41 oz, 100% cotton
- Leg
- Straight leg
- Hardware
- Brass tack buttons and rivets
- Best for
- Denim purists
- Over boots
Ranch Hand® Original Dungarees
Built for ridingDesigned as a riding dungaree, with a high rise in front and back that sits above the hips and stays put in the saddle. Every pocket corner is reinforced with antique brass bullseye rivets.
- Denim
- 14.5 oz American denim
- Rise
- High rise, front and back
- Hardware
- Antique brass bullseye rivets
- Options
- Dark Indigo
- Medium Indigo
Ranch Hand® Reserve Dungarees
Heavyweight boot cutHeavyweight ring-spun denim, rangewashed (our version of stonewash), in a relaxed leg with a boot-cut bottom. Wide belt loops take a real ranch belt.
- Denim
- 14.5 oz ring spun, 3x1 right-hand twill
- Rise / leg
- Mid rise, relaxed leg, boot cut
- Build
- 7 belt loops (2½″), YKK metal fly
- Washes
- Dark Indigo
- Medium Indigo
Canvas Work Pants
Fenceline Ranch Hand Dungaree
Work canvasA tough canvas work pant with a water-repellent finish, reinforced outseams and a side utility pocket. The pant for fence lines, feed runs and shop work.
- Fabric
- 10.10 Superdry cotton canvas, DWR finish
- Rise / leg
- High rise, classic straight leg
- Pockets
- Deep hand pockets, side utility pocket
- Best for
- Fence work
- Wet ground
Brushcloth Ranch Hand Dungaree
Our heaviest work pantOur most durable work pant, built for hard work and tough terrain. 15 oz canvas stands up to mesquite and barbed wire, and the high rise sits above the waist.
- Fabric
- 15 oz cotton canvas, water repellent
- Fit
- Relaxed, high rise, true to size
- Build
- Reinforced outseams, 7 belt loops, extra-deep pockets
- Best for
- Brush
- Hardest use
Side-by-Side
| Pant | Weight | Fabric | Rise | Leg | Stretch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Pocket Straight Leg | Not listed | Cotton/elastane | Mid | Straight | Slight |
| Ranch Flex Boot Cut | 13.2 oz | Denim with stretch | Mid | Relaxed boot cut | Yes |
| Ranch Hand Straight Cut | 13.41 oz | 100% cotton denim | Not listed | Straight | No (rigid) |
| Ranch Hand Original | 14.5 oz | American denim | High, front and back | Not listed | Not listed |
| Ranch Hand Reserve | 14.5 oz | Ring-spun denim | Mid | Relaxed boot cut | Not listed |
| Fenceline Dungaree | 10.10 canvas | Cotton canvas, DWR | High | Straight | Not listed |
| Brushcloth Dungaree | 15 oz | Cotton canvas, water repellent | High | Relaxed | Not listed |
“Not listed” means the detail isn't on the product page.
Heavy dungarees deserve a real belt. Ours are full leather.
Women's Jeans
Rise, Leg & Fit
- High rise for riding. A rise that sits above the hips, like the Ranch Hand Original, won't slide down when you're in the saddle.
- Boot cut vs. straight. Boot cut opens at the hem to clear tall boot shafts. Straight leg stacks cleanly over boots for a sharper look.
- Rigid vs. stretch. Rigid cotton breaks in to your shape and lasts. Stretch denim is comfortable from day one.
- Inseam over boots. Buy long enough to stack a little at the boot. Too short and the hem rides up in the stirrup.
- Weight matters. 13 oz denim is an all-season weight; 14.5 oz and 15 oz canvas are for hard wear and cold.
- Check each page. Rise and inseam measurements are listed on many product pages, especially women's jeans.
Work Pants FAQ
What is a dungaree?
In Western wear, dungarees are heavy work jeans, usually denim or canvas, built with reinforced pockets and seams for ranch work and riding.
What are the best jeans for horseback riding?
Look for a high rise that stays put, a durable fabric and an inseam long enough to stay over your boots in the stirrup. Our Ranch Hand Original was designed as a riding dungaree with a high rise front and back.
What is the toughest Schaefer work pant?
The Brushcloth Ranch Hand Dungaree. Its product page calls it our heaviest and most durable work pant: 15 oz cotton canvas with reinforced outseams.
Do the Ranch Flex Dungarees stretch?
Yes. They are 13.2 oz denim with 5% Elasterell-P and 2% spandex.
What is the best women's jean for riding?
The Katy Jean was designed for in and out of the saddle: straight leg, high rise and rigid denim. The Catherine Jean is a modern straight-leg option.
More Schaefer Guides
Specs are taken from our product pages. Sizes, inseams and washes vary by product; check each page for current availability.