The 874 is the most-sold work pant in America. Cooks, mechanics, line workers, custodial, security — everyone has worn one. Dickies released the FLEX version a few years ago and we sell roughly equal amounts of both at the shop.
Original 874. 65% polyester, 35% cotton, no stretch. Holds a press if you want one. Survives industrial laundry. Costs about $30. Fits like a 1980s work pant — straight through the leg, room in the seat. Wears in slowly.
FLEX 874. Same fabric profile plus 2% spandex worked through the weave. Costs about $5 more. Moves with you when you squat, climb, or kneel. Doesn't bind at the thigh.
If your job has you on the move — bending, climbing, stair work, in-and-out of vehicles — the FLEX is worth the upgrade. The 2% spandex is the difference between a pant that fights you and a pant that doesn't.
If your job is mostly standing, walking, or sitting — counter work, security, light retail — the original is fine and washes longer before the fabric breaks down. Stretch fibers are always the first thing to fail in industrial wash.
Most of our Dickies regulars have moved to the FLEX. The originals still sell — usually to guys who've worn them for 15 years and don't see why they'd change.