Dickies’ iconic work pant is model number 874.
The Original 874 Work Pant was introduced in April 1967 as a durable, plain-front trouser for industrial workers. Its fabric was built around a sturdy blend of polyester and cotton, helping the pants resist wrinkles, stains, and the repeated wear associated with factory, maintenance, and service jobs. The straight-leg silhouette and practical pocket layout made it useful as both a uniform garment and an everyday trouser.
The number 874 is not an abbreviation or a reference to a year. Dickies’ own product history explains that it followed earlier numbered styles, including the 871, 872, and 873. That numbering sequence is why 873 is a plausible-looking distractor, but it identifies a different, slimmer style rather than the classic Original Work Pant.
The 874 later crossed into popular culture. Latino communities in Southern California, hip-hop artists, and skateboarders helped turn the practical work trouser into a streetwear staple during the 1980s and 1990s. Although modern versions and fits vary, “Dickies pants” commonly refers to the 874.