The Lowdown
I’m finding the LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants to be incredibly comfortable; they are thick enough to be “tough” yet allow me to move freely, plus they are breathable. They have enough pockets for pretty much anyone, and they have the added security of three zippered pockets. Best of all, while these pants are designed for the rugged outdoors, they are equally at home when going out for a casual dinner.
Overall
Pros
- Tough but just refined enough for daily wear
- Pockets are thoughtfully designed for comfort and security
- Gusseted crotch and knees add comfort and durability
- Three secure zippered pockets
- Rollable legs can be secured open and reveal reflective tape for safety
Cons
- Initially, they were quite wrinkled, but a few hours of wearing them solved that issue
Some months ago, I reviewed the LIVSN Flex Canvas Shorts. Thanks to their comfortable cut, subtle but practical features, and tough-as-nails durability, they quickly became my favorite shorts for summer 2021. I wore them most days, and they still look brand new. So when I was sent the LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants for review, I was excited.
The LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants are literally cut from the same cloth as the shorts. They are made from the same EcoFlex Canvas, which combines 58% Organic cotton, 40% Recycled polyester, and 2% Spandex for a strong but surprisingly comfortable fabric.
In fact, the design of the pants and the shorts are so similar that one might easily think the shorts are simply a pair of Flex Canvas Pants that had an uncomfortable encounter with a pair of scissors.
I should note that the pants were fairly wrinkled when they first arrived. As you can see from my pictures, I decided not to iron them but, instead, say this as an excellent opportunity to see if they naturally eschewed the wrinkles. After a few hours of wearing them, they did!
The LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants were originally a Kickstarter project, and they sold over 1500 pairs right out of the gate. As the company explains:
The point is to have one pair of pants that do more without looking tactical. We thoughtfully integrated features like a gusseted crotch, articulated knees, zippered security pockets, discrete EDC pockets, roll-up leg system, ventilation, and reinforcements at all stress points.
And that’s precisely what LIVSN has done. By using a tough material but combining it with a thoughtful design that might be described as a “tailored fit,” they succeeded in creating a pair of pants that are versatile, comfortable, and tough.
I got the LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants review sample, and this is the third day in a row that I’ve worn them. They look great and, more importantly, continue looking great throughout the day. They seem to have an uncanny ability to repel dirt and stink. That means you can wear them more and wash them less. That’s a welcome combination to my mind.
As previously mentioned, LIVSN created a special material for the pants. An 8-ounce duck canvas made with 58% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, 40% Recycled Polyester, and 2% spandex, they call it EcoFlex Canvas” and note:
It has a distinctive cotton hand-feel with polyester content that serves to strengthen the fabric and help it dry faster. The spandex allows for a full range of motion.
And while the LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants may look like a “typical” pair of canvas work pants, the features packed into them are impressive. The pants have a slim straight leg with a gentle taper. This gives them a slightly tailored fit that lets you wear them for more than yard work. In fact, I wore them out to dinner the other day, and they looked just fine.
They have a body-contoured waistband, and the top waistband seam is rolled forward for added comfort.
And while they may not look like it, the LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants have pockets to spare.
The two rear pockets, one on the left and one on the right, both have YKK Vislon lockdown zippers, so items placed inside are kept secure. As they note, the “rear pocket layout [is] optimized for body shape – makes your butt look good.”
The top of these rear pockets is sewn into an extra fabric layer to delay wear, while the bottom half is reinforced with extra fabric. They aren’t kidding when it comes to making sure these pants are an investment you will enjoy wearing for years to come.
The LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants’ gusseted crotch allows for extra movement and prevents splitting; this is the same design as the shorts, and it makes for a truly comfortable pair of pants that can be worn all day and into the night.
Articulated knees mean there are additional seams you might not find on other pants. The seems aren’t noticeable unless you are looking for them, but they allow for a tremendous amount of motion. That’s key if you are wearing this outside for yard work.
There is a thin, open pocket LIVSN refers to as an “integrated EDC pocket on both the left and the right thigh.” These are ideal for pocket knives, pens, or other thin, long items.
Toward the bottom of each leg, you will find a small button. These are part of the LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants’ roll-up leg system that allows you to hike the bottom of the pants up so they won’t, for example, get caught on your bike’s chain.
A bit of 3M reflective taping on the strip that holds the rolled pant legs in place adds a bit of visibility if out walking or riding at night.
The front pockets are deep and can securely hold your personal items when you are on the go. They are lined with “ventilated and deep StrongMesh” for added comfort and breathability. Both also have an internal phone sleeve so you can move around knowing that your phone is safe and secure.
The front left pocket has a second internal pocket that is “hidden” behind a zipper. This, and the zippers on the back pockets, make these excellent pants for travel.
LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants Include These Features:
- Double bartacks at lower front pocket for strength
- True flat-felled inseams and center seam for strength
- YKK Vislon zipper fly for easy operation
- Leather washer behind front button for strength
- Reinforced rear cuff for strength
- Double-needle stitching throughout for strength
And the company makes clear, they do not add any DWR treatment to maintain the breathability that makes these pants so comfortable.
In short, LIVSN set out to make “durable and highly mobile outdoor pants with a tailored fit” and has succeeded beautifully. They feel like work pants and, my experience thus far, suggests they will put up with years of use and abuse.
I’m finding the LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants to be incredibly comfortable; they are thick enough to be “tough” yet allow me to move freely, plus they are breathable.
They have enough pockets for pretty much anyone, and they have the added security of three zippered pockets. Best of all, while these pants are designed for the rugged outdoors, they are equally at home when going out for a casual dinner. While I don’t think I would wear these to the office, they will do quite well for just about anything else.
At $119, the LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants aren’t inexpensive, but the look, fit, and feel make them worth the price; the durability means you won’t be replacing these in six months. To my mind, that makes them a worthwhile investment.
I like them enough that, were I not the proud owner of a review sample, I would be purchasing a pair, which I’ll do when these wear out! Check them out; I think you will be impressed.
You can check out all of LIVSN’s products by clicking here.
The LIVSN Flex Canvas Pants retail for $119; they are available directly from the manufacturer.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Tough but just refined enough for daily wear; Pockets are thoughtfully designed for comfort and security; Gusseted crotch and knees add comfort and durability; Three secure zippered pockets; Rollable legs can be secured open and reveal reflective tape for safety
What Needs Improvement: Initially, they were quite wrinkled, but a few hours of wearing them solved that issue
I like that they’ve included just a small bit of spandex for flexibility, and they seem very well thought out as far as design. $119 is a bit high but may just have to splurge for Christmas.