I've been living in my outlier bomb dungarees for about 6 months now, and I think I've finally figured out why they have such a cult following. If you've spent any time in the wonderful world of high-end technical apparel or "techwear, " you've probably heard about Outlier. They're the Brooklyn-based brand that basically invented the category of pants that look like normal trousers but perform like mountain gear. For a long time, their Slim Dungarees (SDs) were the gold standard. However the Bomb Dungarees showed up, and for a lot of us, they changed the conversation entirely.
Let's get one thing out of the way first: these aren't just a slightly thicker version of the predecessor. They're a completely different beast. When you initially pull them from the box, the weight hits you. They feel substantial. They feel, for lack of a much better word, expensive. But is that weight actually a good thing, or have you been just paying for extra fabric you don't need?
The Fabric is the Whole Story
The center of the outlier bomb dungarees is really a fabric called BombTwist. It's a proprietary material that Outlier developed to be essentially indestructible. It's a 16oz poly-nylon blend that mimics the appearance and feel of the heavy-duty work canvas or a thick denim, but it has a technical soul.
What's wild about BombTwist is how it manages to become incredibly stiff and structured while still having a bit of give. It doesn't stretch like a pair of yoga pants—thank god—but it has just enough 2-way stretch so that when you're stepping over a fence or crouching down to fix a bike chain, you don't feel like you're about to blow out the crotch.
The texture is also something different. It has this matte, slightly rough finish that looks rugged. Unlike some other technical fabrics that have a "swishy" sound once you walk (the dreaded techwear rustle), they are relatively quiet. They feel like real pants, not some synthetic experiment. Honestly, if you closed your eyes and touched them, you might think you were holding a pair of vintage carhartts that had been magically smoothed out.
Just how do They Actually Fit?
If you've worn the Slim Dungarees, you know they have a very specific, slim-straight silhouette. The outlier bomb dungarees follow a similar pattern, but because the fabric is so much thicker, they drape differently. They don't cling to your legs. Instead, they stand off the body, creating a very clean, sharp line from the hip right down to the ankle.
I'm a big fan of the "workwear" aesthetic, but I don't always want to appear to be I just stepped off a construction site. These hit that sweet spot. They have a 5-pocket jeans styling, but the insufficient obvious branding as well as the high-quality finish makes it look significantly more "adult. " You can wear these to a casual office with a button-down, or you can throw on a t-shirt and go hike a trail.
One thing to notice, though: the break-in period is real. They arrive feeling a bit like cardboard. Don't panic. After about a week of consistent wear, they start to soften up in the high-flex areas like the knees as well as the hips. Once they mold to your body, they become incredibly comfortable, but you have to put in the work first.
Why "Bomb" Over "Slim"?
This is actually the question everyone asks. Why would you select the outlier bomb dungarees over the legendary Slim Dungarees? For me personally, it comes down to structure.
The Slim Dungarees great, don't get me wrong. They're light, they pack down to nothing, and they're amazing for travel. But they have a tendency to "bag out" following a few days of wear, especially in the knees. In addition they show the "pocket bulge"—if you carry a large phone or perhaps a chunky wallet, many people are going to see exactly what's in your pockets.
The Bomb Dungarees don't accomplish that. Because the fabric is so dense, it holds its shape effortlessly. You can wear them for the week straight without washing them (and I have), and they'll look just as sharp on Friday as they did on Monday. They also hide whatever you've got in your pockets. It's a small detail, however it makes a huge difference in how "put together" you look during the day.
Temperature Control and Versatility
Now, are these the perfect year-round pants? Probably not. If you live in a place where the humidity hits 90% as well as the temperature climbs into the triple digits, you're going to struggle in the outlier bomb dungarees . They're heavy. They don't breathe quite as well as a lighter linen or a thin nylon.
However, for about nine months out of the year in many climates, they're perfect. They cut the wind better than any jeans I've ever owned. I've worn them in freezing rain and stayed surprisingly dry due to the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. Water just beads from the surface. It's not waterproof—if you sit in a puddle, you're getting wet—but for a light drizzle or a spilled coffee, it's a lifesaver.
Living with Them Daily
One of the things I love most about these pants is the pocket situation. It's a typical 5-pocket setup, however the pockets are deep and reinforced. The fifth pocket (the coin pocket) is actually large enough to become useful. I usually toss my AirPods inside, and they stay secure.
The waist also features a custom-developed shank button that feels like it could survive a nuclear blast. It's these little over-engineered touches that make me feel like the high cost is justified. You're not just paying for the name; you're paying for a piece of clothing that was created by people who are obsessed with the important points of how clothes actually function.
Dealing with the Price
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the price. These aren't cheap. In fact, for most people, spending this much on a set of pants feels a little crazy. I get it. I used to think exactly the same thing. But here's how I look at it now: I did previously buy two or three pairs of $80 jeans a year. They'd fade, the crotch would wear through, or they'd lose their shape.
The outlier bomb dungarees are built to last for years. I've crawled under cars in these, hiked through thorny brush, and spilled more things on them than I'd like to admit. They still look completely new. If you adopt a "buy less, but better" mindset, these actually start to resemble a bargain over the long term.
Final Thoughts within the Investment
If you're looking for a set of pants that can handle literally anything you throw at them while still looking good enough for a dinner date, the outlier bomb dungarees are hard to beat. They're tough, they're stylish in a minimal way, and they feel like they were built to survive the apocalypse.
Yes, they're heavy. Yes, they take another to break in. And yeah, they'll set you back a chunk of your paycheck. But when you put them on and believe that "bombproof" construction on your own, it's really hard to return to wearing regular pants. They've become my go-to for almost every situation, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. If you're on the fence, just do it. Your future self will be glad when you're still wearing these five years from now and they still look fantastic.