Carhartt Recalls Men's Work Pants with Hem Adjustment Cords Due to Fall Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Dick's Sporting Goods

What was recalled

In late March of 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving a specific line of men’s work pants manufactured by Carhartt. This is not a broad recall affecting every item in Carhartt’s extensive catalog; rather, it targets a very precise product that was sold exclusively through Dick’s Sporting Goods. If you purchased work pants from Dick’s during the relevant period, it is important to verify whether your specific pair falls into this recalled category. The product in question is the Carhartt Men’s Force Relaxed 5 Pocket Work Pants. These are durable, stretch twill trousers designed for heavy-duty use, composed of a fabric blend containing 81% cotton, 16% nylon, and 3% elastane. They were available in two primary colors: gray and brown.

To determine if you own the recalled item, you must look closely at the construction and the labels. These pants feature an elastic drawstring hem located near the ankle. This is the critical design element that triggered the recall. The pants are equipped with five pockets in total: two front pockets, a dedicated phone pocket on the right leg, and two back pockets, one of which includes a zipper for secure storage. They were offered in all standard sizes, meaning the issue was not limited to a specific fit or body type. Because they were sold exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods, if you bought them from any other retailer, online marketplace, or directly from Carhartt’s main website outside of this specific promotion, your pants are likely safe and not part of this recall.

The most definitive way to identify the recalled units is by checking the product number printed on a tag located on the inside seam near the waistband. You are looking specifically for the number 105222. If your pants have this number, they are part of the affected batch. While the provided official records do not specify the exact total number of units sold or recalled, the exclusivity to Dick’s Sporting Goods helps narrow down who might be affected. The recall was officially announced on March 30, 2023, so anyone who purchased these pants from Dick’s before or after this date should inspect their garment for the specific product number and hem design. It is crucial to act promptly because the hazard associated with the elastic drawstring creates a potential safety risk that does not resolve itself over time.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, the elastic drawstring hem on these Carhartt Men's Force Relaxed 5 Pocket Work Pants may seem like a standard design feature intended to keep the legs snug and out of the way. However, the specific mechanism that creates the danger lies in how that elastic interacts with the fabric during wear. The recall notice identifies that the drawstring can create an "extended loop" near the ankle. In plain terms, this means the cord does not simply rest flat against your leg or tuck away neatly; instead, it can pull tight enough to form a rigid, protruding loop that hangs down from the bottom of the pant leg.

This extended loop is the physical trap. When you are walking, working, or moving around your home, your feet naturally come into contact with the ground and any objects near it. A loose piece of fabric might just brush against your shoe without issue. But a stiff, elasticated loop of cord creates a distinct, raised obstacle. If your foot catches on this loop—whether as you are taking a step up a ladder, walking across a uneven floor, or simply navigating a cluttered workspace—the sudden resistance can arrest your forward momentum. Your body continues moving due to inertia, but your foot is held back by the cord.

The result of this mechanical interaction is a trip. When your foot is caught and your upper body keeps moving, you lose your balance instantly. This loss of equilibrium frequently leads to falls. While the recall facts state that no incidents have been reported yet, the physics of this hazard are well-understood in safety engineering. Trips caused by footwear or clothing entanglement are a leading cause of accidental injury in both industrial and residential settings. The fall can result in anything from minor bruises and scrapes to more serious injuries like sprains, fractures, or head trauma, depending on what you hit upon falling.

It is important to understand that this hazard is not about the pants being poorly made in terms of durability; it is about a design element becoming a snag point. The 81% cotton and 16% nylon blend of these pants provides stretch and comfort, but it does not prevent the elastic cord from maintaining its loop shape when tensioned. This creates a persistent hazard that exists every time you wear the item, turning a simple pair of work pants into an unexpected trip risk in any environment where footing matters.

Who is most at risk

The individuals most immediately vulnerable to the hazards presented by these recalled Carhartt Men's Force Relaxed 5 Pocket Work Pants are those who wear them in environments where stability and balance are critical to safety. While the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has not reported any incidents of injury or falls linked to this specific recall, the nature of the defect—a drawstring hem that can create an extended loop near the ankle—creates a latent trip hazard that affects anyone moving through their daily routine. The risk is not confined to a single demographic but is amplified by the context in which these pants are typically worn.

First and foremost, the primary group at risk includes workers and DIY enthusiasts who use these pants for physical labor, construction, or home improvement projects. These individuals often operate in cluttered environments filled with tools, debris, uneven surfaces, or machinery. In such settings, a snagged drawstring loop can catch on a step, a piece of equipment, or even another person’s leg. For someone carrying heavy loads, balancing on a ladder, or operating power tools, that split-second loss of balance caused by a tripped foot can lead to serious consequences, including falls from heights or contact with hazardous materials. The "relaxed" fit of the pants might give a false sense of security regarding mobility, but the specific defect at the hem negates that benefit by introducing an unpredictable obstacle directly in the path of the wearer’s stride.

While the product is marketed toward men, the risk extends to anyone who wears these pants regardless of their profession. This includes homeowners engaging in yard work, gardeners, or anyone performing maintenance tasks around the house. The vulnerability is particularly heightened for older adults or individuals with mobility challenges. For someone with slower reflexes, balance issues, or reduced muscle strength, a trip caused by a tangled drawstring is far more likely to result in a fall that leads to fractures or head injuries. The extended loop acts as a silent trap; it does not announce itself until it has already interfered with the natural gait cycle.

Furthermore, there is a secondary risk to those in close proximity to the wearer. If the drawstring loops out and drags on the ground, it can easily snag on the heels of others walking nearby, potentially causing them to stumble as well. This makes the hazard not just an individual concern but a communal one in shared workspaces or busy household environments. Therefore, anyone who has purchased these pants, whether for themselves or as a gift, should treat the defect with urgency. The absence of reported incidents does not mean the risk is negligible; it simply means that no one has yet been hurt. Preventing a potential fall is far easier than treating its aftermath.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action or contact customer service, it is essential to confirm that your specific pair of work pants falls within this recall. Because Carhartt produces a wide variety of durable workwear for different trades and environments, mixing up models is easy. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued very precise criteria for this recall, so you need to check several physical details on the garment itself. Do not rely solely on how the pants look or feel; you must verify the specific product number and construction details listed below.

First, locate the tag sewn into the inside seam near the waistband of the pants. This is the primary source of truth for identification. Look specifically for the product number 105222. If this number is not present on the tag, your pants are not part of this specific recall, even if they look similar to the affected items. Next, identify the model name. The recall applies exclusively to the Men's Force Relaxed 5 Pocket Work Pants. While "Force" and "Relaxed" are common terms in workwear, the combination of these words with the specific five-pocket design is key here.

You should also inspect the fabric composition and color options. The recalled pants are made from a stretch twill material consisting of 81% cotton, 16% nylon, and 3% elastane. This blend provides the flexibility needed for work but contributes to the specific hazard described in this recall. Regarding color, the recalled items were sold exclusively in gray and brown. If your pants are black, navy, or any other color, they are not included in this specific safety notice.

Finally, check the physical design features and where you purchased them. The recalled pants feature an elastic drawstring hem near the ankle. This is the critical component creating the trip hazard, as it can form an extended loop that catches on objects or feet. The pants also include two front pockets, a phone pocket on the right leg, and two back pockets (one with a zipper). They were sold in all sizes. Importantly, these specific recalled items were sold exclusively at Dick's Sporting Goods. If you bought them elsewhere, such as a Carhartt factory store or an online retailer other than Dick's, they are likely not part of this batch, though verifying the product number remains your best safeguard.

• Product Number: 105222 (on the tag near the waistband)
• Model: Men's Force Relaxed 5 Pocket Work Pants
• Fabric: 81% cotton / 16% nylon / 3% elastane stretch twill
• Colors: Gray or Brown only
• Retailer: Dick's Sporting Goods (exclusively)
• Key Feature: Elastic drawstring hem at the ankle

If your pants match all these criteria, particularly the product number and the elastic drawstring hem, you have a recalled item. In that case, please proceed to the remedy section for instructions on how to get a refund.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified that your Carhartt Men's Force Relaxed 5 Pocket Work Pants are part of this recall, the good news is that the manufacturer has established a straightforward and consumer-friendly remedy to resolve the issue. The primary goal here is to ensure your safety without placing an undue financial burden on you. You are not stuck with a defective product; instead, you have two clear paths forward, both of which result in you receiving a full refund for the purchase price. This approach prioritizes your peace of mind and ensures that the potential trip hazard associated with the extended drawstring loop is completely eliminated from your wardrobe.

The first and perhaps most common option is to simply return the recalled pants. You can take the item directly back to any Dick’s Sporting Goods store where it was originally purchased, or any other participating location, for a complete refund. This method is ideal if you prefer a traditional retail experience or if you would like to exchange the pants for a different model that does not carry this specific hazard. Alternatively, if you cannot visit a store in person, you can contact Carhartt directly to initiate a return by mail. To do this, you should call their toll-free number at 888-894-7601. Their customer service team is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. They will provide you with the necessary instructions for mailing the item back and ensuring your refund is processed correctly.

If you prefer to keep wearing these pants but still want the safety assurance of the remedy, Carhartt offers an alternative solution that allows you to retain the garment while correcting the defect. You can modify the pants yourself by cutting out the elastic loop from the hem near the ankle. Once you have safely removed the cord, you must take a clear photograph showing that the loop has been successfully removed. Send this photo via email to just_ask_us@carhartt.com. This digital proof serves as your verification that the hazard has been neutralized. Upon review and approval of your photo, Carhartt will issue you a full refund. This option is particularly convenient for those who are satisfied with the fit and comfort of the pants and simply want to remove the dangerous drawstring component.

In both scenarios, the financial outcome is identical: you receive all your money back. Whether you choose to return the item entirely or keep it after modification, the remedy is designed to be hassle-free. There are no restocking fees, nor are there any requirements to purchase additional items. The key is to act promptly. By contacting Carhartt at their online recall portal at www.Carhartt.com/recall or by navigating to the "Men's Force Relaxed 5 Pocket Work Pants Recall" section on their main website, you can access further details and ensure your claim is handled efficiently. Remember, this process is entirely voluntary but highly recommended for your personal safety.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a pair of work pants that fit well and have served you reliably. Carhartt garments are renowned for their durability, and the instinct to keep wearing something comfortable rather than dealing with the hassle of packaging, shipping, or finding a replacement store is strong. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is an active decision to remain in a dangerous situation. The hazard identified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is specific and mechanical: the elastic drawstring hem near the ankle can create an extended loop. This is not a minor design quirk; it is a significant trip and fall hazard that does not discriminate based on your experience level or the terrain you are walking on.

When you continue to wear these pants, you are effectively wearing a hidden trap. The drawstring, designed to tighten the leg opening for warmth or fit, can loosen or bunch up in a way that creates a dangling loop near your feet. As you walk, run, or shift your weight, this loop can catch on stationary objects like door frames, machinery parts, or uneven ground. Alternatively, it can simply catch under your own foot. The moment of impact when your foot is caught by the fabric while your body momentum continues forward is where serious injuries occur. This is not a theoretical risk; it is a well-documented mechanism for workplace and household accidents.

The consequences of such a fall are rarely trivial. For workers who rely on these pants for physical labor, a trip can mean more than just a bruised ego. It can lead to sprained ankles, broken wrists from instinctively trying to break the fall, or more severe traumatic injuries if you fall down stairs, onto tools, or into heavy equipment. Even in a home environment, where the stakes might seem lower, a fall caused by clothing entanglement is a leading cause of accidental injury among adults. The risk is compounded by the fact that these pants are designed for work, meaning you may be carrying heavy loads or operating in environments where losing your balance has immediate and severe repercussions.

While the CPSC notes that no incidents have been reported to date, this silence is not a guarantee of safety. It simply means that, statistically so far, no one has yet been harmed enough to file a formal report. Relying on the absence of reported injuries as proof that the product is safe is a dangerous gamble. The hazard exists independently of whether it has caused harm yet. By ignoring the recall, you are betting your physical safety against a known defect that is entirely preventable. The cost of inaction is potentially a life-altering injury, while the cost of action is simply a few minutes to cut a cord or return a package. Choose safety over convenience, because once a fall happens, there is no recall to fix the broken bone.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a design flaw in the hem of certain Carhartt work pants, it highlights a broader category of safety concern that affects many types of clothing and footwear: trip hazards created by loose or extended loops. Whether you are wearing heavy-duty work gear, hiking boots, or even casual sneakers with long laces, the mechanics of falling due to entanglement remain largely the same. Understanding how these hazards form and how to prevent them can help you stay safe in a variety of environments.

The primary mechanism behind this type of accident is often called "snagging." When an elastic drawstring, lace, or cord extends beyond the natural contour of the garment, it creates a loop that can easily catch on stationary objects. In a workshop, this might be a protruding bolt, a piece of equipment, or a door handle. On a trail, it could be a branch, a rock, or uneven terrain. Once the loop catches, your forward momentum is suddenly arrested by the snagged item rather than your feet, causing you to lose balance and fall. This is particularly dangerous if you are carrying tools, materials, or walking on slippery surfaces where a fall can result in serious injury.

To mitigate these risks, start with proactive garment management. For any clothing item with drawstrings, laces, or cords, ensure they are securely fastened when not actively being adjusted for fit. If you are wearing work pants with elastic hems, consider using cord locks or toggles to tighten the loop close to the fabric, eliminating the extended dangling portion that poses a snag risk. For shoelaces, opt for techniques like "bar lacing" or "lock lacing" that keep the ends tucked and secure, rather than letting them dangle loosely. Regularly inspect your gear for signs of wear; frayed cords or stretched elastic are more likely to unravel into hazardous loops.

Beyond personal gear maintenance, cultivate situational awareness in your work and home environments. Keep walkways clear of clutter that could potentially catch on loose clothing. If you are working in an area with protruding hardware or sharp edges, wear fitted clothing without dangling elements whenever possible. Additionally, make sure your footwear provides adequate traction and support to help recover your balance if you do encounter a minor obstacle.

Finally, remember that safety is a continuous process. Regularly check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website for new recalls on any gear you use frequently. By staying informed and proactive about the condition of your clothing and equipment, you can significantly reduce your risk of accidental injury and ensure that your work or leisure activities remain safe and enjoyable.