WorkArmour: “Men’s Workwear Guide: Finding the Right Shorts for Tradies in Australia”

Introduction

A reliable pair of tradie shorts should  provide much more comfort; they should also provide durability, granting you the ease and efficiency you need to get through a tough workday while facing the harsh and erratic Australian climate. Whether you're handling tools on-site, working in a shed, or tackling jobs in the open air, a good pair of men's work shorts can make all the difference. As such, WorkArmour stocks a wide variety of quality workwear shorts, including a solid range of durable, purpose-built men's work shorts made to stand up to tough conditions and long hours. Scroll down to learn more!

Why Invest in Quality Work Shorts?

For tradies, work shorts are more than a comfort, they’re an essential need. High-quality work shorts offer:

• Enhanced comfort in hot conditions

• Greater mobility through stretch materials or ergonomic cuts

• Toughness to withstand demanding job sites

• Practical storage with multiple functional pockets

• A clean, professional look that aligns with worksite requirements

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Work Shorts

• Material: Select a fabric suited to your work environment. Ripstop cotton offers durability and breathability, cotton/poly/spandex blends add flexibility for active roles, while lightweight nylon is perfect for hot, outdoor conditions.

• Match the Shorts to Your Trade: Consider the demands of your job. For outdoor work in summer, opt for lightweight fabrics like nylon/spandex. For heavy-duty tasks on construction sites, choose tough options like Streetworx or classic cargo styles. If your job involves frequent movement, go for shorts with stretch fabric or elastic waistbands for added comfort.

• Fit & Comfort: A modern fit not only looks sharp but also supports all-day wear. Features like elastic waistbands, mechanical stretch, and adjustable tabs improve mobility and overall comfort.

• Pockets/Storage: Consider what you need to carry on a routine basis. Whether it’s tools, pens, phones, or rulers, you’ll likely want to consider shorts with practical storage features such as cargo pockets, phone sleeves, ruler holders, and discreet side or back pockets.

• Colour Options: Most work shorts come in industry-friendly shades like navy, black, khaki, or charcoal. These colours are practical, versatile, and easily paired with hi-vis or company-branded tops.

Top Trending Work Shorts from Workarmour 

Workarmour offers a wide selection of work shorts in various styles and colours, including cargo shorts for men, rugged cooling shorts, men's rugby shorts, basin work shorts, lightweight outdoor shorts, and Syzmik Streetworx Shorts. 

Syzmik Mens Rugged Cooling Short Short: Syzmik shorts are designed for comfort and flexibility, these shorts feature mechanical stretch for greater freedom of movement throughout the workday. A dedicated mobile phone pocket adds convenience, while the modern shorter fit offers a contemporary look without compromising functionality. Made from 100% square weave cotton ripstop at 240 gsm, they provide a durable yet lightweight option ideal for warm conditions.

Mens Rugged Cooling Stretch Short Short: Crafted from breathable square weave cotton, these shorts are designed to keep you cool while you work. The ripstop construction ensures the fabric remains lightweight without sacrificing durability, and the added stretch allows for unrestricted movement throughout the day. Featuring an elasticated waist for comfort and a short length ideal for warm conditions, they’re built for both practicality and performance. The triple-stitched crotch enhances durability, while multiple pockets — including a flap-closure mobile phone pocket, ruler pocket, pen pocket, two back hip pockets, and two side waist pockets — offer ample storage. Contrast trim details on the back pockets and pocket flag add a modern touch. Made from 98% cotton and 2% elastane ripstop at 240 gsm, these shorts balance strength, comfort, and flexibility.

Syzmik Mens Rugby Short: Made from lightweight 240 gsm cotton twill, these shorts are designed to keep you cool and comfortable during hot weather. The elastic waistband with internal drawstring provides a secure, adjustable fit, making them ideal for active work on site. Their shorter length makes them perfect for summer, while two side waist pockets and a back hip pocket offer convenient everyday storage. Crafted from 100% cotton twill, they combine breathability with practical functionality.

Men’s Basic Cargo Short - 100% Cotton Drill – 310 gsm: With a total of eight pockets, these work shorts are designed to keep everything in its place. They include two back hip pockets with flaps and quick-close tape, two extra-large cargo pockets for added storage, two side hip pockets for easy access, and two discreet welt pockets for a clean finish. The adjustable side tab on the waistband ensures a secure, comfortable fit, while key stress points are reinforced for added durability. Made from 100% cotton drill at 310 gsm, they offer strength and reliability for demanding work environments.

Mens Streetworx Tough Short with Mobile phone pocket and Phone Guard Technology: Built for durability, these are our toughest shorts yet, offering 300% more tear resistance than traditional 280 gsm cotton drill. Made from a 265 gsm blend of polyester, cotton, and spandex, they deliver both toughness and flexibility, with stretch fabric for added comfort and freedom of movement. Featuring a modern straight fit, the design includes a mobile phone pocket with Phone Guard Technology (which uses heavy-duty neoprene to shield your phone from knocks and bumps), plus a large cargo pocket with a rubber opening tab, a multi-tool pocket with internal stretch webbing for up to three tools, a ruler pocket, and two pen partitions. Triple-stitched seams and a crotch gusset enhance strength, while wide-opening side waist pockets, back hip pockets, and a reinforced waist button with a large centre back belt loop provide practical support and secure wear on site.

Mens Lightweight Outdoor Short: Designed for extreme comfort in hot conditions, these shorts are made from super lightweight, stretch fabric that allows greater freedom of movement. They feature a modern fit and discreetly styled functional pockets for a clean, professional appearance. Practical storage includes a large jet pocket with closure, two back jet pockets, two wide-opening side waist pockets, and a zip pocket lined with microfibre (ideal for keeping sunglasses clean). Made from a 90% nylon, 10% spandex blend at 150 gsm, they offer breathability, flexibility, and a sleek, comfortable fit.

Mens Summer Cargo Short - 100% Cotton – 200 gsm: Crafted from lightweight, soft fabric for cool comfort on the job, these work shorts feature a modern fit with triple-stitched crotch panel for added durability. Designed with functionality in mind, they include a spacious cargo pocket with box pleat, a flap-closure mobile phone pocket with contrast detailing, a ruler pocket with pen partition, two back hip pockets with stitch detailing, and two wide-opening side waist pockets. A contrast inner waistband adds a touch of style, and the 100% cotton, 200 gsm fabric ensures breathable all-day wear.

Find the Best Work Shorts For You With WorkAmour

Choosing the right work shorts is essential for tradies, particularly in Australia's demanding climate. The right pair can enhance comfort, mobility, and durability across a full day’s work. Whether you’re on-site, in a workshop, or working outdoors, quality work shorts offer the practical features and freedom of movement needed to perform efficiently. Workarmour provides a vast selection of reliable men’s workwear shorts that are designed to endure the taxing demands of tradie life. You can browse our full range of men’s work pants and shorts here, or head over to the WorkArmour homepage to explore our many other products and services. 

At WorkArmour Solutions, we take pride in being the smarter choice when it comes to selecting premium quality work clothing and safety work boots. No matter what size your business is, our priority is to put your workers’ safety first. We will proudly deliver an affordable safety uniform solution without compromising on quality, allowing you and your workers to perform at your best while staying safe. For all inquiries, you can get in contact with us directly here.