Best Work Shorts for 2025

When the Aussie sun is beating down and the worksite’s heating up, a solid pair of work shorts is a necessity. Whether you’re a tradie on the tools, a maker in the workshop, or you just enjoy the benefits of workwear, finding the right balance between comfort, durability, and style can make all the difference.

We’ve tested dozens of styles from the best brands so that you can pick the best. We’ve split our top ‘work shorts’ into three key categories: Light-Weight, Traditional, and Budget. Let’s dive in.

Best Light-Weight Work Shorts

These styles are in high demand with many major brands rolling them out over the last few years. The obvious benefits of light weight shorts are freedom of movement, comfort and breathability. But the true benefit in this range is the versatility, you can wear them on a run, to the gym, or even just being lazy on the couch. You don’t need to be on the worksite to enjoy them.

A common feature is the elastic waistband, offering unbeatable comfort usually reserved for track pants. And rip-stop is a design that I always look for, because it provides improved durability without the need for heavy weight materials. Here’s my top 3:

1.      Anthem Agility Shorts

Built for movement, these shorts are a game-changer. They’re crafted with lightweight, stretch fabric that moves with you. The material is moisture wicking and utilises quick dry technology. The combination of chunky elastic waist band (with drawstring) and belt loops is versatile whether you want to add a tool belt or just utilise the tool/ruler pockets on both sides.

But my favourite feature of these rippers is the back waist running pocket. I’ll wear these to work and then on my arvo run or to the gym.

• Material: 92% nylon, 8% elastane. Ripstop
• Material weight: 136 gsm

2.      FXD WS-7 Elastic Waist Stretch Utility Short

Comfort meets function with FXD’s WS-7. The material is significantly thicker than most light-weight work shorts. These are an upgrade in durability from the popular WS-4 shorts, the issue with the WS-4’s is that they weren’t built tough enough for the worksite and pockets weren’t designed to hold tools. Well to their credit, FXD took the feedback on board and developed this new and improved style.

The WS-7’s feature cargo utility pockets with reinforcement to prevent tears. The fabric also incorporates ripstop, so small tears won’t become big ones. These are as tough as they are comfortable.

• Material: Polyester & cotton ripstop
• Material weight: 260 gsm

3.      Bisley BSH1331 Flex & Move 4-Way Stretch Elastic Short

These shorts are all about freedom of movement. Bisley calls it their 4-way stretch technology, and they flex in every direction. So if you’re constantly bending, crouching, and climbing, these are perfect.

These are a shorter length compared with the previous 2 styles, finishing at the mid-thigh, similar to traditional running shorts. They also include zip pockets on both sides. This style doesn’t include belt loops.

• Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex
• Material weight: 170 gsm

Best Traditional Work Shorts

Traditional work shorts strike the perfect balance between heritage style and modern function. Usually featuring mid-heavy weight cottons or poly/cotton blends, this is quality you can rely on for traditional trades and hard work. Also in this style of shorts, you’ll find belt loops, reinforced stitching and plenty of pockets. Here’s my top 3:

1.      KingGee K17006 Workcool Pro Shorts

We love the Workcool Pro shorts at Everything Australian, we even made a video about them. Made with a mid-weight cotton with a touch of stretch (but not stretchy). Featuring an impressive 9 multifunctional pockets, that aren’t bulky cargo pockets, so it’s a good fit and feel. There is also a unique gel print on the inner waist band, so if you need to tuck-in your shirt, everything will stay in place while you work.

These are traditional length work short that finish just above the knee, but if you prefer a short cut, they also have the K17008 Workcool Pro Short shots.

• Material: 98% Cotton Ripstop, 2% elastane,
• Material weight: 237gsm

2.      Hard Yakka Y05160 Raptor Active Short

These shorts combine classic workwear resilience with modern design. A mid-weight material that also has a touch of stretch, without being stretchy. These shorts are Hard Yakka’s response to the FXD craze the took Australia by storm. Hard Yakka's previous best selling short was the Legends shorts (which are still huge), but the new generation of tradies was after more style in their gear. Hard Yakka delivered in a big way with the Raptor range.

The Y05160 finishes just above the knee, but there is also a short length option that finishes mid-thigh, the Y05161 Raptor Short Short. These are all part of Hard Yakka’s popular Raptor Range, durable gear that looks good and feels great.

• Material: 60% cotton ripstop, 38% polyester, 2% elastane.
• Material weight: 240gsm

3.      FXD WS-3 Stretch Canvas Work Shorts

A favourite for a reason, the FXD WS-3 shorts are made with heavyweight cotton-canvas with a touch of stretch. These are regular fitting shorts with a slimmer leg and finish just above the knee. These work shorts are comfortable but also practical, with double layer internal pocket bags to prevent tears and reinforced nylon patches in high wear zones.

• Material: Stretch cotton canvas (not stretchy)
• Material Weight: 295gsm

Best Budget Work Shorts

If you're chasing value without sacrificing quality, these budget-friendly options deliver reliable performance at a great price. Here’s our picks:

1.      Hard Yakka Y05164 Tough Maxx Short Shorts

Don’t let the price fool you, these shorts are fantastic. Simple design and classic style. These have a comfortable feel with the elastic waist and are made from mid-weight cotton. Just your basic pocket formation on this style, including 2 side and 2 back pockets.  

These shorts are a perfect example of workwear that can be worn every day by all. This style is the short length, finishing at the mid-thigh. There is also a longer length option that features extra pockets, the Hard Yakka Y05165 Tough Maxx Mid Shorts.

• Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane
• Material Weight: 270gsm

2.      Bisley BSHC1018 Stretch Cotton Elastic Waist Short

Don’t let the price fool you, these shorts are fantastic. Simple design and classic style. These have a comfortable feel with the elastic waist and are made from mid-weight cotton. Just your basic pocket formation on this style, including 2 side and 2 back pockets.  

These shorts are a perfect example of workwear that can be worn every day by all. This style is the short length, finishing at the mid-thigh. There is also a longer length option that features extra pockets, the

• Material: 97% Cotton, 3% Elastane Drill
• Material Weight: 280gsm

So that’s our list for the best work shorts for 2025. Whether you're investing in high-performance gear or seeking solid, budget-friendly options, there’s something on this list for every hardworking Aussie. Explore the best range of quality brand workwear at Everything Australian.