Choosing the best pair of work shorts for your job can be tricky. With so many options, knowing what material will stand up over time and how well the look will fit within your company’s dress code is difficult. My name is Dylan, and through my job, I have worked several different jobs, from construction sites to retail stores.
Here are the best work shorts on the market.
Editor’s Pick-Work Shorts
Best Work Shorts Reviews In 2023
1. Carhartt Men’s 10″ Canvas Work Short
Reinforced pockets provide room for tools, rulers or cell phones. Left-leg hammer loop and ruler pocket for tough work days. Stronger sewn-on-seam belt loops add security from wear and tear. Relaxed seat and thigh with room to move. Sits at the waist. Full seat and thigh with the most room to move. Sits slightly above the waist.
2. Carhartt Men’s Rugged Flex Relaxed Fit Canvas Cargo Work Short
Built to move, these men’s Carhartt shorts are also rugged enough to handle the demands of your work day. They’re made from durable midweight canvas with a relaxed fit. They’ve got side, back, and cargo pockets, including secure storage for your phone. 8-ounce, 98% cotton / 2% spandex canvas. Built to move with Rugged Flex stretch technology Relaxed Fit: Comfortable fit through the seat and thigh with more room to move. Strong sewn-on-seam belt loops. Left-leg hook-and-loop cargo pocket with cell phone compartment. Right-leg hook-and-loop cargo pocket with utility pocket.
3. Carhartt Men’s 11″ Rugged Flex Rigby Work Short
The Carhartt Rugged Flex Rigby Work Short is a popular short sold on Amazon. I have purchased it myself and worn it a lot so I can give an informative, unbiased review of it. The short has been designed with comfort and offers plenty of room to move around. The canvas material gives the legs extra durability and strength.
Also, it helps insulate your legs when you wear them during cold water conditions, which is very useful when fishing. I personally love the fact that you get plenty of utility space for storing things such as cell phones, money, ID cards, pocket knife, etc. I highly recommend this pair of shorts for anyone working in an industrial environment or who simply enjoys going fishing.
4. Dickies Men’s 11 Inch Regular-Fit Stretch-Twill Work Short
This is probably the first time anyone has ever found a practical use for bold colours. Carhartt’s 11-Inch Rugged Flex Rigby Short is not only quite the looker, but it boasts multi-use pockets for storing all sorts of valuable things like your phone, keys, and wallet. It also features a smarter waistband design and is made from 100% cotton twill that’s softer and lighter than traditional Dickies twill pants. Best of all, it has a reinforced knee for added durability. Give this one a shot if you need some new work shorts!
5. Carhartt Men’s Force Relaxed Fit Ripstop Cargo
These men’s lightweight Carhartt shorts give you easy movement on the job with a durable stretch ripstop. They also wick sweat and fight odour as you work. The relaxed cut has a comfortable fit through the seat and thigh, and multiple cargo and utility pockets let you stash your tools. 7-ounce, 92% nylon / 8% spandex stretch ripstop. Built to move with Rugged Flex stretch technology Built with Force technology to wick sweat, dry fast, and fight odours.
FastDry technology keeps you cool for all-day comfort. Relaxed Fit: Comfortable fit through the seat and thigh with more room to move #Strong sewn-on-seam belt loops. Comfortable gusseted crotch for more stretch between the legs. Reinforced front slash pockets. Cargo and utility pockets. Heavy-hauling reinforced back pockets. Inseam: 11″
6. Red Kap Men’s Cell Phone Pocket Work Short
Red Kap Men’s Cell Phone Pocket Short feature a pocket with a snap closure designed to secure your cell phone while you work. We know that looking good on the job is important, too.
With colour-retention and stain-resistant technologies built into the fabric, your work shorts look brighter and cleaner longer than the competition. These work shorts are perfect for workers in construction, maintenance, warehouses, transportation and many other trades. Comfortable work shorts that protect your cell phone and stay colourful and stain-free? Spread the word!
The Red Kap Done Right Guarantee: You’ve got bigger things on your mind than your pants.
PROVEN DURABILITY. Red Kap challenges industry experts to put our workwear to the test. We test, tweak and repeat until it’s Done Right.
STYLE. These work shorts stay wrinkle-free all day long, while colour retention technology means your shorts retain their vibrant colour.
COMFORT. Designed with the strength of polyester and the breathability and comfort of cotton for a lightweight, comfortable fit.
7. Dickies Men’s 13 Inch Relaxed Fit Multi-Pocket Work Short
All things considered, this Dickies Men’s Relaxed Fit Work Short is a good choice. It is reasonably priced, comfortable to wear, and should hold up well during use. This model will likely do the trick if you are looking for a standard pair of work shorts.
Apparel from Dickies is durable and comfortable but also affordable, and the 13-inch relaxed fit multi-pocket work short is no exception. The relaxed fit can be hard to find in short for guys in this price range, and the inclusion of the side pockets makes this short a step above others in the same category. Suffice it to say that Workwear has provided a budget-friendly short that looks great and doesn’t feel cheap, making this short a solid choice for anyone looking for a relaxed fit short with multiple pockets.
8. Slim Fit 11 Inch Flex Work Short
Comfort and durability never looked so good than with Dickies’ Flex 11” Slim Fit Work Short. The stretch twill design features a polyester/cotton blend and flex fabric that is extremely durable, long-lasting and comfortable. These multi-tasking pants feature wrinkle-resistant fabric that also repels stains and wicks moisture away. Along with classic 5-pocket styling, these slim-fit shorts also have a multi-use pocket on the side for your phone, keys or any tools you need by your side. 7.25-ounce stretch twill, 65% polyester/35% cotton.
The Slim Fit Flex Short Shirt is an easy-to-care-for polyester/spandex performance fabric. It resists wrinkles, dries quickly and features stain release for getting out those tough stains. The rapid wick technology holds moisture next to the skin for breathability on hot days,” said D’Amico. “It also features a multi-use cell phone pocket for convenience”.
9. TRUEWERK Men’s Workwear Shorts
We’re reframing what it means to work in the trades, leaving behind outdated stereotypes rooted in old school ideas of tradesmen and women joylessly toiling away for meagre wages. We’re not industrial revolution factory workers. We’re modern, media-savvy trade professionals who use our skills, creativity, and our heads to create lives for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Workwear was the original performance apparel, but at some point, we settled for familiar but outdated fabrics that don’t match modern work. We’re here to reclaim that legacy and bring a new generation of tradespeople the technologies, materials, techniques, and ideas to restore workwear to the forefront of apparel innovation. Staying in the flow state at work starts with what you put on that morning.
Truewerk began with the idea that business can be a force for advancing humanity, not just profiting from it. We strive to recognize and reduce the stigmas around trade work, listen to and amplify voices within the community, and work to change the system, which too often presents trade work as a step back, not a step up.
10. D2S Craftsman Cargo Work Shorts with 12″ Inseam
Made to last, our D2S Craftsman work shorts are designed just like our D2 Craftsman work pants. Made of the highest quality fabric, 300 gsm, 65% polyester & 35% cotton gives you the security of comfort & durability to withstand the toughness of any job. With over 20 pockets, pouches & loops, its just a better way to work. Work Smarter Not Harder!
Overall the Inland Cargo Work Shorts with 12″ Inseam are a great bargain buy. They are very comfortable and their design is constructed so they can be worn to perform physical labour without restrictions. The cargo pockets certainly add to the utility of the shorts and all of the Velcro, buttons and zippers give them a very useful feel for keeping tools close by for ease of access on the job. Carpenters appreciate these shorts because they know they were designed specifically with them in mind.
How To Choose The Best Work Shorts When Purchasing
Durability
A weak construction is indicated by loose threads or lifting at the backstitching. But when we’re in the shop, most of us don’t stop looking at the seams. We then pay for the shorts after selecting them. After a few months, a hole begins to show, and we regret not spending the time to carefully inspect the seams before making the purchase.
My advice is straightforward: stop buying things without first looking them over. No of the brand, take the time to inspect the shorts from top to bottom carefully. Learn the shop’s return and exchange procedures before making an online purchase.
Suitable for the Job
Although they are frequently equipped with pockets and loops for convenience, labour shorts are not just for construction. The same features can be useful to a handyman or DIYer. However, keeping track of your work-related habits or safety procedures would be best. For instance, some people prefer using tool belts rather than pockets to carry their belongings. If so, you are exempt from purchasing shorts with several pockets. If your employer doesn’t specify differently, everything comes down to personal preference.
Comfort
I strongly advise utilizing any discretion your company may grant you when choosing your work clothing. For hot weather, choose the most comfortable shorts. Consider the shorts’ fit in addition to the fabric selection. Baggy clothing may get stuck in machines, while tight clothing may restrict your ability to move.
Consider how the shorts will feel after putting on your tool belt and your tools in the pockets. Do you feel your skin being poked or scratched as you move the sharp side of the nail into the nail pockets?
Style
Workwear need not be uninteresting. I’ve included a dozen fashionable, durable, and breathable work shorts in one listicle. It’s no secret that workwear is dominating the industry of fashion. People with blue-collar employment, for instance, are the ones who typically wear Dickies Clothing. Later, it gained popularity among skaters and was finally transformed into childrenswear. It is entirely up to you whether you wear your workwear only to work or at other times. However, having a pair of shorts you can wear anyplace is definitely convenient.
Frequently Asked Question
What are cargo shorts good for?
Cargo shorts, as the name implies, are built for cargo — they’re shorts equipped with gusseted pockets on the sides of the legs that can hold extra goodies you may want close by. Those side pockets can make or break a cargo short, however.
What are the different lengths of shorts?
Like pants, shorts are measured via inseam – the length from the crotch to the hem. Common short lengths are 5”, 7”, 9”, and 11”.
Why can’t men wear cargo shorts?
But the extra pockets also add considerable weight and bulk to the shorts, dragging them down further from your hips. Cargo shorts also completely ruin any balanced silhouette you might have. Balance is very important in dressing properly.
What kind of shorts should guys wear?
If you’ve got short legs, a pair of shorts designed to finish just above the knee will finish lower, so choose some with a shorter inseam or hems that can be neatly cuffed. If you’ve got pale legs, avoid white shorts and choose a pair in a colour that provides a little more contrast, such as navy or black.
Is not wearing a belt unprofessional?
If you don’t have a belt that will work with your look, don’t fret—go beltless instead! For casual and many business casual looks, you can get away with no belt as long as your shirt and pants fit properly. If you need a belt to keep your pants from falling, it may be time to try a new size.
Conclusion
There are many options for mid-weight, breathable shorts that you can wear in your office. They will look good and dress up any outfit without sacrificing comfort. They are easy to care for and easy to pair with other items of clothing. So, next time you are looking for comfortable clothing to wear at work, try out the best options on this list, and you will not be disappointed with your purchase.