Work Shorts

Our Work Shorts collection features practical warm-weather options. Quality fabrics that breathe, comfortable fits that move, and construction that handles active Australian summers. Fast shipping Australia-wide.

Explore Our Work Shorts Range

Work shorts across drill, canvas and denim, in the leg lengths that stay out of the way when you're squatting. Leg length decides more than fabric does, and eight inches against twelve is a bigger gap than it sounds.

The Deepest Range in the Shop

This is one of the biggest workwear categories we carry, at well over a hundred styles, and it splits cleanly into three groups: plain drill shorts, cargo styles with thigh pockets, and denim. FXD holds the largest share, with Hard Yakka and CAT next and around eight other trade labels behind them.

If you're replacing a pair you liked, the brand is worth sticking with - leg lengths and rises vary more between makers than sizes do.

Leg Length Is the Real Decision

Most of this range comes in an eight inch or twelve inch leg, and the difference is bigger than it sounds. Eight inch sits well above the knee and stays clear when you crouch; twelve inch covers more of the thigh and takes less sun.

Anyone kneeling regularly tends to end up in the shorter leg after trying both. Cargo styles and utility shorts add thigh pockets, and the cargo work shorts range gathers all of those in one place if that's what you're after.

Fabric, Waist and Fastenings

Stretch drill is the most common and the easiest to live in. Canvas and twill run heavier for harder wear; lightweight and nylon builds suit hot, clean work; denim styles sit at the casual end and cross over to weekends. Ripstop turns up throughout.

Elastic waistbands are worth trying if you've never had a pair - in genuine heat they beat a rigid waistband comfortably. Multi-pocket layouts, zip pockets and belt loops all vary by style, so read the listing rather than assuming. One thing worth checking is how the back pockets are finished.

A plain patch pocket wears through at the corner where a wallet or a phone sits, and on a short that gets washed twice a week that can happen inside a season. Bar-tacked or reinforced corners cost nothing extra and add months. The same applies to belt loops, which take a surprising amount of load when you hook anything onto them.

Shorts on Both Sides of the Crew

The women's pants range covers the equivalent bottoms cut on women's patterns, and there are kids' shorts for the young ones who come along.

Buy Two and Rotate Them

Free shipping runs Australia-wide on orders over $175, and two pairs will usually get you there. Work shorts wear out faster than pants because they cop more sun and more washing, so a rotation of two or three is the cheapest way to run them.

The Parafield showroom has the leg lengths on the rack if you want to hold an eight against a twelve before deciding. Sizes thin out fastest between November and February, so late winter is the sensible time to restock. More in this area:



Frequently asked questions

What types of work shorts does Allingtons offer?

Allingtons stocks work shorts for most trades and weather, led by FXD work shorts, Ritemate and Ringers Western. Choose from stretch canvas shorts, lightweight ripstop and elastic-waist cargo shorts, shorter mid-thigh styles like the FXD WS-2, and heavyweight cotton shorts such as the Ringers Western Cloncurry. Ritemate workwear includes lightweight elastic-waist utility shorts and RMX tactical shorts in mid and short leg lengths. FXD also has a dedicated women's fit, and there are more options from CAT, x/dmg and Mack.

What is the difference between cargo work shorts and regular work shorts?

Cargo work shorts have extra pockets on the thighs, usually with zips, flaps or closures, so you can carry tools, a phone or a notepad. Regular work shorts keep a cleaner line with front and back pockets, sometimes adding a ruler or phone pocket. The FXD WS-6 Work Shorts are a classic cargo short with dual zip-secure cargo pockets, while the FXD WS-2 skips cargo pockets for a lighter, less bulky feel. If you wear a tool belt, regular shorts are often more comfortable. Browse all cargo work shorts.

Do work shorts run true to size?

Most work shorts are sized by waist and follow each brand's chart, so the size you wear in that brand's work pants is a good starting point. Fit varies by style: FXD WS-3 shorts are a regular fit with a slimmer leg, while x/dmg US-3 and US-4 shorts are relaxed. Elastic-waist styles from Ritemate and FXD are more forgiving if you're between sizes. Check the FXD sizing guide, and measure your waist where you wear your shorts using our pants sizing guide.

Are these work shorts tough enough for trade and site work?

Yes, most are built for trade work. FXD work shorts use Dura500 nylon reinforcement on pockets and stress points plus triple-needle seams, and styles like the WS-4 and WS-7 use ripstop fabric. The Ringers Western Cloncurry Heavyweight Work Shorts are made from 310gsm cotton, and Ritemate RMX tactical shorts have bar-tacks and twin-needle stitching for extra strength. Keep in mind shorts leave your legs exposed, so check whether your site allows them, particularly around hot works, chemicals or heavy machinery.

Do work shorts come with tool and cargo pockets?

Most do, though the layout varies. The FXD WS-7 has a utility cargo pocket plus Dura500 ruler and welt pockets, and the WS-6 has two large zip-secure cargo pockets. The Ritemate Lightweight Elastic Waist Utility Shorts have six pockets, including a concealed zip side pocket, and the Ringers Western Cloncurry has multi-purpose utility pockets. CAT Elite Operator shorts add a velcro cargo pocket and ruler pocket, while CAT Diesel shorts have a phone pocket on the back of the right leg. See the full cargo work shorts range.

How do I care for work shorts to make them last?

Wash work shorts inside out in cold water with similar colours, and empty the pockets first so grit and screws don't wear through the pocket bags. Avoid bleach and fabric softener, particularly on stretch fabrics. Line drying in the shade helps prevent fading and shrinkage, which shows more on 100% cotton styles like the Ringers Western Cloncurry. Brush off concrete dust or dried mud before washing, and check each care label. Keeping a few pairs on rotation through summer also spreads the wear.