Two pairs of men's legs are shown: one man is wearing long black work trousers, the other is wearing short hi-vis yellow work shorts. A link to our work trousers category is included.

Summer workwear

Work shorts for warm days: comfortable, durable and practical

When temperatures rise, heavy work trousers can quickly become uncomfortable. Work shorts are the better choice for many working environments: cooler than long trousers, more durable than ordinary casual shorts and equipped with details that genuinely help during the working day.

Whether on the construction site, in the warehouse, in the workshop, in gardening and landscaping or during assembly work: the right pair of work shorts provides more freedom of movement, better wearing comfort and quick access to tools, phone and small parts.

All-rounder

Standard work shorts

Ideal for daily use: plenty of pockets, comfortable cotton blends, stretch sections and often even UV protection with UPF 50+.

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Visibility

Hi-vis shorts

For work in areas with vehicle traffic, machinery or poor lighting conditions. They combine summer comfort with excellent visibility.

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Tool access

Shorts with holster pockets

For tradespeople, fitters and technicians who want screws, bits, a knife, folding rule, pencil or small tools directly within reach.

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1. Standard work shorts: the versatile solution for warm working days

Standard work shorts are the right choice when no special hi-vis requirement applies and the focus is on comfort, freedom of movement and practical features. They differ clearly from casual shorts: they are more robust, offer more storage space and are made for frequent washing and regular strain during everyday work.

  • Plenty of pockets: front pockets, back pockets, cargo pockets, ruler pockets, phone pockets and tool compartments keep everything organised and quickly accessible.
  • Comfortable cotton blends: cotton feels pleasant on the skin; blended fabrics with polyester or elastane increase durability and make the shorts easier to care for.
  • Stretch materials: especially practical when bending, kneeling, climbing or working in tight spaces.
  • UPF 50+ in suitable models: a useful advantage for outdoor work, as the covered skin area receives additional protection against UV radiation.
  • Robust construction: reinforced seams and hard-wearing fabrics extend the service life of the garment.

These shorts are especially suitable for assembly work, warehouse work, workshops, building services, gardening, installations and general trade work.

Portwest Texo Contrast work shorts TX14

Durable work shorts with a high cotton content, multiple pockets, thigh pocket, phone pocket and UPF 50+ protection.

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Army work shorts S791

Summer work shorts with a high cotton content, several pockets, double ruler pocket, phone pocket and UPF 50+.

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2. Hi-vis shorts: stay visible without overheating

Anyone working near vehicles, machinery, forklifts or on construction sites often needs clearly visible clothing. In summer, hi-vis shorts can be a practical alternative to long hi-vis trousers, provided the workplace safety requirements allow them.

  • Better visibility: fluorescent colours and reflective elements help the wearer be seen more easily in daylight and poor visibility conditions.
  • Summer comfort: shorter legs reduce heat build-up and make physical work more comfortable in higher temperatures.
  • Practical features: good hi-vis shorts also offer cargo pockets, ruler pockets and additional storage options.
  • Easy to combine: depending on the workplace, they can be combined with a hi-vis T-shirt, vest or jacket.
Important: before buying, check which hi-vis class or which combination of garments is required at the workplace. On some construction sites, shorts alone are not sufficient.

Hi-vis shorts are especially suitable for road construction, logistics, transport, outdoor yards, waste management, municipal services, construction sites and work involving vehicle traffic.

PW3 hi-vis work shorts PW348

Hi-vis shorts for warm working days with reflective details, practical features and a modern fit.

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3. Work shorts with holster pockets: more storage directly on the body

Work shorts with holster pockets are made for anyone who constantly needs small parts or tools within reach. The additional pockets sit on the outside of the upper leg and offer quick access to screws, nails, bits, knives, markers or tape measures. We offer models with fixed holster pockets as well as models with detachable holster pockets.

  • Quick access to tools: small parts and hand tools are immediately accessible without having to reach for the toolbox every time.
  • Less need for a tool bag or belt: for lighter tasks, holster pockets can partly replace a separate tool bag.
  • Tuck-away or detachable holster pockets: depending on the model, the additional pockets can be used when needed and stored away when not required.
  • Ideal for active work: especially useful for assembly, interior fitting, installation, repair and work at changing locations.

These shorts are particularly useful for electricians, carpenters, installers, fitters, technicians, construction workers and anyone who regularly works with small parts.

Portwest Granite holster work shorts KS18

Holster shorts for warm days with additional storage, tool pockets and practical features for assembly and trade work.

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DX4 work shorts with detachable holster pockets DX444

Modern stretch shorts with detachable holster pockets, 4-way stretch, ripstop fabric and multiple pockets.

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Which work shorts are suitable for which type of work?

Work areaRecommended shortsWhat to look for?
Workshop and warehouse Standard work shorts Comfortable fit, stretch, plenty of pockets, robust seams
Assembly and installation Shorts with holster pockets Tool compartments, ruler pocket, tuck-away or detachable holster pockets
Construction site Work shorts or hi-vis shorts Safety requirements, visibility, durable materials
Road construction and logistics Hi-vis shorts Hi-vis requirements, reflective strips, combination with hi-vis tops
Outdoor work Work shorts with UPF 50+ UV protection, breathable fabrics, freedom of movement

Material and fit: decisive during the working day

With work shorts, the number of pockets is not the only thing that matters. A good fit prevents chafing, slipping and unnecessary restriction. The waistband should sit securely without feeling tight. At the same time, there should be enough freedom of movement so the shorts do not pull when bending, kneeling or climbing.

Cotton blends and stretch fabrics are especially popular for warm days. Cotton provides a pleasant feel on the skin, while synthetic fibres can make the garment more abrasion-resistant and easier to care for. Stretch sections improve mobility and are a clear advantage during physical work.

In brief: the right work shorts depend on the job

Standard work shorts are the best choice for versatile use in warm weather. Hi-vis shorts are useful when visibility matters. Shorts with holster pockets are suitable for professionals who want to carry many small parts and tools directly on the body.

Temperature is not the only factor; the working environment matters most. Anyone working outdoors benefits from UV protection and breathable materials. Anyone working on construction sites or in traffic areas must follow hi-vis clothing requirements. Anyone assembling, repairing or installing can save time and walking distance with holster pockets.

Discover work shorts for summer

Whether classic work shorts, hi-vis shorts or models with tuck-away or detachable holster pockets: choose the pair of work shorts that matches your job, your working environment and your requirements.

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