Work shorts
A good pair of work shorts provides greater freedom of movement on warm working days, without sacrificing the functionality of full-length work trousers. Think durable materials, practical pockets, stretch fabrics, and a fit designed for active work.
At 71Workx, you’ll find over 100 work shorts and work trousers for men and women. From lightweight shorts for hot days to tough models with holster pockets and reinforcements for regular use in construction.
The right choice of work shorts depends on your job, how much you move, the tools you carry, and how intensively you’ll be using them.
Which work shorts suit your job?
Not every professional needs the same type of work shorts. Someone who spends their day climbing, crouching, and kneeling will have different requirements compared to someone mainly working in a warehouse or workshop.
Construction and carpentry
If you work in construction or as a carpenter, durability and functionality are key. For heavy use, opt for sturdy work shorts with plenty of stretch and practical pockets for tools.
Do you use small tools regularly? Holster pockets, thigh pockets, and tool loops might be essential. For demanding daily use, look for reinforcements in areas prone to wear and tear.
Mechanics and installers
For mechanics and installers, freedom of movement is crucial. Your work often involves bending, climbing, and working in awkward positions.
Work shorts with stretch panels in the crotch, seat, or thighs can be more comfortable than stiffer models. Choose shorts with pockets suited to the tools you frequently use.
Painters
As a painter, you’ll want lightweight and comfortable shorts that allow easy movement. Specialist painter’s shorts often include practical pockets for small tools and accessories.
Gardeners and outdoor workers
If you work mainly outdoors, your work shorts need to be comfortable in high temperatures but also able to withstand heavy use. Lightweight fabrics with stretch are ideal if your job involves lots of walking, bending, and squatting.
Warehouse, logistics, and workshop
For indoor work with minimal heavy tools, elaborate holster pockets and heavy reinforcements aren’t as important. A lightweight work short with enough stretch and a comfortable fit is usually the better option.
What to look for when buying work shorts
When comparing work shorts, don’t just focus on brand or price. These features are what really determine how comfortable they’ll be while you work:
Freedom of movement and stretch
Do you need to bend, climb, or crouch a lot? Choose a pair with stretch. Some shorts feature stretch all over, while others use stretch panels in areas needing the most flexibility.
More stretch isn’t always better for everyone. For jobs where you’re mostly standing or moving less, a sturdier model without much stretch may work just fine.
Pockets and functionality
Consider what you carry during your work.
For carpenters or installers, holster pockets and tool loops can be essential. If you mainly need space for a phone, tape measure, and small items, simpler work shorts with secure thigh pockets might suffice.
More pockets don’t always mean better functionality. Choose the layout that suits your specific tasks.
Material and durability
Work shorts are made from various material combinations, including cotton, polyester, denim, and stretch fabrics.
Cotton/polyester blends are popular for their mix of comfort and durability.
Stretch materials add extra freedom of movement, which is helpful if you bend, climb, or squat often.
Denim and tougher woven fabrics can be ideal when durability and a rugged look are priorities.
For intensive professional use, look for reinforced seams and materials like CORDURA® in high-stress areas.
Which work shorts are best for hot weather?
On warm days, lighter work shorts are often more comfortable than heavier models. Consider the material, fabric weight, and construction of the shorts.
For hot weather, focus on:
- Fabric weight
- Freedom of movement and stretch
- Quick-drying materials
- The number of pockets and extra layers
- Your working conditions
The lightest shorts aren’t always the best choice. For heavy-duty work, durability is still important.
Fit
Work shorts should fit snugly without restricting your movement. They should stay secure at the waist while offering enough room around the thighs and seat.
If your job involves frequent movement, an ergonomic fit combined with stretch can provide extra comfort.
Work shorts for women
Women’s work shorts are designed with a different fit compared to standard men’s or unisex models. At 71Workx, you’ll also find work shorts for women.
These styles are tailored for a female fit while maintaining essential features like stretch, practical pockets, and durable materials.
Which brand of work shorts is right for you?
71Workx offers work shorts from various workwear brands. The right choice depends on your budget, how intensively you’ll use the shorts, and the features you prioritise.
| Brand | Best for | Price range | Example model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snickers Workwear | Ergonomics, freedom of movement, and functional design | From €67.00 to €206.55 excl. VAT (varies by trade and features) | Snickers 6141 AllroundWork Stretch Shorts with Holster Pockets |
| Blåkläder | Professional use, durability, stretch, and flexibility | From €34.00 to €133.71 excl. VAT (varies by trade and features) | Blåkläder 1992 Stretch Short Work Trousers |
| Storvik | Functional shorts at a budget-friendly price | Affordable options without entering higher price ranges | Storvik Thijs Work Shorts |
| Carhartt | Workwear with a distinctive, rugged style | From €42.49 to €77.91 excl. VAT | Carhartt Rugged Flex® Rigby Shorts |
Snickers Workwear
Snickers Workwear focuses on ergonomics, freedom of movement, and functional workwear.
For daily use, where stretch, fit, and practical pockets are crucial, Snickers is worth considering.
A popular choice is the Snickers 6141 AllroundWork Stretch Shorts with Holster Pockets.
Blåkläder
Blåkläder offers many styles designed for professional and intensive use.
For tradespeople seeking a balance of durability, stretch, and flexibility, Blåkläder is a strong contender.
Check out the Blåkläder 1992 Stretch Work Shorts.
Storvik
Storvik is ideal if you’re looking for a functional work short at a lower price point without compromising utility.
The Storvik Thijs Work Shorts are available in various colours.
Carhartt
Carhartt combines workwear with a rugged, recognisable style.
It’s a great option if you need durable shorts that work well both on and off the job.
An example is the Carhartt Rugged Flex® Rigby Shorts.
Which work shorts should you choose?
If you’re unsure which style is best, follow these steps:
- Consider your job and how intensively you’ll use the shorts.
- Decide which pockets you actually need.
- Determine how much stretch and freedom of movement you require.
- Focus on the material and fabric weight.
- Compare brands and prices.
This way, you won’t pay for unnecessary features or end up with shorts lacking key functionality.
Why buy work shorts from 71Workx?
At 71Workx, you can choose from over 100 work shorts and work trousers from brands like Snickers, Blåkläder, Storvik, and Carhartt.
You’ll also benefit from:
- Work shorts for men and women
- A range of fits, materials, colours, and sizes
- Free shipping on orders over €85.00 excl. VAT
- 14-day return period
- Delivery within 2–8 working days for orders placed before 15:00 on weekdays
- Personal assistance if you need help choosing
In addition to work shorts, you’ll also find pirate work trousers, long work trousers, rain trousers, and winter trousers at 71Workx.
Need advice on a specific model or size? Contact 71Workx via +31 (0)85 002 02 71 or klantenservice@71workx.com.
Frequently asked questions about work shorts
What's the difference between work shorts and regular shorts?
Work shorts are designed specifically for work. Depending on the model, they feature tougher materials, greater freedom of movement, and functional details like thigh pockets, holster pockets, and tool loops. Regular shorts are generally not designed with these features.
Which work shorts are the best?
The best work shorts depend on your job. For daily use in construction or mechanical work, a model with stretch, durable materials, practical pockets, and reinforcements like CORDURA® is often ideal. The Snickers 6141 AllroundWork Stretch Shorts offer a great balance of comfort, flexibility, and durability.
What’s the best material for work shorts?
A cotton/polyester blend with stretch is often the best choice, combining comfort, durability, and flexibility. For heavy-duty work, models with CORDURA® reinforcements or canvas fabric are extra durable, while lightweight polyester with stretch is great for hot days, offering quick drying and extra movement.
Which work shorts are best for hot weather?
The best work shorts for hot weather are lightweight models made from breathable fabrics, such as polyester/cotton blends or stretch materials with elastane. Look for a fabric weight of around 200–250 g/m², flexibility, and moisture-wicking properties. For tough work, choose options with stretch, reinforcements, and practical pockets.
Which work shorts are best for construction?
For construction, opt for sturdy shorts with stretch materials, reinforced seams, practical pockets, and durable reinforcements in high-stress areas. Models like the Snickers 6141 AllroundWork Stretch Shorts and Blåkläder 1992 Stretch Work Shorts are popular for their combination of flexibility, durability, and practicality.
Can you always wear work shorts on the job?
No. Work shorts don’t provide protection for your lower legs against heat, sparks, chemicals, or sharp objects. Whether shorts are appropriate depends on your job and its safety regulations. Check out this blog for more information on safety standards.
How should work shorts fit?
Work shorts should fit comfortably without restricting movement. They should stay secure at the waist and provide enough room around the thighs and seat for bending, climbing, and crouching. For jobs involving a lot of movement, shorts with stretch can offer extra comfort.
Author: Mariska van Leeuwen, Marketing Specialist
Last updated: 21-8-2026