Good summer work shorts can help you stay cool and comfortable while still standing up to the demands of the job.
So the magic combination is a lightweight, reinforced build, a waistband that moves with you, and pockets that don’t tear loose. Strauss’s lightweight and flexible work shorts range is a stand-up example that strikes a proper balance, but this article looks at what to look for in more detail.
Why Your Shorts Matter as Much as Your Toolbox
Wardrobe malfunctions aren’t something we take too seriously (we don’t think about them at all), but that means we rarely account for the time they cost us when they do happen. A pocket that gives way will cost you for the rest of the day – everything will be slower now. A proper flexbelt waistband (the elasticated kind that flexes with a squat) is a comfort thing, but that’s nothing to scoff at. Discomfort makes us work slower.
The other thing comes down to reinforcement. Reinforcement on stress points such as back pockets and folding-ruler pockets can help the shorts withstand regular wear over multiple seasons. So, provided they are not significantly more expensive than the cheaper option, they can represent better value in the long run.
It’s no different to the classic boots economy/false economy fallacy that applies to any piece of kit you rely on daily. The additional comfort and functionality can then be an added benefit, especially when the price difference is relatively small. All wardrobe choices are like this, whether that’s a pair of shoes or a pair of shorts.
How to Stay Cool When Working Outdoors in Summer?
Fabric choice is pretty much the be all and end all of quality (along with the stitching) and comfort. A poly-cotton blend with moisture-wicking properties pulls sweat away from the skin instead of trapping it, which matters more in shorts than almost anywhere else on a hot site. Though, don’t think that a good pair of shorts will save you entirely on a brutal day.
UK health and safety guidance on outdoor working recommends putting heavier tasks to cooler parts of the day (start or end of shift) and taking more frequent breaks out of direct sun. Keep cool water within easy reach, ideally using a flask, as if you’re on a World Cup hydration break. It’s not that complicated, just protect your head.
What Features Should Heavy Duty Work Shorts Have?
Pockets are where the cheaper shorts tend to fall apart (literally). Look for multi-compartment storage: a main pocket for tools, a separate zipped section for anything you can’t afford to drop, and a designated spot for a phone so you don’t sit on it.
A folding ruler pocket sounds like a small thing until you’re not patting down four pockets trying to find one, so get used to knowing what goes where. Gear that keeps tools secure and your hands free can also contribute to safer working, as dropped tools or overloaded pockets can create unnecessary hazards when climbing ladders or moving around a worksite.
Getting the Sizing and Fit Right
While the build quality is important, it might not count for much if the shorts themselves don’t fit right, and this is where many go wrong. Too tight around the thigh and you’ll feel it in every squat and ladder climb. Ideally, they’ll be invisible in that you never notice them. Too loose, and the extra fabric snags on scaffolding and catches in machinery. The latter is more dangerous, while the former is more uncomfortable.
A gusseted crotch and a slightly dropped waist at the back can make the biggest difference, and this is where careful design matters (generic fashion shorts don’t have this). They let you crouch and kneel, and reach overhead, all without the waistband dragging down or riding up. Articulated seams around the hip can then give the fabric somewhere to go when your leg bends rather than pulling up tight and, over time, splitting the seam.
It’s also worth trying on the shorts with the very same boots and knee pads that you’ll actually wear on site, since hem length changes how they sit once you’re crouched. No matter how great the shorts are, we’re all built differently, so try them on, and move around as if you’re on site.
Caring for Your Work Shorts So They Last
Even the toughest of fabrics and great stitching won’t hold up if the shorts are washed the wrong way, and this is the bit that gets skipped most often. Grit and dust can become ground into the fibres, and a wash cycle can actually make this worse rather than better. So a quick shake or brush-down before they go in the machine saves the fabric some wear, especially in dry and dusty conditions.
Hot washes and tumble drying can cause a flexbelt waistband to gradually lose its stretch. A cooler wash and air-drying keep the elastic fibres intact for longer – so it saves money on the wash and on the how frequently you replace the shorts. It’s just a five-minute habit.
Summer work shorts are pretty important to your summer safety. Surprisingly so, in fact, as they keep you safe and organised, cool and on time. It’s one less thing to worry about and one less waistband digging in every time you bend over. Get those right and the heat will ease off a little.
