Best Work Shorts for Hot Days on Site

Let’s be honest—when the sun’s blazing and you’re on your third hour lifting, carrying, and crawling across site, the last thing you want is your legs suffocating in heavy trousers. That’s where a dependable pair of workwear shorts comes in. The right ones can make your day feel a lot less gruelling.

But not all shorts are built the same. You need gear that stays cool, holds your kit, and doesn’t fall apart after a few weeks on the tools. Whether you're laying bricks, fitting electrics, or managing stock in a roasting warehouse, we've rounded up the best work shorts that are tough enough for the job—but light enough for summer.

What Makes Great Work Shorts?

Before we dive into the picks, here's what we looked for:

• Tough fabrics – You want breathability without sacrificing durability.
  
  

• Pocket space – Tools, phones, pens—you’ve got to stash your kit.
  
  

• Fit & Flexibility – A bit of stretch can save you serious grief when squatting or climbing.
  
  

• Breathability – Let’s be real, nobody enjoys that clingy sweat build-up.
  
  

• Design – Bonus points if they actually look good too.
  
  

1. Scruffs Trade Flex Shorts

Scruffs has built a reputation for gear that looks good and lasts. The Trade Flex Shorts are no exception. They’ve got a modern fit, a comfortable stretch waistband, and reinforced areas where it counts.

Why they work:

• Flexible spandex fabric blend—moves with you, not against you
  
  

• Multiple pockets including rule and mobile storage
  
  

• Tough enough for daily wear without weighing you down
  
  

Ideal if you're active on site and want something durable but not overly bulky.

Verdict: A top pick for tradespeople who value both function and comfort in hot weather.

2. Dickies Redhawk Pro Work Shorts

Dickies is a go-to brand in the UK for workwear, and their Redhawk Pro Shorts are proper reliable. They don’t try to do too much—and that’s why they work.

Highlights:

• Classic polyester/cotton blend for durability
  
  

• Loads of pocket space
  
  

• Strong stitching and reinforced stress points
  
  

These are the kind of shorts you can throw on without thinking. They’re not flashy, but they’ll get you through the day without falling apart.

Verdict: No-nonsense and hardwearing—ideal for all-round site use.

3. Cooltex Work Shorts

Built specifically with heat in mind, Cooltex Shorts live up to the name. These are the lightest of the bunch and probably the most breathable too.

What stands out:

• Quick-dry Cooltex fabric—great if you're sweating through a heatwave
  
  

• Elastic waistband for easy movement
  
  

• Decent pocket coverage for small gear
  
  

They’re not as reinforced as some other pairs, but if you’re working on hot summer days and not rolling around in rubble, these are spot on.

Verdict: Best choice for staying cool when you don’t need hardcore abrasion protection.

4. Dewalt Hamden Shorts

Dewalt is more than just power tools—they do quality clothing too. The Hamden Shorts are designed with busy, tool-carrying professionals in mind.

Why we like them:

• Holster pockets that tuck away when not in use
  
  

• Stretch panels for easy movement
  
  

• Reinforced in all the right places
  
  

These are ideal for sparkies, plumbers, and any tradesperson who needs their gear close at hand. Plus, they look sharp too.

Verdict: Great hybrid of practical and polished—perfect for pros who never stop moving.

5. Regatta Infiltrate Detachable Holster Shorts

Need a bit of everything? Regatta’s Infiltrate Shorts are all about versatility. They’ve got removable holster pockets, which is handy if your day switches between dirty jobs and customer visits.

Features worth shouting about:

• Holsters off when you don’t need them
  
  

• Tough triple-stitched seams
  
  

• Plenty of breathable, lightweight fabric
  
  

These feel like you’re getting two pairs in one—great if you value flexibility and want something that can adapt with you through the day.

Verdict: Brilliant for trades that mix graft with customer-facing moments. One of the most versatile pairs out there.

Quick Comparison Table

So, What Are the Best Work Shorts?

It all comes down to how you work.

• Need storage and stretch for tool-heavy shifts? Go for the Dewalt Hamden or Scruffs Trade Flex.
  
  

• Looking to beat the heat above all else? The Cooltex Shorts will keep you cool and dry.
  
  

• Want something that can adapt? The Regatta Infiltrate shorts with removable holsters have you covered.
  
  

• Prefer something dependable and low-maintenance? The Dickies Redhawk Pro never lets you down.
  
  

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but every pair on this list earns its spot. They're all built for graft—not for sitting around looking good (though some still manage both).

Where to Buy

Grab them from the Alex Direct Workwear Shorts Collection, including:

• Scruffs Trade Flex Shorts
  
  

• Dickies Redhawk Pro Work Shorts
  
  

• Cooltex Shorts
  
  

• Dewalt Hamden Shorts
  
  

• Regatta Infiltrate Detachable Holster Shorts
  
  

There’s nothing worse than overheating on site because your work gear’s not up to the task. The best work shorts should feel like a relief—not another thing slowing you down. With the right pair, you’ll be more comfortable, more productive, and a hell of a lot cooler while you're at it.