Best Work Shorts UK 2026 — Tested for Trade Use

 

2. Snickers 6108 LiteWork Stretch Shorts — Best Premium

Price: Around £55–£70

Available from: Snickers Direct, Amazon UK, specialist workwear retailers

Snickers rarely disappoint on workwear, and the 6108 LiteWork Shorts are no exception. The 37.5® technology fabric actively regulates temperature by moving moisture away from the skin, which makes a noticeable difference during long summer days on site.

The holster pockets are detachable, which is a nice touch — you can remove them for lighter tasks or when you want a cleaner look. Build quality is excellent, with Cordura® reinforcement in the high-wear areas and a pre-bent design that follows the natural shape of your legs.

Pros: Superior fabric technology, detachable holster pockets, Cordura® reinforcement, pre-bent legs for comfort.

Cons: Significantly more expensive than mid-range options. Not widely stocked at Screwfix or Toolstation — you’ll likely need to order online or visit a specialist retailer.

Best for: Carpenters, electricians, and any trade where you’re active all day and willing to invest in comfort.

3. Dickies Redhawk Pro Shorts — Reliable Mid-Range

Price: Around £25–£36

Available from: Screwfix, Toolstation, Amazon UK

The Dickies Redhawk Pro is a name most tradespeople will recognise, and the shorts version carries the same no-fuss reputation as the trousers. They’re made from a tough 260gsm polycotton blend that can take a beating, and the multi-pocket design gives you plenty of storage for tools, phone, and fixings.

These aren’t the most modern-feeling shorts on this list — the fit is traditional rather than slim, and there’s no stretch fabric. But they’re built to last, widely available, and competitively priced. If you prefer a classic straight-leg fit and don’t need all the bells and whistles, these deliver.

Pros: Tough polycotton fabric, well-known and trusted brand, good pocket layout, widely available.

Cons: No stretch fabric, traditional boxy fit, can feel warm on very hot days due to heavier material.

Best for: General builders, labourers, and anyone who values durability over fashion.

4. DeWalt Helston Work Shorts — Solid All-Rounder

Price: Around £35–£40

Available from: Toolstation, Screwfix, Amazon UK

DeWalt has been steadily building out its workwear range, and the Helston shorts are a strong addition. They feature a YKK zip fly, seven belt loops, and a practical pocket layout including two holster pockets, cargo pockets, and back pockets. The fabric has a decent weight to it without being overly heavy.

For tradespeople already bought into the DeWalt ecosystem for power tools, there’s something to be said for matching your workwear to your kit. More importantly, these are genuinely well-made shorts that compete with the Scruffs on features while being readily available at both major trade counters.

Pros: Holster pockets included, YKK zip, seven belt loops for secure fit, available at all major trade retailers.

Cons: Limited stretch compared to Scruffs Trade Flex. Colour options can be limited depending on retailer stock.

Best for: Tradespeople who want holster pockets as standard without paying Snickers prices.

5. DeWalt Ripstop Holster Pocket Shorts — Best Budget

Price: Around £15–£20

Available from: Toolstation, Amazon UK

At this price point, the DeWalt Ripstop shorts are hard to argue with. The ripstop fabric resists tearing, and you still get holster pockets, which is unusual at this end of the market. They’re not going to match the comfort or build quality of the Scruffs or Snickers options, but they’re a fraction of the price.

These are ideal if you’re an apprentice kitting yourself out on a tight budget, or if you tend to destroy shorts quickly on rough sites. Buy two pairs for less than the cost of one pair of Snickers, and you won’t lose sleep over a rip.

Pros: Exceptional value for money, ripstop fabric, holster pockets at a budget price.

Cons: Less comfortable than premium options, thinner fabric, fit can be inconsistent. Not as durable over the long term.

Best for: Apprentices, labourers, and anyone on a tight budget who still wants functional work shorts.

6. Stanley FatMax Carbondale Stretch Holster Shorts — Best for Flexibility

Price: Around £30–£38

Available from: Toolstation, Amazon UK

Stanley’s FatMax workwear line has quietly improved over recent years, and the Carbondale shorts are one of the better options in the mid-range bracket. The full-stretch fabric gives you excellent freedom of movement, and the holster pockets are spacious enough for most hand tools.

The fleece-lined phone pocket is a thoughtful detail that protects your screen from scratches, and the overall build quality has improved noticeably from earlier Stanley workwear. They’re not quite as refined as the Scruffs Trade Flex, but they’re close — and often available at a slightly lower price.

Pros: Full-stretch fabric, holster pockets, fleece-lined phone pocket, competitive price.

Cons: Less widely stocked than Scruffs or Dickies. Brand doesn’t carry the same workwear reputation as Snickers or Scruffs.

Best for: Plumbers, electricians, and anyone who needs maximum flexibility during overhead or awkward-position work.

Comparison Table

Feature	Scruffs Trade Flex	Snickers 6108	Dickies Redhawk Pro	DeWalt Helston	DeWalt Ripstop
Price	£30–£35	£55–£70	£25–£36	£35–£40	£15–£20
Stretch Fabric	✓	✓	✗	Limited	✗
Holster Pockets	Separate	✓ (Detachable)	✗	✓	✓
Fabric Weight	Lightweight	Lightweight	Medium	Medium	Light
Cordura®	✗	✓	✗	✗	✗
Screwfix	✓	✗	✓	✓	✗
Toolstation	✓	✗	✓	✓	✓
Our Rating	9/10	9/10	7/10	8/10	7/10

How to Choose the Right Work Shorts

By Trade

Electricians: Prioritise stretch and freedom of movement for overhead work. The Scruffs Trade Flex or Stanley FatMax Carbondale are ideal.

Plumbers: You need shorts that can handle kneeling, crawling, and awkward positions. Look for stretch fabric and reinforced knees — the Snickers 6108 is the best choice here.

Carpenters: Holster pockets are useful for pencils, chisels, and measuring tools. The DeWalt Helston or Snickers 6108 with detachable holsters work well.

General builders and labourers: Durability is king. The Dickies Redhawk Pro or DeWalt Helston will take a pounding on rough sites.

By Budget

Under £20: DeWalt Ripstop Holster Pocket Shorts. You won’t find better value.

£25–£40: This is the sweet spot. The Scruffs Trade Flex offers the best all-round package, with the DeWalt Helston and Stanley FatMax Carbondale as strong alternatives.

Over £50: The Snickers 6108 LiteWork is the standout if you can justify the spend. The fabric technology and build quality are noticeably better.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Sizing varies between brands. Scruffs tends to run slightly small, while Dickies runs generous. Always check the size chart before ordering, especially online. If you’re between sizes, order up — you can always use a belt.

Holster pockets add bulk. They’re useful if you carry tools constantly, but they can get in the way on ladders or in tight spaces. Detachable holsters (like the Snickers 6108) give you the best of both worlds.

Stretch fabric is worth paying for. If you’re doing anything more physical than standing at a bench, the difference between rigid polycotton and modern stretch fabric is night and day. It’s one upgrade that pays for itself in comfort.

Check your site rules. Some sites don’t allow shorts at all, and others require specific PPE. Always check before turning up in shorts — you don’t want to be sent home or stuck in the van.

Final Verdict

For most UK tradespeople, the Scruffs Trade Flex Shorts are the best all-round choice. They hit the sweet spot between comfort, durability, and price, and they’re available everywhere. If budget is tight, the DeWalt Ripstop shorts are unbeatable value with holster pockets included. And if you want the absolute best in fabric and construction, the Snickers 6108 LiteWork won’t let you down — just be prepared to pay for it.

Whatever you choose, investing in a proper pair of work shorts makes summer on site significantly more bearable. Your legs will thank you.