Work shorts: Lafont's selection for keeping cool at work
As soon as temperatures rise, a pair of work shorts becomes the best ally for professionals. You keep your legs cool, sweat less and stay focused on your task. Lafont, a French workwear brand, designs work shorts and Bermuda shorts for every trade, from building sites to green spaces. Here you'll find men's and women's styles, reinforced versions and cuts designed for summer. Here's how to choose the shorts that will see you through the warm season.
How to choose your work shorts?
The right style depends first and foremost on your activity. A bricklayer, a delivery driver and a landscape gardener don't have the same expectations when it comes to the heat. A pair of men's work shorts designed for the construction industry is a world away from a lightweight style for deliveries. You gain in comfort and safety when your shorts meet the precise demands of your role. Lafont breaks down its ranges by sector to help you decide quickly and put together the summer outfit that suits you.
Requirements by sector
On structural building sites, a pair of site shorts relies on reinforcements and abrasion resistance. For workwear for tilers and finishing work, lightness and freedom of movement are the priority, because you spend the day bending down. In warehousing and deliveries, the flexibility of a stretch fabric makes all the difference with repetitive movements. For green spaces and outdoor work, the breathability of the fabric is essential to wick away perspiration. Every trade calls for a solution tailored to its own demands.
Work shorts or Bermuda shorts
The two terms often refer to the same type of garment, but there are a few differences. Work shorts sit higher on the thigh, whilst work Bermuda shorts come down to the knee for a compromise between coolness and coverage. The men's cut favours a straight, sturdy silhouette, whilst women's work shorts follow a specific body shape for better support. Here are the points to check before choosing.
- Length, short cut or knee-length Bermuda according to your preference
- Reinforcements at areas of friction and at the pockets
- The material, stretch for flexibility or reinforced cotton for durability
- Pockets, side, tape measure and tool pockets according to your needs
- The colour, from classic shades to your company's colours
Features and materials of a good pair of work shorts
An effective pair of work shorts is more than just a pair of trousers cut short. The material makes the first difference. Breathable fabrics expel heat and reduce perspiration, whilst stretch fabric follows your every movement without pulling. Reinforced cotton adds durability where there is friction. The Break Bermuda shorts illustrate this balance between summer lightness and on-the-job durability.
The finishing details matter just as much. A reinforced crotch and triple stitching extend the life of the garment when faced with demanding postures and repeated friction. Multiple pockets keep your tools within reach: side pockets, tape measure pocket, tool pocket and phone pocket. Some styles add nylon-lined back pockets for extra resistance. These details aren't visible in the shop window, but they save you time with every action throughout the day. A good pair of work shorts combines coolness and functionality, without ever sacrificing one for the other, and that is exactly what sets professional work shorts apart from leisure shorts.
Working in the cool without sacrificing protection
The great advantage of shorts is the ventilation to the lower body. During the summer months, keeping your calves uncovered significantly reduces perspiration and discomfort. You work more comfortably when the heat isn't overwhelming you, and you stay productive for longer. That said, a well-designed pair of work shorts retains the essential protection at the knees and pockets, where trousers would normally offer coverage. You're not trading your safety for a bit of coolness.
Also think about colours suited to your activity – understated shades hide dirt and building site dust more effectively. In terms of care, washing at the recommended temperature preserves the cut and reinforcements over time. To complete your summer outfit, pair your shorts with a lightweight top: work t-shirts in breathable fabrics make the ideal combination for facing the heat whilst remaining presentable on site and in front of clients. A well-chosen pair of shorts and a suitable top, and you're all set to get through the summer without suffering in the heat.
Lafont's expertise, a professional workwear manufacturer
For over a century, Lafont has been clothing professionals who put in the hours. Our experience shows in every detail, from the carefully selected materials to the reinforced stitching that stands the test of time. Every pair of shorts is born from real observations in the field, not from plans drawn up far from the building site. We know where things rub, where it gets hot and where you need freedom of movement, because we listen to those who wear our garments every day.
Whether you're looking for a supplementary garment or equipment for intensive use, our ranges cover every need and every budget. Our summer workwear brings together styles designed for the heat – shorts, Bermuda shorts and lightweight tops – so you can kit yourself out completely when temperatures rise. With Lafont, you're investing in outfits that are durable, comfortable and truly suited to summer working days.
Work shorts or work trousers: what to choose for summer?
The question comes around every year with the first fine days. Work shorts win hands down on thermal comfort. Lighter, they let air circulate around your legs and reduce perspiration during outdoor work in the sun. For trades where the heat becomes stifling, they are often the best alternative to trousers, with the same pockets and the same durability in key areas.
Trousers do, however, retain their advantages in certain situations. They offer better protection for the legs against splashes, cuts and abrasion, which remains essential on higher-risk sites or for trades exposed to sparks and sharp tools. Many professionals keep both in their locker and alternate depending on the day. The smart approach is to adapt your outfit to the weather and your role: shorts in the heat for lower-risk tasks, workwear for bricklayers in trousers when protection takes priority. Ready to switch to your summer outfit? Browse the Lafont collection and find the work shorts that keep you cool without compromising on protection.
