Everything we release has a purpose, and our Cotton Rugby Shorts are no exception. They quickly became one of our most-loved pieces, and for good reason. Here’s the story behind why we made them, what inspired the design, and why they’ve become a staple in so many wardrobes across rural Australia.
It Started With A Simple Problem: Nothing Felt Right
Anyone who lives on the land knows this: finding a pair of shorts that are tough enough for the paddock, comfortable enough for everyday wear, and still look good after years of wear is surprisingly difficult. Most shorts either:
- ride up,
- are too thin,
- are too tight around the legs,
- or simply just don't last.
My partner is a tradie in western Queensland & I was tired of constantly have to sew up his work shorts or buy a new pair every few weeks. We tried all the brands, nothing worked. He even managed to break the stitching in one pair after only 3 days!
The Vision: A Staple You Don’t Have To Think About
Our goal was simple: create a pair of shorts you could throw on without overthinking. Something built for the tradies, the farmers, the operators, and everyone in between. They had to keep up with everything that living on the land could throw at you, but be comfortable enough to wear on a lazy Sunday.
So we designed the Cotton Rugby Shorts to be:
✔ Rural proof
Everyone knows that rural Australia has some of the harshest conditions of anywhere on the planet. Most things don't last long out here thanks to the sun, dust, and crazy temperatures. Our shorts will last you years though, and it's all to do with the fabric. Cotton is durable, lightweight, and breathable, making it the perfect material for our harsh Aussie conditions. We used tightly woven, thick cotton that gets better with every wash. No shrinkage, and very minimal thinning after years of use is what our customers need. The breathability of cotton, combined with our perfect fit, makes these shorts incredibly comfortable even during the peak of summer.
✔ A comfortable, flattering fit
We didn’t want skinny. We didn’t want baggy. We wanted that perfect middle ground: roomy, comfortable, and designed to move. I'm sure both men & women can relate to how uncomfortable shorts can be during long car trips or hours spent in machinery. We won't get into details, but I think we all know which area I'm talking about! ⬇️😉 Now that we're on the same page, let's get a bit technical. Most shorts are roughly the same size all the way through the leg, which creates problems with chaffing & riding up. It's also just incredibly irritating if the work you're doing involves squatting, crouching, or really any kind of leg movement. To eliminate that issue, we made the opening of the leg slightly wider, consistent with the shape of most peoples thighs!
✔ Rip & tear resistant
As I said, I was sick to death of having to sew up my partners work shorts every other week, so I made something better. While no cotton clothing can be completely rip-proof, we’ve designed these shorts to be as durable and tear-resistant as possible. A combination of:
- thick, tightly woven cotton fabric,
- cut on a bias,
- and double/triple stitching in problem areas,
makes these shorts the most bomb-proof on the market. After 4+ years of consistent development, testing, and improvement, we can proudly say these shorts will handle just about anything you throw at them.
Why Cotton? Because It's The Best
It’s breathable, natural, easy to wash, and better for long days in the elements. Whether you’re working, running errands, or just living life, cotton feels better all day long, especially in an Aussie summer.
And if there’s one thing we stand by at Rawhide, it’s this: no one has time for sh*t shorts!
Made For The Everyday
These shorts weren’t designed in an office boardroom, they were shaped by hard-working people, long days outside, and our own frustrations with unreliable clothing options.
From station hands to tradies to weekend rodeo goers, our Cotton Rugby Shorts have become a favourite because they’re simple, durable, and genuinely practical.
In the End, We Created Them For You
At the heart of Rawhide Rural is a commitment to creating clothes that feel like they belong to the bush - pieces that match the lifestyle, the heat, the dust, and the hard work. The Rawhide Rural Cotton Rugby Shorts are a testament to that mission.
If you’ve already got a pair, you know why they’ve become a staple.
If you’re thinking about trying them - trust us, they’re the kind of shorts you end up wearing more than you planned. And, they get better with age.