Since 2014, Johnny Bigg has been clothing bigger and taller men across Australia. With over 70 stores and a strong presence in Myer, they've built a comprehensive range covering everything from swimwear and casual wear through to formal and business attire. For many men who need larger sizes, Johnny Bigg is the first port of call.
However, the most well-known brand isn't always the best. Frankster is a strong alternative to Johnny Bigg that offers many of the things customers flag as missing from Johnny Bigg shorts: fabric that lasts, consistent sizing and a good guarantee. Not to mention, they specialise in just one thing: men's shorts, from XS to 4XL, all tested on real Australian men.
Why Big and Tall Men in Australia Are Looking for a Johnny Bigg Alternative
It's an unfortunate fact that bigger Australian men have fewer clothing options than they deserve. For some time, Johnny Bigg has filled that gap reasonably well. However, in Johnny Bigg reviews, complaints have been becoming more and more frequent.
They're not about style, but they're about durability and value for money. On Trustpilot and Product Review alike, blokes talk about their Johnny Bigg shorts wearing through after just a couple of months of regular wear.
This points towards a fabric quality problem. A quality fabric is incredibly important for men who wear larger sizes, where it's more likely to rub and wear down with regular use. The answer is not to buy more pairs of shorts, more often. The answer is to buy one pair made from the right fabric in the first place.
Why Johnny Bigg's Sizing and Returns Fall Short
The reviews of Johnny Bigg shorts also complain about sizing. How is it that the same size fits differently depending on which style you buy? It's hard to feel confident when making an online purchase, particularly if you already struggle to find well-fitting shorts.
The returns policy doesn't instil confidence, either. While there is a 365-day returns window, the fine print adds extra conditions. If your order is delivered via safe drop or you choose to waive the signature requirement, they won't provide a refund or replacement if the parcel goes missing. Many people have also found it difficult to get a response from the customer service team.
Johnny Bigg Shorts vs Frankster Shorts: The Key Differences
Johnny Bigg and Frankster both sell men's shorts for bigger men. However, that's where the similarities end.
1. Fabric and Durability
Johnny Bigg shorts are primarily made from 100% cotton, with the exception of some styles made from linen or cotton blends. Alone, cotton has no stretch. It stiffens up during movement and in hot weather conditions. When it's worn regularly, the fabric in high-friction areas breaks down faster than other materials.
Frankster's The Everydays are men's stretch shorts at heart, with a 98% cotton and 2% elastane blend. With this combination, you get the breathability of cotton but just enough stretch to move all day long. Every pair is double-stitched in high-friction areas. The design also features YKK zippers, the same hardware found in premium outdoor gear.
Frankster's The Aussies are even more flexible, with a 57% Lyocell, 42% cotton and 1% elastane blend. Lyocell is a premium fabric that's softer than cotton and more resistant to wear. It also holds its shape better when you run it through the washer. For bigger blokes who need shorts that genuinely hold up, Frankster's fabric is leagues ahead.
2. Fit and Sizing
To their credit, Johnny Bigg sells shorts in a wide range of sizes. However, as reviews show, the sizing is inconsistent across styles. It's hard to know which size to order when you're browsing online.
Frankster also offers a good range of sizes, from XS to 4XL, across every single style in the range. During the development stage, their shorts are also fit-tested on hundreds of Australian men of different shapes and sizes. The partially elasticised waistband also makes their sizing feel more flexible.
3. Value for Money
Johnny Bigg shorts retail at around $80. On paper, they're cheaper than Frankster's comfortable men's shorts ($89.95 for The Everydays and $99.95 for The Aussies).
However, when you consider that Johnny Bigg shorts may need replacing every two to three months, it's easy to spend $240 or more per year on a single style.
Most reviews from Frankster customers report that their shorts have lasted 2+ years. If you purchase one pair at $89.95 and wear it for two years in a row, you're technically only spending $45 per year.
With Frankster, you also get a 100-day comfort guarantee and free return shipping.
The Best Frankster Shorts for Big and Tall Men in Australia
Frankster produces five different styles of men's shorts, but there are two standouts for bigger and taller men.
1. The Everydays: Go-To Daily Shorts for Big Men
Cost: $89.95
The Everydays are Frankster's flagship men's daily shorts, so no wonder they're the most versatile in the range. Made from a 98% cotton and 2% elastane blend, the stretchy shorts have a seven-inch inseam that sits just above the knee. They're also available in multiple sizes (XS to 4XL) and 16 colours, including navy, black, army green, olive, and burgundy.
What makes The Everydays ideal for bigger men is the partially elasticised waistband, which adapts to your everyday patterns, whether you're taking a trip to the hardware store or hosting a barbecue for your mates.
You can dress them up with your favourite belt, the shorts have a belt loop, and store even the latest iPhone in the hidden zip pocket on the right-hand side without it digging into your hip when you sit down. Plus, those high-wear areas are protected by double stitching and the zippers are high-quality (YKK).
These men's 7 inch shorts have a 4.8/5 rating from over 1,500 verified reviews. Customers regularly report wearing the same pair for two or more years. Free shipping from Melbourne and a 100-day comfort guarantee are included.
2. The Aussies: Cargo Shorts for Big and Tall Men
The Aussies are cargo shorts with maximum storage. The design features seven pockets in total: deep cargo pockets that lie flat when empty, a hidden zip pocket large enough for a phone, two back pockets (one buttoned) and the standard side pockets.
These men's travel shorts have a 57% Lyocell, 42% cotton and 1% elastane blend that's more breathable and softer than cotton. They hold their shape better than traditional cotton cargo shorts, even after being washed. There's a drawstring waist with dual holes so you can tuck it in for a cleaner look, and belt loops for business-casual looks.
The Aussies are available in six colours, navy, army green, dark grey, khaki, dark khaki, and brown, and sizes from S to 4XL. At $99.95, they're more expensive than The Everydays, but worth every dollar. They also have the same 100-day comfort guarantee and free shipping from Melbourne.
FAQs
Is Frankster a Better Option Than Johnny Bigg for Big and Tall Men in Australia?
Frankster specialises in making men's shorts. Every design decision, fabric choice, and fit test is based on one singular mission: making the best possible men's shorts. Both the Everydays and the Aussies go up to 4XL and are backed by a 100-day comfort guarantee with free return shipping. For bigger blokes who have had issues with Johnny Bigg's quality and sizing consistency, Frankster is a great alternative.
Why Do Johnny Bigg Shorts Wear Out So Quickly?
Johnny Bigg shorts are primarily made from 100% cotton with little to no elastane, so they lack stretch. With regular wear, the fabric tends to break down faster than men's stretch shorts with a stretch cotton blend. They also lack double-stitching at high-friction points on the shorts.
What Sizes Do Frankster Shorts Come In?
Every Frankster range covers sizes XS to 4XL. The Everydays come in 16 colours in sizes XS to 4XL. The Aussies come in six colours in sizes S to 4XL. Browse the full range of men's shorts on the Frankster website.
How Does Frankster's Return Policy Compare to Johnny Bigg's?
Frankster has a 100-day comfort guarantee with free return shipping, whereas Johnny Bigg offers a 365-day return window. With Johnny Bigg, there are limitations around safe-drop deliveries and signature waivers.
Are Frankster Shorts Worth the Price for Bigger Blokes?
Yes. The Everydays cost $89.95 and the Aussies cost $99.95. In Frankster reviews, customers report that their comfortable men's shorts last for two or more years. Other brands may appear cheaper at first glance, but shorts made from cotton alone often need to be replaced every two to three months, which can cost up to $200 annually.
https://frankster.com.au
