In today’s digital age of online shopping, it feels like every brand claims to make the best shorts for Aussie men. The choices can get overwhelming, and honestly, a bit misleading. Pick the right pair and you’re set for the year, pick the wrong ones and you’ll regret it all summer. In this guide, we’re taking a closer look at Country Road, a long-time favourite, and Frankster, an emerging name that’s quickly shaking up the market.
Frankster: Where Comfort Meets Functionality
Unlike many modern fashion brands, Frankster actually delivers on its promise of making some of the best shorts out there. Their designs work with just about any outfit and combine durability, softness, and everyday practicality in a way that feels effortless.
Country Road Shorts: Polished Style, Old-School Fit
Country Road offers an assortment of shorts that lean heavily into timeless aesthetics and traditional design. The brand is well-known for its polished look and neutral colour palette.
However, while Country Road does well in the classic style department, their shorts often lag behind more contemporary designs when it comes to comfort and practicality, particularly when comparing them with Frankster’s shorts.
What Makes Frankster Shorts Stand Out
The fabric used in Frankster’s shorts strikes a perfect balance between comfort and practicality. Made from cotton, they’re breathable, soft, and comfortable to wear, but still tough enough to handle Aussie outdoor life. The Comfies in particular manage to blend easygoing comfort with everyday style.
Frankster’s range covers plenty of different looks and needs, making them a solid pick for any occasion. From practical fits to more modern cuts, this Melbourne brand gets what Aussie men actually want from their shorts.
Key Frankster Features
Elastic Waist Shorts
A strong favourite, Frankster’s Everydays chino shorts with an elastic waistband provide unmatched comfort without compromising on style. The waistband sits comfortably, never digging in or restricting movement.
Hidden Zip Pocket Shorts
These cleverly designed shorts include secure hidden zip pockets, perfect for keeping belongings safe during walks, beach trips, or pub sessions. Two of the most popular collections worth checking out are The Aussies and The Shorties.
Stretch Shorts
Frankster’s stretch shorts accommodate your entire day. Whether you’re relaxing at home, going to the gym, or spending time with the kids, these shorts are made for a range of activities.
Add to this the large range of over 16 modern colourways and their new cargo shorts range, and Frankster becomes a clear go-to for men seeking comfort-first design with a modern look.
A Closer Look at Country Road Shorts
Country Road’s shorts lean into a classic, tailored look, ideal for guys who like things simple, clean, and timeless. They’re made from a cotton and linen blend that feels great at first wear, but over time, that comfort tends to fade. Linen creases easily, cotton stiffens up, and together they just don’t have the flexibility or give that modern shorts should.
Key Country Road Features
Fit & Sizing
Country Road offers a solid range of sizes to suit different body types. However, the fit leans more structured and tailored, which can make them less forgiving for active days.
Material & Style
Sober, earthy tones dominate the range, and while this makes styling easy, the shorts themselves prioritise looks over practicality. They are ideal for casual lunches, less so for full days out and about.
Utility
Country Road includes a standard pocket design often with a lack the depth, stretch, or security in comparison to Frankster’s more contemporary designs.
Comparing Frankster and Country Road Shorts
Summer Shorts
Frankster takes the crown when it comes to summer shorts. They feature:
- Lightweight fabric
- A smart, breathable design
- Quick-dry, moisture-wicking tech that can handle the Aussie heat
They’re the kind of shorts you can wear straight from a beach volleyball game to an afternoon BBQ without missing a beat. And while some brands, like Country Road, stick to seasonal styles, Frankster goes the distance. Every pair’s made to be worn all year round, with versatile materials, all-day comfort, and colours that work in any season.
Frankster shorts aren’t just for summer. They’re built for your whole lifestyle.
Casual Shorts
Country Road offers polished cuts suitable for semi-formal settings, but their lack of stretch and functional features limits versatility.
Frankster’s casual shorts maintain contemporary style while offering better comfort, practicality, and flexibility, making them more suitable for real-world Aussie weekends.
Comfort Shorts
Both brands bring something unique to the table in terms of comfort. Frankster’s shorts stand out for their:
- Elastic waistband
- Flexible stretch design
Country Road’s may feel fine at first, but after a while, the stiffness sets in, especially next to Frankster’s more relaxed, movement-friendly fit.
Frankster vs Country Road: The Clear Winner
After diving into the key features of both Frankster and Country Road, it’s clear to see that Frankster is quickly becoming the strong favourite in the Australian shorts. This call isn’t just about fashion, it’s about what Aussie blokes actually want: comfort, durability, and all-day wearability. The best shorts make you look good and move with you, and that’s where Frankster shines.
FAQs
1. Which brand offers better value: Frankster or Country Road?
Frankster delivers better value for money with superior comfort, modern fabrics, and year-round versatility. Country Road focuses more on style and branding, often at a higher price point.
2. Are Frankster shorts more comfortable than Country Road?
Yes. Frankster shorts are designed for movement and comfort, featuring stretch fabric and elastic waistbands. Country Road shorts lean toward structure and style, which can feel stiff over time.
3. Which shorts are better for everyday wear?
Frankster shorts are built for daily use, lightweight, breathable, and durable enough for active Aussie lifestyles. Country Road shorts suit smarter settings but aren’t as practical for all-day wear.
4. How do Frankster and Country Road differ in fabric and fit?
Frankster uses soft cotton blends with stretch for flexibility and comfort. Country Road relies on cotton-linen fabrics that look sharp but can lose shape and crease easily.
5. Which shorts are better for summer?
Frankster wins for summer wear with quick-dry, moisture-wicking materials that handle the heat. Country Road shorts are better for mild weather or casual outings.
6. Why is Frankster becoming more popular than Country Road?
Frankster blends modern comfort with Aussie practicality, hidden zip pockets, elastic fits, and over 16 colours, while Country Road stays rooted in traditional style.