Why Shorts Deserve More Attention in Smart Casual Wear

When most style guides talk about casual smart wear for men, they start with collared shirts, sports jackets or dark wash chinos. But in Australia’s climate and lifestyle, shorts deserve to be the hero of the outfit. Whether you're heading to a dinner date, playing golf, or weekend away, smart shorts do the heavy lifting.

So when it comes to finding the perfect pair for the Aussie lifestyle, two brands stand out: Gazman, a long established menswear retailer with an overwhelming range, and Frankster, a Melbourne startup committed to one thing: making the best shorts a man can wear. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand and why Frankster might just become your new go-tos.

Frankster vs Gazman: The Everyday Shorts Showdown

Gazman is known for offering a full menswear wardrobe: shirts, polos, trousers, jackets, leather shoes and accessories. Shorts are just one piece in their bigger puzzle.

Frankster? Shorts are the only thing they do, and they do it in style. Their flagship product, The Everydays, proves it. These chino-style shorts are the brand’s best seller and for good reason: 16 colours, premium stretch cotton, partially elastic waistband, deep secure pockets, and a comfort fit tested on thousands of real Aussie bodies.

As we search for the best Australian shorts brand in smart casual men's wear, this image shows numerous men wearing a pair of Frankster’s stretch cotton shorts.

Fit and Comfort: The Everyday Advantage

Gazman shorts offer standard sizing but can be hit and miss depending on the style. Some are too rigid, others inconsistent across seasons. You never quite know what you're getting.

Frankster’s Everydays are cut, stitched and stress tested for comfort. The cotton spandex blend moves with you, not against you. The waistband flexes when you need room, holds firm when you don’t. They’ve also done what a lot of other brands wont and have made their shorts available to a wide range of Aussie men, offering sizes from XS up to 4XL. 

View Frankster’s Size Guide

Fabric and Construction: Sweat Ready vs Store Ready

Gazman’s shorts lean conservative. Often heavier cotton, more structure, less flex. It’s fine for cooler office environments or work attire, but less ideal when you're clocking up steps in summer heat.

Frankster’s Everydays are built for movement. They’re made from soft stretch cotton that breathes in the heat, resists stiffness, and keeps you comfortable from day to night. They're the shorts you don’t want to change out of when you get home.

Read what 100’s of Aussie men have to say about Frankster

As we search for the best Australian shorts brand in smart casual men's wear, this image shows a man wearing a pair of Frankster’s The Everydays shorts at the beach.

Storage That Actually Works

Gazman shorts offer standard pockets, but often shallow or loose. You’re risking coins, keys, or even your wallet from falling out. 

Frankster’s Everydays go further. Deep front pockets, roomy back pockets, and a hidden zip pocket stitched inside to keep your valuables locked in tight. No jangling, no bulk, just clever storage where it counts.

Style Range: One Standout vs Many Options

Gazman’s range covers the basics, chinos, cargos, and printed shorts that change with each season. It’s good for variety, but the downside is inconsistency. Fits shift, fabrics differ, and you’re never quite sure if this season’s cut will feel like the last.

Frankster takes a different approach. They don’t try to do everything, just get shorts right. Every design is refined, tested, and made to last beyond a single season. Clean lines, reliable fits, and colours that actually work with the rest of your wardrobe. It’s not about quantity; it’s about building the one range you can trust year after year.

As we search for the best Australian shorts brand in smart casual men's wear, this image shows a comparison in quality between Frankster and other short brands such as Gazman.

Price and Value

Gazman shorts usually sit between $90 and $100, and they’re often part of multi-buy deals or seasonal discounts. It looks like value, but the real cost shows up in fit, fabric, and how long they last.

Frankster keeps it simple. One fair price all year, no sales games or markups. You’re paying for quality that holds up, shorts made to last more than one summer, backed by a 100-day comfort guarantee and free shipping.

Shop Frankster’s The Everydays collection

What Aussie Customers Are Saying

Gazman:

  • “My last pair had a weak waistband. Used to be better.”

  • “Sizes were a bit off, ended up swapping.”

Frankster:

  • “I’ve never worn shorts this comfortable. The waistband is a game changer.”

  • “Perfect length, fit and stretch. Wearing them everywhere.”

  • “Ordered three more pairs of Everydays. They just work.”

Smart Style: How Each Brand Handles Casual Smart Wear for Men

If you’re dressing for casual smart wear for men, Gazman leans into the full look shirts, jackets, belts, and all. That’s helpful, but shorts often feel like an afterthought in their lineup.

Frankster builds shorts that do the styling work for you. Pair The Everydays with a cotton shirt or collared shirt, toss on a leather belt, or layer with a lightweight linen blazer. Even in office environments or networking events, Frankster shorts hold their own with clean sneakers or loafers.

As we search for the best Australian shorts brand in smart casual men's wear, this image shows a man wearing a pair of Frankster’s The Everydays shorts on a beach boardwalk.

Smart Casual Dress Codes and Everyday Wear

In the modern fashion industry, the lines between work attire and weekend wear are blurred. A good smart casual wardrobe balances comfort and confidence. That’s where Frankster’s Everydays outperform traditional smart trousers and tailored clothing. They pair effortlessly with Oxford shirts, check shirts or even business shirts for relaxed office meetings.

Dress codes no longer mean suit sale pages and rigid styles. With Frankster, you can keep your look sharp and relaxed. Throw on a knitted polo, linen blazer, or merino wool sweater when the weather cools. Add a pocket square or leather jacket for dinner dates or wedding receptions. Skip the wool silk blend or trench coat unless formality calls for it. The Everydays are built as versatile pieces that simplify style dilemmas for men who live in motion.

Shop Frankster’s Smart Casual Shorts For Men 

Smart Casual Style Tips for Men

To elevate your smart casual wardrobe, think simplicity and balance. Neutral colours like navy, olive, and sand pair effortlessly with cotton shirts or check shirts. Add structure with a collared shirt or Oxford shirt, and keep it relaxed with a crew neck T shirt. A leather belt or leather shoes ties it all together.

Avoid over layering with sports jackets or leather jackets unless the event calls for it. If you need a bit more polish, a linen blazer or tailored jacket will do the job. For semi formal events or your wife’s work party, Frankster Everydays with a tucked in business shirt and a pair of dress shoes can replace smart casual suits comfortably.

In cooler climates, layer up with a crew neck knitted jumper or merino wool sweater, or opt for wool blends and tailored clothing to keep it sharp without being too formal. The goal is to look like you tried, without looking like you’re trying too hard. The Everydays make this balance easy.

Community First, Always

Frankster designs every pair with Australian life in mind. From the first sketch in Melbourne to testing in real Aussie conditions, every detail is built for comfort, quality, and long term wear.

And that same care extends beyond the product. Frankster offers Free Shipping on all orders, with no minimum spend, plus 100 days free returns, no questions asked, and they even cover the return shipping label. That is what they call the 100 percent Comfort Guarantee.

Gazman offers neither.

It is a simple difference that says everything about the two brands. Frankster puts the customer first, with shorts designed to last, service built on trust, and comfort that is guaranteed from checkout to your first wear.

Find Your Size Shorts

As we search for the best Australian shorts brand in smart casual men's wear, this image shows the quality of Frankster’s shorts.

Conclusion

If you want a full wardrobe, Gazman has it. But if you want the best shorts you’ll wear this summer and next, Frankster wins.

The Everydays are everything good shorts should be: comfortable, stylish, consistent, and designed for Australian life. Once you try them, there’s no going back.

With free shipping, a clear FAQ page, and honest sizing guidance, Frankster simplifies shopping for casual smart wear for men while leading the charge in Men’s Smart Casual Clothing.


FAQs

Are Frankster’s Everydays good for smart casual wear?
Yes. Pair them with a shirt, sneakers and accessories like a man bag for a relaxed, put together look. Ideal for office environments, office meetings, or semi formal events.

What makes Frankster better than Gazman for shorts?
Better fit, deeper pockets, stretch cotton, and a waistband that moves with you. Designed for shorts only.

Can I wear the Everydays to work or events?
Absolutely. They hold up in most smart casual settings, wedding receptions, and transition easily to weekends.

Do Frankster shorts really fit better?
Yes. Every pair is tested on real Aussies in every size. The waistband, length, and fabric all work in your favour.

Is it worth switching from Gazman?
If comfort, function and long term quality matter to you, yes. Frankster’s Everydays are a better wear from day one.

As we search for the best Australian shorts brand in smart casual men's wear, this image shows a close up of Frankster’s The Everydays shorts.