Portwest ES1 Essential Work Shorts

The Portwest ES790 Essential Work Shorts are a modern, scratch-free workwear short built for professionals who need practical, comfortable legwear that keeps pace with a demanding working day. Constructed from Kingsmill polycotton — 65% polyester, 35% cotton at 190gsm — they deliver the durability and shape retention the Kingsmill fabric is known for, in a lightweight cut designed for warmer working conditions and active roles.

Storage is a genuine strength of the ES790. Six pockets are distributed across the garment — two side pockets, two back pockets, a dedicated rule pocket, and a thigh pocket with hook and loop closure — giving operatives, technicians, and site workers organised, accessible storage for tools, devices, and personal items without the need to carry a separate bag or pouch. The anti-scratch construction with no exposed metal parts keeps the shorts safe for use against sensitive surfaces and equipment, while the concealed button closure maintains a clean, professional exterior.

Fully metal detector friendly and free from nickel and ferrous metals, the ES790 is cleared for use in food production, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing environments with routine screening checkpoints. The expandable side elastic waist delivers unrestricted comfort throughout a full shift, and the non-shrink fabric ensures the shorts hold their shape and dimensions wash after wash at 60°C. A well-considered, high-specification workwear short from the Portwest ES1 Essential range.

Key features

• Kingsmill 65% polyester, 35% cotton 190gsm — durable, hardwearing, and comfortable for all-day wear

• Metal detector friendly — non-magnetic, nickel-free, and ferrous-free for screened work environments

• 6 pockets — 2 side, 2 back, 1 rule pocket, and 1 thigh pocket with hook and loop closure

• Thigh pocket with hook and loop closure — secure storage for devices, tools, or documents

• Anti-scratch design with no exposed metal parts — safe for sensitive surfaces and equipment

• Concealed button closure — clean, professional exterior with no snagging hardware

• Expandable side elastic waist — flexible, comfortable fit throughout a full working shift

• Non-shrink fabric — retains shape and dimensions wash after wash

• Machine washable at 60°C — meets hygiene laundering requirements for regulated environments

• Ideal for warm-weather workwear, outdoor roles, and summer uniform programmes

Product specifications

Product codeES790

FabricKingsmill — 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton

Weight190gsm

ClosureConcealed button

WaistExpandable side elastic

Pockets6 (2 side, 2 back, 1 rule, 1 thigh with hook & loop)

Shrink resistanceNon-shrink fabric

Metal detectionFriendly Non-magneticNickel-free

CareMachine washable at 60°C

Use caseFood production, manufacturing, outdoor, site work

BrandPortwest

Q: Are the Portwest ES790 work shorts metal detector friendly?

A: Yes — the ES790 is fully metal detector friendly, being non-magnetic and free from both nickel and ferrous metals. They are a compliant choice for food production, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sites where routine metal detection screening is required.

Q: How many pockets do the Portwest ES790 shorts have?

A: The ES790 features six pockets in total — two side pockets, two back pockets, a rule pocket for a folding ruler or measuring tape, and a thigh pocket with hook and loop closure for secure storage of devices, tools, or documents. This makes them one of the most practical storage options in the ES1 Essential range for active site roles.

Q: Will the Portwest ES790 shorts shrink after washing?

A: No — the ES790 is made from non-shrink Kingsmill polycotton fabric that retains its shape and dimensions wash after wash, including at 60°C. This makes them a reliable long-term uniform choice for organisations with regular high-temperature laundering schedules.

Q: What is the waistband like on the ES790 work shorts?

A: The ES790 features an expandable side elastic waist that flexes with the wearer during bending, lifting, and active movement, providing comfort throughout a full working shift without restricting mobility. The concealed button closure keeps the front clean and snag-free.

Q: How do the ES790 shorts compare to the ES999 coverall for warm weather working?

A: Both are made from the same 190gsm Kingsmill polycotton and share metal detector friendly construction, but the ES790 shorts are the better choice for warm-weather and outdoor roles where full leg coverage is not required. The ES999 coverall provides full-body protection and is better suited to environments where leg coverage is needed for hygiene, safety, or compliance reasons.