Portwest S790 Men’s High Performance Comfort Combat Cargo Work Shorts (Navy, L)

What these shorts are for

Portwest’s S790 men’s combat cargo work shorts are designed for day-to-day wear where you want practical storage and a workwear-style build. On paper, they’re aimed at multi-purpose use—think of the kind of jobsite or active role where pockets genuinely matter, not just for show.

What you’re getting is a pair of shorts with a rule pocket, six pockets overall, plus twin-stitched seams intended to hold up to regular use. The fabric is a Kingsmill blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, which generally lands in a comfortable middle ground for workwear: durable enough for movement, but not as stiff as some heavier all-cotton options.

Key takeaways on design and storage

If you’re choosing cargo shorts mainly for utility, this one is fairly clear about its intent. The layout includes a rule pocket and a total of six pockets, with two back patch pockets for extra carry options. That kind of pocket variety is useful when you’re constantly reaching for small essentials—anything from hand tools to notes or smaller kit—without needing an extra bag.

It also includes twin-stitched seams. That detail doesn’t sound exciting, but it’s the sort of thing you notice later when seams endure rubbing and stress points better than single-stitched construction.

One practical way to picture it: you’re on a half-day shift moving between tasks. A rule pocket keeps your measuring needs more organised, while the other pockets can hold everyday items so you’re not constantly fishing around for them.

The fabric choice and what it implies

These shorts use a Kingsmill fabric mix (65% polyester, 35% cotton). The split matters because it often affects how workwear feels and behaves: polyester tends to support resilience, while cotton can help with comfort.

That said, it’s worth keeping expectations realistic. This doesn’t read like a specialist “extreme” fabric for heavy-duty industrial conditions—more like a solid workwear blend that fits common workplace wear. If your use is very rough, you may want to compare against higher-spec work shorts made for heavier abrasion.

Comfort and durability in everyday wear

Portwest labels the range as “High Performance Comfort”, and based on the construction details given, the comfort angle here is more about practicality and wearability than gimmicks. Twin-stitched seams for extra durability suggest a focus on longevity, while the pocket setup supports convenience during active work.

As with many cargo shorts, the real question is pocket weight and bulk: if you regularly load pockets with larger items, cargo styling can feel more substantial. It may not be the best match if you prefer a very minimal, light summer short.

Care and what to check before buying

The care instructions are straightforward, which helps if you’re buying for routine use: - Max wash temperature is 60°C with a mild process - Do not bleach - Tumble dry low - Drip line dry - Iron up to 150°C

Before you buy, it’s sensible to check whether your typical workflow matches the storage style. If you need fewer, slimmer pockets, cargo shorts with multiple compartments can be more than you actually want. Also consider whether you’re buying for warm weather: the shorts are designed as work shorts, so you’ll get the most from them when shorts-length is practical.

Who it suits (and who should skip it)

It makes sense if you want work shorts with clear storage for active tasks, and you value reinforced seams for regular wear. A good fit if your day involves quick access to essentials and you’d rather carry tools and small items in pockets than rely on an external bag.

It’s not the best choice if you’re after ultra-light casual shorts for hot weather lounging, or if you only need one or two pockets. And if your priority is high-spec protection or performance in especially harsh environments, you may find this sits more in the practical workwear lane than the “rugged specialist” lane.

Frequently asked questions

How many pockets do these Portwest work shorts have?

They offer six pockets in total, including a rule pocket and two back patch pockets.

What fabric are the S790 shorts made from?

They’re made with Kingsmill fabric: 65% polyester and 35% cotton.

What is the maximum wash temperature?

The maximum wash temperature is 60°C, using a mild process.

Can I tumble dry them?

Yes, but only on a low tumble dry setting.

Is there anything to watch for with care?

Avoid bleach, line dry by dripping if needed, and iron no higher than 150°C.

Should you buy it?

Worth considering if you’re shopping for men’s combat cargo work shorts that focus on storage (rule pocket, six pockets, back patch pockets) and reinforced durability via twin-stitched seams, with a comfortable polyester-cotton Kingsmill blend. It suits everyday work routines where pocket access saves time.

You may want to skip it if you prefer minimal shorts, carry very heavy items in pockets, or you need purpose-built, high-protection workwear beyond standard work shorts. In most typical workplace and active-use situations, though, it reads like a sensible, practical pick—just keep expectations aligned with workwear comfort and everyday durability rather than extreme performance claims.