Stubbies & Ruggers: The Aussie Shorts That Never Went Out of Fashion

Some things don’t need reinventing.

Cold beer. A good yarn. And a proper pair of shorts that just do the job.

Enter Stubbies and Ruggers, the iconic Australian shorts that have been around for decades, and made famous by Paul Hogan. They somehow still feel just as right today as they did back then.

At Stewart’s Menswear, we’ve stocked Stubbies for years. Not because they’re “trendy”, but because they work. And judging by the number of younger blokes picking them up lately, it turns out the next generation agrees.

A Short History of a Long-Lasting Favourite

The story of Stubbies is about as Australian as it gets.

Legend has it that after days of trying to come up with a name, one of the salesmen finally stood up and said,
“This is thirsty work - I’m going out for a stubbie.”

The room went quiet. Same thought. Same word.

And just like that, Stubbies were born.

By 1980, Stubbies shorts, proudly known as “the little shorts for the big jobs”, had become the best‑selling men’s shorts in the country. Not because of flashy marketing or fashion hype, but because Aussies recognised something that worked when they saw it.

Simple. Practical. No nonsense.

From Paul Hogan to the Rest of Us

Of course, Stubbies got a serious boost thanks to Paul Hogan, who wore them the way Aussies do best: relaxed, confident, and without trying to impress anyone. Backyard barbecues, pub lunches, camping trips… Stubbies just fit the Australian lifestyle.

But it wasn’t just Hoges.

If you remember Norm from the Life. Be in it. ads, you’ll remember the look - short shorts, socks pulled up, runners on, and an everyday Aussie bloke representing real life in all its glory. Norm wasn’t about fashion. He was about getting outside, having a crack, and being comfortable while you did it.

Those ads ran through the 70s and 80s, and just like Stubbies themselves, they became part of the Australian fabric. No fuss. No posing. Just practical gear worn by real blokes.

Reference: https://hurricane.net.au/

So… Are Stubbies Back?

Here’s the thing, they never really went away.

They just quietly got on with the job while other shorts came and went.

What has changed is who’s wearing them. These days, it’s not just dads and grandads grabbing a pair. Younger guys are wearing them too - to festivals, on weekends, travelling, or just because they like how they feel.

Stubbies & Ruggers: What’s the Difference?

Stubbies is the overarching brand, while Ruggers are one of the specific styles within the Stubbies range designed with extra comfort and everyday wear in mind.

Both are built to last. The difference comes down to feel, fit, and features.

Original Stubbies Shorts

These are the classic shorts first introduced in 1972.

• Waistband: Half‑elasticated waist with a traditional starch finish
• Fabric: Durable 100% cotton drill, designed to hold its shape
• Pockets: Right back hip pocket and a right front outer fob pocket with button flap
• Leg length: Characteristically short, the original Stubbies look

They’re no‑nonsense, hard‑wearing shorts made for big days and proper work.

Stubbies Ruggers Shorts

Ruggers are a comfort‑focused evolution of the original design. Still tough, but a bit more relaxed.

• Waistband: Fully elasticated waist for maximum comfort, often with an internal drawcord
• Fabric: 100% cotton drill with a softer wash finish (some styles also come in jersey sweat material)
• Pockets: Taped side pockets, a right back mitred patch pocket (sometimes with a velcro flap), plus an internal fob pocket
• Leg length: Available in both the original short leg and a longer leg option, depending on how you like your shorts to sit

They’re ideal for downtime, weekends, and everyday wear, especially if comfort is top of your list.

Neither style is better than the other. It’s simply about what feels right for you.

How Should Stubbies Shorts Fit?

• Our rule of thumb is simple:
• Comfortable at the waist
• Room to move
• Sitting naturally on the leg
• Not tight, not baggy, not trying to impress anyone

If you can sit, bend, walk, and head out for the day without fiddling with them, you’ve nailed it.

Why We’ve Always Stocked Them at Stewart’s

We’ve been dressing Mullumbimby since 1929, and over the years we’ve learned something important:

Good clothes don’t shout. They just last.

Stubbies and Ruggers fit right into that philosophy. They’re honest, practical, and confidence‑boosting in a quiet way. You put them on, and you feel like yourself, only more comfortable!

One Pair, Many Summers

Whether you remember Stubbies from “back in the day” or you’re discovering them for the first time, one thing’s certain:

Some styles don’t age, they earn their reputation.

And these shorts?
They’ve well and truly earned it.

👉 Find our range of Stubbies and Ruggers online or in‑store at Stewart’s Menswear. Handpicked, tried and tested, and ready for many summers to come.

Which Stubbies Are Right for You?

All Stubbies share the same Aussie style, it just comes down to how you like them to feel.

Original Stubbies
Crisp, structured, and true to the original design.
Starch finish, half elastic waist, classic feel.

Ruggers
Comfort-first evolution of Stubbies.
Full elastic waist, drawcord, softer wash.

Ruggers – Long Leg
Same comfort as Ruggers, with extra length.

Pigment Dyed Ruggers
Softer again, with a lived-in look and feel from day one.

Cargo Ruggers
Everyday practicality with extra pockets where you need them.

Jersey Sweat Ruggers
Knit fabric comfort for work, sport, school, and weekends.

Same honest shorts. Just different ways of wearing them.

 

FAQs: Stubbies & Ruggers Shorts

What are Stubbies shorts?

Stubbies are iconic Australian men’s shorts first introduced in 1972. Known for their short leg, durable cotton drill fabric, and practical design, they’ve been worn by generations of Aussie blokes for work, weekends, and everything in between.

What are Ruggers shorts?

Ruggers are a specific style within the Stubbies range, designed with comfort in mind. They feature a fully elasticated waistband (often with a drawcord), a softer wash finish, and are available in both short-leg and longer-leg options.

What’s the difference between Stubbies and Ruggers?

The main difference is in the waistband, finish, and overall feel. Original Stubbies have a half-elastic waistband with a traditional starch finish and a classic short leg. Ruggers have a full elastic waistband, a softer wash, and come in both short and longer leg lengths for extra comfort.

Are Stubbies and Ruggers still in fashion?

Stubbies and Ruggers never really went out of fashion. They’ve always been worn for their comfort and practicality, and today they’re just as popular with younger men as they are with those who’ve worn them for years.

How should Stubbies or Ruggers shorts fit?

They should feel comfortable at the waist, give you room to move, and sit naturally on the leg. Not tight, not baggy.

Where can I buy Stubbies shorts in Mullumbimby?

You can buy Stubbies shorts at Stewart’s Menswear in Mullumbimby. We’ve stocked Stubbies and Ruggers for years and offer friendly in-store advice, free Click & Collect for locals, and online shopping with delivery if you’re further afield.