Hard to believe, but men’s cargo pants are in the middle of a comeba – actually, you know what, guys? If all goes well with you, I’ll avoid the hard sell on the cargo pants that are coming back in fashion this time around. It really is not so hard to believe. In fact, we’ve made the same passionate statement that Cargoes Hath Returned has made every year since at least 2011. You already get that. If you’re not on board now, you never will.

For those who are on board, we have lots of good things to say. Designers, as we’ve pointed out, have been pushing this cargo renaissance for almost a decade, and they’ve really been making their mark lately. The pants they’re making in 2021 fit better than ever, use stronger materials than usual, and experiment with pocket placement and size in all kinds of smart and stylish ways. We’ve said it many times before and we’ll definitely say it again: Men’s cargo pants are back. From everyday casual cargo pants to quirky designer numbers, these 18 pairs prove it.

The best cargo pants, period

Advertisement

Todd Snyder Olive Cargo Pants

$ 245

Todd Snyder Olive Cargo Pants

When Todd Snyder created his namesake menswear line in 2011, he did it with the kind of pieces better than basic pieces that sleek men and ignorant men could get, like those cargo pants. At first glance, they don’t seem drastically different from the base versions you can find at any big box store, but like many of Snyder’s products, the difference is in the details. The side pockets are slightly larger than usual, on a silhouette that looks more like tight-fitting dress pants and less than the baggy camo versions you’re likely to find in surplus stores (not to mention the opening of the cut leg that works just as well on sneakers, oxfords, or your favorite crappy kickers). The fabric itself is not tear-proof, but rather a soft cotton herringbone fabric that provides a similar vibe but in packaging that is suitable for all occasions, from casual Fridays in the office to raiding the grain aisle in the morning. supermarket on weekends.

The best cheap cargo pants

Dickies classic straight-leg stretch-twill cargo pants

Dickies first introduced the 874 work pant in 1967 and has been the brand’s bestseller ever since. Workwear-approved construction and durable twill fabric withstood countless jobsites before dominating skate parks and ultimately the fashion scene. These cargo pocket versions offer the same build quality and consistently stylish straight-leg silhouette as the stock 874s, easily securing a place in anyone’s wardrobe. And, unlike those 2000s-hued military-hued Abercrombie-era cargo pants that you try not to remember, they’re clean and almost minimalist, giving them a ton of range to play in any style. whether you wear sneakers, moccasins or boots.

The best designer cargo pants

The North Face x Gucci canvas cargo pants

How do you make the khaki cargo pants look like … well, not like you’re learning biology in the suburbs? (No disrespect for teachers!) Here is your answer. When The North Face and Gucci came together, the results were instantly iconic. These ’70s-inspired pants, in particular, rocked our salivary glands, from their baggy, flared silhouette trendy on the street to the sleek drape worthy of a fashion show. Based on the “bush pants”, which were very popular in the disco era, the collaborative pants feature cargo pockets directly over the standard hand pockets, which solves the awkward double aspect that freighters sometimes engender. Go into the ’70s and wear them with Cuban heeled boots and a silky shirt, or wear them more casually with a pair of colorful sneakers and a raw graphic tee.

The best cargo pants / shorts

Nike ACG Smith Summit Cargo Pants

Is there anything more gorpcore than a pair of hiking cargo pants that convert to hiking cargo shorts? These Convertible Swoosh Seals are as practical as they look: They’ve been field tested in the rough terrain of the Pacific Northwest, and are packed with nifty features like hidden zip pockets (inside cargo pockets!), drawstring hems to avoid the elements, integrated nylon waistband and crotch gusset for freedom of movement. For extra feel-good points, the water-repellent elastic nylon fabric is made from recycled materials. Sure, they’ll look great with a pair of trail running shoes and a hiking backpack, but you might as well relax with a hoodie and sandals like you’re getting smashed in an NBA tunnel. .

The best cargo pants for the job

Patagonia Iron Forge Hemp Cargo Pants

When you need cargo pants designed for tough work, these Patagonia numbers are for you. You probably know the brand best for its line of outdoor clothing and gear, but these utility pants prove that Patagonia can hold up when it comes to real work wear. They are cut in a relaxed fit from super abrasion resistant duck canvas fabric that is breathable thanks to the heavy dose of hemp. They also have patches and triple needle stitching on the wazoo, so you can be sure they will do the job (… and the next job… and the next one). It’s easy to pair them with a denim shirt and sturdy boots for a full workwear fit, but don’t be afraid to stray from that and slip them on with a pair of wavy socks and Birkenstocks.

13 other cargo pants we love

Rothco EDR Tactical Pants

Made from a durable cotton-polyester blend, these loose, high-waisted pants are the same one designed for men in the military, which means they’re designed for everything, even if you don’t. wear that to hang out at home.

Uniqlo ankle cargo pants

Loose fit and just the right length, these chino-style stretch cargo pants are perfect if you don’t want to go tailor-made.

Brownstone 13-pocket cargo pants

These stealthy twill cargo pants have a dozen baker’s pockets, ready to hold everything from your cell phone to your PPE and more.

LL Bean Cresta Zip Hiker

For hot summer hikes, these regular fit cargo pants convert into cargo shorts. But if the sun is too strong, you will always be protected thanks to its UPF50 + classified fabric which is also light and water repellent.

Engineered Garments FA Trousers

The world is becoming increasingly contactless, cashless and digital. So why would you need nine pockets? Because they look a lot cooler than four pockets alone.

General Admission Rat Rock Cargo Pants

While most cargo pockets require you to put on a snap, flap, button, or zipper, the Rat Rock Cargo Pants from General Admission have an open patch pocket for easier access. In addition, the drawstring waistband makes these pants one of the most comfortable pants you can wear without stepping into sweatpants territory.

The Real McCoy’s cotton-poplin cargo pants

For the college-level militaria fanatic, The Real McCoy’s reproduction cargo pants are the closest thing to the real thing.

Sacai cotton-blend oxford cargo pants

If you are not sure of exactly how much pockets you will need, the Sacai Modular Cargo Pants give you the flexibility to attach or detach a pocket at will.

Gramicci x Alpha Industries ACU Cargo long pants

When an iconic climbing brand and a legendary brand of military clothing join forces, the result is a cute pair of hybrid pants.

Barena Tepa Tober cargo pants

You know how the fifth pocket of a five pocket jeans is too small to be useful? The huge fifth pocket of these relaxed fit cargo pants solves this problem with ease.

Alo Highline cargo pants

Alo’s high-performance cargo ships are ideal as sports or leisure wear. The jersey fabric is as soft as your favorite sweatshirts, and the fit is relaxed enough to avoid the dreaded category of slim cargo joggers.

Brown Darryl Cargo Pants

The “loose fit” is an understatement when it comes to Darryl Brown’s epic wide-leg cargo pants.

Prada Re-Nylon Trousers

The most luxurious recycled nylon you can buy.