We know what you're thinking. Cargo pants? Actually? Do you like those baggy pants with real pockets? Oh really? You're drunk?
You must be drunk. No, we are not drunk (unfortunately), just observers. The thing is, cargo pants (those dividing pants first worn by the British Armed Forces in the 1930s, then co-opted by gangs of teens and girls a few decades later) have made a comeback on the menswear radar thanks to Brunello Cucinelli, Hardy Amies, and several other brands are intent on reviving the military fort.
“Cargo pants have been a trend for several seasons, [but it's one] that works for some people and not for others,” says stylist and creative director Samuel Smith. Get it right and you'll get a look that's part military, part streetwear, all style; get it wrong and you'll look like putin out of commission.
find your fit
Fit is everything when it comes to it.pants style. But unlike tailoring, it's not just about a tailored fit. Sure, you could throw on a modern pair of cargo pants—slim, tapered, and finely woven—but only the slightly bulkier, straight-leg variant can claim OG status.
"I don't believe in cargo jeans or cargo joggers," says Dan Lewis, a buying assistant for menswear brands atUrban Outfitters Suppliers. “A cargo pant by name and nature has always been made to be worn as a multi-item garment, so the idea of a skinny jogger or fleece cargo seems foreign to me.”
If you're a traditionalist, side with Lewis; but if you like some of theModaBeansgear, you'll never be able to look past some of the late '90s charging horrors, then try a smarter tapered pair for size.
Alternatively, aim for the middle ground with a straight-leg style thatrolledyourself, being careful to hit the roll. “It's critical to be careful with the length of the roll,” says Lewis. “Too far and you're getting close to a pair of capri pants. Keep it just above the ankle showing socks and sneakers, but nothing else.
pick up your pockets
“The main thing [to consider] when selecting a pair of cargo pants is pocket size and placement – proportion is key,” Smith says.
According to Smith, the size of the cargo pants' pockets and where they fall can play a role in whether they just wink at the military or look like actual standard uniforms. “Cargo pants tend to bulk out the legs because of the pocket detail, so the fit should complement your body shape,” he says.
Large pockets that sag under the weight of their own gear and stay close to the knees are true to the original load design, which is fine if you've got the build of a skydiver, less so if the only load you're used to shifting is the occasional receipt and some change. In that case, you should opt for neater, more fitted pockets, placed closer to the hips than the knees.
how to use
as manyfashion pieces from military men turned civiliansCargo pants styling is all on display. “If your pants have a more fitted silhouette, opt for a smart fitted shirt and a chunky one.derby shoesays Smith. “[But] for bulkier cargo pants, you can exaggerate the relaxed feel with an oversized fit.sweateror jersey, or even a neoprene layerhood.”
However, don't be fooled into thinking that a pair of cargo pants is anything smarter than that.casual more elegant. “Be careful if you are looking to usecargo pantsin formal attire, [dressy] button-down shirts are hard to pull off,” says Lewis. “And always stick to traditional colors when choosing cargo pants. For me, olive, black and navy blue are my favourites.
best cargo pants brands
stan ray
You may not have heard of Stan Ray before. That's because the Texan family business doesn't sing and dance about what he does. It quietly continues to produce some of the best military-grade kit on the market, and has been since 1972. Cargo pants are Stan Ray's staple clothing and have long been a supplier to the US Armed Forces. Thanks to the durability of its products. . . and classic and utilitarian style.
Carhartt WIP
It would be fair to say that Carhartt is to workwear what Rolex is to luxury watches. The Detroit-based heritage brand has been creating some of the best functional clothing since 1889 and setting the benchmark for quality in the process. Now the brand's younger and more modern European sibling, Carhartt WIP, has injected a dose ofStreet clothesStyle into the mix, resulting in garments that are as current as they are tough and tough. For proof, just look at their city cargo pants with details like ripstop fabric and patterned bartack stitching.
H&M
A good set of cargo pants doesn't have to break the bank. If you're looking for pocket-friendly options, look no further than Swedish street hero H&M. The brand's signature pair has remained unchanged for several years because, well, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. In short, the fit is great, the quality is as good as some top-tier alternatives, and last but not least, they'll leave you with enough change to fill your newly acquired pockets.
crew J
J.Crew's versatile, preppy East Coast aesthetic has become the brand of choice for style-conscious men looking to build a capsule wardrobe without breaking the bank. The New York brand has made a name for itself creating high-end basics, including cargo pants with a subtle style. Expect simple styling, sturdy ripstop construction, and simple, straight cuts.
dickies
For tough American workwear that won't break the bank, Dickies is number one. The brand's famous chinos and cargo pants have gained a crossover appeal that has them worn by everyone from weather-beaten handymen to urban European hipsters. But you don't have to fall into one of these two camps to participate. The classic, laid-back styling of Cargo Dickies means they're also ideal for the common man.
manga
Spanish retail chain Mango is an often overlooked option when it comes to menswear. It's really a shame, because the brand's designs are some of the strongest for its price. Cargo pants are no exception to the rule, with many classic and casual options available year-round. Think laid-back style, flattering cuts, and of course, lots of pockets.
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Sr. PAG.
Porter's line of undergarments made a splash upon its launch, offering menswear essentials for the style-savvy consumer - rock it all, no padding. Mister. P. stays true to the overall concept of the line: they are simple, made from premium materials and keep one foot in the here and now, employing tasteful contemporary touches like slant side pockets and modern cuts.
Stone island
Since 1982, Italian luxury menswear brand Stone Island has been pushing the boundaries of what can be made with fabric, creating new materials and inventing innovative dyeing processes along the way. In addition tosweaters, outerwear and jeans, cargo pants are one of the brand's staples, with premium fabrics and garment dyeing as standard.
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The arrangement
It is difficult to define exactly what Le Fix is. After all, the Copenhagen-based brand operates as everything from retail space to tattoo parlor to art gallery. Along with all of that, she also produces her own clothing line, specializing in contemporary staples paired with quirky brands. Cargo pants, military styling, and European tailoring are the perfect mix, while details like a drawstring waist and looser fits keep things on the chic, laid-back side.
Brunello Cucinelli
As a military garment, cargo pants are designed to be regularly dragged through mud and dirt. With that in mind, spending around £700 on a pair might seem a bit counterintuitive. But hey, if you have the money to spend, Brunello Cucinelli should definitely be your first port of call. After all, where else can you find a pair of Italian cargo pants made from luxurious stretch cotton? Just don't take them on your next assault course training exercise.
