The Best Cargo Pants
Though they have military roots, cargo pants have become a popular option for everyday wear in the past few decades. With plentiful pockets, a loose and comfortable fit, and breathable material, they're perfect for everything from construction projects to camping. They also are offered in dozens of different fits, patterns, and fabrics to deliver nearly unmatched variety. You can even pair them with almost any top in your wardrobe — from classic T-shirts to heavy-duty workshirts — to curate outfits perfectly tailored to your needs. Read on to find the best cargo pants that will make it fast and simple to get dressed every morning.
What to Look For
When shopping for cargo pants, there are three important factors to focus on: the quality of the material, the fit of the pants, and the type and quantity of the pockets. The cargo pants made by Match are the ideal all-purpose option to add to a wardrobe. They have a straight-leg silhouette that provides a laid-back look and feel while still offering plenty of pocket space. Wrangler’s cargo pants from the Authentics line, on the other hand, are our top pick for outdoor activities. That’s partly thanks to the small amount of spandex included in the fabric blend, which provides extra range of motion. Explore these styles and our other favorites below.
Match Wild Cargo Pants
Pick a pocket
Expertly crafted from 100% cotton, these cargo pants are a must-have for any casual wardrobe. A straight-leg silhouette and relaxed fit make them extra comfortable and suitable for everything from errands to outdoor adventures like hiking and camping. Each leg also has multiple pockets, providing plenty of space to stash personal items like keys and a wallet along with other necessities like sunglasses, tools, fishing and camping gear, and more.
Pros:
- The sizing is versatile enough for both men and women.
- Inside the waistband, there is an adjustable tie to help you achieve the perfect fit.
Cons:
- Even after a few washes, the material is a bit stiff and rough, making them less comfortable than other cargo pants.
Wrangler Authentics Relaxed Fit Cargo Pants
That's a stretch
These cargo pants are an excellent option if you want to feel less restricted. Made with a cotton and spandex blend, they deliver the perfect balance of breathability and stretch. Designed to sit at the waist, these pants have a natural, relaxed silhouette that’s a bit loose through the thighs. However, it’s not so loose that it looks sloppy. Try pairing this pair with a casual T-shirt for a weekend look, or pair them with a dry-fit top for rigorous outdoor activities like hiking.
Pros:
- The stitching is incredibly durable. Even with a lot of squatting, jumping, and other active movements, the seams tend to remain strong.
- They’re made from a lightweight material, so they’re ideal to help keep you cool in warmer temperatures.
Cons:
- A few of the pockets are in an unusual spot, which makes them a little awkward to get in and out of.
Unionbay Relaxed Fit Cargo Pants
Sit back and relax
These cargo pants are perfect for those who need a more relaxed fit. The straight-leg silhouette is outfitted with classic cargo pockets on each thigh and standard slip pockets at the waist, offering plenty of space for all of your must-have items. Made from heavy-duty material, these trousers are a durable option if you need your pants to stand up to a lot of wear and tear. From long days spent outside in the sun to hours spent working on carpentry projects, they can handle it all.
Pros:
- These pants are designed to accommodate long and large sizes, too, so they’ll fit almost all body types.
- Even though the material is durable, it’s still soft and comfortable.
Cons:
- Some colors don’t have flap closures on the pockets, so your items may be less secure than you’d like.
Wrangler Tapered Cargo Pants
For a bolder look, try adding this pair of camo-patterned cargo pants to your rotation. The tapered leg is straight through the hips and thighs but slims toward the ankle for a more fitted, tailored silhouette. Made from a durable, stretchy material, the pants won’t restrict or limit your movement. Instead, they’ll fit comfortably for virtually any activity. Pair them with your favorite T-shirt or work shirt for a stylish-yet-practical ensemble.
Pros:
- Though the fabric is stretchy, it’s crafted mostly from cotton to maximize breathability.
- We appreciate that even though the leg is tapered, most work boots still easily fit under the hem.
Cons:
- Over time, the Velcro closure on the pockets will start to wear out.
Dickies Relaxed Fit Cargo Pants
Wide-leg cargo pants like this classic pair are all the rage among the fashion-forward crowd. Jump on the bandwagon with this affordable and stylish option. With a straight-leg silhouette that delivers a looser, relaxed fit, the pants pair effortlessly with a more fitted top. From a classic tee to a strappy tank, the options are nearly endless. Throw on a pair of sneakers or combat boots for an edgy ensemble.
Pros:
- They’re made from 100% cotton, so they’re very soft and breathable.
- Even if you’re on the tall side, these pants should easily fit thanks to a slightly longer inseam.
Cons:
- Because the pants are made of cotton, the fabric can crease easily, so they likely won’t be wrinkle-free all day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cargo pants in style?
Cargo pants first became fashionable in the ’90s. They’ve recently become en vogue again thanks to popular socialites and celebrities like Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa who have been frequently spotted wearing them. Cargo pants are usually paired with other ’90s fashion trends like cropped tees and chunky sneakers to complete the throwback look.
Do cargo pants stretch?
Most cargo pants are made from cotton or a cotton-blend material. Pure 100% cotton styles will have a little bit of give, but they likely won’t have any stretch. Cotton-spandex or cotton-polyester blends, on the other hand, will likely have more stretch and deliver an added range of motion.
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