Cargo pants aren’t anything new - but the styles on the market right now certainly are.
Founded in the 1930s by The British Army, they originated as a durable, practical answer to transporting equipment, maps and tools in rough working conditions. Fast forward to the modern day and they’ve evoved from a staple of workwear brands through boy bands in the Nineties, and to 2023, where they now spotted on influencers and celebs alike.
When coopted by the fashion industry in the 80s, the style was inherently casual - we’re talking extremely baggy and oversized - and some were in even the form of *shudders* shorts. Now, they’ve taken a turn for the better. Spotted on the spring/summer 2023 runways at Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Givenchy and Versace to name a few, they’ve proven to be a nostalgic silhouette with legs.
Whether you stick to the more voluminous fit à la Nineties or you’d prefer a slimmer style, today’s options are more sleek and streamlined, offering the versatility of dressing them up or down. The best are in neutral, versatile hues that go with nearly everything - whether that’s black, off white, camel, navy or khaki.
The main rule? The pockets are there for form, not function, no matter what the situation. The only individuals with anything in the side patch pockets should be those who are actually using them for work purposes - even though that’s the look you’re going for.
So, without further ado, add to your trousers collection with a new pair of utility pants that will see you through the season in style.
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Marni Straight-Leg Wool Cargo Trousers
A straight leg that’s not too oversized, Marni’s cargos are a great entry level for those who are yet to try the trend.
A luxe 100 per cent wool design, they’re a relaxed yet smart option that stays true to the classic through patch pockets and seam detailing.
Buy now £650.00, Mr. Porter
Tommy Jeans Aiden Baggy Cargo Trousers
We love a pair of khaki utility pants - and this design by Tommy Jeans fits the bill nicely. A baggy silhouette, they’ll come through for casual ‘fits and street style looks alike.
Buy now £85.00, Tommy Jeans
Cos Wool-blend Cargo Trousers
Creating elevated yet minimal collections is high street hero Cos’ MO.
Featuring an archetypal flap pocket on the side and seam detailing down each leg, this understated and easy-going black design fits that brief to a tee.
Buy now £89.00, Cos
Sunflower Elasticated-waist cotton cargo trousers
Designed by a Copenhagen-based collective Sunflower, these pants are created with quaity construction and a timeless look in mind.
Blending the 90s cargo aesthetic with a 70s high-rise fit, they’ve got the best of both worlds. Dress them up with a shirt or down with a t-shirt.
Buy now £190.00, MatchesFashion
Carhartt WIP Cole relaxed-fit straight-le organic-cotton cargo trousers
As the fashion offshoot of the heritage American workwear brand Carhartt, Carhartt WIP is grounded in a utilitarian vibe - and so it comes as no surprise that the offering includes cargos.
Made using a durable organic cotton, they feature patch pockets and panelling for an entirely quintessential and hard-wearing design.
Buy now £120.00, Selfridges
Gramicci Cargo Pant Double Navy
With over 40 years expertise in functional outdoorswear, Gramicci excels in its construction of the workwear staple that is cargos.
With an elasticated waistband and drawstring cords at the hem, they’re adjustable and versatile.
Buy now £125.00, End
Tommy Hilfiger x Martine Rose relaxed-fit wide-leg denim cargo jeans
Martine Rose is a London-based designer who’s an expert in the slouchy silhouette. With this collaboration, this has been paired with Tommy Hilfiger’s mastery of denim for a match made in cargo heaven.
A five pocket design, with two extra patch pockets on the side, these are jeans every stylish individual will want in their wardrobe.
Buy now £140.00, Selfridges
Reiss Talk Twill Cargo Trousers
If you want your off-duty style to have an elevated twist, Reiss is the place to go.
Fabricated from a heavy twill, these trousers are both textured and heavyweight, and the relaxed cropped fit makes them perfect for those who avoid a wider leg.
Buy now £138.00, Reiss
Daily Paper Ecargo Pants
A leader in the streetwear market, Daily Paper is an expert in the laid-back luxe aesthetic with its collections that are inspired by the rich culture of African heritage.
These cargos are crafted using a black heavyweight, super soft cotton, for a sophisticated take on the classic - and the logo patch will garner respect from even the most stylish of individuals.
Buy now £120.00, Daily Paper
COLLUSION tailored cargo trouser in chocolate
ASOS’ own brand, COLLUSION, designs collections mainly aimed at the Gen Z market - but these trousers could be worn by anyone, whatever their age.
An elegant take on the casual Nineties design, they’re easy to style whether you’re dressing them up or down.
Buy now £25.99, ASOS
