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Style
17 pieces of evidence in favor of the silhouette's newfound cool.
By Yang-Yi Goh and Jake Woolf
The best cargo shorts for men are ready for redemption. Remember that one roommate you hated in college, who loved kegstands and ICP in equal measure? And then you ran into him a few years later, and were shocked to discover he'd lost the beer belly and soul patch and had actually become a really good hang? That's pretty much the deal with cargo shorts. Once the sole territory of bros with names like Chad and Xander—bulky and clunky in all the wrong ways—they've since been trimmed down and reconfigured into the stylish, streamlined staple they were always meant to be. Here are 17 new wave cargo shorts to rock right now, armed with the kind of flattering fits and practical pockets you can build a whole summer's worth of looks around.
All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1/17
Nike ACG "Snowgrass" cargo shorts
There's nothing like exploring the great outdoors with shorts that have pockets for all your gear. (An extra pocket to stash your phone charger always helps too.)
2/17
Arpenteur Cargo shorts
Cargo shorts don't have to be bulky. This pair is so sleek even Dieter Rams would cosign 'em.
3/17
Gramicci shell cargo shorts
That wide leg opening gives you ample room to brave whatever terrain you encounter, and the dusty tone will help blend in with the scenery while you do it.
4/17
L.L.Bean x Todd Snyder terry cargo shorts
Your favorite lounge-around sweat shorts now come with plenty of room to store the remote.
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5/17
Aspesi cotton poplin cargo shorts
Knee-length cargos are back, baby! This time around, though, their pockets have moved up in the world (or at least, on the thigh), and their fabric's gotten a swanky Italian makeover.
6/17
Noah cargo shorts
The neo-prep styling you love, plus the added comfort of a summer-ready elastic waist.
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7/17
Kith washed poplin "Dupont" cargo shorts
The shorter length means onlookers will have no choice but to ogle your ultra-hyped kicks.
8/17
Adidas cargo shorts
Need a little help remembering where you put your keys? These shorts will make sure you can't miss 'em.
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9/17
Banana Republic cotton linen cargo shorts
Shorts that look like they've already been to the Serengeti and back.
10/17
Standard Cloth utility cargo shorts
Big, washed-out shorts that are built for "my tote bag is already overflowing" beach days.
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11/17
RRL ripstop cargo shorts
Built like a battle-tested pair of military pants (note the horse riding-ready reinforced tush), these shorts live up to their army origins with flair.
12/17
Reese Cooper cotton cargo shorts
Embrace your inner Eagle Scout, minus the quirky hat and mosquito bites.
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13/17
Lululemon utility cargo shorts
Yes, cargo shorts can and should join you in the gym—and finally allow you to go hands-free between sets.
14/17
Carhartt WIP aviation cargo shorts
Camo and cargo pockets are the PB and J of the shorts world.
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15/17
Stone Island compass motif cargo shorts
A bright, cheery hue that'll help you break from the olive-clad pack, accented by a logo with some serious street cred.
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17/17
Kapital rip-stop "Nam" shorts
There are cargo shorts, and then there are shorts with so much pocket space they'll make Container Store employees drool.
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