Cargo Pants: A Utilitarian Staple
Originally designed as military workwear in the 1930s and later popularized by hip-hop artists in the 90s, cargo pants have become a utilitarian staple beloved by fashionistas and mall kids alike. Also known as combat pants, cargo pants are defined by their practical cut, abundance of cargo pockets and suitability for wear in rough working environments that require easy access to tools and other essentials. While a classic pair in camouflage print infuses an outfit with urban edge, today’s cargo pants come in all sorts of aesthetics to suit styles ranging from the uptown to the normcore. Whether they’re in a runway-ready satin design, a zippered take radiating neo-goth vibes, or a campus-appropriate cotton and polyester fabrication, these casual pants consistently hit the sweet spot between grungy and casual cool.
The Classic Version
An all-weather classic with true unisex appeal, classic cargo pants typically come in a variety of muted colors such as olive green and khaki, nods to the pants’ military roots. Their roomy cut facilitates ease of movement, while the cargo pockets are perfect for stashing everything from a flask of whisky to wallet and keys. If you have an active lifestyle, or want to toughen up a casual outfit, cargo pants are indispensable. Pairing well with anything from oversized hoodies to preppy blazers to slouchy knits alike, these breezy garments make immediate impact yet never deflect attention from the rest of your outfit. Next time you feel like reaching for blue jeans, streamlined slacks or any of those tried-and-true wardrobe staples, consider cargo pants instead. Usually rendered in a comfy cotton and polyester blend, they’re your ticket to a perfect off-duty look while radiating action hero vibes.
The Iconic Silhouette, Reworked
Since the 90s, the familiar silhouette of the relaxed fit cargo pants in a regular straight leg cut has been boldly refashioned to suit a variety of styles amid changing times. A slim-fit, high-waist and rigorously tailored version has emerged, with a tapered finish that imbues this street-style staple with designer vibes. Blending punkish and utilitarian energy with a sleeker aesthetic, these updated cargo pants boast unexpected fabrics such as silk, satin and corduroy, and are fitted with streamlined pockets and tapered cuffs to create a more defined look. Traditional cargo pants with a low-key aesthetic have also been reworked in effervescent colors such as pink, orange and purple to make a bolder impact, while panelled and color-block versions radiate Y2K energy. Edgy details, from subtle lettering and contrast stitching to bold zippers, rivets and buckled straps, further elevate cargo pants from utilitarian staple to chic workwear. Even the humble cargo shorts – a breezy, summer-ready version of cargo pants − have been tweaked in more fashion-forward directions to include pleating, patchwork detail and a slim fit cut that flatters the figure.
How to Style Cargo Pants for Men
Low-key enough to complement a snug-fit tee yet capable of adding edge to a shirt and blazer combo, men’s cargo pants are must-have street-style garments that won’t look out of place in a smart casual setting. Reimagined in snazzier fabrics and embellished with innovative details, today’s cargo pants for men nod to the trousers’ utilitarian roots while being versatile enough to suit everyone from college kids to skateboarders. A pair of relaxed fit cargo pants in a vintage-style print, for instance, pairs perfectly with an oversized tee, bucket hat and chunky sneakers to radiate in-your-face street energy. For a more toned-down outfit evoking collegiate vibes, go for a slim fit take on the regular straight leg cargo pants, and style with some chunky knits. They can also be styled with a harder-edged aesthetic – simply swap that twill pair for wide-leg black cargo pants in ripstop before adding a muscle tee and biker jacket for a look that oozes maverick energy.
How to Style Cargo Pants for Women
Women’s cargo work pants can come in a myriad of variations to add tomboy cool to any outfit, especially when paired with a utility belt. For alterna girl vibes, opt for relaxed cargo pants in black (complete with zippers, straps and jumbo-sized pockets) before teaming with a bomber jacket and combat boots. For a softer look, sport the slim jogger version in a mellowed-out color – perfect for anchoring grocery run looks. For an edgy option that doubles as evening wear, consider satin pants in a dramatic harem cut. When paired with a bandeau top, oversized blazer and spiky heels for diva energy, satin loose-fit cargo pants are the antithesis of the weekend casual vibes of slim fit twill cargo pants. Alternatively, pair a white snug-fit tee and white denim jacket with matching cargo jogger pants for a monochrome look that’ll turn heads.
Cargo Pants: From the Streets to the Runway and Back Again
Suitable for everything from coffee dates to underground club nights, cargo pants have transcended their military origins to become wardrobe essentials that are embraced by designers while still belonging resolutely to the street. So much more than a 90s pop punk throwback, these casual pants for all seasons are capable of amping up or dialing down any outfit. Looking for cargo shorts in juicy shades, an edgy reworking of twill cargo pants, or cargo jogger pants with quirky lettering? Torn between a relaxed fit radiating Tomb Raider vibes or a sleek, slim fit with a fashionably high-waist design? Browse YesStyle’s comprehensive selection of cargo pants for men and women, and you’re bound to find a pair that suits your style!
