The Best Cargo Pants for Men to Wear Right Now (2024)

While bottoms come in many forms, there are only a handful that qualify asquintessential closet staples: your jeans and chinos, of course, some nice dress pants, shorts for the summer and working out, sweatpants/joggers for lounging, and, of course, the almighty cargo pants. While perhaps not as omnipresent as they once were, at the end of the day, carrying things can never go out of style, so there are few forms of pants that have proven to be as cool — let alone as convenient — as cargo pants. Plus, seeing as military-inspired attire has had such a major impact on the modern fashion scene, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that countless brands are putting their own spin on a surplus store staple.

Having become immensely popular among the fashion world’s cream of the crop, it serves you right to know the best pairs of cargos to buy for your wardrobe. Whether you’re aiming to load your pockets with a particularly bulky EDC for a night out or you need some extraroom for your gearwhen you’re out on the hiking trails, there are a number of styles to consider. So without further ado, we encourage you to bring your dearest belongings with you as we unravel the 10 best pairs of cargo pants for men.

What are cargo pants?

Originally used as military workwear, cargo pants (or combat pants) are durable garments designed to be worn outdoors and in tough work conditions, with numerous storage options for tools and gear. Some variants of these pants were first seen in the British Armed Forces in the ’30s, then came over to the States during WWII. They would eventually break off into cargo shorts, which were all the rage among fishermen and outdoorsmen in the ’80s, and then became fashionable in the ’90s. Cargo pants are back in a big way right now when it comes to streetwear, and you can see that reflected in modern designs.

how to style cargo pants

You can keep it basic, classic, and utilitarian with a field jacket, or you could embrace the streetwear style with some sneakers and a tee. Many new variants use pockets for utility just as much as they do for fashion, so keep this in mind when selecting a pair, and determine whether or not you need certain pockets for tools and the like.

Dickies Men’s Regular Straight Stretch Twill Cargo Pant

The Budget Pick: Serving as the entry-level option that stands head-and-shoulders above any adjacent brand, Dickies excels in this category, as the century-old workwear staple crafts the quintessential pair of starter cargo pants. Fit for skaters,blue-collar workers, and just about anyone else, the Stretch Twill Cargos are as versatile as they come. Equipped with a total of seven spacious pockets, one of these includes a multi-use cell phone pocket that is bound to come in handy when straining through the workday.

Patagonia Men’s Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Cargo Pants

The Starter Pick: The sustainable outdoor gear giant Patagonia has a proven track record of environmentally conscious practices and attention to detail. And these cargo pants represent this well, with a study material blend of hemp, polyester, and cotton – this Iron Forge Hemp canvas is 25% more abrasion resistant than the average cotton duck canvas. You also get plenty of utility with gussets on the front pockets for tools, and two bellowed cargo pockets.

J.Crew Relaxed-Fit Cargo Pant

The Best Relaxed-Fit Pants: Those of you interested in a more simple pair of cargo pants should take a look at this pair from J.Crew, because it’s made with 100% cotton twill and has subtle cargo pockets just above the knee. So you’re still getting the utility that you want out of a pair of cargo pants, with a soft, stone and enzyme-washed finish, and versatile style. Moreover, buying these cargos supports the Better Cotton Initiative, a non-profit that works to improve cotton farming standards around the world.

Carhartt WIP Aviation Pant

The Best Slim-Fit Pants: It often seems likeCarhartt WIPcan do no wrong, and the streetwear-centric sub-label’s swiftly designed Aviation Pant is one of its many garments that checks every box. Available in a wide assortment of colors, these stylish bottoms are made from a lightweight, sturdy, cotton ripstop fabric and are rounded out with a double layer at the knee for enhanced durability. If you’re looking for a slim-fitting pair of cargos without fully breaking the bank, then look no further.

Nike ACG Smith Summit

The Sustainable Pick: Arguably the most versatile pair of bottoms this list has to offer, Nike’s renownedoutdoor sub-brandcrafts a convertible pair of cargos that can easily double as a pair of shorts when things get too tepid. The Smith Summit Cargo Pants are loaded with features like an integrated belt, zip-off pant legs, and spacious pockets, including a zipper-equipped one at the rear. For added elemental protection, they are composed of water-resistant nylon that is sure to keep you dry on your next outdoor adventure. Additionally, these pants are made with at least 75% recycled polyester and nylon.

On Running Explorer Pants

The Best Lightweight Pants: As another leader in fashionableperformance wear, the Swiss garment engineers at On are adept at crafting far more than excellent footwear. The brand’s Explorer Pants shed the heavyset weight without the functionality that often comes along with it, serving as a surprisingly light pair of pants that are still built to handle whatever mother nature throws at them. Moreover, they garner a water-repellent treatment to ensure that whether you’re trail running, hiking, or simply taking a walk in the park, the weariness of getting wet gets whisked away.

orSlow Easy Cargo Pants

The Best Pants Overall: While the Japanese brand OrSlow is mostly known for its premier denim clothing, the label’s other offerings are just as high quality. Like this pair of 100% cotton cargo pants that are handmade in Japan. They have two cargo and two side pockets, with a drawstring around the elasticated waist for a comfortable fit. You can see the inspiration from the old-school military gear for sure, but OrSlow has definitely come through with a modern twist.

RRL Regiment Ripstop Cargo Pant

The Best Camo Pants: As a brand that epitomizesAmerican heritage, not to mention the rootin’-tootin’ old west, it’s no question that Ralph Lauren’s RRL line has an excellent take on a closet essential. Its camo-coated Ripstop Cargo Pant is equipped with articulated knees and drawstring hems to make them all the more comfortable and tailored to your liking. These are a stylish pair of bottoms crafted by the brainchild of a man who arguably knows style as well as anyone else in Ralph Lauren.

Todd Snyder Cotton Linen Officer Cargo

The Best Linen Pants: Todd Snyder’s allegiance toAmerican essentialsjust had to result in a worthy pair of cargo pants. The New York-based label’s Italian-made linen cargo pants are about as luxurious as it gets, boasting a lush blend of cotton and linen. In an attempt at crafting a pair of classic cargos infused with some casual style, the brand managed to pull it off seamlessly, rounding this option out with a drawstring waist and cuffs.

John Elliott Back Steen Cargo Pants

The Premium Pick: John Elliott’s brand of consistent, minimalist design earns him a spot no matter what the garment is, so it shouldn’t surprise you that the L.A.-based label crafts an excellent pair ofcargo pants, too. The sturdily-made offering is made from smooth back sateen fabric, with its yarns twisted thinner and longer, providing a feathery soft touch, but far from a feathery light makeup. Seeing as these are cargos, it’s worth noting that they come equipped with seven pockets throughout, assuring that this fusion of function and high fashion is nothing to overlook.