How many pockets is too many pockets? It’s a trick question silly. There’s no such thing as too many pockets. Utility, pragmatism and technical garments are all the rage at the moment which is why we’re about to talk you through the humble cargo pant. The coolest thing about cargo pants is the garment is having a moment via different routes.
Gorpcore and outdoorsy technical fashion have put cargo pants in the limelight. The continuous embrace of skatewear is highlighting cargo pants and an embrace of wider silhouettes and regular fits is also bringing the humble multi-pocketed trouser to the fore. Whatever reason you’re wearing a pair for, here are some suggestions on the best cargo pants for men to get and how to style them.
How to style cargo pants
Mostly, the cargo pants on this list are coming with wider silhouettes that’ll need to be turned up at the bottom. This is good. This means you can wear them with a variety of footwear types and look great doing so. For the pleated and classic military-inspired styles, style them with loafers, chunky boat shoes or Derbies. Up top play with shirting, sort tailoring and slight formality. The cargo pant brings intrigue and utility as detail. A little twist on classic outfits.
Elsewhere, the best men's cargo pants make great casual pants and tend to last longer owing to that sturdy drill cotton. As ever we’d recommend trying to match wider silhouettes on trousers with a slightly chunkier shoe. Be it a boot or a dad-style sneaker. For many of the below styles a simple tee and minimal coach jacket will work. Comfy day-to-day sneakers underneath complete any if not all extra-pocketed trousers. If you’re brave, match utility trousers to a utility jacket.
Best cargo pants for men in 2023
Buzz Rickson's 107 Cotton Poplin Trousers
Japanese label Buzz Rickson's (named after the character played by Steve McQueen in the 1961 movie 'The War Lover') draws from a vast vintage archive to meticulously reproduce iconic military styles. These cargo pants are inspired by the OG-107, the basic work utility uniform of the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. Crafted in Japan from 100% cotton poplin, they feature a drawcord in both cargo pockets, a concealed pocket in the left cargo pocket and a drawstring hem, to allow the length to be easily adjusted. The perfect trousers to complete a laidback sneaker and tee ensemble.
Closed Freeport Wide Pants
Another intriguing pair putting a contemporary twist on classic men's cargo pants. Closed's Freeport Wide Pants boast sturdy organic cotton twill construction, with a robust structure, smooth surface and relaxed fit. Up top, a wide elasticated waist is fastened with a button and zip as well as a drawstring. A creative pant sure to catch the eye. Team with a coach jacket, simple tee and refined white sneaker.
Wax London Santo Cargo Trousers
The thing with the Santo pant from Wax London is that it’s been built to age like a fine wine. It’ll only get better with time. Made from 100% organic cotton, these cargo trousers come in a relaxed fit with straight leg, great for swooshing around above a statement sneaker, be it chonky New Balance or Salomon. Multiple cargo pockets offer plenty of space for all your essentials.
Axel Arigato Park Cargo Trousers
For a dressier pair that's perfect for smart-casual occasions, Swedish streetwear powerhouse Axel Arigato has you sorted, with its elegant Park cargo pants. Tailored from a tightly woven Japanese fabric, they're finished with pressed creases through the front and cargo pockets at the knees. Team them with a denim shirt and a pair of penny loafers for a cutting-edge look that will take you effortlessly from day to night.
Forét Drip Cargo Pants
Danish brand Forét have got you if you’re looking for a pair of men's cargo pants with a more formal, tailored aesthetic. Minus all the patched elements and with no cuffing or toggles, it’s only the two utilitarian pockets on either side that make these a pair of cargo pants. Made in Portugal from 100% cotton, the pants come in a regular fit and look great with a fashion-forward hiking boot.
Carhartt WIP Cole Cargo Pants
The official brand of cool carpenters worldwide, of course Carhartt was going to be on the list. The Cole cargo pant brings an oversized silhouette to the cargo discourse in Moraga twill, a midweight cotton fabric that’s been garment dyed for colour and feel. The fit is extremely relaxed and boasts a low crotch, pleats at the front as well as layered knees and back darts. Wear them atop equally utilitarian, chunky leather Derby shoes.
Dickies Eagle Bend Cargo Pant
Can’t do cargo without Dickies. Can’t. Not allowed. Proper tradie apparel, since taken up by skaters and now hypebeasts. The Eagle Bend is the brand’s classic relaxed men's cargo pant with pragmatic features coming as standard. Two side cargo pockets, reinforced knees and saddle and crafted from heavy stone-washed ripstop cotton. Nice over a pair of Vans or boots.
Warehouse & Co Lot. 1098 US Army Herringbone Pants
Warehouse & Co have been producing high-quality, robust vintage-inspired garments since 1995. It’s all about developing classic pieces. These US Army herringbone pants are no different. Herringbone’s broken weave makes it strong and durable whilst the cotton that makes 100% of the pant is from Japan. Wide silhouette, button fly and a flap closure completes the offering. Set an outfit off with them. Wear them with a smart shoe and under a soft-shouldered blazer.
Stone Island Tapered Logo-Appliquéd Cargo Trousers
Get the badge in. We’ve got a soft spot for these tapered-fit Stone Island cargo pants. Elastic waist ensures comfort whilst you’re guaranteed that beautiful garment dye colour that the brand is able to do so well. Bit of stretch in the cotton too. Wear them with an aforementioned gorpcore trainer or go full terrace with an Adidas Samba and a chore jacket up top.
For more workwear-inspired staples, check out our ultimate guide to chore jackets.
