Having initially found favor in the fashion circuits of the ’90s, cargo pants continue to be a bonafide staple going into SS21. Finding their roots in function, cargo pants have had long enough in the luxury spotlight now too, which means that the possibilities for new pairs are nigh-on endless. From wide-leg luxury iterations to fully functional performance pairs, cargo pants are a springtime essential, catering to all sides of the style spectrum.
Praised for their applications as both a stylistic, and functional power play, the cargo pant sits at the intersection of form and function. Sharing many of the same utilitarian cues as the pieces featured in our roundup of pocket-heavy outerwear, the right pair of cargo pants could be all the clothing you need going into the new season.
With our selection featuring standout pieces from brands such as JW Anderson, Phipps, Elhaus, and many more, you are sure to find the right pair for you here.
Scroll for a look at the best cargo pants around right now.
ELHAUS Double Mason Pants
Double Mason Pants
ELHAUS
On the spectrum that runs from actual workwear to luxury versions inspired by workwear, this pair of Double Mason Pants from ELHAUS certainly veers to the actual workwear side. The black and khaki palette complements the paneled construction for serious handyman vibes.
JW Anderson Tapered Cotton Cargo Pants
Tapered Cotton Cargo Pants
JW Anderson
Cropped legs and silver-tone buckles to the hems give JW Anderson’s cargo pants unmissable shape to upgrade your fit silhouette. Oversized patch pockets to the legs echo the dramatic tailoring.
Needles Cotton-Twill Wide-Leg Cargo Trousers
Cotton-Twill Wide-Leg Cargo Trousers
Needles
Talk about wide legs… Needles holds nothing back with this pair of cotton-twill cargos. Ballooning legs are the main and only focus while traditional cargo pockets bring military efficiency.
Dickies Twill Cargo Pant
Twill Cargo Pant
Dickies
When it comes to no-fuss pants, Dickies is a major player. While the brand is perhaps most famous for its work pants, this pair of khaki cargo pants is cut from the same, hard-wearing canvas twill and features a slightly tapered, slim leg.
Phipps Hunting Cargo Trousers
Hunting Cargo Trousers
Phipps
If you're on the hunt for a luxury take on functional pieces, Phipps should be your first port of call. This pair of cargo-pocketed hunting trousers is made in Italy and features embroidered patches for a visual lift.
C.P. Company Cargo Pants
Cargo Pants
C.P. Company
C.P. Company looks to a paneled construction to give this pair of slim-fit cargos ergonomic fit. The classic khaki color palette makes for easy styling while cargo detailing offers the technical appeal we associate with the Italian label.
SASQUATCHfabrix Pleated Tumbled-Twill Cargo Trousers
Pleated Tumbled-Twill Cargo Trousers
SASQUATCHfabrix
We love it when workwear is slightly subverted by subtle detailing. That's the case with this pair from SASQUATCHfabrix which looks to pleats at the waistline to give it a slightly more formal structure.
Snow Peak Takibi Aramid-Ripstop Cargo Trousers
Takibi Aramid-Ripstop Cargo Trousers
Snow Peak
Cut from aramid-ripstop, this pair of Snow Peak cargo pants is actually fire-proof. Don't set out to test it, but just rest assured that if things go south...
Jacquemus Alzu Cotton-Ripstop Cargo Trousers
Alzu Cotton-Ripstop Cargo Trousers
Jacquemus
Simple but impactful, Jacquemus' Alzu Trousers cut a familiar shape with classic cargo detailing. Rope loops to the pockets in contrasting white give the pair a welcome update, though.
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