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, Engineered Garments, C.P. Company, 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.
Cargo pants under $100
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.
BDG Field Cargo Pant
Field Cargo Pant
BDG
If you’re looking for something a little wider in the leg, BDG’s bold, orange pair features the traditional oversized pockets to each leg cut to a baggy fit. Ties to each hem allow for a customizable silhouette, though.
Arc'teryx Stowe Pant
Stowe Pant
Arc'teryx
Arc’teryx’s offering is characterized by extremely streamlined design, cutting the unnecessary for lightweight efficiency. The Stowe Pants are a view of the cargo pants of the future with updated pockets with taped zips built into the leg rather than outside.
Cargo pants under $300
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.
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.
Cargo pants over $300
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.
Engineered Garments Cotton Ripstop Cargo Pants
Cotton Ripstop Cargo Pants
Engineered Garments
As the name very clearly suggests, any item with the Engineered Garments label has been highly engineered and optimized in style and function. Cut from pure cotton, this ripstop pair is typified by its range of pockets snaking across the front of the design.
visvim Jumbo Eiger Sanction Cargo Pants
Jumbo Eiger Sanction Cargo Pants
visvim
We’re suckers for an ultra-wide leg, so you can imagine our excitement when we saw the visvim Jumbo Sanction Cargo Pants. This pure-cotton, beige pair of cargo pants feature classic six-pocket styling and visvim levels of detailing in the form of brown and antiqued silver-tone hardware throughout.
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