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Having initially found favor in the fashion circuits of the ’90s, cargo pants have continued to be a bonafide staple ever since.

Finding their roots in function, the pocket-heavy 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 iterations to fully functional workwear pairs, cargo pants are a year-round 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. And, with a selection featuring standout pieces from Gucci and Martine Rose alongside classic outdoor clothing brands, this roundup acts as proof that the luxury contingent has set up shop amongst the utilitarian options, too.

Scroll for a look at the best cargo pants for 2024

Gallery DEPT. Flared Distressed Cargos

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Gallery DeptFlared Distressed Cotton-Canvas Cargo Trousers
$1195
Buy at Mr Porter

These cargos really put the work in workwear – and you've done less than bend a finger thus far. A good pair for those amongst you who enjoy clothes with a lived-in look.

Andersson Bell Khaki Cargo Pants

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Andersson BellLoe Fatani Cargo Pants
$316
Buy at ssense

With its drawstring cuffs, array of pockets and buttons, these green-shimmering cargos take a functional military classic and turn it high fashion – in-keeping with the year's favorite color scheme.

Fear of God Denim Drawstring Cargo Trousers

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FEAR OF GODWide-Leg Denim Drawstring Cargo Trousers
$1195
Buy at Mr Porter

Only FoG would manage to so excellently crossbreed work- with loungewear, without losing any of what we love from both of these tropes.

032c Cargo Pants

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032cOvertime Cargo Pants
$475
Buy at LN-CC

These sleek, black cargo pants took an inspiration and made it somehow evening appropriate, adding subtle but elegant pleats for an emphasized side-profile.

LU'U DAN Tobi Cargo Pants

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Lu'u Danobi Cargo Pants
$485
Buy at ssense

LU'U DAN is not for the faint of heart, or those that like a timeless wardrobe. This pair of cargos is inspired by the Japanese Tobi pant, often found on construction sites. Here, the traditional workwear silhouette is subverted by the use of a blush pink colorway, letting the puffy outlines a resemble cotton candy.

Burberry Cargo Trousers

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BurberryCotton Cargo Trousers
$1250
Buy at Burberry

The muted, timeless beige does not take away from the added, optional edge of these cargos' buttoned legs, for some extra oomph in shape of a dramatic flare moment.

Who Decides War Faded Cargo Pants

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Who Decides War by MRDR BRVDODusk Cargo Pants
$600
Buy at ssense

With hues of green and yellow, these tie-dye resembling cargos beam with a certain psychedelic glow.

LUEDER Drifter Cargo Pants Rust

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LuederDrifter N.2 Cargo Pants Rust
$342
Buy at Slam Jam IT

At first glance, the flared, pleated leg allow for LUEDER's brown, iridescent cargos to camouflage as fancy suit bottoms rather than parachute-like actionwear.

Acne Studios Cotton Cargos

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Acne StudiosCotton Cargo Pants
$800
Buy at mytheresa

There ain't no camouflaging in these – unless you're trying to blend in with concrete. Either way, the adjustable hardware and many pockets double-down on the functionality other cargos on this list have forfeited for fashion's sake.

Collina Strada Checked Cargo Pants

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Collina StradaLawn Cargo Pants
$425
Buy at ssense

These tartan-print cargos were made from deadstock flannel. The plaid adds a pleasant element of depth and dimension to the often mono-colored cargo format.

Martine Rose Twist Seam Cargo Trouser

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Martine RoseTwist Seam Cargo Trouser
$715
Buy at Highsnobiety

If you're on the hunt for pocket space, this pair of Martine Rose cargos (literally) come with pockets on top of pockets. These pants do not skimp out on space to stash your stuff.

Kapital Cotton-Canvas Cargo Trousers

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KapitalCotton-Canvas Cargo Trousers
$370
Buy at Mr Porter

An innovative way to make double-knee, workwear pants even more functional, Kapital has turned the extra layer of knee protection into a nifty pocket.

NO/FAITH Studios Denim Cargo Pants

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NO/FAITH STUDIOSWave Denim Cargo Pants
$620
Buy at ssense

By creating a wave pattern through distorted seams, and adding belts and buckles to pockets, these cargos really do the most to take familiar attributes and morph them into something truly unique-looking.

Iuter Brown Parachute Pants

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IuterParachute Pants
$67
Buy at Slam Jam IT

Rounding out this list, we have these rather simplistic cargos by Iuter. No frills, no straps, creases or secret zippers. These are straightforward, wide legged nylon slacks, front and back pockets included.

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