10 Best Cargo Pants for Men [2024 Buyer's Guide] (2024)

If last year taught us anything, it’s got to be to expect the unexpected. Cargo pants being back in fashion is definitely a trend we didn’t expect to see again so soon. But this doesn’t mean digging out a pair you bought from the last time they were cool. Trust us when we say they won’t make the cut.

Cargo pants are typically worn by tough, masculine workmen, but when there are so many more styles to choose from now, this isn’t necessarily true anymore. With DIY at an all-time high, those of us who swore we’d never pick up the toolbox ourselves have dived right in out of boredom.

All we know is one thing is for sure; the more pockets, the more stuff you can carry. With their classic bulky design, if it fits, it stays. No one has to know what you have hidden in your pockets except you. Although, a spanner might be pretty obvious.

We’ve created a roundup of the 10 best cargo pants for men in 2021 so you can spend less time browsing, and more time wearing your new favorite pants.

Best Buy

1. Carhartt WIP Aviation Cargo Trousers

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Carhartt WIP is no-nonsense workwear for men who aren’t afraid to get down and dirty. While you may have your hands full with work in progress, this doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to suffer. Cue Carhartt’s cargo pants so you can officially complete your wardrobe you’ve been so desperately trying to finish while looking fantastic.

It’s no surprise Carhartt designed our best pick cargo pants as they’ve been responsible for attire that transforms boys into hardworking men for over 130 years.

Step into a pair of Carhartt WIP Aviation Cargo Trousers and they’ll help you get the job done. These beige cotton cargo pants feature a waistband with belt loops that can take you from onsite to offsite in a matter of seconds with the right belt.

Sometimes the regular number of pockets on a pair of jeans just isn’t enough for men on the move. So, what if we told you these come with side pockets, side flap pockets, and rear flap pockets? Pocket perfect!

2. Versace Jeans Couture Logo Plaque Cargo Pants

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Who said cargo pants had to be casual? Not Versace Jeans Couture that’s for sure. In between high fashion and contemporary urban you’ll find Versace Jeans Couture with the best of both worlds. Expect nothing less from our premium pick.

These stunningly slick black cargo pants will take you to a new level of comfort and chic. Tight pants are tough. We get it. They look good but they don’t always feel good. Especially when you have to watch your every move in case they don’t bend the way you do without making a gaping hole.

Don’t be caught out and play it safe with these stylish cargo pants with flexibility that doesn’t compromise on your silhouette with elasticated cuffs and slim fit.

3. Dickies Twill Cargo Pant

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Dickies is known for its unbeatable durability and long-wearing workwear since 1922, so it’s only fitting they’ve caught our eye for our best value cargo pants. Designed with the latest technology to be just as tough as you are, no job is too big.

Are you sick of having a love affair with a new pair of pants only to have worn them a few times and find out you’re not meant to last? You’re practically falling apart by the seams. Make it worthwhile and invest in Dickies Twill Cargo Pant that’ll mutually love you back for years to come.

Pair with white trainers, a t-shirt, and an open plaid flannel shirt for a casual workwear look to turn heads.

4. Arc’teryx Stowe Pant

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A must-have for active men with wanderlust. These cargo pants combine intense performance with versatile everyday wear. Lightweight and easily packable, they’re one pair of pants you’ll have to make room for in your suitcase.

Freedom of movement is enhanced by specially designed knees and crotch areas, making them appropriate for almost any activity. You’ll struggle to find the appeal of jeans again.

For travelers looking to expand storage space, they have pockets in the front and back, plus two low-profile zippered cargo pockets for quick access to larger valuables such as your passport. These are the cargo pants of the future as the pockets are on the inside instead of the outside for added security and a sleek design.

5. Superdry Worldwide Cargo Pants

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It may come as a shock that Superdry isn’t actually Japanese (we’re still surprised about it). It’s a contemporary British brand fused with vintage Americana style and Japanese-inspired graphics. Welcome to the world of fashion fusion.

For pants that translate to fashionable in at least three different countries, choose Superdry Worldwide Cargo Pants. With an elasticated waist and cuffs, it seems being practical is universal.

Effortlessly throw on these cargo pants and tuck in a t-shirt to bring attention to the detailed waistband. Wear with your favorite pair of sneakers that usually get lost under a relaxed fit to finally show them off.

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6. Wrangler Classic Twill Relaxed Fit Cargo Pant

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A classic cargo pant for lovers of simplicity. Sometimes all you need is two extra pockets and comfort. It’s as simple as that. But this doesn’t mean Wrangler isn’t making an impact when it comes to sustainability.

Unlike other cargo pants we’ve come across, they come with a one-year guarantee. Wrangler strives to use materials tough against time and gentle on the planet. With a commitment to 100% sustainably sourced cotton and renewable energy by 2025, they’re walking towards a better future one pair of pants at a time.

7. Stone Island Stright Leg Cargo Trousers

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Stone Island is a leading sportswear brand at the forefront of fabric innovation. The first fabric created by Stone Island was Tela Stella, a durable waxy-like material with signs of wear for a preloved look. They haven’t stopped inventing since, and neither would we want them to.

Although these cargo pants are made from cotton rather than its signature fabric, they still have markings for a less pristine feel. Which is way more typical of the cargo pants worn in the military.

So, if you’re after a slightly more rugged, less put-together feel, invest in a pair of Stone Island Straight Leg Cargo Trousers. While they may look fashionably worn out, they’re designed for the long haul. The only signs of wear you’ll find on these are the ones they came with.

8. Todd Snyder Italian Wool Camp Cargo Pant

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Probably the only cargo pants you can wear with a shirt and look good doing it. Mainly because they barely look like cargo pants in the first place. More like a fancy pair of patterned suit pants.

Picture this. It’s summer in the city and you’d do anything for a cold beer with a breath-taking view of the skyline. But wait. You’re wearing jeans and you couldn’t think of anything worse than getting closer to the sun.

Now picture it wearing Todd Snyder Italian Wool Camp Cargo Pants. The breathable lightweight wool and a slim fit make them perfect for sunnier days and warmer nights. You’re now dressed for last-minute beers with a beautiful view from an exclusive bar. Cheers to that.

9. Nike SB Flex FTM Cargo Pant

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Switching it up from block-colored cargo pants is Nike with a big and bold camouflage print. Known for putting vibrant patterns all over sportswear, would we ever expect anything less from the brand?

Whilst camouflage was originally used to blend in, these cargo pants are meant to do the exact opposite. The colors are exaggerated to intensify the design and grab attention. These aren’t for the faint-hearted.

Nike SB Flex FTM Cargo Pant is made with a fabric that stretches with your own body. The drawstring cuffs also allow you to adjust the fit around your ankles. You could opt for a straight leg one day, and cuffs another. The choice is yours with these personalized pants.

10. Mission Workshop The Falkland Utility Pant

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If you like the idea of cargo pants with camouflage print but don’t feel brave enough to wear an intense design, Mission Workshop’s Falkland Utility Pant could be just what you’re looking for. Available in classic and grey camouflage, this pattern is more subtle in size and color. So subtle that you can barely see the pockets. Good for your physic, bad for pickpocketers.

Our go-to tailored cargo pants are made with luxurious cotton woven by Texil Santanderina in Spain. Home to some of the finest fabrics in the world. It’s been coated with a water repellent finish in case you get caught out in the rain, but we don’t recommend you do it on purpose. Especially during heavy showers.

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Cargo Pants FAQs

What are cargo pants?

Cargo pants, or combat pants as they were first called by military personal, are typically loose pants for hardcore outdoor activities with largely exaggerated pockets for essentials on the battlefield. We don’t need the pockets for the same reason today, but they do offer major convenience. Especially as the size of smartphones is getting dramatically bigger whilst regular pockets remain the same size.

Are cargo pants fashionable?

History always repeats itself, and this includes fashion. During the 90s they were hugely popular amongst music culture, in particular rap. Today, in 2021, they’ve made a comeback much sooner than expected with the rise of smart casual and streetwear.

How should you wear cargo pants?

As cargo pants are military-inspired, they look best when worn with other traditionally masculine pieces. The more macho, the better.

You’ll want to style them according to fit. If they’re more on the tailored side, opt for a slim-fit t-shirt, leather jacket, and sneakers. But if they’re loose, we recommend enhancing the relaxed look with an oversized sweater and work boots.