Men's cargo trousers, wide or tapered
The men's cargo pants are easily identified by their large patch pockets on the thighs, inspired by military wear: relaxed wide fit, tapered fit at the ankle, made from cotton, ripstop or technical nylon. Brands available include: Jack & Jones, Le Temps des Cerises, Urban Classics, Project X Paris, and Alpha Industries.
A black men's cargo pant is easier to wear in the city than a khaki or camouflage model.
Where does the cargo pant come from?
The cargo originates from military combat trousers, designed with pockets on the thighs to carry equipment. The cargo pant then became a workwear item, before moving into streetwear and skate fashion.
Which men's cargo pant to choose?
The wide cargo, straight or baggy, falls over the shoe and gives a streetwear look. The tapered cargo, which is more fitted, narrows at the ankle with a ribbed cuff or drawstring: it highlights the trainers. The jogging-style cargo, with an elastic waist, focuses on comfort.
Cotton, ripstop or nylon?
Cotton canvas is the most common: thick, it wears well and develops a patina. Ripstop, woven in a grid pattern, is tear-resistant; nylon, lightweight and often water-repellent, is for technical cargo. A winter cargo pant made of thick or lined cotton keeps you warmer.
How to wear a men's cargo pant?
With a hoodie or a loose t-shirt and trainers, the wide cargo remains in its streetwear spirit. A black or beige tapered cargo, paired with a shirt or a thin jumper and ankle boots, is suitable for the city.
Avoid adding too many pockets: a simple top balances out a heavily pocketed cargo.
What size cargo to take?
Your usual trouser size; the elastic or adjustable waistband of many cargos allows for a little leeway. For a tapered cargo, make sure the hem falls at the ankle without bunching.
Which cargo brands to choose?
Here are the cargo pant brands available here.
- Jack & Jones, a Danish men's brand from the Bestseller group, offers the cargo in a tapered fit.
- Known for its vintage denim, Le Temps des Cerises from Marseille creates cargos with military inspiration.
- Streetwear basics in various colours: Urban Classics from Germany expands its line to include cargos.
- Premium Parisian streetwear: Project X Paris adds inserts and drawstrings to its cargos.
- With a military heritage, Alpha Industries, a manufacturer of jackets for the U.S. Army, also has its cargo in nylon.
What other pants to choose?
Less loaded with pockets, men's jeans and trousers and chinos complement the men's pants.
When to find cargos at a reduced price?
The cargo is worn all year round, thicker in winter, lighter in summer: for a men's cargo pant on sale, Black Friday, winter sales, and summer sales are all comparable.
Each time period has its page: Black Friday in November, men's clothing sales during sales, Promotions the rest of the time. Fast shipping and best price guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Wide or tapered cargo?
Wide for a streetwear and skate style, tapered for a sharper look that works in the city. The tapered cargo is also more flattering for a slender silhouette.
How to prevent pockets from bulging?
Don’t overfill them: a phone or keys are enough to distort the thigh. A cargo with pleated pockets secured by a flap keeps its shape better.
Can a cargo be worn to the office?
A plain tapered cargo, black or beige, with a shirt is suitable for a casual office. Avoid camouflage and very baggy styles.
How to wash a cargo pant?
Turn inside out, wash at 30 °C, pockets emptied and closed. Nylon dries quickly in the open air; cotton canvas can be ironed on a medium setting if needed.
Cargo or cargo joggers: what's the difference?
Cargo joggers keep the pockets on the thighs but adopt an elastic waist and softer material. More comfortable, they have a more sportswear look.
