Cargo pants are back in style—shop our top 10 picks now with stylist tips
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With the recent demise of skinny jeans by fashion’s powers that be, runways have decided to go big or go home when it comes to pant silhouettes. And so explains the return of the early 2000s wardrobe staple: Cargo pants. As many designers have added this recognizable style—a relaxed pant with “hold anything” pockets on the sides of each leg—to their recent collections and celebs like Hailey Bieber, Rihanna and Emily Ratajkowski don the look, fabrics run the gamut, from breezy linen to thick cords to sexy satin. Here are 10 of our favorite cargo pants to add to your closet today.
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What are cargo pants?
Similar to the less-than-glam start of the stylish jumpsuit, the earliest iteration of the cargo pant originated on the battlefields of Britain in the 1930s as a part of battle dress uniforms. Military personnel and soldiers would fill those deep pockets with maps, field dressings and extra ammo with the goal of being prepped and ready to get a leg up on the enemy.
How to wear them today
Today’s cargos might not hold anything warranted for the battlefield, but they do hold our attention when styled correctly. According to New York City-based stylist Rachel Newman, cargo pants can be styled in many ways. “For a modern look, I love a French tucked (or half tucked) button-down shirt with a sneaker for day, or a strappy heeled sandal for night,” she explains. “I particularly love a silk cargo pant with a matching top that can be worn with a blazer, heels and clutch for an elevated take on the trend.” You can also pair cargo pants with a tucked-in tee and trench coat for a contemporary, chic look.
1. Superdown Willow Cargo Pant
Surprisingly light fabric is the focus for the straight-leg Willow Cargo Pant from Superdown. The subtle vertical cords create a slimming effect, while the three colors provide a neutral canvas for any style. A white halter tank or tee gives off a cool street vibe look when paired with platform sneakers. The Willow cargo pants are available in three colors in women’s sizes size XXS-XXL.
2. Ética Juni Relaxed Cargo
Who says you can’t blend denim with cargo pants? Ética’s high-waisted Juni Relaxed Cargo makes a strong statement with exaggerated stitching, a roomier fit through the subtly tapered leg, and a wide waist for a flattering fit. Bonus: the upcycled fiber is made from recycled cotton. These cargo pants are available in women’s sizes 24-32.
3. DKNY Cargo Pants
These lightweight Cargo Pants from DKNY are versatile, to say the least. Dressed up with a corset and heels for evening wear or kicking around town with sneakers and a tee, the unique diagonal seams on the pant legs offer up a flattering illusion. The DKNY Cargo Pants are available in three colors in women’s sizes 0-16.
4. Lane Bryant Straight Leg Cargo Pant
A crisp, white button-down and loafers are the perfect accompaniments to the straight-leg silhouette of Lane Bryant’s Straight Leg Cargo Pant. Designed in structured-yet-stretchy fabric, the three buttons at the pant leg bottom enable the cuff to be as pegged as you please. These pants also boast Lane Bryant’s Flex Magic Waistband for no-gap stretch and are available in women’s sizes 12-24 in three colors.
5. Warp + Weft NCE Wide Leg Cargo
With a gently sculpting high-rise fit, the fabric of the NCE Wide Leg Cargo jeans gives off vintage vibes, while the luxuriously laid-back look remains modern and relaxed. Dress these with a tank and casual sandals. The NCE Wide Leg Cargo is available in three colors in women’s sizes 00-14.
6. DL1961 Zoie Wide Leg Relaxed Vintage Cargo
This family-owned business, known for its sustainable practices, has woven stretch denim with certified cotton for its soft vintage Zoie Wide Leg Relaxed Vintage Cargo. The relaxed wide leg is balanced by the contoured waistband and D-ring belt. Consider the white colorway permission to get creative with your top. These cargos are available in women’s sizes 23-34.
7. Forever 21 Twill Wide-Leg Cargo Pants
At the intersection of sweats and pants, these Twill Wide-Leg Cargo Pants from Forever 21 are true comfort realized. Made from 100-percent cotton, the soft drape of the wide leg and the drawstring waist provides a super cozy fit. The exaggerated pockets hang low for a streetwear look when paired with a cropped tee and sneakers. The Forever 21 Twill Wide-Leg Cargo Pants are available in three colors in women’s sizes XS-3X.
$23.99 at Forever 21 (Save $6)
8. Francesca’s Ingrid Satin Cargo Puddle Pants
Available in pink (a nod to the trendy Barbiecore?) or a classic light Oxford blue, the Ingrid Satin Cargo Puddle Pants can be dressed up or down thanks to their ultimate versatility. Strappy heels and a corset add nighttime elegance and sass, while sneakers and a tank keep the casual vibes going all day. Shop the Ingrid Satin Cargo Puddle Pants in women’s sizes S to L.
9. Mavi Elsie Cargo Pants
Consider the high-rise Elsie Cargo Pants from cult favorite Mavi for an athletic-chic look that is perfect for any occasion. Medium in strength and weight, they can be styled with anything from a silk blouse and heels to a sporty crop top and sneakers. The snaps create a pegged cuff for a stronger silhouette if desired. The Mavi Elsie Cargo Pants are available in women’s sizes 24-34 in lengths 27 and 29.
10. Sanctuary Low-Rise Cargo Pants
With carefree cool-girl wide legs and an edgy low-rise waist, these Better Cotton Initiative cargo pants also up the ante with four flap pockets. Wear them with a body suit for day-to-night transitions by swapping out your sandals or kicks for a pair of strappy heels. The Sanctuary Low-Rise Cargo Pants are available in women’s sizes 24-32.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.