The best cargo trousers for channelling your inner action man
Cargo trousers are the latest garment to catch our eye as the utilitarian look gains more and more traction. So channel your inner action man in a new pair of cargo trousers as chosen by GQ's editors
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Put simply, cargo trousers are a rugged, durable trouser with large outer pockets. Perhaps termed cargo pants (or “utility” pants) for their commercial-like ability to carry personal items, they’re also known as “combats”, owing to their adoption by the US and British forces from 1938. This explains their tendency to be seen (or not) in camouflage. Although the many pockets are useful for workers and squaddies alike, they are just useful: excess receipts, sunglasses, an impulse-bought block of comté, a bottle opener. You name it, the cargo trousers will swallow it up, no questions asked.
Cargo trousers will generally come in a slightly more baggy silhouette (suiting current trends) and are made of tough materials. Gone are the days of the skin-smooth surfaces over the thigh; let us embrace texture, depth and layering. Just one rule: don’t ever think of turning them into shorts. You will not be forgiven.
.png.jpg)
1/19Urban Outfitters: BDG
It’s 2002. Daniel Bedingfield’s on the radio giving you garage’s answer to a daily affirmation, your hair is spiked and it's almost certainly blonde at just the tips. When you reach into your wardrobe, there are big and baggy bottoms galore – and they look exactly like these ones from BDG. Immortalising those simpler times in soft sandblasted denim, these cargos are cut with enough pockets to stash a Game Boy (or five), plus ample leg room for a cosy wander down memory lane. Exactly as cargos should be, if you ask us. £69. At urbanouttfitters.com
-Nike-Jordan-23-Engineered.png.jpg)
3/19Nike Jordan 23 Engineered
Don’t be misled by their playful, peachy hue; these Nike cargos are made of pretty tough stuff. Taut organic cotton and a recycled polyester blend, to be precise, engineered with bungee cords for added strength, stretch and – let’s be honest – cool kid style. Naturally, you’ll wear them as a bold base for an otherwise pared-back ‘fit (think a crisp tee, a chic overshirt and box-fresh pair of trainers) then kick back and enjoy the compliments you rack up for your cool kid taste. £135. At nike.com
4/19Cos
Cos brings its ever-so-popular utility aesthetic to the cargo pant, and you can consider us smitten. These tapered trousers are crafted from Repreve, a fibre made from recycled plastic bottles and sustainable wool. With a muted beige tone and pronounced front pleats, they sit on the more elegant side of the trend. £89. At cos.com
.png.jpg)
-Reiss-Grade-relaxed-cropped-Cargo-Trouser.jpeg.jpg)
-Helly-Hansen-Arc-technical-shell-cargo-trouser.png.jpg)
5/19Helly Hansen
Not just a dab hand at architecting functional ski jackets, Helly Hansen also makes a killer cargo. The brand’s Arc shell trousers are built for performance with technical water-repellent fabrication, but for us, it’s the three-dimensional colossal pockets that give this pair their edge. £220. At matchesfashion.com
6/19Amiri
There’s a fine art to crafting the perfect parachute cargo, and Amiri’s take? Quite frankly a masterpiece. Cut with that elusive kind of curved straight leg that skims your sneakers with the utmost steez, these satiny slacks sport a logo graphic stitch detail for added flex appeal. Just the bottom layer to pull together a crewneck and cool crep combo, we say you don a statement pair of sneakers for an outfit that’s big on drip. £519. At matchesfashion.com, farfetch.com & ssense.com
7/19Lee Jeans
For a surefire sign of a well-made cargo, the devil’s in the pocket construction detail. Take a closer look at Lee’s Wyoming charcoal trousers and you’ll see there are actually pockets on the pockets, precisely stitched with button fastenings for secure and orderly storage. And if you’re more concerned with style, there’s plenty of that to be had too – these boast a boxy fit and stacked ankle that oozes casual cool. £69. At asos.com
8/19Kickers
If sturdy fabrication and a strong silhouette aren’t at the top of your cargos checklist, you’re shopping for cargos wrong. Allow us to guide you in the right direction. Namely, this pair from Kickers, whose robust selvedge denim and ballooning roomy cut is done in an all-occasions chocolate hue. Proving that less can definitely be more, the pockets are kept flat, trim and tidy, but we’re digging the embroidery that garnishes one at the rear with a stylish, branded appeal. £70. At asos.com
9/19Represent
Every gym rat should own an activewear cargo – where better to stash your phone between sets? Technically made with four-way stretch and bang-on streetwear trends, Represent’s tapered 247 jogger makes a compelling case for your gym kit in every one of its minimalist hues. That said, we especially rate the brand’s camo collab with WIT training, primed for crushing a CrossFit sesh or casual weekend, guerilla-style. £130. At representclo.com & wit-fitness.com
10/19Carhartt-WIP
Carhartt-WIP is very much a legacy brand in the cargo game. Made from lightweight cotton and garment-dyed for a uniquely rich colour. This is a robust pair of trousers that will withstand all your daily activities, be that lounging around the house or keeping it real with your street style. £119. At endclothing.com and asos.com
11/19Dime
Skater brand Dime puts a twist on military-style trousers to great effect here. Fusing a soft, navy corduroy with a contrasting waistband that is just crying out for a French tuck, all you need to add is the tee, trucker jacket, and your sneaker of choice for an effortlessly cool look. £149. At endclothing.com
12/19Uniqlo
Think of these as a compact, entry-level version of the cargo trousers. They are comfortable thanks to the softness of the cotton combined with the stretch of the Spandex and will sit easily due to the elasticated cuffs. The jogger style brings a sleekness to the design that, combined with the small external pockets, make these trousers both simple and practical. £39.90. At uniqlo.com
13/19Asos Design
These Asos Design trousers are very indicative of the new age cargos doing the rounds. They're the type you see Kid Cudi and Tyler, the Creator wearing all the time. The colour works perfectly with a blue denim jacket, and if you want to go for the complete look, throw in a cap and a pair of Converse. £36. At asos.com
14/19Daily Paper
Amsterdam-based Daily Paper is one of the coolest brands on the block, so it's no surprise that its dabbled in on-trend cargo pants. This straight-leg pant features oversized pockets and a patch logo. Style with your favourite overcoat and sneakers for a ‘fit that’s sure to invite double takes. £128. At farfetch.com
15/19Brunello Cucinelli
We adore the chic simplicity of these green cargo trousers by Brunello Cucinelli. Take note of the styling here: the belt is in keeping with the rugged DNA, while the navy-blue knit keeps things easy on the eye. The cotton gabardine gives these trousers their tenacity and strength, while the reverse pleats bring sophistication. Impeccable “legwear” from Brunello. £540. At mrporter.com
16/19Slowear
These technical pants by Slowear come in a complimentary tapered fit, which is rare to find in men’s hiking gear and look all the better for it. The cool-touch fabric allows for elasticity, they are quick to dry because they are highly breathable, plus they come with ergonomic magnetic flap closures on the pockets. Because the hiking aesthetic is so hot right now, it means these trousers will look just as chic on you while traversing a footbridge in the mountain as they will while sipping an espresso in town. £320. At mrporter.com & slowear.com
17/19Dickies
This is not a drill, these are actual workwear pants (though there might be a spare quarter-inch hex shank lying about if you’re wearing these trousers). The spliced black/camouflage with contrast stitching and ripstop construction mean they suit fashionable purposes far too well to be used purely on a construction site. £80. At dickieslife.com
18/19General Admission
Easy access was the key word on the moodboard when these pants were being constructed. While most cargos are a fiddly affair comprising buttons and zippers applenty, the General Admission pants boast open-top pocket and an easy-to-throw-on drawstring waist. £88. At generaladmission.com
19/19Napapijri
These Napapijris are all that you’ll need from a good pair of cargos. The tidiness of the design is made better by its organic cotton construction, meaning less water and no pesticides used in production. The subtle branding stitched into the pockets impart the pants with an extra identity and confidence. All round, all good. £57.50. At napapijri.co.uk
NOW READ
The best men’s gilets for a touch of utilitarian chic
