Yes, cargo pants are a thing again! When we think of this style of pants, soldiers in combat or people who love adventurous activities instantly come to mind. But that’s not the case anymore. Newer and updated designs are emerging with a focus on making this 90s style more wearable for everyday use.
Cargo pants are made from durable materials such as twill and denim, so they can withstand extended wear without tearing or ripping. They also have multiple pockets to store small essentials like phones, keys, wallets, and coins, making them easily accessible when you need them most. Useful AND stylish? Yes, sir!
Whether you’re heading out for an outdoor activity or just want a comfortable piece of clothing to lounge in at home, these 6 ways to wear cargo pants in your everyday wardrobe will help you discover new ways to reincorporate these trendy pants into your regular outfits.
Cargo Pants Can be Dressed Up or Down
Cargo pants are very versatile pieces of clothing that are great for almost any occasion. If you’re looking to wear these pants out to a nice restaurant, pair them with a button-up shirt, blazer and dress shoes to keep the outfit professional and polished. For a casual event like a weekend barbecue, you can dress down the outfit with a t-shirt (such as this baseball tee) and sneakers.
When wearing cargo pants, you have the option of tucking in your shirt or not. A tucked-in look is great for pairing with business casual attire, whereas keeping them untucked is an excellent way to wear them casually. Regardless of how you decide to wear your cargo pants, make sure you keep the fit slim so the pants don’t appear baggy and unkempt. You can also aim for a straight-leg style and pin roll them, making sure to land the roll at the right height.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix & Match
With so many different colours and designs, you might find it hard to decide which type of cargo pants to wear. But don’t worry about matching your pants with your tops. Instead, go for a mix-and-match approach. You can wear a pair of cargo pants with different types of tops, such as casual t-shirts, polos and hoodies, depending on your personal style. The right pair of cargo pants will make your outfit look effortlessly complete. With so many options to choose from, you can find a pair that matches your personal style and needs. More modern cargo trousers are slim and tapered with finer fabric (such as stylish cargo joggers), or you could go for the original 90s style, which was slightly bulkier and with a straight leg. Camo cargo pants are also making a comeback.
6 Ways to Style Cargo Pants
With a Denim Jacket
If you’re feeling the need to spruce up your pants, try layering them with a denim jacket. You can choose from different shades of blue, khaki and brown, depending on the specific pair of cargo pants you have. Denim jackets can simply be worn with cargo pants as a blazer and pants look. You can also wear the jacket over your pants as a way to add more style to your outfit. You could also try wearing a denim jacket with cargo chinos. Chinos are trousers made from twill with a cotton or synthetic blend, making them a versatile option for both formal and casual wear. For a relaxed look, try pairing khaki or denim cargo chinos with your denim jacket.
With a Simple T-shirt and Sneakers
One of the most common ways to wear cargo pants is with a t-shirt and sneakers. T-shirts are a casual piece of clothing, so this outfit is best for casual events such as hanging out with friends, going to the grocery store or socializing at a cafe. Leave the shirt partially untucked to add some flair and to easily access the pockets. Choose an oversized t-shirt, a slim pair of cargo pants and white sneakers for a relaxed yet stylish look. You could also go for a contrasting colour for the t-shirt, to add a bit of flair.
With a Button-up and Blazer
If you’re looking to wear cargo pants for a casual event like a backyard barbecue or date night, try pairing them with a button-up shirt and blazer. This outfit is an ideal casual evening look that you can pair with nice shoes like oxfords or loafers. Blazer styles vary greatly, so take the time to find a blazer that complements the pants and shirt for a well-rounded look. As with any outfit, make sure the fit of the pants is slim and tailored to avoid looking too casual.
With Sneakers and a Hoodie
Cargo pants are great for casual daytime events like studying in the library or working out at the gym. For such occasions, pair the pants with a simple t-shirt and sneakers. And for a relaxed-yet-stylish look, throw on a hoodie to complete the outfit. Hoodies are a casual piece of clothing, so keep the rest of your outfit simple to avoid looking overdressed. For a more polished look, consider wearing a button-up shirt, but make sure it’s simple and has a slim fit so it doesn’t take away from the casualness of the hoodie.
With a Formal Shirt and Suit Jacket
If you’re looking for a casual yet stylish outfit, try wearing cargo pants with a formal shirt and a suit jacket. For a sophisticated look, pair the outfit with dress shoes and dress socks. This is a great style for a casual business occasion such as a low-key work get-together or a lunch meeting with clients. Keep the rest of your outfit simple so the pants don’t take away from the formal shirt. Avoid pairing the pants with other bold pieces of clothing like a scarf or tie so you don’t overdo it. For this type of outfit, choose a more modern pair of cargo pants, such as cargo chinos.
With a Belt
Belts are accessories that aren’t just for holding up your pants. They can be used to style your outfit in many different ways, depending on the type of belt you choose. Cargo pants have a wide waistband that sits higher on the waist, so you can use a belt to cinch the pants in and make them appear more fitted. For a more formal look, go for a leather belt and pair your pants with a button-up shirt or a sweater. If you want a more casual look, a canvas belt will work best with your cargo pants. No matter what type of belt you choose, make sure that it complements your outfit and the rest of your accessories.
Cargo pants are making a comeback! These comfortable pieces of clothing can be worn for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re headed to a formal event or just want to go out for a casual day with friends, these tips on how to wear cargo pants in your everyday wardrobe will help you find a new way to incorporate these pants into your outfits. And don’t forget to explore and try out different types to suit your personal style!
