Cargo Pants: Why You Should Have Them in Your Wardrobe?

The cargo pants are the new fashion trend that’s all the rage in the fashion world. 

This casual pant, originally designed for the military, has now become a symbol of urban style. 

With its loose fit, numerous pockets, and durable fabric, cargo pants appeal to younger generations in search of comfort and practicality. 

In this article, we’ll explore the origin and evolution of this iconic piece, as well as the reasons for its increasing popularity. We’ll also see how to stylishly wear it and tips for choosing the right one.
So, are you ready to embark on a journey to the heart of the cargo pants trend?

Origin and Evolution of Cargo Pants

A staple in the wardrobe, cargo pants have had several lives. And while it’s now popular in the fashion world, it was originally designed for a purely functional purpose. 

Initially, it was created to meet the needs of soldiers during the world wars. The side pockets allowed them to easily carry small objects and equipment, such as ammunition and knives. 

Cargo pants became popular in culture in the 90s when military clothing began to be adopted by the youth as a symbol of counter-culture and non-conformity. 

In the 90s, urban style and street influences dominated. Cargo pants then found a special place in the wardrobe of bad boys and rappers. But even better, it became feminized until it was adopted by more and more women who loved its rebellious look and masculine cut.

The 2000s marked the peak of wide-legged pants. The military baggy then became the star of pants alongside low-rise jeans, capris, and other flared pants. 

Today, cargo pants are an essential fashion item, worn by many young people for their comfort, functionality, and casual look. Its comeback is, therefore, not surprising.

How Cargo Pants Conquered the Fashion Scene?

The Characteristics of Cargo Pants

At the crossroads between military aesthetics and streetwear influences, these pants from another time are considered an emblematic and characterful piece. And for good reason, it has characteristics that no other pants can take away from it.

It is recognized for its utility and convenience. It has two large practical and functional side pockets. Its design is rather discreet and unadorned, even though it tends to modernize. As for its cut, it is originally straight and loose. 

But today’s cargo is not what it used to be. High fashion houses have understood this and have reinvented it to adapt to today’s tastes, aesthetics, and habits.  

We find cargo pants in much more contemporary versions. Gone are the black and khaki, fuchsia pink, beige, blue, and other trendy shades have printed this pant. The materials also multiply. There are cargos in cotton, but also in satin, leather, etc. As for the shapes, if it was worn low-rise in the 2000s, it is now worn high-waisted, belted at the waist, or even oversized.

In short, the genres have been democratized to make way for a more hybrid form of cargo pants without denying what we love about this baggy: retro and street influences.

Military Pants Trend: What Explains Its Popularity?

According to Google Trends, the search volume for “cargo pants” has increased by more than 80% over the past 5 years. Proof that these military aesthetic pants are causing a real buzz in the fashion world. But why? How can we explain the rise of this masculine fashion piece?

Several reasons explain it.

We can start with the functionality of the pants. The practical aspect of clothing is now a significant asset to convince consumers. While aesthetics are still important in the purchasing decision, comfort or functionality criteria have joined the game. And cargo pants have everything to meet the practicality needs of the youth. With its large side pockets, you can easily store your essentials and accessories like your phone, wallet, or lipstick without carrying a bag.

Another reason is belonging to an emerging trend. Cargo pants have gained popularity thanks to the Y2K trend (or year 2000) which is a throwback to the fashion of the 2000s. Very popular at that time among celebrities, it has become a timeless piece but above all a must-have of the nineties style. 

Finally, a trend would be nothing without its trendsetters, also called influencers or fashion icons. Those who shape the market trends have expressed their taste for military pants. Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Gigi and Bella Hadid, or even Rihanna, they all fell for this revisited baggy. And that clearly plays a role in the popularity of a piece.

How to Wear Cargo Pants Today?

How to wear women’s cargo pants in 2023? What goes well with cargo ? What top to wear with cargo pants? If you want to integrate this timeless piece into your basics, these are questions you might have thought about. So, let’s talk style! Let’s discover how to dress with cargo.

Wearing Cargo Pants in an Urban Style 

If you have a loyal soul and like to preserve the authenticity of a piece, the urban outfit will suit you. In this version, cargo pants are worn as a stand-alone piece that elevates the streetwear accents of the outfit.

Two main options are available to you.

The first is to go for a 100% street mode. Choose a comfortable cargo, with a wide or even XXL cut, in denim, in a sandy or khaki hue, which you pair with sneakers. For the top, play on the contrast with the inevitable white crop top. To cover up, wrap yourself in a soft knit in a soft or powerful color of your choice. And don’t forget to accessorize your outfit with a pair of earrings and a set of jewelry.

The other, is to play the 2000s revival. We open the fashion archives of our favorite celebrities from adolescence and copy the style of Britney, Paris, or Rihanna. For that, match your heels with your cargo cinched at the ankles. Put on your baguette bag, and don’t forget to wear a top that reveals your belly button without subtlety!

Opting for a Chic Version of Cargo Pants

If the urban path doesn’t convince you, you can always turn to elegance as Anne Hathaway does. 

The golden rule for this is to think sophistication. Intentionally feminize your outfit by combining cargo pants with more classic pieces, feminine accessories, more linear cuts, and more neutral colors. 

And since military pants are already a strong piece, play it simple. No need to overdo it, subtly play on contrasts while thinking minimalism and simplicity.

To adopt this look, opt for a blazer that, by nature, opposes cargo. The blazer is chic, feminine, and fitted. It will match very well with the “all-terrain” cargo and create a balance. Also consider the shirt, a classic effective and elegant piece. The cardigan, on the other hand, will soften the outfit. And for delicacy, don’t forget the shoes. A pair of heels will clearly take your outfit to the next level!

Follow the Golden Rule: Never Overdo It

Last tip for dressing well with cargo: aim for simplicity.

I mentioned it in the previous paragraph, but cargo is already an asserted piece. Because of its pockets, cut, and aesthetics, it takes up visual space. Therefore, adding layers, frills, and unnecessary accessories would be a fashion faux pas.
To be sure you’re trendy with cargo, aim for simplicity. Think about minimalistic outfits, monochrome outfits, basics, or clean looks… In short, everything that seems accessible and visually clear.

Buying Cargo Pants: Our Modalova Selection