I think we can all agree with this:
Looking good shouldn’t be reserved for dressy events and special occasions. Why not add style and sex appeal to your weekend look as well?
For that, cargo pants for men are perfect!
They’re not only comfortable but also versatile and convenient. So if you have a question sounding something like:
‘Are cargo pants in style?’
‘Are cargo pants business casual?’
‘How to style cargo pants for men?’
You’re in luck.
Because in this tutorial, you’ll learn everything you need to know about cargo pants, including five outfits you can wear right now and 11 style mistakes you must know about.
Free Bonus: click here to access the free PDF that shows you the 5 Cargo Pants Outfits and 11 Style Mistakes neatly organised into one printer-friendly list.
But first:
This is When to Wear Cargo Pants to for Men
Cargo pants for men are still in style, but like any other outfit or piece of apparel, wearing them at the right time is crucial.
Take these two examples:
Flip-flops:
They look great at the beach or pool but shouldn’t be worn anywhere else.
Black socks:
They’re great with dark trousers but shouldn’t be worn with shorts, including men’s cargo shorts.
You see where I’m going with this?
When you wear something, the key to looking good is timing …
… and cargo pants are no exception.
Cargo pants for men are great for leisure activities and weekends. But no matter how much the fashion industry wants them to be, cargo pants for men are neither dressy nor appropriate for everyday or business occasions.
Obviously, if you’re walking your dog around the block or having a BBQ in the park, cargo pants would be just as stylish as anything else.
However, if you’re heading down to the pub to watch a game or going into the office on a casual Friday, better trouser alternatives would be:
- Jeans
- Chinos
- Dress pants
So, just as you would drop the dress socks when wearing shorts and wear flip-flops only at the beach, cargo pants for men are best reserved for weekends or when participating in leisure activities.
Now that we’ve got that straight, it’s time to get to the juicy stuff. Here are five super-easy and stylish ways you can wear cargo pants for men:
What to Wear With Cargo Pants For Men? – Here are 5 Outfit Ideas
Outfit #1: Summer Casual
Khaki coloured cargos are perfect for daytime activities, while your polo and sneakers make you look handsome and laid-back.
Whether you visit the lake with your GF, hang out with friends, or grab some takeaway, this outfit won’t let you down.
Outfit #2: BBQ in the Park
Pair your khaki coloured cargos with a V-neck T-shirt, a cardigan, and a pair of sneakers for an outfit that is great for the BBQ’s and the beers that follow.
To those around you, these clothes basically say, ‘I’m having the day off, and I’m going to get the most out of it!’
Outfit #3: Walking the Dog
When your dog is scratching at the door, you need something that’s quick and easy to put on and that also looks good.
Darker cargos like black cargo pants for men are perfect for day and night strolls, while a V-neck T-shirt and leather jacket are sexy and look great.
Combine these items with a pair of your favourite sneakers, and no girl can resist walking over to say hello to your dog (and you!).
Outfit #4: DIY Outfit
Do-it-yourself projects can be a mess and are usually quite exhausting.
That’s why dark cargos are perfect for this.
Stains won’t show as easily on the dark fabric, and the cargo pants themselves are super-comfortable work trousers.
Top them off with a crewneck T-shirt, a hoodie (which is easy to take off if you get hot), and finally some leather boots, which can tackle any weather.
Outfit #5: Taking a Hike
This is the home territory for cargo pants: nature.
For hikes and outdoor activities, practical clothes are key.
Like these pics:
- A pair of dark cargos — because they’re the perfect, understated hiking trousers.
- A wool sweater — which will keep you warm even when wet.
- Ankle boots — so you can cross streams without worrying about getting wet.
- A watertight jacket — in case there should be any sudden downpours.
The 11 Style Mistakes of Cargo Pants and How to Avoid Them
Mistake #1: Wearing Cargos With These Clothes
Cargo pants were originally worn as combat trousers, and they’re still super-casual.
That’s why you should never wear them with collared shirts, blazers, or suit jackets, or any type of dress shoes, such as Oxfords or bluchers.
The easy fix:
Wear these casual pants with sweaters and polo shirts; denim, leather, or outdoor jackets; and sneakers or boots only.
Mistake #2: Choosing This Pattern
So we know that cargos are casual, but we need to draw a line between hunting gear and leisure attire. Even though camouflage pants (camo pants) are in fashion from time to time, you should never wear this pattern.
Naturally, hunters wear it when hunting, but sporting camo cargo pants for men around your neighbourhood will just make you look like a paramilitary nutter …
… not exactly the sexy, casual look we are aiming for.
The easy fix:
Instead of camouflage, wear solid neutral colours such as navy blue, khaki, charcoal, and olive green.
Mistake #3: Doing This With Your Cargo Pockets
The roomy pockets were originally there to let military personnel carry as much equipment as they could handle.
The ironic thing with cargo pants today …
… is that from a style point of view, the cargo pockets should never be used, since a bulging side pocket will ruin your silhouette (read: make you look stupid).
The easy fix:
Leave all your manly gadgets at home—or at least don’t stuff them into your cargo pockets—so your empty side pockets can lie flat.
Mistake #4: Having Lots of Loose Straps
This look isn’t as common as it was during the raving ’90s and at the start of the millennium; however, loose straps are still a detail on some cargo pants.
If you’re a carpenter—wearing your pants at work—having loops for your tools makes perfect sense …
… but for the casual cargo pants we’re talking about here, straps and loops are just too much.
‘A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.’—Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I’m not saying cargos are perfect, but they can certainly do without the loose straps and loops.
The easy fix:
Buy cargo pants that are free of straps.
Mistake #5: Cargo Pockets Missing This Detail
One thing that really completes cargo pockets …
… is pocket flaps.
They make the pockets look good, are functional, and give the pants a proper casual vibe.
Today, there are lots of pants on the market whose designers have replaced this nice original detail with zips or no closures at all.
Manufacturers do this in an effort to make the pants stand out and look dressier, sportier, or more modern.
The easy fix:
Make sure your cargo pants have cargo pocket flaps that close with press studs or ordinary buttons (not Velcro).
Mistake #6: Going Retro With Your Cargo Pockets
In an effort to get a cut of the market, designers constantly try to find ways for their products to stand out.
Unfortunately, cargo pockets haven’t been spared from or benefited from this.
All though cargo pockets on the front of the thighs are true to the original look from 1938 …
… this design isn’t as good-looking or practical as side mounted pockets.
The easy fix:
Only buy cargo pants with cargo pockets on the side of the thighs.
Mistake #7: Cargo Pants in These Materials
Designers have certainly overdone it with this idea:
Cargo jeans—or in other words, cargo pants in denim.
What happened here? Who came up with this nonsense? I can only wonder what they are going to create next … cargo sweatpants?
OMG …
Okay, so there are a lot of cargo pants out there in dodgy materials that you shouldn’t buy, and here’s how to get it right.
The easy fix:
Cargo pants should either be made out of twill fabric—which is the same texture as khakis and chinos, but oftentimes a bit rougher for cargos—or …
… a rip-stop fabric (popular for hiking pants), which is more durable than twill.
Mistake #8: Too Small Belt Loops
What’s the use of cargo pants if you can’t wear your wide canvas or leather belts to hold them up?
Cargos should have solid, oversized belt loops that can accommodate any type of belt, especially your wide, rough belts.
I elaborated on why you should wear wider belts with casual pants in my belts for men tutorial.
Basically, besides looking more casual, these belts are often cheaper and tougher than narrower belts.
So oversized belt loops on your cargo pants will keep you from wearing out your expensive dressy belts while walking your dog or taking a hike.
The easy fix:
Make sure you can fit a wide belt (1-1/2″ or 3.9 cm) in the belt loops.
Mistake #9: Wrong Size Cargo Pockets
Despite what you may have heard, size—of cargo pockets, that is—does matter.
No, seriously, pockets that are too big will make any cargo pants for men look way too sporty and juvenile …
… while too-small pockets can make cargos look overly dressy and posh.
Remember, we’re not going for sporty or sophisticated with these pants; we’re going for casual and laid-back.
The easy fix:
Choose cargo pants with modestly sized pockets that don’t have an expansion fold on the bottom edge.
These pockets will lie closer to your thigh and look more low-key.
Mistake #10: Skinny Cargo Pants for Men
Skinny cargo pants really defeat the whole purpose of wearing casual and comfortable pants.
I mean, isn’t the purpose of these wide leg trousers to be comfortable and loose-fitting?
For those who can pull it off, skinny-cut trousers are great—just not for cargo pants.
The easy fix:
If smart is what you’re looking for, and you’ve got the physique of a marathon runner, go for skinny chinos, khakis, or jeans—not cargo pants. Otherwise, the best thing you can do is to choose ordinary, loose-fitting cargos.
Mistake #11: Too Many Cargo Pockets
It’s easy to understand the designers’ thinking on this:
‘If two cargo pockets are cool, 14 cargo pockets are totally rad!’
But rest assured, two cargo pockets are more than enough.
The easy fix:
Don’t take your chance on ‘hip’ and ‘cool’ cargo pant designs.
Instead, choose classic styles with two well-proportioned side pockets.
What to Do Now?
You have just seen 5 awesome cargo pants outfits …
… and 11 common style mistakes you need to avoid. Now it is time for you to start looking good in cargo pants.
The first step?
Click the image below and enter your email to get your FREE cargo pants PDF. The printer friendly PDF includes all the 5 cargo pants outfits … and the 11 cargo pants for men style mistakes neatly organised.
Click on the button below and download the PDF now:
I would argue that a simple white button up shirt (not your business shirt) looks quite good with cargos. I wear one, tucked in even, with green cargos.
Wear crago pants, but don’t you dare use those pockets! That would be too practical. This is why fashion makes no sense to me. Also, that camo you pictured is far from a hunting camouflage. Like most camo cargo pants, those are a civilian imitation of an old military pattern.
Youʼre right. Fashion rarely makes any sense. Thanks for the clarification about the camo cargo pants.
Cargo Pockets that looks too sporty and juvenile are my type. Thinking of making good judgement in buying cargo pants from now.
What about olive shade cargo with light gray polo t shirt
Hi Susheel,
Olive cargo pants and light gray polo shirst can look really good. Just make sure the gray is warm and not cool.
You can learn more about colour matching, and cool and warm colours in my style course.
Cheers,
Vegard
excellente Soy un gran admirador de los cargamentos desde los años 90
How about dark brown suede chukka boots with this specific cargo:
https://www.zalando.co.uk/superdry-lowrider-cargo-trousers-su222e051-c11.html
Hi Mark,
I think those dark brown chukka boots and cargo pants (in brown) will look great together.
Cheers,
Vegard
Thank you.
And what would look great with the white ones please?
Hi Mark,
Since the light cargo pants have a cool colour, they would look their best with footwear in a cool colour too. Black, grey, and navy coloured chukkas are all cool coloured.
Thank you Vegard
Where can i find the cargo pants used in the summer casual or the bbq in the park im looking for this exact one where can i buy it? thanks
Hi Christian,
Thanks for your comment. You can find these cargo pants at H&M.
Cheers,
Vegard
I’m a big fan of cargoes since the 90’s.
Sweatpants for fat old man for comfort
Belt loops so don’t have to carry keys in pockets
I am looking into making cargo pants. Now I know what to focus on and what to avoid. Thank you. These are very helpful tips.
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m inspired!
Very useful info particularly the remaining part 🙂 I deal with such info a Lot. I was looking for this particular info for a very lengthy time.
Thanks and good luck.
Hi Rick.
Thanks. Let me know if you have any questions!
Cheers,
Vegard
where can i buy the khaki cargo pants?
Hi Christian,
You can buy the khaki cargo pants for men at H&M.
Cheers,
Vegard
Hi Vegard,
I need the pants “cargo pockets on the front of the thighs” because I sit in a wheelchair and need a front thigh pocket for my wallet and stuff.
Do you know whee I can get the ones in the picture?
thanks
Yousef
Hey Vegard, how about a parka jacket with cargo pants?
Hey Aditya,
A parka jacket is definitively something I could see myself wearing with a pair of cargos. Itʼs sporty, just like cargo pants.
Great suggestion.
Cheers,
Vegard
Disagree with the strap bit. If youʼre going for a look out of the ordinary, straps can look alg.
I agree, Addy,
Straps are great for an out of the ordinary look.
If one wants to look smart-casual however, plain cargos are in my mind a safer alternative.
Cheers,
Vegard
What do I wear with white cargo pants ?
Hi James,
You can wear your white cargos pants the same way you wear your other cargo pants.
I might be able to give you more concrete advice. Could you tell me what the occasion and time of year youʼll be wearing your cargo pants to is?
Cheers,
Vegard
Which cargo pants and shoes will look good with red shirt and
Hi Shobhit,
With a red shirt, I would have worn green cargo pants, as green is the complementary colour of red.
As for shoes, if the shirt and pants are warm coloured I would have picked dark brown …
… and cordovan (dark red), or black if they are cool coloured.
Learn more about how to find clothes that look good with your outfit in my eBook.
Cheers,
Vegard
Great article, but I feel like if you’re not extremely good looking, cargo pants should be avoided entirely. At the very least, all other parts of your outfit should be on point – fitting perfectly. Would you recommend that, given all of these dangers, men should just avoid them entirely?
Hi Dylan,
Thanks for commenting.
Wearing cargo pants for men is tricky indeed and you need a steady hand to pull it off successfully.
If the occasion is anything other than sporty, or youʼre going to be in public, itʼs usually better to wear a pair of jeans or shorts.
Cheers,
Vegard
if you’re not good-looking, it’s best to just stay indoors anyway.
What to wear with olive green cargos?
Hi Denzil,
Olive cargos are great to wear with beige, yellow, warm reds, and oranges.
Also, I would have picked brown, beige, or burgundy shoes or boots, as this usually looks best with green.
Learn more about which colours to wear and match in Style Genesis
Cheers,
Vegard
Great explanation why to wear a cargo pant, it was really a nice reading……. thanks!
Thanks.
Cheers,
Vegard
Hello, Nice pants ideas.
I want to ask you, whatʼs the best top to wear with cargo pants?
I like t-shirts. But if you could recommend something else that looks cool and kind of dashing, it would be appreciated.
Hello Ankit,
Thanks. I like to wear T-shirts with cargo pants too. It looks great.
Another good alternative to T-shirts is henley shirts. They are long sleeved, collarless shirts, with three buttons in the neck.
They can be worn under a hoodie or any casual jacket and is perfect for cargo pants.
To learn more about underwear options you can check out my style course.
Cheers,
Vegard
What cargo pants brand are those in the hiking outfit?
Hi Nick,
Itʼs these cargo pants for men from H&M.
Cheers,
Vegard
My shirts button down my waist aren’t comfortable. What should I do?
The shirt is expensive, so can’t throw it away. I could do one thing – tuck it – but it doesn’t seem good.
The shirt have black and grey checks and I wear it with dark blue denim jeans?
Please suggest.
Hi Yash,
Iʼm not sure if I understand your question.
If your shirt is too tight, thereʼs not much you can do. If it is because the thread that fastens the buttons rub against your skin, I would try to wear a sleeveless undershirt under the shirt. Perhaps that would work.
Cheers,
Vegard
Do I have to fold my cargo pants while wearing with ankle sneakers…?
Hi Adam,
No there shouldnʼt be a need to do that. Instead of folding the cargo pants, I simply tie the draw string at the hem tight.
Cheers,
Vegard
Hey,
I know it’s used as a bad example for camp pattern, but what is the brand for the camp cargo pants image you use on here?
Hey Chris,
No worries. I think theyʼre called PacSun Camo Cargo Pants.
Cheers,
Vegard
How can I wear gray or khaki cargos with my black Harley Davidson boots?
Hi Stephan,
I would simply have worn them with a t-shirt and leather jacket, like the “Walking the Dog” outfit.
Also, I would have opted for the grey cargo pants, as they look better with black boots than the khaki cargo pants.
Cheers,
Vegard
eh. you must operate on such a large scale of anxiety, to care so much about how you are viewed by other people… how’s this for an opinion:
Dress in what makes u happy, and who cares what other people think because one can never please everyone – please yourself. Dress happy and comfortable, and you’ll probably come across … happy and comfortable.
there is nothing casual about contrived clothing rules to make you seem more casual and chill.
Hi Lewis,
I love your opinion on this. I agree, I probably am anxious, but arenʼt everyone?
When I dress in an outfit that makes girls want to date me, I dress in what makes me happy.
Itʼs the same at when I dress in an outfit that makes my colleagues and leaders at work respect me and recognise my true potential. Then too, do I dress in what makes me happy.
If I had never bother learning about style and how to look better, I might have been happy and comfortable today …
… but I can tell you that I had gotten far fewer dates, far less respect and recognition at work, and ultimately been far less happy and comfortable in the long run.
How do I know? I have tried both and I have never regretted becoming more aware of how I present myself to others.
Cheers,
Vegard
Great answer. Putting a little effort into looking your best is always a good thing. Showing up “as is” may make you feel like you’re more in control but it makes others think you’re just lazy and/or uninterested. Thanks for your great advice on cargo pants-I’m going to share it with my 16 year old son who is trying to find his own personal style
Hi Eileen,
The pleasure is on my side.
With a supportive parent like you, Iʼm confident your son is going to look great!
Cheers,
Vegard
Can a choco brown baggy cargo pants be worn by tucking it inside my Dr. Martins?
Hi,
Personally, I don’t tuck my cargo pants inside my boots.
That’s because it can cause water, sand, and other stuff to get into your boots …
… a problem that’s avoided if you wear your cargos on the outside of your boot shaft.
Cheers,
Vegard
In regards to the hiking outfit, where are the boots and the jacket from?
Hi Tom Sett,
The jacket is one of my wardrobe favorites. It’s a Barbour Leeward waxed jacket.
The boots are the Norwegian M77 combat boots that I got during my service in the Royal Norwegian Navy.
Can highly recommend both the jacket and boots.
Cheers,
Vegard
1) If I’m not supposed to use the pockets, why does it matter if they have flaps or are “functional?”
2) Properly made cargo pants intended for actual use and not as a fashion statement (e.g., VertX or 5-11brands) are tailored to still look fitted even when the pockets are actually used to hold items.
3) Many LE and EMS are required to wear collared shirts (polos) when wearing cargos. It looks fine.
What type of shoes are perfect for a cream colored cargoes
Brown, beige or tan desert boots would look awesome with pants.
Cheers,
Vegard
Hi,
Can i wear cargo pants on daily basis? (For e.g:- at College)
Hi Malav,
Since cargo pants for men are mostly associated with the outdoors, leisure and military, I don’t think they belong in a college where you want to look aspiring and on the ball.
Therefore, at college, I would have worn jeans or chinos instead of cargo pants.
Cheers, Vegard
Hello Vegard,
I would like your opinion on what shoes to wear with a black cargo (one with a blueish hue).
Occasion is mostly casual, hanging out with the guys, bike rides, nothing formal.
Would a pair of black converse do the trick, or something else?
HI Dhrubajeet,
Cargo pants sound perfect for those occasions:) Yes definitely! Black, navy, and even dark red converse would be a great colour to combine with those cargo pants.
Cheers, Vegard
It’s very useful.
Hi,
Thanks for the cargo pants advice. It was exactly what I needed!
My thighs are larger than the average guy, so I always wear cargo pants.
Reading this article has made it a lot easier for me to wear them stylishly.
Hi Rehan,
Don’t mention it 😉 Glad I could help.
Cheers, Vegard
Hey, What are the boots from the DIY outfit? look awesome!
Hey Nick.
They’re my Redwing Blacksmith boots. One of the best pair of boots I’ve ever bought!
Hi, can I wear sandals or floaters with cargo pants?
Hi Mohit,
I would say that depends. If the occasion is strictly casual or sporty, go for it!
If you intend to shop, dine, or generally be in public, I would suggest chinos and loafers instead 🙂
Cheers, Vegard
What about combat boots? I think I like stupid in regular shoes.
Hi Raymond,
I see your point. If you’re hiking or hunting, combat boots are most likely fine.
For any other occasion, I would wear the shoes and boots suggested in the article. That way, you look more smart-casual than hunter 😉
Feel free to post a link to the combat boots if you want me to check them out 🙂
Cheers, Vegard
Not sure what you’re on about, but if you’re never ging to use the pockets on your cargo pants maybe you’re better off just getting different pants? The pockets do look pretty good, though.
Plus, part of the point of cargo pants is the military look – that includes camouflage patterns. I don’t know what world you inhabit but camouflaged cargo pants aren’t some rarity worn only by basement-dwelling nutters, they’re at least as popular as solid colors, if not more so. And on top of that, it’s pretty normal for people to wear boots similar to combat boots with them. Because that’s just how the look works; people wear them to emulate the military style.
Maybe it’s time people stop trying to judge the way other people wear certain types of clothing; they may not always fit your definition of style but that’s no reason to make it seem like they shouldn’t wear it that way.
What kind of shoes to wear with cargo pants?
Hi Suhail,
Ahh … the best shoes with cargo pants should be casual.
Think sneakers and casual ankle boots.
Cheers, Vegard
Thanks dude, you really nailed it.
My pleasure Shiv.
What type of socks should I wear with short cargos and boots?
Hi Luis. I would wear some sort of wool or technical socks that reaches just above the top of the boot shaft (to avoid chafing).
Cheers, Vegard
Would really like to know what you think of Dickies cargo (not really lose ,easy care).
I drive Uber and felt that tan pants are okay to wear. Calif, white shirt but that is maybe not best choice. Uber most likely want slacks and a shirt, but most drivers wears a polo. The top paid Uber Black drivers (BMW and Mercedes) are obviously dressed, since customers are paying for it.
I really believe jeans are ok, but what shade of blue? You buy light blue but then find out darker seems a little cleaner look.
Is there a way to give me some short feed-back, this is new to me. Thanks
Hi Jerry,
After reading this post:
http://uberpeople.net/threads/what-do-you-wear-while-driving-for-uber.204/
I get the feeling that you should minimum wear dark blue jeans – or chinos which is even better – and a solid coloured polo shirt (with no or very small logo).
If it’s cold, you could always wear a button from shirt underneath a sweater (that way you won’t have to iron the shirt because only the collar and cuffs will show).
For shoes, I would wear black leather shoes as they look semi-dressy and matches your dark blue jeans.
Good luck getting those 5-star ratings!
Cheers, Vegard
This is of course your opinion and I respect that but I don’t agree with a lot you have shared
Hi Neil,
Thanks for sharing that with me, is there anything, in particular, you disagree with?
Cheers, Vegard
So what should be the exact dimension of slit cut cargo pockets?
I am about 5 ft 6 in, medium built. waist 33.
Hi Dr. Abu Sayeed Galib.
It looks like we’re using roughly the same pants size.
My cargo pants have slit cut pockets that are:
10 inch high and 7 7/8 inches wide.
Cheers, Vegard
Hey Vegard,
Do you think that some twill navy blue/khaki cargo pants (slightly baggy) will match with leather chelsea boots?In your post, you mention to match them with boots to avoid mistake 1, but being that chelseas are an in-between, I’m just wondering if it would be a good option. I’ve read that with casual pants, it’s better to match them with suede boots.
I have to change my shoes but I’m in a tight budget, so I can only afford a pair of shoes. I thought that leather chelsea boots would be a good option to switch between a casual style and a more dressy style. I don’t think that some suede chelsea boots would allow me this, since they don’t match with a suit. But at the same time, I want to continue wearing my cargo pants. What do you suggest? Thank you and sorry for the length.
Hi Nick.
You’re right about Chelsea boots, are sort of a semi-dressy/semi-casual boot.
I think they would work nicely with cargo pants, but have you considered to buy them in plain leather, rather than suede?
This might be a good way to sidestep the suit dilemma since they then will look good with both dressy and casual pants.
Cheers,
Vegard
You may have saved me. I have seen some MAJOR brands selling Cargo Sweatpants. I initially thought they were cool. But after reading your work I must admit that I must reconsider. Oh and one thing I have discovered is that in style and out of style is subjective. You can pretty much pull off anything if you put it on RIGHT!
Thanks Daryl.
Yes, details and quality should always come before brand and price.
Who paid you to write this? Is this some sort of JOKE? Cargo pants and shorts have been out of style for at LEAST five years.
Hi JustTellingTheTruth,
I agree with you, cargo pants have been out of style for a long time and are not regarded as smart casual in any way …
… and should therefore only be used as hiking pants, casual pants, or as work pants while refurbishing or renovating.
Cheers,
Vegard
Thanks, this is valuable information about cargos.
I didn’t know that one has to look for such details while choosing a cargo pants. I will now buy my cargos keeping all the information provided
Thanks.
Thanks Richard, glad you liked it.
Cheers,
Vegard
I like that.
Thanks Ravi.
Would beige (summer casual) cargo pants look tacky if they were tucked in brown leather boots?
Hi Cass,
That really depends on three things:
1) Are your cargo pants baggy? Baggy pants will balloon out over the edge of the boots in an unattractive way.
2) Are your boots baggy? Very bulky boots and regular or slim cargos, can make the boots look out of proportion and too big.
3) Are you going for a street style or classic style? With street-style, I don’t see any problem wearing you cargos and boots in that way – if you like the look and have answered “no” to question 1&2. If you would like to achieve a classic style, pants are most practical (and classic) when they fall on the outside of the boot shaft, where they can stop water, dust, and insects from entering the boot itself.
Hope this answers your question, Cass.
Let me know if there’s anything I missed 🙂
Cheers,
Vegard
cargo pants are cool, your review makes it look like an ad from some unidentifiable brand in a german mall.
Hi,
I’m glad you like them so do I.
I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t like the design. With style on my mind, I would really like your input on how I can upgrade my posts design to better please you and meet your needs 🙂
If you’d like to leave me a private message, here’s my personal email vegard (a) apparelillustrated.com
Cheers,
Vegard
Ran across your article while searching to see if it was even legal to wear cargo pants anymore. 🙂 Old Navy discontinued my painter pants with big cell phone pocket, so I am in search of new attire. As the site you recommend is out of dark beige, can you suggest other brands? Can you suggest also brands to stay away from? I do not have any fashion sense, but your article does help out.
You definitively put a smile on my face with that intro Flip 🙂
I’ve been poking around the interweb for you …
… and here are three cargo pants for men worth checking out:
– GAP – $40-50: http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=747354012
– Levi’s – $50-100: http://www.levi.com/US/en_US/mens-clothing-pants/p/154890001
– Scotch and Soda – $80-160: http://www.scotch-soda.com/us/en/men/cargo-pants-/124004.html
It’s worth noting that some of them do contain polyester. While this is durable, it is also less comfortable to wear and it makes the cargo pants noisier.
Please let me know what you think of them.
Cheers,
Vegard
Do we tuck shirts into cargo pants
Hi Mota sab,
That’s a common question and with cargo pants, I generally say leave your shirt untucked.
However, if you’re wearing anything over your shirt, always tuck it (no matter what pants you’re wearing) 🙂
I’ve made a post about when to tuck your shirt called The Rule of 2.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Vegard
Where can I find pants with the front flaps
Hi Jon,
I buy cargo pants for men at H&M.com and I’m super happy with them.
In most countries you can buy them online:
http://www.hm.com/us/product/23942?article=23942-C
Let me know if there’s anything else.
Cheers, Vegard
Hey that is great, I hope you found what you were searching for.
If you have questions just let me know.
Cheers, Vegard
Hi.
I fly airplanes for a living.
I need to carry my wallet, IDs/credentials, keys, cell phone, and one more item.
My checklist is 5 items when I leave my domicile.
Those blue jeans stile pants my girlfriend likes are worthless when it comes to carrying anything in your pockets.
To me, my cargo pants are a tool, not a fashion statement. Form vs function, I need function!
My complaint about cargo pants;
The side pockets are too low, You carry or walk around with anything metallic in them, your knees will pay the price, annoying!! Of course in a world where you are not supposed to use your cargo pants legs pocket, then it does not matter, the lower the cargo pockets are located, then the more added to the “Coolness Factor”.
I’d like to see a manufacturer do a high pocket set up nearer the hips, like the old WWII cargo pants. These had no front pockets, just the side hip pockets. They could offer the option of several styles.
Cargo pockets should also have a zipper facing the front, so you can pull stuff out when seating in car/airplane.
Some cargo pants are just too sloppy!
I do not see any advantage to a cargo pant if you are not supposed to use the cargo pockets, you’d be better off with other style pants that would get more versatile usage.
Thanks.
Capt. Joe
Hi Capt. Joe,
It’s great to hear your input on this. I fully understand you!
When I was in the navy, we too used “impractical” cargo pants and I had the exact same problems as you’re describing here.
As an example:
If I ever needed my notebook while seated, I had to stand up in order to be able to pry it out of my cargo pocket.
Not too big of a problem for me, but if I was sitting in a cockpit it would quickly become a real peeve 🙂
Although cargo pants for men generally look casual and good …
… they could definitively be more functional.
Cheers,
Vegard
I just added this blog site to my feed reader, great stuff. Can’t get enough!
Glad to hear that Alica.
If you want access to my exclusive tips and info …
… don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter as well 🙂
You have brought up a very great details , thanks for the post.
Thank you Sheikh Hassan, I’m glad to hear that.
Cheers,
Vegard
it was very informative. thanx 🙂
Thanks Prashant, I’m glad you like it 🙂
Hello! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!
Hello Marilee!
Thank you. Congrats on your new phone!
Let me know if you have questions.
Cheers,
Vegard
Hello, This is an outstanding article, but I was wondering how to suscribe to the RSS feed?
Hi Dale. Thank you.
I don’t recommend the RSS feed, because then you only get updated when I post or update articles on https://apparelillustrated.com.
Instead, you should join my e-mail newsletter. That way you get access to exclusive content that I only share with my email subscribers and get notified about new articles.
Just fill in your email in the sidebar form above.
Cheers,
Vegard