I still remember the first time I put on a pair of cargo pants. I was heading out on a camping trip with some friends, and I wanted pants that were durable and had plenty of pockets for all my gear.
As soon as I slipped them on, I knew they were perfect – comfortable, functional, and just my style. That was over 10 years ago, and I’ve been a cargo pants fan ever since.
From their military beginnings to rise in mainstream fashion, cargo pants have come a long way while retaining their utilitarian roots. Today, they go far beyond just being workwear or outdoor gear, with modern options suitable for casual weekends, nights out, and even the office.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of cargo pants, the 11 main types available today, considerations for choosing the right pair, and how to style cargo pants for different occasions. Read on to become a cargo pants expert!
A Brief History of Cargo Pants
Before we dive into the various types of cargo pants, let’s take a quick look at the origins of these versatile pants.
Military Beginnings
The first cargo pants were designed in 1938 for British troops stationed in North Africa. Soldiers needed durable pants with large pockets to hold ammunition and other field supplies. These early cargo pants were made of cotton canvas and featured two large pockets along the sides of each leg.
When WWII broke out, American troops adopted a similar functional design – and the cargo pant was born! Over the next decades, innovations like adding knee pad inserts made different types of cargo pants even more useful for soldiers.
Transition to Workwear
After WWII, surplus military gear including cargo pants made its way into civilian fashion. The extra pockets and rugged durability made them popular among trade workers like carpenters and electricians.
Brands like Carhartt and Dickies began producing cargo pants to meet this workwear demand. They became essential gear for laborers and outdoorsmen.
Rise of Casual Fashion
By the 1990s, cargo pants began to gain mainstream appeal through counter-culture movements. Skateboarders and hip hop artists adopted oversized cargo pants for their music videos and street fashion.
Soon different types of cargo pants made their way into mainstream stores like Old Navy and Gap. Now adapted with more colors and fabrics, they became a popular casual fashion staple rather than just utilitarian gear.
Today there are many types of cargo pants available, with endless styling possibilities for both men and women. Let’s look at the most popular cargo pant types:
Types of Cargo Pants
From classic canvases to trendy joggers, different types of cargo pants now have extensive variety while retaining their signature multi-pocket design. Here are 11 of the most popular cargo pant types:
1. Classic/Traditional
Let’s start the list of different types of cargo pants. The first cargo pant type is the classic or traditional style, which has a loose or relaxed fit. It is typically made from durable fabrics like cotton canvas or cotton blends.
They feature the signature multi-pocket design with several large cargo pockets on the legs, usually on the side thighs.
Classic cargo pants come in utilitarian hues such as army green, tan, grey, or black, reflecting their roots in military and workwear. These pants are perfect for yard work, outdoor adventures, and everyday wear.
2. Denim
Another popular option in the different types of cargo pants is the denim cargo pant.
These retain the classic cargo silhouette with those signature side pockets, but they’re crafted from thicker, more rigid denim cotton twill rather than a lightweight canvas material.
The denim fabric gives these cargo pant types a rugged, casual vibe. They tend to fade and develop a slightly distressed look over time, which many people love.
Denim cargo pants are tough and great for everyday casual wear.
3. Tactical/Combat
Tactical or combat cargo pants are designed for military, law enforcement, and public safety personnel.
They are durably constructed to withstand rugged activities, using reinforced fabrics engineered for maximum durability.
Tactical cargo pants may feature inserts to accommodate knee pads and offer maximum storage with many exterior pockets and compartments.
They typically come in camouflage prints or dark neutral shades like black, charcoal or dark olive.
4. Hiking/Outdoor
Outdoor or hiking cargo pants are optimized for adventures, made with lightweight nylon or quick-dry fabrics that wick moisture and dry fast.
Some feature zip-off legs, converting them into shorts. Hiking cargo pants offer UPF protection, ventilation, water-resistant coatings and often have reinforced knees.
They’re the ideal selection among cargo pant types for backpacking, camping, and outdoor excursions.
5. Joggers
Cargo joggers feature a tapered, elasticized ankle and are made of soft cotton, jersey, or fleece fabric. They offer a slimmer silhouette and improved comfort compared to traditional cargo styles.
Cargo joggers often have drawstring waistbands and the signature side leg pockets, making them perfect for athletic wear or casual lounge days.
6. Slim Fit/Skinny
Slim fit and skinny cargo pants closely contour the body and are made using stretch-infused fabrics like spandex-cotton blends.
While retaining the classic side leg pockets, these cargo pant types are styled in slimmer proportions that pair well with tighter tops and streamlined outfits. The slim cargo style is great for achieving a smart casual or rocker-chic look.
7. Cropped
Cropped cargo pants hit above the ankle, showing off a hint of skin or shoes peeking out from underneath.
They come in cropped wide or tapered leg silhouettes and are fashioned using durable fabrics like canvas, denim, linen, or cotton.
The cropped cargo cut allows for better ventilation, making it a light and airy choice for warm climates and seasons. It’s also a stylish weekend or summer wear pick.
8. Printed/Patterned
For those looking to make a style statement, printed or patterned cargo pants offer unique camo, floral, graphic or other eye-catching prints.
Crafted using printed cotton, linen, canvas or other fabrics, they add a fun flair to any outfit.
Printed cargo pants are especially popular among women and perfect for festivals, tropical getaways, parties or other events where you want to stand out.
9. Linen & Cotton
Cargo pants made using airy natural fabrics like linen and cotton provide exceptional lightweight breathability and comfort.
These cargo pant types come in loose cropped or tapered silhouettes, often in solid light neutrals and pastels that evoke a relaxed resort-style aesthetic.
Linen and cotton cargo pants are ideal for beach vacations, summer wear, and destinations with warm, balmy weather.
10. Dressy/Designer
On the more elevated end, dressy designer cargo pants use luxe materials like silk, wool, cashmere blends.
While offering a hint of the cargo silhouette, these cargo pant types have tailored shapes, tapered legs and discreet pockets for a polished finish.
Offered in rich shades like black, navy and olive green, dressy cargo pants seamlessly transition from day to night events and make for an elevated take on the utilitarian staple.
11. Gender Neutral
Finally, gender neutral cargo pants cater to all body types with their roomy unisex silhouettes made in fabrics like cotton, canvas or twill. They forgo overly feminine or masculine elements for universal appeal.
Though often in army shades, gender neutral cargo pants also come in diverse colors and prints suitable for both men and women. Matching his and her cargo outfits have become a popular couple’s look.
Now that you’re familiar with the main cargo pant types or types of cargo pants available today, let’s look at some key considerations when choosing a pair for yourself.
Key Considerations When Selecting Cargo Pants
With so many cargo pant types and options, it can get overwhelming to select the best cargo pants to meet your needs. Here are 5 key factors to consider when choosing different types of cargo pants:
Intended Use
First, consider when and how you plan to wear your cargo pants. Will they be for tough outdoor adventures or casual day-to-day wear? Workplace attire or nights out? Travel wear or lounging at home? Your intended use will determine what features and fabrics make the most sense for your cargo pant types.
For instance, if you’ll wear them hiking, look for lightweight yet durable fabrics with moisture-wicking technology and reinforced knees. If you need business casual workwear, choose a dark color in a tapered silhouette for your cargo pant types.
Fit & Style
Cargo pants come in a wide range of fits – from baggy and oversized to skinny and tight. Consider what fit and looseness or taper works for your body type and personal style when selecting cargo pant types.
Do you prefer a relaxed loose fit or a streamlined tapered jogger? The right cargo pant silhouette can flatter your shape while allowing free movement.
Fabric & Features
From rugged canvas to luxe silk blends, different types of cargo pants come in diverse fabrics with unique properties. Cotton and cotton-blends offer breathable comfort for casual wear cargo pant types. Nylon and quick-dry fabrics are ideal for outdoor adventure and travel cargo pants.
Linen and tropical wool work well for beach vacations, while silk, wool, and cashmere blends provide elevated style for nights out.
Also consider what features will serve you best – things like reinforced knees, UPF sun protection, moisture wicking technology, or water resistance. Identify must-have features based on your intended uses.
Color & Prints
While military shades like army green and black are cargo pant staples, today you can find them in virtually every color and even vibrant prints.
Consider what colors suit your existing wardrobe – are you looking to make a bold style statement with camo or floral prints? Or prefer classic neutrals like tan, grey, navy, or white that pair well with other pieces?
Budget
Finally, consider your budget constraints. Price can vary widely from $20 basic cotton pairs from discount retailers to $200+ designer cargo pants. Set a comfortable budget and look for sales, deals or second-hand options if needed. The good news is quality cargo pants can offer great cost per wear over time.
Now that you know how to select the best cargo pant types for your needs and style, let’s look at how to wear different types of cargo pants for various occasions.
How to Wear Cargo Pants
Many people still think of cargo pants as casual weekend wear. But the reality is modern cargo styles work beautifully for a diverse range of occasions. Here’s how to wear them in various settings:
At The Office
Cargo pants offer a comfortable alternative to stiff suits and dresses for workplace attire. Choose a dark color like black, navy or olive green in a tapered silhouette.
Pair them with a button-down shirt or blouse and blazer or cardigan for smart business casual style. Add loafers or oxfords to finish the polished look.
Daytime Outings
A classic pair of cotton canvas cargo pants works perfectly for everyday errands and casual daytime activities. Pair with a graphic tee, hoodie or flannel shirt for an effortlessly cool look. Finish with sneakers or boots.
Night Out
Elevate cargo pants for a night out by opting for dressier fabrics like wool blends or luxe tapered silhouettes. Pair with a satin cami or bodysuit and heels for girls’ night out. Or wear with an unbuttoned collared shirt and Chelsea boots for cocktails with the guys.
Travel Days
From road trips to airplane rides, cargo pants are ideal travel wear thanks to their comfort and abundance of pockets. Choose lightweight fabrics like cotton, nylon or quick-dry material paired with a moisture-wicking tee or tank and comfortable sneakers or sandals. Bring a cardigan or jacket to layer in case of cold A/C.
Outdoor Activities
When heading outdoors, specialized cargo pants offer functionality for activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and climbing. Look for design details like UPF protection, quick-dry fabric, water resistance, knee reinforcements, and convertible zip-off legs. Pair with moisture-wicking base layers, protective outer layers, and performance footwear like hiking boots.
Casual Weekends
You can never go wrong with classic cotton canvas cargo pants paired with a graphic tee or tank for relaxed weekends. Add a flannel shirt around your waist or shoulders on cooler evenings. Finish the look with sporty sneakers or sandals.
As you can see, cargo pants work beautifully for diverse occasions beyond outdoor adventures and workwear. With the right styling, they offer comfort, functionality and great style wherever you wear them.
Key Takeaways
- Cargo pants originated as military gear in 1938, later becoming mainstream fashion by the 1990s
- Modern cargo pant types now come in endless varieties spanning 11 main styles, from classic canvas to dressy designer options
- When selecting cargo pant types, consider your intended use, ideal fit and silhouette, fabric and features, colors, prints and budget
- Different types of cargo pants can be styled beautifully for work, play, travel, and everything in between
I hope this guide offered helpful tips for choosing and wearing the many types of cargo pants available today! Let me know in the comments if you have any other cargo pant recommendations or favorite styling ideas. I’m always open to adding new options to my cargo pant collection!