Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.
best basic cargo pants
Amazon Essentials Cargo Pants
Pros
More affordable than other options
Cons
Some buyers say the washing instructions are very specific
Budget-friendly cargoes cut with a serious dash of everyday versatility—now that's a steal. This pair has a slim look through the hips and thighs and sits right below the waist for a perfect fit. The cotton twill fabric has some stretch to it so you can actually move easily in them.
One reviewer says, "These cargo pants feel amazing."
Colors | 8 |
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Sizes | Waist: 28"-42" / Inseam: 28"-34" |
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Materials | 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex |
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best versatile cargo pants
Lululemon Cargo Pants
Pros
Have quick-drying properties
Cons
Not as durable as other options
Lululemon's take on the classic canvas cargo has the natural touch of cotton-blend fabric plus added stretch for increased mobility. There's also a hidden phone sleeve inside the hand pockets, and the fabric has been treated with an odor blocker so that they won't get funky if you work out in them.
Colors | 6 |
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Sizes | Waist: 28"-40" |
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Materials | Cotton Blend, Twill |
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best athleisure cargo pants
Vuori Meta Pants
Pros
Have anti-odor properties
Cons
Can run large
Polished cargo pants in a fully functional material—what could be better than that? Designed with a four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric, and UPF 30+ technology, they'll be something you'll never want to take off.
One reviewer says, "These pants are so comfortable, and the design is fantastic."
Colors | 5 |
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Sizes | Waist: 28"-38" |
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Materials | 100% Polyester |
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best everyday cargo pants
H&M Cargo Pants
Pros
Come with covered elastic at the hems
Cons
Can run large
H&M takes inspiration from classic, military-inspired design cues—and does it well, at that. Made with a hard-wearing ripstop fabric, these pants have a drawstring waistband, side pockets, and covered elastic at the hems.
Colors | 6 |
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Sizes | XS-3XL |
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Materials | 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex |
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best casual cargo pants
Carhartt Work In Progress Aviation Cargo Pants
Pros
Made with buckle waist straps
Cons
Pricier than other options
You didn't really expect to see a list of some of the most useful pants around without Carhartt WIP being included, did you? This option will become your new go-to for a relaxed vibe with its signature double-layer knees, buckle waist straps, and plenty of pockets.
Colors | Dollar Green |
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Sizes | Waist: 28"-36" / Inseam: 30"-34" |
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Materials | 100% Columbia Ripstop Cotton |
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best durable cargo pants
Wrangler Cargo Pants
Pros
Relaxed fit
Extensive sizing options
Come in seven colors
Cons
Some buyers say the zipper can feel flimsy
Ol' reliable over here. Made by the brand that knows a thing or two about durable clothing, these cargo pants are comfortable, hardworking, and built for exploring the great outdoors and beyond. Plus, they have a relaxed, more generous fit with plenty of functional details that will come in handy anywhere you go.
One reviewer says, "These pants fit great and are really comfortable; I wear them just about every day."
Colors | 7 |
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Sizes | Waist: 29"-60" / Inseam: 29"-38" |
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best go-to cargo pants
Dickies Work Pants
Pros
Wrinkle and fade resistant
Cons
Can sell out quickly
If you can't trust Dickies to make a pair of durable pants that'll see you through thick and thin, who can you turn to? This option is wrinkle and fade resistant, has a straight-leg fit, and comes with stitched-down pocket flaps and welt back pockets for a smooth contour.
Colors | 3 |
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Sizes | Waist: 30"-44" / Inseam: 30"-34" |
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Materials | 100% Polyester |
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best elevated cargo pants
Todd Snyder Cargo Pants
Pros
Look as good as they feel
Cons
On the more expensive side
This is a pair of cargo pants that refuses to compromise on the cool factor, and we wouldn't expect anything else from Todd Snyder. There are drawcords at each ankle, so you can wear them open or cinch them tight, and reinforced knees and a concealable drawstring at the waist complete the look. Dress them up with a polo or down with a hoodie and your favorite pair of sneakers.
Colors | 3 |
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Sizes | Waist: XS-2XL/ Inseam: M-XL |
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Materials | 100% Cotton |
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best athletic cargo pants
Adidas Summer Cargo Pants
Pros
Made with soft and comfortable materials
Cons
Can run small
A performance pair of cargos with an elastic waistband, a slouchy fit, and large pockets for maximum use and comfort. The cotton ripstop fabric these are made of gives them a durable finish on the outside without compromising how soft they feel against your skin.
One reviewer says, "These are comfortable, look great, and work for just about any occasion."
Colors | Black |
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Sizes | XS-4XL |
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Materials | 100% Cotton Ripstop |
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best affordable cargo pants
Gap Cargo Pants
Pros
Made to keep you comfortable all day long
Cons
Some buyers say they can run large
Easy to wear, affordable, and made with breathable materials, these cargoes from Gap are a pretty obvious choice. They have a relaxed cut that's loose but never baggy and are crafted from a stretch cotton canvas weave that will keep you comfortable all day long.
One reviewer says, "Great-quality and well made."
Colors | 8 |
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Sizes | Waist: 29"-49" / Inseam: 30"-32" |
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Materials | 100% Cotton |
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best chic cargo pants
Bodega x Todd Snyder Herringbone Cargo Pants
Pros
Sleek and stylish
Cons
Have more of an athletic build
Like we said before, if there’s one thing Todd Snyder knows how to do, it’s make anything—even comfy cargo pants—look chic. Part jogger, part cargo pant, and ready for whatever, this option is sand-washed, which brings out the highs and lows in the fabric and gives them a broken-in feel from the get-go.
One reviewer says, "These pants have brilliant details; I'm in love."
Colors | Brown |
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Sizes | XS-2XL |
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Materials | 100% Cotton Herringbone |
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best retro-inspired cargo pants
Buck Mason Jungle Pants
Pros
Designed with side adjusters for a perfect fit
Cons
Only available in two colorways
These pants are inspired by vintage military fatigues from the 1960s, designed for troops in the jungle. And just like the originals, these are made from lightweight poplin cotton, with single-pleated knees and drawstrings at the hem.
One reviewer says, "The only way to describe these pants is perfect."
Colors | 2 |
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Sizes | Waist: 28"-38" |
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Materials | Cotton Poplin |
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best luxe cargo pants
Ralph Lauren Cargo Pants
Pros
Lightweight and breathable
Cons
Can sell out quickly
You're already looking for cargoes, so why not grab a style by Ralph Lauren—a purveyor of all-American fashion? This option has a modern slim fit and is cut from durable cotton canvas. It has more of a worn-in look and is probably not the best option if you're trying to dress it up a bit.
Colors | Outdoors Olive |
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Sizes | Waist: 28"-44" / Inseam: 29"-34" |
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Materials | 100% Cotton |
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best loungewear cargo pants
Alo Yoga Cargo Venture Pants
Pros
Come in three colorways
Cons
Can run large
If there's one thing Alo Yoga is going to do, it's make some athletic gear that doesn't skimp on performance or cool style. Don't live in regret. Add this pair—with a bungee detail at the hem and interior drawcords—to your cart now before it sells out, because there's no doubt it will.
One reviewer says, "These are the best pants I've ever bought."
Colors | 5 |
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Sizes | S-2XL |
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Materials | Recycled weave |
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best outdoorsy cargo pants
Patagonia Forge Pants
Pros
Come with extra pockets for bonus storage space
Cons
Can run long
Patagonia makes hardcore hiking gear favored by gorp-inclined outdoorsmen and above-averagely stylish dudes alike. These pants are made for years, not seasons, and come with easy-wearing construction, a contoured waistband, and a zip-fly closure. The best part? There's no break-in period with these pants, so they'll be ready to join you on all your adventures right away.
Colors | 2 |
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Sizes | Waist: 28"-44" |
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Materials | 55% Industrial Hemp, 27% Recycled Polyester, 18% Organic Cotton |
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best designer cargo pants
John Elliott Himalayan Cargo Pants
Pros
Made with water-repellent materials
Cons
Shipping times can vary
Perfectly cut trousers crafted from a hard-wearing yet lightweight Japanese nylon and made with slanted pockets and a cinched waist. They're a no-brainer.
Colors | 2 |
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Sizes | XS-2XL |
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Materials | 100% Nylon |
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best lightweight cargo pants
Banana Republic Cargo Pants
Pros
Easy to pack
Cons
Can be hard to spot-clean
Cut with the same style and attention to detail that make Banana Republic a staple in the wardrobes of chic dudes everywhere, these linen cargo pants are a modern take on a classic look. They have the same details as expertly tailored trousers and side adjuster tabs at the waist for a perfect fit.
One reviewer says, "These cargo pants are the perfect elevated style."
Colors | 3 |
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Sizes | Waist: 30"-38" |
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Materials | 100% Linen |
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best cold-weather cargo pants
Goldwin Cordura Cargo Pants
Pros
Have a buckled waist
Cons
Heavier than other options
Durable but also, in a gorp-core way, pretty damn cool. Plus, they're made from a sturdy, supple Cordura nylon and feature a mobility-focused design that's ideal for hiking.
Colors | 3 |
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Sizes | S-XL |
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Materials | 94% Nylon, 6% Polyurethane |
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best chic cargo pants
Rick Owens Stefan Pants
Pros
Have a button-and-zip fastening for a secure fit
Cons
The most expensive option on this list
These cargo pants from Rick Owens—a brand that's known for creating its designs with a mix of subcultural references—have an exaggerated, baggy profile but still hold their shape well. They're the best of both worlds.
Colors | 2 |
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Sizes | Waist: 28"-36" |
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Materials | Not Available |
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best sporty cargo pants
Nike Tech Pants
Pros
Made with an adjustable belt buckle
Cons
Retro-inspired fit may not be for everyone
Pop it, lock it—zip it in your pocket. Whatever your vibe is, these super-slick mesh-lined pants are built for easy movement. The smooth woven ripstop fabric comes in a relaxed design that will give you a no-nonsense fit.
One reviewer says, "These pants are a must-have; they're extremely comfortable and lightweight."
Colors | 2 |
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Sizes | XS-2XL |
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Materials | Recycled Polyester, Nylon |
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