Skip to Content

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

a pair of people's legspinterest
END, Mr Porter

20 Best Cargo Pants to Wear in Any Season, Tested and Reviewed

Updated styles, same ol’ comfort.

By

To paraphrase Shakespeare with extreme liberty: Something is very weird in the state of men's pants. Up is down. Right is left. And cargo pants are suddenly looking ... good? Like, really good. Like, really, really good.

This unexpected comeback is a welcome one. However, the return of the cargo doesn't grant you unilateral permission to pull out any old pair of pants from the darkest recesses of your closet. As always, fit is paramount. The cargo pants spotlighted here are all cut with surgical precision. So although the silhouettes vary, each version below is meant to sit on your body in a different way—and no two pairs are exactly alike, regardless of which style you favor. From big and baggy (but not too big and baggy) to slim and trim (but not too slim and trim), rest assured—our fashion editors reviewed plenty of options to bring you the best ones.

If you're still not entirely sold on cargo pants as a—very stylish!—proposition, give it a little time. Because the real trick to pulling off this particular swerve, as with so many others, is confidence. And that one's on you, guy. There's only so much I can do. Even with the Bard's help. Without further ado, the best cargo pants of 2024.

best basic cargo pants

Amazon Essentials Cargo Pants

Cargo Pants
$28 at Amazon
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."

Colors8
SizesWaist: 28"-42" / Inseam: 28"-34"
Materials97% Cotton, 3% Spandex
best versatile cargo pants

Lululemon Cargo Pants

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.

Colors6
SizesWaist: 28"-40"
MaterialsCotton Blend, Twill
best athleisure cargo pants

Vuori Meta Pants

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."

Colors5
SizesWaist: 28"-38"
Materials100% Polyester
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
best everyday cargo pants

H&M Cargo Pants

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.

Colors6
SizesXS-3XL
Materials98% Cotton, 2% Spandex
best casual cargo pants

Carhartt Work In Progress Aviation Cargo Pants

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.

ColorsDollar Green
SizesWaist: 28"-36" / Inseam: 30"-34"
Materials100% Columbia Ripstop Cotton
best durable cargo pants

Wrangler Cargo Pants

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."

Colors7
SizesWaist: 29"-60" / Inseam: 29"-38"
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
best go-to cargo pants

Dickies Work Pants

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.

Colors3
SizesWaist: 30"-44" / Inseam: 30"-34"
Materials100% Polyester
best elevated cargo pants

Todd Snyder Cargo Pants

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.

Colors3
SizesWaist: XS-2XL/ Inseam: M-XL
Materials100% Cotton
best athletic cargo pants

Adidas Summer Cargo Pants

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."

ColorsBlack
SizesXS-4XL
Materials100% Cotton Ripstop
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
best affordable cargo pants

Gap Cargo Pants

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."

Colors8
SizesWaist: 29"-49" / Inseam: 30"-32"
Materials100% Cotton
best chic cargo pants

Bodega x Todd Snyder Herringbone Cargo Pants

Herringbone Cargo Pants
Now 23% Off
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."

ColorsBrown
SizesXS-2XL
Materials100% Cotton Herringbone
best retro-inspired cargo pants

Buck Mason Jungle Pants

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."

Colors2
SizesWaist: 28"-38"
MaterialsCotton Poplin
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
best luxe cargo pants

Ralph Lauren Cargo Pants

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.

ColorsOutdoors Olive
SizesWaist: 28"-44" / Inseam: 29"-34"
Materials100% Cotton
best loungewear cargo pants

Alo Yoga Cargo Venture Pants

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."

Colors5
SizesS-2XL
MaterialsRecycled weave
best outdoorsy cargo pants

Patagonia Forge Pants

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.

Colors2
SizesWaist: 28"-44"
Materials55% Industrial Hemp, 27% Recycled Polyester, 18% Organic Cotton
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
best designer cargo pants

John Elliott Himalayan Cargo Pants

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.

Colors2
SizesXS-2XL
Materials100% Nylon
best lightweight cargo pants

Banana Republic Cargo Pants

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."

Colors3
SizesWaist: 30"-38"
Materials100% Linen
best cold-weather cargo pants

Goldwin Cordura Cargo Pants

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.

Colors3
SizesS-XL
Materials94% Nylon, 6% Polyurethane
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
best chic cargo pants

Rick Owens Stefan Pants

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.

Colors2
SizesWaist: 28"-36"
MaterialsNot Available
best sporty cargo pants

Nike Tech Pants

Tech Pants
Now 30% Off
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."

Colors2
SizesXS-2XL
MaterialsRecycled Polyester, Nylon
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Fashion

clothes

This Week’s Best Menswear Releases

robert geller

Five Fits With: Robert Geller of Rag & Bone

shoes

The 7 Best Pickleball Shoes for Men in 2024

collage of items

Shop the Best ‘Bear’ Merch

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below