Best Men’s Cargo Pants: Functional and Fashion-Forward Options

Once considered a functional but frumpy wardrobe staple, cargo pants for men are officially back in style.  Updated and fashion-forward, today’s cargo pants are sharper and more carefully tailored than the old pairs you may have in the recesses of your closet. From loose fits to slim cuts, cool cargo pants freshen up your look, and modern, versatile versions can take you from work to play in comfort and style.

Read on for an overview of this year’s best men’s cargo pants to help you choose the designs and fits that suit your lifestyle and strike the perfect balance between fashion and wearability.

What are the Best Cargo Pants for Men?

Cargo pants brands show a wide variety of styles and designs this season, so you have ample choices for quality cargo pants. The best men’s cargo pants for you depend upon a number of factors, from your personal look to how and where you intend to wear them. Are you looking for a comfortable, casual fit or a more tailored, dressy cut? Do you generally lean towards classic silhouettes or love hip new trends? No matter what your preference, you’ll find the perfect cargo pants from the list below. Plus, we have big & tall cargo pants available for a wider selection of sizes!

Classic Cargo Pants - The most popular cargo pants style, these timeless pants are generally made of medium-weight cotton twill. They usually come in dark or neutral colors like black, brown, navy, beige, khaki, or grey — making them an easy-to-pair wardrobe basic. The relaxed fit, bellowed cargo pockets, and details like double stitching and distressed fabric are suitable for casual work or social wear.

Cropped Cargo Pants - A top look in this year’s cargo comeback, cropped cuts add a dash of contemporary flair to the classic cargo style. Pair these trendy cargo pants with an equally fashion-forward shirt or hoodie for a date or night at the club. 

Jogger Cargo Pants - A hybrid between street-wear joggers and old-school cargo pants, this style has an elastic waist and bottom cuffs, sleek, slim cut, and flush cargo pockets to have an edgier, younger appeal.

Travel Cargo Pants - Combine the wrinkle and water-resistant convenience of high-tech fabric with the comfort and utility of the cargo pant style, and you have the best men’s travel pants to pack for your next work trip or vacation. 

Dress Cargo Pants - Nice cargo pants may seem like an oxymoron, but an increasing number of designers are dressing up the classic cargo style for a day in the office or night out on the town. Luxury fabrics, impeccable tailoring, and a slim silhouette with crisply ironed and flush cargo pockets elevate the humble cargo pant for more formal occasions.

Loose Fit Cargo Pants - Loosely-fitted styles make the most comfortable cargo pants. Some designers take the classic relaxed cut even wider with elasticized or pleated waistbands and wide legs that taper fashionably at the ankle. Pair these with a fitted top and the hottest sneakers for a cutting-edge streetwear look.

Slim Fit Cargo Pants - Another contemporary interpretation of the standard cut, these cool men’s cargo pants are among the hottest styles this season. The fitted design creates a trendy, slim silhouette despite the side pockets, and the tapered or elasticized hems look great with boots or street sneakers.

 

How to Style Cargo Pants

With their wide variety of updated fits and styles, today’s cargo pants can be dressed up or down for almost any occasion. Good cargo pants tick all the right boxes — durability, style, comfort, and versatility — and can last through work and play. Here are a few ideas for styling your cargo pants: 

Casual Cargo Styles

Classic cargo pants for men are the best starting point for a casual style, paired with a relaxed-fit casual button-down or cotton t-shirt. Add some playful flair by choosing a bold short-sleeved button-down or graphic print t-shirt and finish your look with a sporty canvas belt and sneakers. You’re backyard barbecue ready.

Streetwear Cargo Styles

Streetwear is one of the hottest fashion trends and cropped or jogger cargo pants, will give your look an urban edge for a night out at the club. Choose a fitted hoodie or solid button-down shirt on top to create a sleek silhouette; you can pair both options with either loose or slim-fit cargo bottoms. Throw on your Doc Marten boots or designer sneakers and hit the dance floor.

Dressy Cargo Styles

Swap out your stuffy trousers with a more comfortable pair of dress cargo pants paired with a tailored button-down shirt and blazer for a day at the office or a date night. Loafers or oxfords, a leather belt, and understated accessories like a nice watch or pocket square complete this business casual look. 

Learn More about the Best Men’s Cargo Pants

Take advantage of the cargo comeback by updating your wardrobe. For the perfect cargo pants for men to fit your personal look, shop UNIONBAY. Our collection of classic cargo pants combine classic wearability and contemporary style. Or if you prefer a version for warmer days, check out our cargo shorts for men!

Shop our top men's cargo pants today! you can also check out our article on how to measure men's pants!