Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
While we remain happy with the picks we made in our original Cargo Pants – Five Plus One, most of them are no longer available. And while the style is timeless enough variability exists to fill new lists many times over. Today we’ll explore some of the most compelling options: from the most classic to more modern and tech-y variants.
1) Nine Lives: 9LU Military Spec Cargo
Nine Lives has only been around for a few years but they’ve already become a fan favorite. While their designs are unique and stylized they remain understated enough for everyday wear, a trait that is apparent in their 9LU Military Spec Chino. Available in a range of fabrics, these made in Japan cargoes feature a heavy taper below the knee, patch front pockets, hidden snap pockets, and raised/tucked belt loops among a ton of other great details.
Available for $335+ from Division Road.
2) J.Crew: 770 Straight Cargo
J.Crew is a great option for basics and traditional styled garments, as is exemplified with their 770 Straight Cargos. While straight fit aren’t for everyone, they are the classic cut for the cargo style and remain a popular option. Plus, these are garment-dyed herringbone cargoes, which sets them apart from the competition in many ways. The fabric features a small amount of elastane for stretch, durability, and comfort, all of which are extra important in a cargo pant.
Available for $57 from J.Crew.
3) wings+horns: Cordura BDU Pant
While traditional, baggy cargo pants are all well and good they certainly don’t match the sleek, modern aesthetic produced by wings+horns. And so the Cordura BDU Pant was a born: a military inspired cargo pant with room in the thigh, a heavy taper, and a fabric made for modern times. Beyond their Cordura nylon fabric, these pants feature articulated knees for greater comfort, horn buttons, and herringbone pocket bags.
Like this? Read these:
Available for $340CAD from wings+horns.
4) Enfin Leve: Ameztu Articulated Cargo Pants
Enfin Leve features a very tech-y, militaristic vibe that might not appeal to everyone, but if this hyper-modern aesthetic is one that appeals to you then you’ve found the right part of cargoes. Available in a range of high-tech fabrics from the likes of Schoeller and Stotz, these pants are really something special. They feature an asymmetric design, heavily tapered leg shape, drawstring for a secure fit, and vertical ankle zippers.
Available for €360+ from Enfin Leve.
5) Incotex: Urban Traveler Packable Cargo
Cargo in, cargo out. By their very design cargo pants have enough pocket space for whatever you need, but Incotex’s Urban Traveler Packable Cargoes leave you with plenty of room when you’re packing as well. Made from a thin but durable polyester fabric, these pants are waterproof, comfortable, and light, making them a great choice for trudging through inclement weather with any precious belongings.
Available for $265 from End.
Plus One – FDMTL: Corduroy Cargo
While we’ve seen some pretty unique cargo pants on this list today, none have a leg up on FDMTL’s Corduroy Cargoes. These patchwork, indigo dyed corduroy pants are certainly not ones that’d I’d be reaching for everyday, but it’s hard to deny that they’re beautiful. They’re finished with Japanese metal zippers, drawstring ankles, waste buckles, and a handful of pockets, making them one of the most interesting cargo pants available today.
Available for $335 from Blue Owl.
