Cargo Pants Volume III – Five Plus One

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.


We previously talked about Cargo Pants on several occasions, but the models we have mentioned keep being replaced with newer, better versions. And while I’m sure many of you don’t consider cargo pants to be your favorite style they’re easy to mix into a variety of aesthetics and offer a great change of pace from jeans, slacks, and chinos. That’s why we’ve updated our list with handful of the most compelling cargo pants out there, each with more than enough storage for a few handfuls of your EDC.

1) RRL: Surplus Cargo Pants

Cargo-Pants-Volume-III---Five-Plus-One 1) RRL: Surplus Cargo Pants

It should come as no surprise that RRL makes a killer pair of cargo pants, and their Surplus Cargo Pants are their latest interpretation of the style. Made in the classic olive colorway with a slightly tapered leg, two massive thigh pockets, and drawstring ankles, these cargos are ready for just about anything. They’re finished with articulated knees as well as both belt loops and suspender straps, so you can wear them whatever way you see fit.

Available for $340 from Cultimz.

2) Eastlogue: Combat Pants

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Eastlogue‘s clothing is always a bit more stylized than their competition without going overboard and looking gaudy, and they continued to walk that line with their Combat Pants. They are made in Korea from nylon fabric with flapped and buttoned pockets on the side, back, and thigh, and feature a reinforced crotch, waist tabs, and drawstring hems for good measure.

Whether you are into teachwear or want to slip these cargos into a workwear wardrobe, they certainly will add a bit of interest to your next fit.

Available for $145 from Namu.

3) Uniqlo: Cargo Jogger

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Not all of us find ourselves reaching for cargo pants all the time, which can make it hard to justify an expensive pair even if the clothing, design, and construction justifies the price. In this and other similar situations, Uniqlo can be a great option; their Cargo Joggers are a fantastic entry into the cargo style and don’t break the bank.

While the thing pockets are a bit on the small side, especially in comparison to many of the pants on this list, they certainly fulfill the style’s aesthetic. Plus, the slim tapered pattern helps to work these pants into many existing wardrobes.

Available for $40 from Uniqlo.

4) President’s: Garment Dyed Cargo Trousers

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President’s might not be an household name, even amongst avid Heddels readers, but they really should be. Their Garment Dyed Cargo Trousers are a great example of their offerings, with a great balance between fabric, construction, and and style. They are made in Italy from a 65%/35% cotton/nylon blend fabric, and feature slanted front pockets, flapped rear pockets, and large thigh pockets. Each pair is finished with horn buttons and a drawstring waistband.

Available for $295 from Blue Owl.

5) John Elliot: Slim-Fit Cotton Drawstring Cargo Trousers

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John Elliot make some great looking garments, and if you like the aesthetics of cargo pants but hate large pockets then their Sim-Fit Cotton Drawstring Cargo Trousers might be right up your alley. Sure, they have the thigh pockets you’d expect on a pair of cargos, but the volume is noticeable smaller than other pieces in the style. Be that as it may, the fine cotton fabric used on this pair as well as the matching drawstring and the waist and hems makes for a beautifully finished pair of cargo pants.

Available for $350 from Mr. Porter.

Plus One – Momotaro: 01-037 GTB Herringbone Denim Cargo Pants

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If you love the idea of rocking cargo pants but can’t give up fading your raws for even a day then Momotaro‘s 01-037 GTB Herringbone Denim Cargo Pants are the pair for you. As their name implies, they are made from raw denim—but not just any raw denim:  herringbone raw denim. Finished with white contrast stitching, slanted front pockets, and flapped back and thigh pockets, these cargos are certainly a standout.

Whether they standout in a good or bad way is in the eyes of the beholder, but I’m certainly glad Momotaro decided to not hold back.

Available for $163 from Denimio.