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.
Cargo pants—can’t live with ’em, can’t live without ’em. On one hand they’re often baggy and ill-fitting, but on the other they’re a great way to break up the monotony of a wardrobe and can really transform and otherwise bland fit and add lots of storage.
That said, as cargos continue to be reinterpreted by fashion focused brands they become available in better cuts, and that has led to this continued series on the best cargo pants currently available.
1) Momotaro: Back Satin Cargo Pants
Momotaro makes some of the best jeans out there, so it should come as no surprise that they have some great cargos as well. Their Back Satin Cargo Pants are fairly baggy, although they have a slight taper through the leg, and feature an articulated knee for added comfort. With large hand pockets, hidden snap cargo pockets, and welted back pockets, these pants have all the carrying capacity you could hope for with a nice tapered overall fit.
Available for $175 from Okayama Denim.
2) Carhartt WIP: Regular Cargo Pant
If you’re looking for a pair of cargo pant, it makes sense to get one made from a sturdy fabric, and that’s just what you get with Carhartt WIP’s Regular Cargo Pant. Made from 6.5oz. Columbia Rip Stop fabric, these pants feature large cargo pockets, reinforced knees, and drawstring cuffs to get the perfect ankle fit. Available in a wide range of colorways and at an affordable price, these cargos are an easy way to add a new style to your wardrobe.
Available for $119-$148 from End.
3) OrSlow: Easy Cargo Pants
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The combination of easy and cargo pants come together perfectly for OrSlow’s Easy Cargo Pants. With a baggy top block but tapered lower black, elasticated and drawstring waistband, and comfortable fabric, these cargo pants are sure to be one of the easiest to wear garments you own. Made in Japan and finished with YKK hardware and bartack reinforcements, they should be able to withstand whatever you throw at them.
Available for $275 from Blue Owl.
4) F/CE: Microft Cargo Pants
Much of the cargo pant markets is made up of techwear (and even goth ninja) aesthetics, and we’re happy to see F/CE offer a pair that leans into this style while still being wearable and easy to work into outfits. The Microft Cargo Pants are made from a thin but strong synthetic fabric, and feature a built-in belt and elasticated waistband. While definitely a baggy fit, the tapered leg and short inseam give them a unique silhouette that’s easy to love.
Available for $323 from Hatchet Supply Co.
5) Engineered Garments: Aircrew Cotton Ripstop
If you’re looking for a lot of pockets and storage but don’t like the look of regular cargo pants then Engineered Garments’ Aircrew Cotton Ripstop are an excellent option. With flapped front pockets, double zip thigh pockets, ankle pockets, and flapped back pockets, these are arguably the most cargo friendly pants on this list. Made in the USA from 100% cotton ripstop fabric and available in multiple colors, these are an excellent want to add another (or even a first) pair of cargos to your rotation.
Available for $416 from Lost & Found.
Plus One – MotivMfg: Swiss Army Cargo Trousers – Abraham Moon® Merino Twill
While EG’s cargo pants would orginally be a shoo-in for the coveted Plus One slot, the Swiss Army Cargo Trousers that MotivMfg makes exclusively for Division Road are just that much more special. Built like trousers rather than regular five pocket pants or easy pants, these cargos have a lot going on for them. Made in Beijing from 12oz. merino lambswool, these pants feature slanted thigh pockets, a single back pocket, elasticated and tabbed waistband, and an articulated leg. They’re like nothing else out there, and while they might not appeal to everyone they’re definitely a beautiful piece that are hard to not love.
Available for $435 from Division Road.
