THE BEST CARGO PANTS FOR MEN AND WOMEN FOR EFFORTLESS STYLE

The recent resurrection of ’90s styles has brought back many long-forgotten influential garments, including pocket-packed cargo pants. These pants have always been versatile, donned by everyone from punk rockers to vacationing dads. But the best cargo pants of the modern age have reinvented their image, leaving their chain-embellished and map-filled pockets in the past. Their nonchalant attitude gives any ensemble an edge of coolness, and new fabric choices leave nothing off the table.

Old-school cargo pants made their presence known, their “swish” reverberating through high-school hallways. Today's renditions are far different—designer brands have taken the best features of designs from the past and added a contemporary spin. Modern cargo pants know no limits, appearing in every fabric imaginable, from chic faux leather and nylon to linen and silk. Dress them up with a favorite sweater, logo tee, or tank top; there's a design for every type of top and footwear.

WOMEN'S CARGO PANTS

The original cargo pants had tapered, elasticized ankles, and camo was the most experimental colorway. Today’s iterations are ready for any occasion, found in relaxed fits in luxe satin, corduroy, and cotton twill. Whether indulging in a wide-leg shape or sticking strictly to slim fits, these silhouettes reimagine the classic pants into something new and exciting.

Wide-leg cargo trousers

Wide-leg and baggy pants have exploded in popularity with no signs of slowing. This cut is easy to infuse into streetwear ensembles and business-casual outfits alike. Try a pair of cargo pants from DARKPARK for a design that merges traditional Italian sartorial construction and modern motifs. The acid-washed denim cargo pants feature oversized flap pockets accentuated by edgy fraying.

Straight-leg cargos

Straight-leg cuts bring a natural air of sophistication to styling, taking the traditional loose fit of cargo pants and transitioning them into a streamlined cut. Dress them up with heels, or take a relaxed approach with sandals or sneakers. The beige vegan leather cargo pants from Alice + Olivia are flirty and feminine, while the black zipper-accented design by TOM FORD spells rebellion.

Drawcord ankles

The workwear flair of drawstring-ankled utilitarian pants contrasts nicely against ultra-feminine footwear. Brunello Cucinelli has perfected this style, offering cargo pants in a rich military green with drawcord ankles and side pockets. The relaxed fit is great for chic street-style ensembles with oversized bomber jackets, sunglasses, and heels.

Skinny cargo pants

Skinny slim-fits are an excellent way to accentuate and elongate the legs. Most slim-fit pants are made from stretchy fabric, giving a perfectly tailored feel to the look. Blue Revival offers skinny cargo pants fashioned from flexible body-hugging twill. The pants have lower-leg pockets and slim legs with zippered ankles to ensure a close fit. Slim-fit cargo pants look fantastic with strappy heels and sandals.

Satin cargo pants

Few fabrics rival satin’s ability to elevate a traditionally casual garment. Satin’s luxurious nature and the practical shape of cargo pants make a beautiful combination. FRAME's satin straight-leg cargo pants come in black, blue, and bone-white and feature meticulously tailored flap pockets and carefully thought-out knee seams. Add a pair of heels and a blazer for an office-ready look.

MEN'S CARGO PANTS

Although chinos always impress and jeans go with almost everything, there's something alluring about a pair of men's designer cargo pants. The shape allows them to be dressed up for work or down for lounging at home. 

These styles have cemented themselves among the most favorable menswear styles:

Classic camo cargo trousers

Since the dawn of cargo pants, camo has been the archetypal print. The stretch twill cargo pants at Purple reimagine the pattern through a contemporary lens, blending the traditional leaf-inspired embellishment with bright orange. The cargo pockets merge seamlessly against the pants’ relaxed legs, giving the overall design a clean-cut appearance. Style them with a simple tee or crew neck, plain white sneakers, or black dress boots.

Leather cargo pants

Although cargo pants are known for their rugged appearance, faux and natural leather work wonders to level up the sophistication. Remixing a conventionally durable design into a refined one can open up many styling opportunities. The faux-leather cargo pants at Stampd are a prime example—the opposing elements of function and elegance make the pants well-suited for casual and formal garments. Style them with a black turtleneck or white tee, and finish off the look with sneakers and a designer watch.

Linen cargos

Linen is the king of summer fabrics, adding breathability on hot days. The material is relaxed enough to pair well with casual tops and sophisticated enough for more formal pieces. The straight-cut, symmetrically designed legs of Rhude’s linen multi-pocket cargo pants provide an expertly tailored look, while the fabric and drawstring keep the design unassuming. Complement the pants with a long-sleeve shirt, puffer vest, and sneakers.

Cargo joggers

Any designer who can transform casual styles like joggers and sweatpants into everyday wear deserves a prize. Cargo joggers combine the best of both worlds with soft fabrics and refined design. Helmut Lang's black cargo jogger pants are made from a cozy plush material with tapered legs and an embroidered logo back pocket. The pants look great with sleek high-top sneakers, T-shirts, and black blazers.

Nylon cargo pants

Nylon is a prime choice for durable designs, so it's only natural that the material would be a favorite option for a rough and ragged cargo pattern. The material is naturally wind- and water-repellent, making it a fitting choice for facing foul weather. Brave the cold in style with a pair of Versace nylon cargo pants with an elastic waist and signature Medusa button closure, finishing the look with a hoodie and sneakers or a button-up top and dress boots.

TOP-TO-BOTTOM STYLE

Explore Neiman Marcus’ complete collection of women's pants and men's trousers to keep tabs on the most coveted designs. For help elevating your personal style, book an in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor, or shop by appointment to take a closer look at products that caught your eye online.

To spark new styling inspiration, explore the editorial archive, where Neiman Marcus introduces top designer brands and offers original outfit ideas. Once you’ve settled on a new pair of high-fashion cargo pants, learn how to style brown pants, work pants, and other iconic '90s garments.