One of the most popular style movements within the men’s fashion world, streetwear style has long since been at the forefront of men’s fashion trends. The most popular menswear trends frequently find themselves altered and adopted by mainstream fashion, and nowhere is that clearer seen than the cargo pants trend.
Originally part of workwear and military style, men’s cargo trousers naturally fit into the rugged, utility sub-style of streetwear. Identified by their oversized pockets, baggy fit and unique look, men’s combat pants last saw a rise in popularity in the 1990s when they were claimed by streetwear leaders such as skaters and rappers. Since then, the cargo pants trend died down, but they’ve recently been reimagined, and the trend revived.
In this blog, we’ll be taking you through how to style cargo pants, starting with a rundown of the most popular styles. Once you’ve picked the fit of men’s combat trousers that best suits your personal style, we’ll show you what to wear with cargo pants and leave you with a little style inspiration so you can design your own outfit.
How to wear cargo pants
Within this trend, there are countless fits and designs but, if you’re new to this streetwear staple, let us introduce you to the three basic types of men’s cargo trousers: classic utility pants, comfortable cargo joggers and skinny combat trousers.
Classic streetwear cargo pants
A direct descendant of the original utility style combat trousers, classic cargo pants feature a loose, baggy fit that leans into the features of men’s workwear utility trousers. Of all the cargo pant styles, this fit is most popular with the streetwear style and has been reinvented countless times to show interesting new colourways and designs.
If you’re looking to add a pair of streetwear cargo pants to your wardrobe, we recommend picking some that blend into your style the best. If you go for the high-tech, Japanese street style, then black, asymmetrical cargo pants like the G-Star 3D Straight Tapered Cargos will suit your style. Alternatively, if you prefer classic, skate-inspired streetwear, finding a pair that leans into the heavy utility style, such as the G-Star Alpine Modular Relaxed Tapered Cargos, would be better.
Men’s cargo joggers
A loungewear update on the classic style, cargo joggers are perfect for men who prioritise comfort and practicality in their casual wardrobe. Due to the fleece or cotton materials usually used for cargo joggers, this style offers a slimmer silhouette than the bulky classic utility style cargos. Within this style, there are once again some variations, so if you’re looking for a more casual, slim fit we recommend the Alpha Industries X-Fit Slim Cargo Joggers while men who prefer the classic cargos should go for the G-Star Mixed Woven Cargo Joggers.
Skinny cargo pants for men
A more modern update on the classic baggy cargo pants of the 90s, men’s slim fit cargo pants strike an easy balance between casual and formal without ever losing the slightly rugged feel of their predecessors. Most popular in earthy tones such as green and tan, slim tapered cargo pants can be styled to suit a wide range of occasions. For casual days, we recommend the Carhartt WIP Rinsed Aviation Slim Fit Cargos but, if you’re looking for something to suit a night out, go for the more fitted Jack & Jones Paul Flake 982 Cargos.
What to wear with cargo pants
As with any trend, how you wear cargo pants will entirely depend on the style of trousers you choose, what occasion the outfit is for and your own personal style preferences. To help you put together an on-trend outfit, we’ve selected a few of our favourite pieces below.
How to wear cargo pants: classic combat trousers
When styling your outfit, there are two main options, the first of which is to match the heavy ‘workwear’ style of the trousers with a matching utility overshirt. Similarly to wearing double denim, this double workwear style is very on-trend, though can be difficult to pull off. If this is the look you’re going for, avoid clashing styles too much by choosing contrasting colourways, such as pairing black combat trousers with a green overshirt.
The second option for creating a classic cargo pants outfit is to combine this streetwear staple with similar styles, such as a relaxed-fitting tee underneath a hoodie. At Standout, we’ve created this look using G-Star’s Rovic Zip 3D Straight Tapered Cargos as a base then added the plain grey Farah Vintage Longbow T-Shirt and Jack & Jones Relaxed Classic Pullover Hoodie. With the base layer of the plain tee creating extra dimension, this layered look is perfect for colder months and is textbook streetwear style, particularly when finished off with some chunky white trainers.
What to wear with cargo joggers
As with the classic look, the easiest way to style cargo joggers is to lean into the overarching style of the trousers, which in this case is the loungewear style. Try pairing your cargo joggers with a comfortable, loose fitting tee and upstyling the look with a casual flannel shirt. This gives a relaxed sporty vibe which, when paired with a pair of high tops or chunky trainers, is the perfect casual look.
At Standout, we’ve created this style by pairing the Calvin Klein Jeans Cargo Badge Fleece Joggers in black with a Lyle & Scott Ringer T-Shirt in white. Layered with the Barbour Dunoon Tailored Shirt and finished off with a classic pair of black and white checkerboard Vans, this cargo joggers outfit is wearable in any season and for any casual occasion.
Slim fit cargo pants outfit
Just as slim fit cargo pants are a modern update on a workwear classic, pairing slim fit combat trousers with another modern workwear style is the perfect way to make the most of the trend. Here at Standout, we’ve paired the Alpha Industries Spy Cargos Trousers> with a smart white shirt and a Levi’s trucker jacket. Finished off with some modern combat boots by streetwear brand Palladium, this slim fit cargo pants outfit gives a clean, tailored look that still has a little edge to it.
Build your own cargo trousers outfit at Standout
Whether you’re going for a rugged, street style in some classic men’s cargo pants or want a more refined look with some skinny cargo pants for men, you’ll find all the elements you need to build your own cargo pants outfit online at Standout. Get started by browsing through our complete collection of men’s cargo trousers.
