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Jul 21, 2023

13 Best Cargo Pants For Men 2023

Some might say cargo pants are back. Others might argue they never went out of style. No matter where you stand, the best cargo pants for men combine a modern fit with classic, rugged utility

Some might say cargo pants are back. Others might argue they never went out of style. No matter where you stand, the best cargo pants for men combine a modern fit with classic, rugged utility features: think sturdy fabrics that last, durable side pockets and a updated fit that’s comfortable but not casual to the point of barely hanging onto your waist (that style would be ‘90s cargo pants—don’t go there).

The best cargo pants for men combine classic workwear details with a modern, stylish fit.

To find the best cargo pants for men, Forbes Vetted’s fashion editor, Kari Molvar, spent time researching the difference between materials, fit and silhouettes and other thoughtful details so you don’t have to. Here, you’ll find our top recommendations, including Outerknown’s Voyager Cargo Pants, which is our top pick overall for its athletic fit and quality construction. And for more menswear advice, we also rounded up the best jeans and white sneakers for men, should you need more fashion essentials.

Mr Porter

Sizes: 28 to 38 | Colors: 2 total, including Olive Night and Pitch Black | Materials: 100% organic cotton | Number of Pockets: 6

Outerknown is known for putting a stylish, atheltic spin on everyday menswear. Their Voyager Cargo Pants have all the features you want in a great pair, including a streamlined fit and a mid-weight, organic cotton military slub twill. Their garment dyeing process gives these pants a broken-in and well-worn feel, and the two cargo pockets offer ample storage for your phone or valuables. Also great: Adjustable tabs allow you to adjust the waist, too.

What the reviews say: “The quality is fantastic. The fit perfect. The styling great. I would be surprised if I bought another pair when they wear out, if they ever do wear out.” —Outerknown

Duer

Sizes: 28 to 40W, 30 to 32L | Colors: 5 total, including Black and Loden Green | Materials: 62% cotton, 30% Tencel Lyocell, 6% lycra T400 polyester, 2% lycra spandex | Number of Pockets: 7

Duer’s popular Live Free Adventure Pant gets top marks for its relaxed fit with a tapered ankle and boasts thoughtful design details like adjustable snap cuffs, a belt loop key ring and zippered angular cargo pockets for added security. The Live Free cotton-tencel fabric is not only odor-neutralizing, moisture-resistant and coated in a waterproof layer, it’s also 10 times stretchier than the average woven fabric, ensuring a comfortable fit no matter if you’re walking or sitting.

What the reviews say: “The fit is perfect, comfortable and the quality is impeccable.” —Duer

Amazon

Sizes: 30 to 50W, 30 to 34L | Colors: 7 total, including Desert Sand and Hunter Green Camo | Materials: 65% polyester, 35% cotton| Number of Pockets: 7

Dickies has deservedly been a trusted workwear brand since 1922: their clothes are high-quality and durable, at a great value. The Regular Straight Stretch Twill Cargo Pant comes in an inclusive size range with a relaxed fit, tunnel belt loops, a heavy-duty brass zipper and ample pockets. The easy care polyester-cotton twill fabric and stain-resistant finish means these sturdy pants last long, too (FYI, washing them first helps soften up the fabric).

What the reviews say: “I bought these for work and they are exactly what I needed. All of the pockets are great, and I especially appreciate the phone pocket on the right leg. The fit is loose.” —Amazon

Huckberry

Sizes: 26 to 42W, 30 to 34L | Colors: Black, Dark Olive | Materials: 100% cotton | Number of Pockets: 7

RRL’s Surplus Cargo Pant takes a traditional cargo pant and elevates the design. The soft cotton canvas material has reinforced stitching in the knees and seat for added durability while the articulated knees allow for greater mobility. The drawstring hems nod to classic military styling, and adjustable, buttoned waist tabs allow for a versatile fit. The cargo pant also features six deep pockets to store everyday essentials and a small seventh pocket at the waist.

What the reviews say: “Authentic cargo pants. Love the details, like how the side pockets open at an angle and have the ability to balloon in size, or the extra stitching on the fly. I feel like I could wear these in the real elements. These are baggy and authentic.” —Nordstrom

Banana Republic

Sizes: 28 to 42W, 28 to 36L | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Toasted Cocoa | Materials: 97% cotton, 3% spandex | Number of Pockets: 7

Banana Republic proves that cargo pants actually can be office-appropriate. Teir Tapered Surplus Cargo have a streamlined fit and tapered leg that prevents the look for being too casual while the cotton stretch fabric takes the comfort level up a notch for all-day wear. The pants have six pockets that hug the body plus a hidden internal waistband pocket.

Vuori Clothing

Sizes: 28 to 38 | Colors: 3 total, including Walnut and Black | Materials: 100% polyester | Number of Pockets: 6

Vuori’s Meta Cargo Pants are cut from a technical, moisture-wicking fabric with four-way stretch fabric. The fit is stylish, slim and athletic, so you can wear this pair to work or on the weekends. Details like riveted front slash pockets and a slightly cropped ankle make them comfortable and versatile.

What the reviews say: “Great build quality, comfortable material, overall wonderful pair of pants. Highly, highly recommend.” —Vuori

Amazon

Sizes: 30 to 50W, 30 to 36L | Colors: 2 total, including Dark Khaki and Shadow | Materials: 69% cotton, 31% polyester | Number of Pockets: 8

Carhartt took their classic workwear pant and made it better. The Force Relaxed Fit Ripstop Cargo has an relaxed fit and gusseted crotch for easy movement and comfort, and the stretch technology fabric and reinforced pockets mean you can do heavy hauling in these pants. The cotton-poly ripstop fabric is durable too, with sweat-wicking and quick-drying features to keep you cool.

What the reviews say: “The stitching is great and I can see them holding up for a long time. I work commercial construction and needed some pants that will hold up to daily abuse. I’ve already ordered another pair because I really like them. So far I highly recommend them.” —Amazon

Eddie Bauer

Sizes: 30 to 40W, 30 to 36L | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Light Khaki | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Number of Pockets: 6

When you need to hit the road, catch a flight or explore on vacation, Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro Pants are lightweight and pack down to fit into an overnight bag. They have an athletic fit that sits close to the body, but thanks to built-in stretch, you can bend and move easily in this pair. Protective features like a water-resistant finish, UPF 50+ fabric and an odor control waistband keeps these pants fresh and dry if you can’t do laundry for a bit.

What the reviews say: “These are some of the most comfortable pants I have ever worn. They are lightweight and fit perfect with some stretch. I am going to buy another pair in a different color.” —Eddie Bauer

Nike

Sizes: XS to 4XL Tall | Colors: 7 total, including Black and Charcoal Heather | Materials: 80% cotton, 20% polyester | Number of Pockets: 4

If you need a pair of cargo pants for lounging or colder weather, you’ll want to think beyond twill fabrics. Nike’s cargo pants are cut from a brushed sweatpants-like material for warmth and softness and outfitted with cargo pockets and ankle cuffs for a sporty jogger look.

What the reviews say: “Well tapered fit, comfortable and warm. Nice to lounge in but also more than fine enough to wear outside. Also really enjoy the cargo pockets.” —Nike

Columbia

Sizes: 28 to 44W, 30 to 34L | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Stone Green | Materials: 97% cotton, 3% elastane | Number of Pockets: 7

Columbia’s Pacific Ridge Cargo Pants are popular with hikers for good reason: the two-way comfort stretch fabric comes with built-in water repellency, the six pockets—plus a zippered security pocket—store your hiking essentials and a multi-functional utility belt loop gives you extra storage on the trails.

What the reviews say: “Nice fit. Good material with just enough stretch. Bought them for a backcountry camping trip and the held up nicely.” —Columbia

Bonobos

Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 3 total, including Khaki and Navy Blue | Materials: 91% polyester | 9% spandex | Number of Pockets: 6

Any outdoor or urban warrior can get behind Bonobos’s Stretch Convertible Cargo Pant, which are made from a super stretchy, water repellent fabric and easily zip off at the knee to become 8.5-inch shorts. An elastic waistband offers added comfort and there’s plenty of storage thanks to the large pockets. The versatility of the fabric weight stood out to one reviewer who said they hold up in the temperatures outside against the wind but also they’re comfy enough to wear inside as well.

What the reviews say: “Great fit and very comfortable. Excellent price for what looks and feels like a high-quality material. Will likely buy more just like it.” —Bonobos

Abercrombie & Fitch

Sizes: 28 to 36W, 28 to 34L | Colors: 2 total, including Olive Green and Dark Grey | Materials: 100% cotton | Number of Pockets: 6

Abercrombie has made over much of its ‘90s clothing, including their selection of cargo pants, which are now surprisingly stylish. The Loose Cargo Pant has a loose fit through the leg and a soft, washed cotton fabric for casual comfort. Both the cargo and back pockets feature a closable flap and the front patch pockets have zippers for added security. The bottom hem also has bungee pulls, allowing for styling flexibility.

What the reviews say: “The fit is perfect. They’re a great everyday cargo pant that you can dress up or dress down.”

Gap

Sizes: 28 to 42W, 28 to 34L | Colors: 4 total, including Black Moss and Mission Tan | Materials: 100% cotton | Number of Pockets: 6

Gap is a classic option for cargo pants. If you want a pair that’s baggy but not to the point of sloppy, consider the Relaxed Utility Cargo. They’ve got a comfortable, relaxed fit and are cut from a smooth, sturdy cotton that’s been sustainably made as part of Gap’s Washwell program, which conserves water during the production process.

At Forbes Vetted, we take fashion seriously and have published many expertly-researched clothing and accessories articles. Our experience includes plenty of firsthand knowledge, too, as editors and writers who are picky about what they wear and constantly seeking out the best in everything, whether it’s the most comfortable dress shoes or jeans for men. We've tried on, evaluated and put many pieces of clothing through the paces to see what comes out on top in terms of performance, quality and value for your money.

Our Forbes Vetted senior fashion editor, Kari Molvar, has been covering fashion and lifestyle topics for more than 20 years, and has seen trends come and go. With that in mind, she focused on picking the best men’s cargo pants that can be the staples of your wardrobe right now but will also last season after season. Given this level of expertise we put into each story, you can trust our opinions when it comes to finding the right cargo pants for your needs and budget.

To find the best men’s cargo pants on the market, we researched bestselling options, pored through reviews across sites and consulted Forbes Vetted’s senior fashion editor. Additionally, we considered a few of our personal favorite brands that we rely on for great basics depending on the situation, like work, travel and lounging. Then, we narrowed down our selections by considering key features like comfort, materials and price. Most importantly, we update this list regularly to ensure you’re up-to-date on product availability and sales. This article was last updated in August 2023.