The Evolution of Cargo Pants

Written By Khristin Guardado

Photographed By Mollie Williams

Modeled By Jona Harder & Sophia Lins

Cargo pants have had a fascinating presence throughout history. Generation after generation has styled cargo pants in their own unique ways, making them a significant clothing throughout the years. 

In 1938, the British military designed pants with an array of pockets, making them suitable for combat. During World War II, the United States adopted the pants into their military uniforms. After WWII ended in 1945, soldiers returned to their normal lives. Cargo pants were incorporated into everyday jobs such as construction and utility management. In the ‘80s, cargo pants were used in regular outdoorsy fashion. They grew in popularity during the ‘90s and 2000s as a part of Y2K fashion. Men, women, and children would wear the pants in all sorts of colors and styles. As the decades passed, the pants became looser and easier to move in. Despite the changes throughout time, their iconic pockets still remained. 

In recent years, trends and styles from the ‘90s and 2000s have returned to popularity, cargo pants being a prime example. Not only have they made a comeback in streetwear fashion, but they have also appeared on the runway. Celebrities such as Bella and Gigi Hadid, Zendaya, Hailey Bieber, Rihanna, and even Kate Middleton have reintroduced these multi-pocketed pants into the fashion world.

Unlike their British predecessor, cargo pants are now looser and more diverse in style. Like in the ‘90s and 2000s, cargo pants are still designed for anyone to wear.  Low rise, high rise, skinny fit, denim, joggers, and cargo shorts are different waistlines to add to your closet. Although they’re currently popular in the fashion landscape, cargo pants have been used as professional wear for years. Professions such as police officers, EMTs, and construction workers utilize these pants in their everyday uniforms.

Styling cargo pants is simple yet fashionable. Pairing your pants with either a tight crop top or a loose baggy tee compliments the pants. As for shoes, Nike Dunks, New Balances, or Converse are a great addition to the fit–consider adding accessories such as a mini purse, oval sunglasses, or your favorite jewelry pieces. No matter how you wear your cargo pants, you represent a timeless trend spanning decades.