Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

END, Mr Porter

best basic cargo pants

Amazon Essentials Cargo Pants

Pros

• More affordable than other options

Cons

• Some buyers say the washing instructions are very specific

Budget-friendly cargoes cut with a serious dash of everyday versatility—now that's a steal. This pair has a slim look through the hips and thighs and sits right below the waist for a perfect fit. The cotton twill fabric has some stretch to it so you can actually move easily in them.

One reviewer says, "These cargo pants feel amazing."

best versatile cargo pants

Lululemon Cargo Pants

Pros

• Have quick-drying properties

Cons

• Not as durable as other options

Lululemon's take on the classic canvas cargo has the natural touch of cotton-blend fabric plus added stretch for increased mobility. There's also a hidden phone sleeve inside the hand pockets, and the fabric has been treated with an odor blocker so that they won't get funky if you work out in them.

best athleisure cargo pants

Vuori Meta Pants

Pros

• Have anti-odor properties

Cons

• Can run large

Polished cargo pants in a fully functional material—what could be better than that? Designed with a four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric, and UPF 30+ technology, they'll be something you'll never want to take off.

One reviewer says, "These pants are so comfortable, and the design is fantastic."

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best everyday cargo pants

H&M Cargo Pants

Pros

• Come with covered elastic at the hems

Cons

• Can run large

H&M takes inspiration from classic, military-inspired design cues—and does it well, at that. Made with a hard-wearing ripstop fabric, these pants have a drawstring waistband, side pockets, and covered elastic at the hems.

best casual cargo pants

Carhartt Work In Progress Aviation Cargo Pants

Pros

• Made with buckle waist straps

Cons

• Pricier than other options

You didn't really expect to see a list of some of the most useful pants around without Carhartt WIP being included, did you? This option will become your new go-to for a relaxed vibe with its signature double-layer knees, buckle waist straps, and plenty of pockets.

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best go-to cargo pants

Dickies Work Pants

Now 30% Off

Pros

• Wrinkle and fade resistant

Cons

• Can sell out quickly

If you can't trust Dickies to make a pair of durable pants that'll see you through thick and thin, who can you turn to? This option is wrinkle and fade resistant, has a straight-leg fit, and comes with stitched-down pocket flaps and welt back pockets for a smooth contour.

best elevated cargo pants

Todd Snyder Cargo Pants

Pros

• Look as good as they feel

Cons

• On the more expensive side

This is a pair of cargo pants that refuses to compromise on the cool factor, and we wouldn't expect anything else from Todd Snyder. There are drawcords at each ankle, so you can wear them open or cinch them tight, and reinforced knees and a concealable drawstring at the waist complete the look. Dress them up with a polo or down with a hoodie and your favorite pair of sneakers.

best athletic cargo pants

Adidas Summer Cargo Pants

Pros

• Made with soft and comfortable materials

Cons

• Can run small

A performance pair of cargos with an elastic waistband, a slouchy fit, and large pockets for maximum use and comfort. The cotton ripstop fabric these are made of gives them a durable finish on the outside without compromising how soft they feel against your skin.

One reviewer says, "These are comfortable, look great, and work for just about any occasion."

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best affordable cargo pants

Gap Cargo Pants

Now 23% Off

Pros

• Made to keep you comfortable all day long

Cons

• Some buyers say they can run large

Easy to wear, affordable, and made with breathable materials, these cargoes from Gap are a pretty obvious choice. They have a relaxed cut that's loose but never baggy and are crafted from a stretch cotton canvas weave that will keep you comfortable all day long.

One reviewer says, "Great-quality and well made."

best chic cargo pants

Bodega x Todd Snyder Herringbone Cargo Pants

Now 23% Off

Pros

• Sleek and stylish

Cons

• Have more of an athletic build

Like we said before, if there’s one thing Todd Snyder knows how to do, it’s make anything—even comfy cargo pants—look chic. Part jogger, part cargo pant, and ready for whatever, this option is sand-washed, which brings out the highs and lows in the fabric and gives them a broken-in feel from the get-go.

One reviewer says, "These pants have brilliant details; I'm in love."

best retro-inspired cargo pants

Buck Mason Jungle Pants

Pros

• Designed with side adjusters for a perfect fit

Cons

• Only available in two colorways

These pants are inspired by vintage military fatigues from the 1960s, designed for troops in the jungle. And just like the originals, these are made from lightweight poplin cotton, with single-pleated knees and drawstrings at the hem.

One reviewer says, "The only way to describe these pants is perfect."

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best luxe cargo pants

Ralph Lauren Cargo Pants

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable

Cons

• Can sell out quickly

You're already looking for cargoes, so why not grab a style by Ralph Lauren—a purveyor of all-American fashion? This option has a modern slim fit and is cut from durable cotton canvas. It has more of a worn-in look and is probably not the best option if you're trying to dress it up a bit.

best loungewear cargo pants

Alo Yoga Cargo Venture Pants

Pros

• Come in three colorways

Cons

• Can run large

If there's one thing Alo Yoga is going to do, it's make some athletic gear that doesn't skimp on performance or cool style. Don't live in regret. Add this pair—with a bungee detail at the hem and interior drawcords—to your cart now before it sells out, because there's no doubt it will.

One reviewer says, "These are the best pants I've ever bought."

best outdoorsy cargo pants

Patagonia Forge Pants

Pros

• Come with extra pockets for bonus storage space

Cons

• Can run long

Patagonia makes hardcore hiking gear favored by gorp-inclined outdoorsmen and above-averagely stylish dudes alike. These pants are made for years, not seasons, and come with easy-wearing construction, a contoured waistband, and a zip-fly closure. The best part? There's no break-in period with these pants, so they'll be ready to join you on all your adventures right away.

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best designer cargo pants

John Elliott Himalayan Cargo Pants

Pros

• Made with water-repellent materials

Cons

• Shipping times can vary

Perfectly cut trousers crafted from a hard-wearing yet lightweight Japanese nylon and made with slanted pockets and a cinched waist. They're a no-brainer.

best lightweight cargo pants

Banana Republic Cargo Pants

Pros

• Easy to pack

Cons

• Can be hard to spot-clean

Cut with the same style and attention to detail that make Banana Republic a staple in the wardrobes of chic dudes everywhere, these linen cargo pants are a modern take on a classic look. They have the same details as expertly tailored trousers and side adjuster tabs at the waist for a perfect fit.

One reviewer says, "These cargo pants are the perfect elevated style."

best cold-weather cargo pants

Goldwin Cordura Cargo Pants

Pros

• Have a buckled waist

Cons

• Heavier than other options

Durable but also, in a gorp-core way, pretty damn cool. Plus, they're made from a sturdy, supple Cordura nylon and feature a mobility-focused design that's ideal for hiking.

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best chic cargo pants

Rick Owens Stefan Pants

Pros

• Have a button-and-zip fastening for a secure fit

Cons

• The most expensive option on this list

These cargo pants from Rick Owens—a brand that's known for creating its designs with a mix of subcultural references—have an exaggerated, baggy profile but still hold their shape well. They're the best of both worlds.

best sporty cargo pants

Nike Tech Pants

Now 30% Off

Pros

• Made with an adjustable belt buckle

Cons

• Retro-inspired fit may not be for everyone

Pop it, lock it—zip it in your pocket. Whatever your vibe is, these super-slick mesh-lined pants are built for easy movement. The smooth woven ripstop fabric comes in a relaxed design that will give you a no-nonsense fit.

One reviewer says, "These pants are a must-have; they're extremely comfortable and lightweight."

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