The cargo pants you loved as an angsty teenager are back, back, back again for 2024. So, if you’re all for the Y2K fashion revival – we’re talking baby tees, butterfly tops and bucket hats – you need to add these utilitarian trousers to your shopping basket ASAP.
We never thought we’d see the day we were dressing like Avril Lavigne in her Sk8er Boi era again. But, after spotting Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski's super chic take on the cargo pant trend, we’ve realised with the right styling (hello, tonal sweatshirts and wool overcoats), these military-inspired trousers are exactly what’s been missing from our wardrobes.
Defined by their khaki tones, baggy silhouette and endless patch pockets, cargo pants were legit a staple back in the late ‘90s and Noughties. If you don’t believe us, consult Google immediately for relevant throwbacks – Jennifer Aniston’s boho outfits were a personal fave, and who can forget Destiny’s Child’s iconic military look in the band’s Survivor video?
In 2024, cargo pants are now more versatile than ever. In fact – wait for it – we pretty much see these trews working in every and any situation. You can stick to old-school Noughties styles with low-rise waistbands, baggy cuts and camo print, go streetwear-inspired with technical nylon fabrics, grown-up with tailored iterations and glam with souped-up satin numbers.
Keep scrolling to see Cosmo's pick of the 25 best cargo pants to shop now…
We're low-key obsessed with H&M's latest spring collection and these classic cargo pants have truly captured our hearts. Choose to use the drawstring cuffs to create a billowing silhouette or leave them as is for a cool, wide-leg style.
If you're hesitant to try the cargo pant trend, why not dip your toe in with H&M's versatile grey style? For under £20 these trousers are a real bargain.
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Paige Carly high-rise cotton-blend wide-leg cargo pants
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Paige Carly high-rise cotton-blend wide-leg cargo pants
Although Paige's Carly cargo pants are a big investment, you can buy them knowing they will never go out of style, and truly go the distance in your wardrobe. We love how these babies are cut from cotton that been blended with a hint of stretch – so they are comfy enough to wear all day every day.
River Island’s sportier take on the classic cargo pants are crafted from a technical nylon fabric. Take cues from the queen of street style, Hailey Bieber, and wear yours with a tube top and oversized blazer on your next night out.
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Avril Lavigne called, and she wants her cargo pants back. But, seriously, these New Look beauties have Y2K written all over them. We love how they’re fitted around the bum and thighs but drop to a more wide silhouette from the calf.
Cargo pants for a night out? Genius. Hush’s satin trousers have a gorgeous wide-leg silhouette and two discreet military-style patch pockets.
Cut from a more structured organic cotton, this pair of cargo pants from Albaray hold their shape better than linen styles but are still uber comfy thanks to the drawstring waist and cuffs.
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Hush's green cargo pants feel super '90s with their washed, distressed detailing, oversized patch pockets and wide-leg silhouette. Wear yours with oversized tees and flip flops to further the retro feels.
For a more grown up take on the cargo pant trend, look to Scandi brand Cos. These wide leg trousers are crafted from a breezy cotton-blend so are low-key perf for the warmer months. Yep, we're already dreaming about summer dressing.
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Whistles' cargo pants feel deliciously ‘90s with their baggy silhouette and utilitarian toggles. Wear yours with chunky ‘dad’ trainers and combat boots to further the streetwear vibe.
Female-founded brand Ro & Zo has combined our fave two trends – cargo pants and linen trousers – to create these comfy trews. The beauty of this pair is that the wide-leg silhouette means you can style them with both trainers and heels. Talk about versatile.
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Weekday is the king of grungy, streetwear-inspired looks, so it's no surprise the brand has created the perfect cargo pants. This skinny, low-rise iteration will be a staple in your spring wardrobe.
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Ganni Paperbag-waist contrast-stitch cargo trousers
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Ganni Paperbag-waist contrast-stitch cargo trousers
Trust our fave Scandi brand Ganni to give the cargo pants trend a playful twist. We love the cute tie-bows and paper-bag waist on these versatile black trousers. Plus, the contrast topstitching and patch pockets really further that functional feel.
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Trust Reformation to bring out one of the chicest pair of cargo pants we ever did see. Crafted from a lightweight, eco-friendly Tencel, this wide-leg style is available in green, slate grey and staple black shades.
Cargo pants aren’t just for the weekend, Stories’ beige iteration proves that this streetwear-inspired style can work for the nine to five too. Wear these straight-leg cargos to the office with a crisp white shirt and heeled mules.