Clothing > Shorts
10 Best Cargo Shorts for Men: Modern Styles with Classic Utility
Cargo shorts have a checkered past, in a way: The cargo short, like the cargo pant, was prized as a highly utilitarian option for soldiers who needed to haul extra gear and weaponry. And like other menswear staples we so love at WERD, the best cargo shorts made their way into the wardrobes of guys everywhere.
And then, gears shifted: Cargo shorts became baggier and sloppier, they lost their edge of badass cool and adventure, and they were overtaken in your wardrobe by shorts with a slimmer cut and, well, no cargo pockets.
- Commissioned for civilian life: Cargo shorts, like other staples in your wardrobe – including the field jacket – proved highly useful in the field, then were adopted by civilians over time.
- A storied heritage: Many of the original features of old-school cargo shorts still hold true today, including pockets designed to carry plenty of gear on the outside of the shorts themselves.
- Dusty roads and roots: Many colors of the best cargo shorts these days still pay homage to their active roots in the field, using earthen tones for a functional, rugged look – on and off the trail.
The best cargo shorts these days are back and better than ever: The cuts are more streamlined, the colors are cooler, the fit is better. Make no mistake, the utility of cargo pockets still holds strong, just in a better package.
Often made from cotton but now given a hint of stretch, the best men’s cargo shorts are here to make you rethink everything you thought you knew about the style – start with these favorites.
Over the years, Flint and Tinder has become so much more than just its iconic Waxed Trucker Jacket. In my experience, you can trust the Huckberry brand with just about any category, including cargo shorts in ultra-comfortable stretch fabric – and a streamlined fit.
Try these:
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Flint and Tinder 365 Cargo Shorts
The same 365 fabric blend that goes into Flint and Tinder’s excellent five-pocket pants gets turned into modern cargo shorts cut to fit nicely above the knee.
Available in a range of earthy and versatile color options, they also feature a sharp snap closure to keep your valuables safe – and unlike cargo shorts of days gone by, these are relatively slim rather than bulky.
Wrangler Authentics Classic Cargo Shorts
While best known for its hard-wearing denim and Western apparel, Wrangler has a knack for all things workwear, cargo shorts very much included.
These feature six pockets for any tool you need close at hand, while the stretch cotton blend is comfortable enough to wear for yard work or a leisurely cabin weekend around the bonfire.
Gramicci Nylon Explorer Cargo Shorts
Gramicci blurs the line between technical functionality and streetwear style with its silhouettes, which are climbing-inspired but often worn by everyone from skaters to urban explorers.
The best feature about these shorts, in my experience, is the integrated belt and elastic waistband for a secure fit, while the fabric is exceptionally lightweight, quick-drying and easy to pack.
Patagonia All-Seasons Five-Pocket Work Shorts
Cargo shorts are, at their core, a highly useful set of shorts that allow you to transport more when it comes to your everyday carry than you might otherwise handle. Especially for pursuits like hiking, when you need your gear at a moment’s notice, you should trust an iconic brand like Patagonia: A blend of hemp, cotton and recycled polyester also provides moisture-wicking comfort.
Carhartt Rugged Flex Canvas Cargo Shorts
Carhartt is among the most trusted names in workwear for good reason, and cargo shorts are among the most hard-working short silhouettes out there (perhaps the most hard-working?).
These are built with plenty of pockets and loops for tools and EDC gear, and the use of the brand’s durable, abrasion-resistant Rugged Flex fabric makes ‘em a surefire winner.
Prana Palisades Ripstop Cargo Shorts
Unlike traditional chino shorts, which might only feature side slant pockets and back hip pockets, cargo shorts instantly bolster your carrying capacity on and off the trail. Add in tough yet lightweight ripstop fabric, as this technical pair from Prana features, and you’re all set for a day of trail hiking and maybe even a brief dip in a stream (followed by a cold beer).
5.11 Tactical Tactlite Pro Cargo Shorts
The toughest environments and situations call for gear that can pass muster, and 5.11 Tactical’s take on the cargo short was designed with just about every adventure in mind.
Sturdy ripstop fabric (in a blend proprietary to the brand) is enhanced by added utility pockets at the thigh and a double-reinforced seat.
Proof Equator Cargo Hybrid Shorts
Proof’s performance menswear is built to go the distance (you might be familiar with its famed 72-Hour Merino T-shirts), and its shorts are no slouch, either.
Zippered cargo pockets offer sleek, secure storage, while a concealed zipper pocket delivers further utility. They also come in minimal, go-anywhere color options perfect for long travel days.
Vuori Sunday Performance Shorts
In my experience, it’s hard to find a pair of shorts that are softer yet more performance-minded than Vuori’s Sunday lineup.
Those moisture-wicking, four-way stretch shorts just got even better, thanks to the addition of utility details by way of two contrast fabric zip pockets – whether worn for weekend lounging or hitting the gym.
Alo Crinkle Nylon Excursion Shorts
The best cargo shorts should be able to take on the demands of the day without missing a beat – that’s where these durable nylon shorts come in quite handy, with front-facing cargo ripstop pockets in a streamlined design. They also boast an athletic cut that hits well above the knee, and even featured added side zipper pockets.
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