How to recognise it
Straight loose legs, a knee length, side patch pockets with flaps and pleats, and often extra pockets at the back. The fabric is sturdy: cotton, twill or ripstop.
Where it comes from
Cargo trousers come from the British army field uniform of 1938, and the shorts became popular as weekend wear in the 1990s. In the 2020s cargo came back to street style.
Who and when it suits
Practical shorts for travel, hikes, festivals and town. They go with T-shirts, polo shirts and sneakers.
Variations and look-alikes
Cargo shorts come in the classic knee length, shorter women's versions, very wide streetwear cuts, in ripstop, with toggles at the hem, in khaki, sand, black and camo. They differ from Bermudas in their side pockets and looseness, and from jorts in fabric.
How to style it
- Do not overfill the pockets.
- With a fitted T-shirt.
- For women, with a crop top and sneakers.
- Choose a knee length.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Why are they called cargo shorts?
Cargo means freight: the big pockets are for carrying things.
02Are cargo shorts back in fashion?
Yes, since the 2020s cargo has returned to street style, especially loose cuts.
03What do women wear with cargo shorts?
A crop top, a fitted tee, sneakers or combat boots.
04How do cargo shorts differ from Bermudas?
Cargo shorts are loose with side pockets; Bermudas are tailored with a pressed crease.