News + Trends

Cargo trousers - the most down-to-earth trend of the year

10.3.2023

Translation: machine translated

Trousers with patch pockets have emancipated themselves from military and workwear. The mix of practical and nostalgic makes them a big fashion favourite right now.

Athleisurewear, Gorpcore, the noughties - and one item of clothing that covers all of these major trends: cargo trousers. With so much zeitgeist, it's no wonder that the loose-cut trousers with their many patch pockets are currently considered one of the trend pieces par excellence. They are celebrated on catwalks and streets alike - and that's not going to change any time soon.

The collections already presented for the upcoming summer and winter seasons show that trousers will be with us for some time to come in both men's and women's fashion. That's good news, because cargo trousers are currently one of the most suitable trends for everyday wear: versatile, super comfortable and practical to boot. They have to be. After all, the garment wasn't created for fun, but for precarious situations.

The silvery pumps create an exciting contrast to the baggy look.
Source: Instagram:@tinvbc

Functional from head to toe - that's how fashion can look right now. — The silvery pumps create an exciting contrast to the baggy look.
Source: Instagram:@tinvbc

Cargo trousers were originally designed for the British military during the Second World War. Soldiers on the battlefield could stow essentials such as ammunition in the outside pockets so that they were always ready to hand. It is obvious that this storage space directly on the body was later adopted by other professions. Cargos are still an integral part of workwear for tradespeople, the police and emergency services today.

Cargo trousers have reinvented themselves

Pants had their first fashionable awakening in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, they were popularised by R&B and pop icons such as Aaliyah, Ciara and JLo in music videos, on concert stages and red carpets - often in combination with tight crop tops. However, when the second half of the noughties was increasingly perceived as trashy instead of cool, cargo trousers gradually fell into disrepute. In the decade that followed, they were mainly worn in combination with a screwdriver, when climbing the Säntis or as part of the retired tourist look.

However, cargo trousers have reinvented themselves in recent years. While they were traditionally made from thick, robust cotton and focussed on their functional character, today there is more room for interpretation and even greater textile diversity. They are still functional - but this is no longer immediately recognisable. This makes the trend piece more versatile than ever: top model Gigi Hadid wears cargos for an afternoon in the park with her little one, former First Lady Michelle Obama presents her new book in them on big stages. Cargos are now available in various silhouettes, colours and materials, such as leather, faux fur, denim, organza and silk.

Michelle Obama in a silky two-piece from Balmain.

She's clearly a fan of cargos: here she wears a denim look by Ganni. — Michelle Obama in a silky two-piece from Balmain.

The only characteristic features of cargo trousers are the patch pockets and the casual fit - the rest can be freely designed. From sporty to elegant, pretty much everything is possible. This not only means that a suitable model can be found for a wide variety of occasions, but also for different body types. In contrast to other trouser trends such as barrel leg or baggy jeans, the cut is not clearly defined. There are versions with a high or low waistband, wide, straight or tapered legs. All you have to do is find the right model for you from the huge selection. Here are a few pretty suggestions from me.

From the women's range:

Cargo trousers - the most down-to-earth trend of the year

Cargo trousers have reinvented themselves

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