Once upon a time, cargo pants were still a tough item for “men’s only”, but now they have become the king of versatility in girls’ wardrobe – they can not only hold the ruggedness of outdoor mountaineering, but also adapt to the ability of workplace commuting, and play with the personality of street trends. But in the face of the variety of Women’s Cargo Pants on the shelves, have you also been worried: is the multi-pocket design really practical? Which fit is slimmer? What is the difference between outdoor and everyday fabrics? Today’s guide, from function and fit to fabric and style, will teach you step by step to choose the right “natal cargo pants”.
1. Functions and scenes: Don’t let cargo pants only be “decorations”
The core advantage of cargo pants is “functionality”, but the demand for function in different scenarios is very different. Blindly following the trend to buy is likely to cause the embarrassment of “outdoor wear is not resistant, and daily wear is too bulky”. Combined with the real experiences of 3 friends around me, I will help you find the correct scene positioning.
Applicable scenarios | Core functional requirements | Recommended items | Real case |
|---|---|---|---|
Outdoor mountaineering/hiking | Abrasion resistant, multi-pocket, scratch-resistant, lightweight | Multi-pocket cargo pants for women, tear-resistant nylon cargo | My girlfriend Xiao Lin went hiking in Huangshan Mountain last week and wore a pair of multi-pocket nylon cargo pants, mobile phones, power banks, and sunscreen were placed in separate bags, no need to carry small bags, and the anti-scratch design of the trouser legs also avoided the trouble of branch scratching, and the whole process was much easier. |
Fishing/photography | Concealed pockets, quick-drying, sun protection | Fishing photography functional pants, ice cooling cargo pants | Photography enthusiast Akai said that professional fishing overalls have hidden zipper pockets on the side, which is super safe to put fishing hooks and fishing lines, and the ice fabric does not sweat after sitting in the sun all afternoon, which is much more comfortable than wearing jeans. |
Travel/business trips | Quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and stowracking | Travel quick-drying cargo pants, four-sided stretch quick-drying fabric | On my last trip to Yunnan, I brought a pair of quick-drying cargo pants, washed in the morning and dried at night, no need to bring multiple pairs of pants to occupy luggage, the elastic design at the knees does not restrain you to squat down to take pictures, and multiple pockets can also hold scenic spot tickets and change. |
Cycling/commuting | Windproof, foot-bound, breathable, dirt-resistant | Cycling commuter cargo pants, waterproof and breathable softshell pants | Colleague Xiao Zhou rides to and from work every day, wearing windproof softshell cargo pants, the foot design will not get into the wheels, it can block some light rain on rainy days, and it is not sloppy to go directly to customers after get off work. |
Focus: For daily wear, you can choose a style with strong pocket decoration, and you must look for functional labels such as “tear resistance” and “quick-drying” in outdoor scenes, and don’t sacrifice practicality for the sake of appearance.
2. Fit and cut: Choosing the right fit is more effective than losing weight
The version of cargo pants directly determines “tall or short, thin or fat”. I have compiled a “pit avoidance guide” for the gold version corresponding to different body types, with the “universal version” that is free from different body types.
- High-waisted slimming cargo pants: the savior of petite and pear-shaped figures. The high-waisted design can raise the waistline, and the short top can be worn to reveal the small waist, visually increasing the leg length by 5cm. My 158cm cousin wore this, and my friends thought she was 165cm. Pay attention to choosing pants that are 1cm long above the ankle, too long will weigh down.
- Loose straight cargo pants: preferred for chubby and apple-shaped figures. The straight leg can modify the problem of wide hips and thick legs, and the trouser legs should not be too wide (it is best to close the wide legs to the knees), otherwise it will be like “wearing boyfriend’s pants”. Pair it with a slim T-shirt or knit, and the combination rule of tight top and loose bottom will never go out of style.
- Bloomers girl: small and hobbit-friendly. The hem design can focus on the vision and avoid dragging the trouser legs, and the fluffiness of the bloomers can also cover the calf muscles. But sisters with thick thighs are carefully selected to make their lower body look stronger.
- Cropped ankle cargo pants: a versatile fit, not picky on the figure. Showing the ankle can expose the thinnest part, it looks good with white shoes and Martin boots, it is refreshing to wear in summer, and it is not incompatible with stockings in winter. The tall girl chooses the elongated model, and the small person chooses the regular model, which is full of adaptability.
- Slim little feet cargo pants: suitable for slender and straight figures. The slim fit can highlight the leg line, but don’t choose one that is too tight, otherwise it will be like “leggings” and lose the toughness of cargo pants. Pair it with an oversize sweatshirt to create a sense of trend of “tight at the bottom and loose at the top”.
3. Fabric and technology: Comfort or durability, it is enough to look at the fabric
The “texture and practicality” of cargo pants are all hidden in the fabric. Cargo pants of different fabrics have completely different feelings and applicable scenarios. Here is a professional perspective to disassemble 5 mainstream fabrics to help you understand the “fabric black technology”.
Fabric type: | Core strengths | Applicable scenarios | Professional knowledge |
|---|---|---|---|
Stretch cotton | Breathable, skin-friendly and elastic | Daily commuting, shopping | The cotton content of more than 70% is the best, and the addition of 5%-10% spandex is elastic cotton, which is more wear-resistant than pure cotton and is not easy to deform after washing. |
Waterproof and breathable softshell | Windproof, waterproof, and breathable | Cycling, rainy days, spring and autumn outdoors | Using “waterproof membrane technology”, the surface can prevent medium and light rain, and the inner ventilation hole design avoids stuffy sweat, which is suitable for scenes with large temperature differences. |
Tear-resistant nylon | Wear-resistant, lightweight, and fabric-resistant | Mountaineering, hiking, camping | The “breaking strength” of nylon fabric is more than 3 times that of cotton, and the tear resistance index is more than 40N, making it suitable for rugged outdoor environments. |
Ice-like cooling fabric | Cool, quick-drying, sun protection | In summer, outdoor activities, fishing, and tourism | Add cooling fibers, which instantly cool down by 2-3°C when they come into contact with the skin, and the UPF50+ sun protection index can block more than 98% of ultraviolet rays. |
Four-sided stretch quick-drying fabric | Good elasticity, fast drying, not stuffy | Sports, travel, business trips | Both warp and weft have elasticity, the tensile rate is up to 20%, the quick-drying performance is in line with the national standard GB/T 21655.1, and it can be completely dried within 2 hours. |
4. Style and matching: A pair of cargo pants play with 5 trends
Cargo pants are no longer “only tough guy style”, different styles of cargo pants, if matched, can make you wear the same for a week. From Japanese fresh to American retro, each style has its own matching formula.
Japanese cityboy: Choose loose straight khaki cargo pants, pair it with an oversize white shirt or striped T-shirt, wear canvas vulcanized shoes, and wear a baseball cap, which is casual and refreshing, suitable for student parties.
American retro: American retro cargo pants are preferred in army green, paired with a worn denim jacket or leather jacket, with a printed T-shirt inside, and Martin boots, which can become the protagonist of a retro pictorial in seconds.
Y2K millennial style: Choose low-waisted slim-fitting cargo pants, choose cream white or bright colors, pair them with a crop top sweatshirt and platform daddy shoes, and wear a colored hairpin for a sweet and cool feeling.
Dark functional style: Dark functional style women’s pants are black, with zippers, Velcro and other design elements, with black jackets and tactical boots, cool and sassy.
Minimalist solid color: Choose black or dark gray for minimalist solid color versatile pants, pair them with a basic knitwear or blazer, wear formal for commuting, and wear casual for shopping.
5. Crowd and size: Everyone can wear cargo pants
Don’t think “I have a special figure and can’t wear cargo pants”, the current cargo pants have long been subdivided into different groups of people. Whether you are small, chubby or pregnant, you can find an exclusive style.
- Small people: Give preference to small people with extended waistbands, the waist is 3-5cm higher than the ordinary model, and the length of the pants should be nine points to avoid procrastination. Choose XS for size, don’t be greedy for big, otherwise it will weigh you down.
- Slightly chubby mm: Slightly chubby mm meat covering cargo pants choose a high-waisted loose model, and the vertical line design on the side of the trouser leg is better, which can elongate the line longitudinally and cover the flesh of the crotch and thighs.
- Pregnant women: Pregnant women’s elastic waist cargo pants are just needed, choose adjustable elastic bands at the waist, and choose breathable elastic cotton for fabrics to avoid strangulating the belly, and can be worn from the second trimester to the third trimester.
- Gao Mei: Don’t worry about short pants, Gao Mei’s extended version of 32-inch pants is just up to the ankles, choose a straight or wide-leg version, paired with a short top, to highlight the advantages of long legs.
- Plus size girls: Choose an H-shaped version of plus size 4XL multi-pocket pants, avoid being too slim, choose dark colors, slim and practical, don’t choose pockets that are too big, otherwise they will look bloated.
6. Color and pattern: The basic model is not wrong, and the personalized model is more eye-catching
Colors and patterns are the “personality labels” of cargo pants, novices start with basic colors, veterans can try printed models. The adaptation scenes of different colors are also different, helping you clarify the matching ideas.
- Khaki green classic color: The “natal color” of cargo pants, versatile and not picky, with white, black, gray tops are good-looking, whether it is daily or outdoor, novices must enter.
- Black slimming: Black slimming cargo pants are a gospel for chubby sisters, visually losing 5 pounds, with bright tops are more brilliant, and commuting is also very formal.
- Desert camouflage print: full of outdoor style, suitable for matching solid color tops, avoiding pattern superposition, wearing it to camping and hiking is super atmospheric, but it is easy to be too exaggerated in daily wear.
- Soot aged wash: full of retro feel, paired with a denim jacket or knitwear, suitable for autumn, the aging process makes the pants more textured, will not look monotonous.
- Cream White Minimalist: Cream white minimalist cargo pants are suitable for summer, fresh and gentle with a light-colored top, more resistant to dirt than pure white, and will not easily look old.
Procurement perspective: Yigu’s product selection suggestions
As a Sourcing Agent who has been deeply involved in clothing procurement for many years, I found that the core of women’s cargo pants selection is “balancing functionality and appearance”. From the perspective of the supply chain, the cost of functional fabrics such as tear-resistant nylon and four-sided elastic quick-drying will be 15%-20% higher than that of ordinary cotton, but the market acceptance is higher, and the repurchase rate is 30% higher than that of basic models. It is recommended that merchants focus on the combination of “high-waisted slimming + quick-drying” to take into account both daily and light outdoor needs. For consumers, don’t be greedy for cheap cargo pants, cargo pants below 50 yuan are likely to use inferior fabrics, wear resistance and elasticity are poor, wear resistance and elasticity are poor, wear a few times to deform, choose the price range of 80-200 yuan, brand guarantee is more cost-effective.
FAQ: Your concerns are here
- Q: Will too many pockets in cargo pants look bloated? A: No, the key depends on the pocket position. choose a skin-friendly design for the side seam pockets, don’t choose those that are too obvious; Choose a small size for the back waist pocket, which is more decorative than practical to avoid bloat.
- Q: How to wash cargo pants so that they do not deform? A: It is recommended to machine wash elastic cotton and quick-drying fabrics in cold water, do not use bleach; Tear-resistant nylon fabric can be machine washed, but don’t dry it for too long to avoid pilling; After washing, hang to dry, do not expose to the sun.
- Q: Are small people suitable for leg tights or straight cargo pants? A: Priority is given to the foot binding, which can focus on vision and make the legs look more slender; Straight models should be nine-pointed, and they can also look taller with high heels or platform shoes.
- Q: Can outdoor cargo pants be worn on a daily basis? A: Yes, choose a style with lighter colors and simple pockets, paired with casual tops and white shoes, which can weaken the outdoor feeling and is suitable for daily shopping and commuting.
- Q: What color do plus-size girls choose to wear cargo pants? A: Dark colors such as black and dark gray are preferred, avoiding bright colors and large prints, and dark colors can shrink the lines vertically, making the slimming effect better.