These cargo shorts don’t look like your old ones
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Like a pair of airy and comfortable sandals, shorts are a spring and summer must-have. And yes, that includes cargo shorts. Although born out of a utilitarian need during World War II, today’s breed is either tastefully relaxed or sleek and tapered, and in either case a far cry from the overly baggy style of the late ’90s and of the early 2000s.
What to look for
Cargo shorts, as the name suggests, are designed for cargo – they’re shorts equipped with gusseted pockets on the sides of the legs that can hold any extra goodies you might want close by. However, these side pockets can make or break cargo shorts. When shopping for a pair, note how bulky and bloated these pockets can appear when empty. If you don’t like their unoccupied appearance, you’re probably not a fan of how chunky they look on your body.
If you’ve given up on cargo shorts since middle school, good news: Today’s brands are more tapered and sleeker than the pairs your dad may still prefer. However, you will be hard pressed to find a pair with a shorter inseam length, as most cargo shorts always start at around 8 inches inseam, reaching just above the knee and up an inch or two below. If you want to slim down that silhouette, switch to outdoor mode and pull them up, tucking your t-shirt in at the waist.
Putting on cargo shorts sends out a very different signal than putting on chinos or swim shorts – they can provide a more rugged look, giving your outfit a utilitarian edge. Looking for versatile cargo shorts? Go for ones that adapt well from trail to street. If you need something more technical, pick them up in a water-resistant polyester or nylon to protect some elements. Many modern cargo shorts are made with ripstop fabric, which reinforces the material with nylon using a crosshatch pattern, making it more durable and tear-resistant.
Are cargo shorts out of fashion?
They were surely considered tasteless in the past, but today you will find more contemporary cuts and flavors. So no, they are not old fashioned. They got better. Modern iterations may recall streetwear trends from decades past and not so much early fratty Woodstock lovers (or mid-2000s dads) – they’re still practical and offer plenty of pocket space, but slimmer , tapered and less clunky. Yet even today’s baggiest cargo shorts look as intentional as your typical relaxed, baggy style.
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