Cargo pants have always been a fashion trend that has been well-loved and appreciated and within the decade they have evolved and changed to maintain a trendy uni-sex piece of clothing. While this hasn’t always been the case for women’s fashion, it certainly has been a staple in men’s wardrobes since 1938. For almost a century, cargo pants have also been designed and represented to be a practical piece of clothing, which you could say is the sole reason for their continuous reemergence through every decade.
Where it all Began
Generation after generation has taken this piece of fashion and altered it to fit their needs in unique fine ways, making them a significant staple for every generation. As mentioned, it all began in 1938, when the British military designed pants with multiple products, giving soldiers sufficient places to carry all that they would need during World War 2. This is remarkable, based on pure practicality for searching for a serious moment in human history for us to take this garment and keep it in fashion.
The United States then adopted these pants into their own military uniforms. So not only has it remained prominent in the UK but it has become a global sensation early on.
Read: The T-Shirt Revolution: From Casual Wear to Street Style Essential
What About After the War?
After World War II ended in 1945, soldiers returned and went about with their normal lives, and while they would have taken a lot with them back home, the cargo pants were one thing they utilised. This not only makes sense, as fashion back then was something you invested in and kept rather than the fast-consumption world we live in today. Not only that but materials that were used for garments were much higher quality so the idea of getting rid of a quality pair of pants back then was unheard of and silly.
Cargo pants began to be incorporated into everyday jobs as well, including construction, utility management and any role where a spare couple of hands wouldn’t go a miss.
The 80s
In the 80s, the generation we all wish was not only born into but unfortunately have to appreciate by listening to the music from this era. In the 80s, cargo began to transform into a more regular type of pants and has become a part of outdoorsy fashion. But then again, the 80s and 70s were all about denim and high-waiting pieces.
The 90’s & 2000’s
They grew back into raging popularity in the 90s and were part of the Y2K fashion. Men, women, and children would wear the pants in a range of materials, colours and variations in designs such as cropped cargo, cuffed cargo, wide-leg cargo and so many more. It’s interesting because there are so many different cargo styles but I’m pretty confident that people don’t utilise the extra pockets like they used to back in the day. As the decade passed, the pants became looser and easier to move in. The only thing that has remained the same as time has changed is the iconic and practical pockets.
Modern Times
In recent years, trends and styles from the ’90s and 2000s have returned to popularity and have remained popular, consistently throughout the 2020s. Not only have they made a comeback with streetwear fashion, but they have also been adopted into high fashion runways. So you could say that cargo pants have had a full circle moment.
Celebrities have also caught onto the trend, such as Bella Hadid, which has been a huge staple in the world of fashion influence. As well as Zendaya, Hailey Bieber, Rhianna and Kate Middleton, so even royalty has been represented by this iconic piece of fashion.
Unlike their British predecessor, cargo pants are now looser and more diverse in style. Cargo pants have been cleverly designed to suit everyone who wears them, the same with denim; there isn’t a single person you would find where the silhouette isn’t flattering. Adjustments with things like low rise, skinny fit, high rise, denim version and jogger versions. This diversification of one product ensures that everyone can appreciate and enjoy the versatility of the cargo pants.
Professions to this day, such as police officers, builders and those who require it, still utilise them as a part of their uniform and workwear options. It’s one of those pieces of clothing that will follow humanity for the rest of their lives due to its impeccable design and ability to make it completely versatile.
Final Thoughts
Styling cargo pants is simple yet fashionable. Pairing your pants with either a tight crop top or a loose baggy tee compliments the pants. It fits into a range of styles, such as Y2K, streetwear and even emo style. They are a very easy base layer that goes with both summer and winter pieces, so they are catered to be styled for a range of moods, events and everything.
