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Nothing screams summer like cargo
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Eddie Bauer, Nike, Kuhl
By: Jael Rucker
Published May 10, 2023
The summer season rapidly approaching means a lot of different things. Days on the lake, chillin with the guys in the man cave, perhaps watching a little baseball if that's your thing, and plenty of other activities—all of which may require a new fit. We reckon you oughta grab a new pair of cargo shorts for your upcoming summer outfits as they are stylish, can go with just about anything, and are relatively durable as you can get a lot of wear out of them. In case you haven't noticed, cargo shorts are back in style, and there's a variety of them that differ in color, design, and length.
Today we're going to be checking out the best cargo shorts for men to buy this summer. In our list below, you'll be able to find a number of brands ranging from American Eagle to Wrangler, along with varying styles to give you options.
Check them out below.
RELATED: The 16 Best Men's Summer Pants for 2023
1. Wrangler Five Star Cargo Short
Wrangler
- Pros: Flexible fabric, relaxed fit
- Cons:Runs small according to some
- Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Spandex; 7 Oz. Twill
Wrangler offers a good selection of cargo shorts at very reasonable prices, including their Five Star Premium Cargo Shorts. The shorts are functional and made with a convenient design equipped to get you through the day regardless of where you are going.
2. PacSun Black Baggy Cargo Shorts
Pacsun
- Pros: Comfortable fit, has side pockets
- Cons:Doesn't have buttons
- Material: 100% cotton
Pacsun's Baggy Cargo Shorts are a good middle ground fit wise as they are slightly tapered, but loose enough to not cling to you (which can be uncomfortable in super hot weather). There's also ample room for your smaller belongings as the shorts have hand pockets and side pockets.
3. Fjallraven Barents Pro Shorts
Fjallraven
- Pros: Has six pockets, durable, nice color selection
- Cons:May be too pricey
- Material: 65% polyester, 35% cotton
Fjallraven is well known for their hiking apparel, so consider their Barents Men's Pro Shorts to be the perfect hiking short. Not only is comfort a prioritized, but so is convenience with six different pockets built into the shorts. No excuses for losing anything with these shorts!
4. Carhartt WIP Regular Cargo Short
Carhartt WIP
- Pros: Lightweight, made with organic fabric, back and side pockets
- Cons:Could be too tight around waist area
- Material: 100% organic cotton
Carhartt WIP will always get you squared away when it comes to tactical apparel (which some cargo shorts are considered to be). Their Regular Cargo Shorts are built for the most adventurous activities with multiple pockets and belt loops, and pay homage to the brand's military roots with a design that's made entirely of 100% organic cotton.
5. American Eagle Lived-In Longer Length Cargo Short
American Eagle
- Pros: Longer in length, comfortable
- Cons:Inseam too short according to some users
- Material: 92% Cotton, 5% Recycled Cotton, 3% Elastane
American Eagle has a nice selection of handy dandy cotton shorts as well that vary in length and design. The AE Flex 12" Shorts are built with a longer length for those who prefer that look, and are designed to allow for flexibility and stretch. Also, AE shorts never lose their shape, which we can personally attest to with our experiences of buying shorts from the brand.
6. KÜHL Ambush Cargo Shorts
KÜHL
- Pros: Athletic, lightweight, comfortable fit
- Cons:Color of shorts may not be an exact match
- Material: 68% Cotton, 29% Nylon, 3% Spandex
Looking for something to wear on your next camping adventure? Look no further than the Ambush Cargo Short from KÜHL which is crafted with utility and performance in mind with nine pockets, and UPF sun protection.
7. Nike SB Skate Cargo Shorts
Nike
- Pros: Durable, plenty of storage
- Cons:Color of shorts may not be an exact match
- Material: 97% cotton, 3% spandex
Nike is always good for giving you the functional basics, and their Nike SB Skate Cargo Shorts are durable, rip-free, and very comfortable. Whether you are wearing the shorts casually, or for more athletic activities, these shorts are a good option that don't hit the bank account super hard.
8. Eddie Bauer Day Off Cargo Shorts
Eddie Bauer
- Pros: Breathable, secure pockets, UPF 25
- Cons:Pockets too small according to users
- Material: 71% cotton, 28% nylon, 1% spandex
Eddie Bauer's Day Off Cargo Shorts feature two-way stretch, and a cotton/nylon/spandexblend to ensure both comfort and flexibility is there when you wear them. Oh, and the shorts are super nice as well.
9. Amazon Essentials Cargo Shorts
Amazon
- Pros: Secure fit, lots of colors
- Cons:Fabric heavier than expected according to some users
- Material: 100% Cotton
Don't sleep on Amazon when it comes to cargo shorts! Aside from carrying other brands, Amazon also has their very own Essential Cargo Shorts which hold up nicely considering that they are less than $20. There have been some reports with sizing/fitting issues and complaints from some about the fabric, but most reviews are positive. And considering you are only spending $20 for something that's on average $80-$100, these shorts are a steal.
10. Gramicci Shell Cargo Shorts
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- Pros: Adjustable waist, multiple pockets
- Cons:Pockets too small
- Material: 100% Polyester
If you have yet to make a purchase from Gramicci, now is the time to do so as the brand is one of our favorites. These 1970s -inspired shell cargo shorts are a representation of utilitarian aesthetics with multiple pockets and technical fabric.
11. L.L. Bean Tropic-Weight Cargo Shorts
L.L. Bean
- Pros: Lightweight, breathable and comfortable
- Cons:Color dyes may fade after wash
- Material: 100% cotton
These knee-length cargo shorts from L.L. Bean are versatile enough to be worn to multiple different events, and are made with a breathable fabric to keep you cool on even the hottest of days.
12. adidas Classic 3-Stripe Cargo Shorts
adidas
- Pros: Comfy, great quality
- Cons:Only two pockets
- Material: 100% cotton French terry
adidas gets slept on when it comes to their cargo shorts as well. Their Adicolor Classic 3-Stripe Cargo Shorts are accompanied with two pockets that will protect all of your small items when you go out. Plus, the comfort is reported a being top notch.
13. Reese Cooper Modular Pocket Short
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- Pros: Button fastening, pockets can be removed
- Cons:Short inseam, expensive
- Material: 100% Cotton Ripstop
Reese Cooper's cargo shorts have been quite hard to snag, and for good reason as they are some of the best you'll find in terms of cargo's. The ability to remove the remove the pockets for a different look makes this a cargo short that checks the versatility component.
14. Ralph Lauren Ripstop Cargo Short
Ralph Lauren
- Pros: Durable, nice design
- Cons:Short inseam
- Material: 100% Cotton
Ralph Lauren's Ripstop Cargo Shorts are battle-tested and ready for the hot weather. Simple, but effective.
15. Under Armour Unstoppable Cargo Shorts
Under Armour
- Pros: Water-repellent, sweat-wicking
- Cons:Pockets small according to users
- Material: 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane
Under Armour made sure to dot all their i's and cross all of their t's with their Unstoppable Cargo Shorts. Not only are the shorts water-repellent, they are also sweat-wicking and made with zipper pockets to ensure you won't lose anything. Good job Under Armour.
16. Tommy Bahama Elastic Waist Shorts
Tommy Bahama
- Pros: Comfortable, protects your smaller belongings
- Cons:Fabric too light according to some
- Material: 100% cotton
Tommy Bahama's 8-inch cargo shorts screams "ready to hit the beach," and with eight different colors to choose from, you shouldn't have a problem finding something that suits your style and personality.
17. Molecule Cargo Shorts
Molecule
- Pros: Comfortable, functional, lots of colors
- Cons:Sizing could be an issue
- Material: Cotton
Molecule classifies there different colorways as "variants," so we're not sure exactly what these shorts should be used for, but the structural design of the shorts along with the different color choices was enough to sell us.
18. Unionbay Cordova Cargo Shorts
Unionbay
- Pros: Stretchable, double side pockets
- Cons:Ripping has been an issue according to some
- Material: Cotton
Unionbay is all about the technical when it comes to their products, and you get lots of that with their Cordova Cargo Shorts. Are personal favorite feature is the double-stacked cargo pockets, but there's plenty to love here.
19. Dickies Relaxed Fit Cargo Shorts
Dickies
- Pros: Relaxed fit, pockets on the front, back, and sides
- Cons:Ripping has been an issue according to some
- Material: 65% Polyester, 35% Cotton
Brought to you by Dickies, there's pockets on the front, back, and sides on these bad boys, so if you lose something that's completely on you.
20. Stone Island Cargo Shorts
Stone Island
- Pros: Slim fit, hidden fastening, three-dimensional appearance
- Cons:Pockets could be too small
- Material: 100% Cotton
And if luxury cargo shorts is something on your radar, the Bermuda Stone Island Cargo Shorts from Stone Island are sure to be an attention-grabbing stand out.
If in need of more summer suggestions, check out best men's sandals list here.
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