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Are Cargo Pants in Style in 2021?

Throwing it back to the noughties.

Last Updated on September 18, 2021

If you needed more proof that the fashion trends of the noughties are back in full swing, cargo pants are having a resurgence.

After slouchy denim, low-rise jeans, and Uggs made a comeback this year, cargo pants have squeezed their way into the style trend cycle too.

Searches for this fashion piece spiked at the start of the year and have continued to rise by 31% since January according to Lyst, with the most favoured colours of pants being black, green and neutrals. Social media’s buzzing about it too.

We know cargo pants can be quite polarising, but when you see stars such as Bella Hadid and Halle Berry rocking them, you might be swayed.

READ MORE: Is crochet in fashion in 2021?

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A post shared by Halle Berry (@halleberry)

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How to style cargo pants in 2021

Cargo pants have evolved from being traditionally masculine, with their history rooted in the British military, to becoming a fashion piece you just get to have fun with.

There are no rules for styling them, of course. But you may want to take a page from rapper Saweetie’s stylebook and go all out noughties style with a corset top, another trending item this year. Irina Shayk was spotted sporting the same look when she attended the New York Fashion Week Bulgari party.

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A post shared by Kehlani (@kehlani)

Is comfort still your top priority when it comes to dressing up? We’re with you. Just throw on your favourite hoodie and slip into your comfiest sneakers — the cargo pants will carry the look.

You can also do it like singer Kehlani and pair them with an oversized shirt tucked halfway and boots.

Your dad’s favourite type of trousers was also spotted at Copenhagen and Paris Fashion Week. This utilitarian piece has been elevated into a new style staple, thanks to new ways of styling. Showgoers paired the piece with more streamlined items like tweed jackets.

The piece graced the runways of a couple of our favourite designers too. Burberry had cargo leather trousers and jumpsuits for its 2022 resort collection, while Fendi featured big, utilitarian pockets in shorts for its men’s spring 2022 collection.

If you’re ready to hop on this trend, look no further than our cargo pants picks from Urban Outfitters, & Other Stories, and more below.