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Cargo pants, combat trousers, utility pants—whatever you call them, these military-inspired casual bottoms have made a comeback in 2022. Discover the brands we love doing more sustainable cargos you’ll love.
From workwear to streetwear
Despite their humble origins in workwear and the military, the practical pocket-filled wonders that are cargo pants have stomped back into mainstream fashion culture thanks to the likes of Hailey Bieber and Rihanna. A staple streetwear garment that gives us major Lara Croft in Tomb Raiders vibes, it’s no surprise powerful women are rocking them in their day-to-day.
But the problem with such trends is that they get scooped up by fast fashion giants in the blink of an eye, and before we know it, troublesome brands like SHEIN are pumping out cargo pants on the cheap made from fabrics with bad habits like conventional cotton and polyester.
So, where should you look if you’re on the hunt for more ethical and sustainable cargos or combats? As ever, the first place to turn is second hand stores or apps like Depop to give an old pair new life. But if they don’t meet your needs and you’re invested in the lewk, we’ve rounded up some of the best options for more eco-friendly cargo pants on the market. You’re welcome, Lara.
We’re loving the zero-waste, maximum-attitude cargo pants from The R Collective (Hong Kong), the basic black men’s cargo trousers from WAWWA (UK), and of course, the Hailey Bieber-inspired parachute pants from Local European (US). Happy stomping.