Shirts, trousers and basics
Cargo trousers are back: how to wear them now
By sneakersInn team · Updated
Cargo trousers are back in a cleaner form: straight or relaxed legs, flat pockets that don't bulge, plain colours such as olive, black, stone and navy, and simple tops on top. Wear them with tees, overshirts and knits, and finish with sneakers or simple boots. Keep the rest of the outfit quiet so the pockets read as detail, not noise.
| Choose | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Straight or relaxed leg | Very baggy, with many straps |
| Flat or pleated side pockets | Pockets stuffed with items |
| Olive, black, stone, navy, grey | Loud camouflage for everyday |
| Cotton twill or ripstop | Shiny technical fabrics for city wear |
| Hem resting on sneakers | Hem pooling over the shoe |
Why are cargo trousers popular again?
Relaxed trousers have returned to menswear after years of skinny fits, and cargos fit that shift while being practical. The current style is cleaner and more tailored than the bulky versions of the early 2000s.
Which fit should I choose?
Straight or relaxed with a slight taper. If you're slim, straight. If you're broad or tall, relaxed. Avoid styles so wide they hide your shoes entirely. See how trousers should fit.
What do I wear on top?
- Plain tees in white, black or grey.
- An overshirt. See overshirts.
- A quarter-zip or knit.
- A denim or bomber jacket.
Which shoes go with cargos?
Retro runners, chunky sneakers, high-tops and simple boots. See how to style chunky sneakers. Dress shoes don't work.
Five outfits
- Olive cargos, white tee, grey retro runners.
- Black cargos, black tee, black overshirt, black chunky sneakers.
- Stone cargos, navy knitted polo, white leather sneakers.
- Navy cargos, grey quarter-zip, white runners.
- Olive cargos, cream tee, denim jacket, brown suede sneakers.
Where can I wear cargos?
Weekends, travel, festivals, concerts and casual offices. Not to church, weddings or funerals. See festival and concert outfits.
Questions
Are cargo shorts back too?
In clean, knee-length cuts, yes. See 5 shorts every man needs for Accra weather.
Are cargos too warm for Accra?
Cotton twill and ripstop are fine; choose a lighter weight for hot days.
Where do cargos sit among my trousers?
They're trouser number five in the 5 trousers every man should own.