The 11 Best Cargo Shorts for Men, Tested by Style Editors

We’ve tested a fair share of cargo shorts over the years, but Wrangler’s twill option stands out as the best in its class. The cotton-spandex fabric blend is durable and sturdy without feeling stiff. One of our testers wore it while cycling across town, and the fabric moved with him. There was no restriction when leaning over the handlebars or picking up speed. This pair leans into a military vibe that feels rugged but still polished. And with a total of six pockets, you can go hands-free and stash your essentials with ease.

Most of all, it’s a go-anywhere short that works for errand runs, light hikes, and even impromptu lunches. Style-wise, it plays nice with everything from a plain t-shirt to a polo—or Hawaiian shirt if you’re on vacation. The 10-inch inseam runs a bit longer than most of the styles we’ve tested, but it doesn’t balloon out. Plus, the relaxed fit stays comfortable and breathable, even in 80-degree heat.

Read More: Best Jean Shorts for Men

For guys who favor short shorts, Brooks Brothers has a cargo style up your alley. With a 6.5-inch inseam, this option hits above the knee, a flattering cut, especially if squats aren’t your thing. It’s tailored closer to the leg, so guys with beefy quads might find it snug, but never suffocating. And instead of the usual bulky side pockets, this pair places front and center on the thigh panels, giving it a cleaner, utility-inspired look that feels sharper than typical cargos.

Our testers wore them on long beach walks and all-day city strolls, noting how lightweight and airy the cotton canvas fabric felt, even in high heat. The slight stretch also made it easy to take big strides. After hours of sitting down at a restaurant, the fabric still looked crisp—no awkward wrinkles once they stood up.

Uniqlo’s dialed this pair of cargo shorts in for the great outdoors, but it’s just as solid for everyday wear. The lightweight nylon has a water-repellent finish, so it shed light rain like a champ and felt more like running shorts than standard cargos. One tester even wore it kayaking and said the fabric dried fast enough to skip the towel. It’s cut roomy for climbing over wet rocks or crouching to start a campfire, but not so baggy that you look like you’re stuck in 2005.

The built-in belt adjusts with a one-handed tug—super handy when you’re on the move. And unlike most cargo shorts, one of the side pockets has a slide fastener, so nothing falls out when you’re hiking or hopping in and out of a canoe. At under $40, it’s a no-brainer for weekend trips, boating, or even swimming in a pinch. Just rinse it and go.

Camo cargo shorts are a hit summer after summer, and this pair is no different. Flint and Tinder’s design feels intentional—military-inspired but not over-the-top, with clean lines, sharp pocket placement, and a camo print that looks polished, not gimmicky. It falls above the knee with a regular cut that’s universally flattering for most guys. For a more dialed-in fit, adjustable back-waist tabs let you tighten things up without needing a belt—clutch when you’re moving around or layering over a tucked tee.

The cotton fabric has comfort stretch woven in, so while it looks structured, it moves surprisingly well. One tester wore it to a backyard BBQ and didn’t think twice about it, which is the goal when you’re jumping into a lawn game or chasing down a plate of ribs. Not into camo? It also comes in solid colors, with 7- and 9-inch inseam options so you can pick your ideal fit.

Get this: Fair Harbor’s cargo shorts double as swim trunks. That’s right, we’ve worn the vintage style to go on coffee runs as well to take a dip in the pool. Unlike some trunks, this pair didn’t dig into the skin, it rested comfortably on the waist and the elastic drawstring ensured things stayed in place. Inside, there’s a boxer brief liner, which means you can go commando, if that’s your thing.

And after laying out in the sun post-swim, we found that the soft nylon fabric dried down in less than 30 minutes. In terms of style, it looks great with a camp collar shirt or simple tee. Thanks to the spandex blend, it’s one of the more stretchier picks on the list. Whether you’re treading water or walking your dog, the material handles shifts in position with ease.

Pros

• Perfect to wear for multiple activities
• Fabric dries in a flash
• Zippered right-thigh pocket
• Climbing-cord key loop at the right waistband

If your weekends are a mix of trails, coffee runs, and maybe a last-minute hang, you need cargo shorts that can keep up without slowing you down. That’s where the Nomader Shorts come in. It’s made from a breathable organic cotton-nylon-spandex blend that’s soft enough to relax in but durable enough to take a beating. There’s just enough stretch for scrambling up a hill or knocking out some yard work, and the fabric dries quickly if you get caught in the heat—or a quick dip.

The pockets are the real MVP here: cargo-style, but clean and low-profile, so you’re not dealing with bulk or ballooning sides. One of our testers wore them straight through a Saturday that started with errands, detoured into a trail hike, and ended with beers on a patio. Surprisingly, the shorts held up (and looked good) the whole time.

Vuori’s cargo short feels like your favorite cozy sweatpants with an ultra-soft stretchy knit fabric. The great thing about the material is it wicks away moisture like a pro, so you can throw it on to hit the gym or the pavement. The 8-inch inseam falls at that just-right length: not too long, not too short, and the classic fit gives your legs some breathing room. I’ve lounged in this pair on the weekends more times than I’d like to admit, but that’s because it’s just that comfy.

One of our testers wore it for an early-morning jog and appreciated the subtle reflective detailing, which adds visibility without screaming “gym bro.” Another wore it during a weekend flight and said it was hands-down the easiest thing he packed. Compared to others on this list, this short doesn’t have as many pockets for storage. Though the one left-side pocket is large enough for a bulky wallet, charger, or passport.

Relaxed-fit cargos don’t always get the credit they deserve, but this pair is worth living in all summer. Enter Reigning Champ’s Nylon Oxford Standard Short. It’s one of the best we tested, cut with a straight leg and standard fit, but wears with that easy, laid-back feel guys love. The nylon-elastane blend is lightweight and stretchy but built to last. It’s abrasion-resistant and finished with a durable water-repellent coating, which came in handy when our testers wore it on light hikes and early-morning beach runs.

One even got caught in a surprise drizzle and said the water beaded right off. It’s also packed with smart design touches: an integrated utility that adjusts on the fly and multiple pockets that don’t feel like overkill. The generous inseam rounds out the look without appearing frumpy or veering into dad territory.

Don’t sleep on Dockers’ cargo shorts, which are affordable, low-fuss, and way more versatile than expected. At first glance, it looks like your standard summer basic, but we pulled them on and felt the difference immediately. The fabric’s infused with Supreme Flex: Dockers’ proprietary two-stretch that moves with you and snaps back into shape without sagging. Our contributing editor, Ted Stafford, took it on a three-hour drive, then rolled straight into a backyard hang, and didn’t spot any wrinkles.

The cotton-elastane blend is another quiet flex: soft and breathable, but substantial enough that you don’t feel like you’re wearing gym shorts. The 9-inch inseam lands above the knee, and the straight fit through the hip and thigh hits that just-right middle ground: roomy but not sloppy like you’re stuck in the Y2K era.

If you’re after cargo shorts that don’t scream “outdoor dad,” the Jayden Shorts from John Varvatos are your everyday upgrade. The pair ditches the bulky silhouette in favor of a cleaner, more streamlined look that you can actually wear out to lunch or throw on with a polo and still feel pulled together. The washed cotton fabric is soft right out of the box, and there’s just enough stretch to keep them comfortable from your commute to weekend errands.

Now, one trade-off: they skip the traditional utility-style side cargo pockets. But that’s part of the appeal. Instead of bulging flaps, you get low-profile pockets that still hold the essentials without weighing you down or ruining the fit. It’s the kind of short that transitions easily from coffee runs to casual dinners, which is exactly what makes them a solid everyday go-to.

Pros

• Made with Micro-brushed French terry
• Works for the gym
• Feels comfortable enough to lounge in

If there is one thing Mack Weldon excels at, it is selecting the perfect fabric for any garment. Take the ACE Utility Short. The brushed terry fabric was heavy enough to function as a proper cargo short during testing, holding a screwdriver, tape measure, and level securely in place during some DIY home improvements. At the same time, it was soft enough to be super comfortable during long days on our feet and relaxing nights lounging around.

Our style editors agree that this is a perfect weekend warrior short. It feels as comfortable as a pair of gym shorts, as soft as cotton sweatpants, and provides more cargo capacity than either of those. Whether you’re remodeling your living room or just running out for coffee and bagels, these are the shorts for the job.

Are cargo shorts still stylish?

Not only are cargo shorts still stylish, they are having a moment right now. All fashion is cyclical, and cargo shorts are one of the items that seem to have peaks and valleys but never really go away entirely. If you like the way cargo shorts look in your wardrobe, you should stick with them no matter what other people are wearing. But 2024 is definitely a peak year for this look!

Are cargo shorts too casual?

Overall, cargo shorts are a casual look that should not be worn in an office or any other elevated environment. A good rule to go by is if you’re going to wear leather dress shoes and a collared shirt, you should not wear cargo shorts. However, you can certainly wear them in any casual environment. Think of how you wear chino shorts with a t-shirt, polo shirt, or sweatshirt and just swap in cargo shorts.