22 Cargo Shorts Outfits Men Can Wear Anywhere: Sharp, Not Sloppy

Khaki cargo shorts with a white tee is the simplest outfit to start with. Khaki goes with almost every colour, and a plain white tee and white sneakers keep everything fresh.

The fit makes the difference. Primer Magazine suggests a simple pinch test: pinch the fabric on the outside of your leg, and if there’s more than about an inch and a half of slack, the shorts are probably too big.

Cargo shorts come in a lot of colours. Here’s how the most common ones compare.

If you’re only buying one pair, khaki or olive is the most versatile. Both match almost any tee you already own.

Olive green cargo shorts with a black tee lean into the military roots of cargo pockets. The dark tee makes the olive look deeper and gives the outfit a tougher feel.

Where Cargo Pockets Came From

According to Analog:Shift’s history of cargo pants, the British Army’s Battle Dress uniform, introduced in 1938, had one of the earliest recognisable cargo trousers. U.S. paratroopers’ M-1942 uniform later added thigh-mounted cargo pockets and reinforced knees, and surplus clothing brought the style to civilians after World War II.

That practical history is why olive works so well, but it also means the outfit can tip into uniform territory fast.

Navy cargo shorts with a white oxford shirt is a smart, preppy summer outfit. Navy looks sharper than khaki or olive, and a crisp oxford shirt dresses the cargo shorts up.

Roll the sleeves and leave the shirt untucked for a relaxed feel. Tucking an oxford into cargo shorts looks stiff.

Tan cargo shorts with canvas skate shoes is a laid-back skate outfit. Relaxed cargos give room to move, and classic black and white canvas skate shoes go with nearly everything.

White crew socks pulled up a little suit the skate look. They also stop the canvas from rubbing your ankles.

Cargo shorts with canvas high-tops is a retro, casual outfit. High-tops look best with slimmer, shorter cargo shorts, since baggy, long shorts crowd the ankle.

Leave a gap of bare leg between the hem and the shoe. That space keeps high-tops from making your legs look short.

Cargo shorts with low-profile terrace sneakers is a clean, retro outfit. Slim suede sneakers with a gum sole look sleeker than chunky trainers, so they suit neater cargo shorts.

A fitted polo or simple tee keeps it smart. White mid-calf socks give the classic terrace look.

Baggy streetwear cargo shorts with an oversized tee is a classic street look. The wide shorts and boxy tee match in shape, so the outfit looks deliberate.

Chunky sneakers balance the volume of baggy shorts. Slim shoes would make the feet look small.

A crossbody bag keeps your phone and keys out of the pockets. That stops baggy cargo shorts from sagging even more.

Y2K cargo shorts with a zip-up track jacket recreate the early-2000s look. Low-slung, multi-pocket cargo shorts and a sporty track jacket are the signature pieces.

Keep the track jacket open over a plain tank or tee. A silver chain and chunky sneakers finish the throwback.

Don’t go overboard with accessories. One or two Y2K details look fun, while five look like fancy dress.

Grunge cargo shorts with a flannel and thermal mix summer shorts with 90s layers. A waffle thermal under an open flannel gives the classic grunge look.

Faded black or charcoal cargo shorts work best. Everything should look a little worn-in, not brand new.

Cargo shorts with a linen shirt is a relaxed holiday outfit. Linen breathes well in heat, and the relaxed shirt matches the easy feel of cargo shorts.

Light colours like stone, cream and pale blue keep the outfit cool. Brown leather sandals add a polished finish.

Linen wrinkles fast, and that’s part of its charm. A light shake and a hang overnight keep it from looking too crumpled.

Cargo shorts with a knit polo is a smart casual summer outfit. A fine-knit polo looks more refined than a cotton tee, and it dresses up slim cargo shorts.

Choose cargo shorts with flat pockets that sit close to the leg. Bulky bellows pockets clash with the polished knit.

Black cargo shorts with an all-black outfit look sleek and urban. The monochrome colour hides the bulk of the pockets, so cargo shorts look slimmer.

Mix fabrics for interest, like a matte cotton tee and smooth leather sneakers. All-black looks flat when every piece has the same texture.

Long cargo Bermuda shorts with a boxy tee is a relaxed, modern take on longer shorts. The shorts end at or just below the knee, and a boxy, slightly cropped tee keeps the proportions balanced.

Longer shorts suit tall men best. On shorter men, they can cut the leg and make you look shorter.

Checking Cargo Shorts Fit in the Fitting Room

A few quick checks tell you whether a pair fits well, whatever the length.

Bermuda cargo shorts should still pass these checks, since a longer cut is no excuse for a loose one.

Skip It If You’re Under About 5’8″

Shorts ending below the knee can make shorter men look shorter, since they hide the part of the leg that makes legs look long. A 5 or 7-inch inseam usually looks better.

Tan cargo jorts with a tank top is a laid-back summer outfit. Denim jorts with cargo pockets are tougher and heavier than cotton cargo shorts, and the tan wash looks fresh in sun.

A white ribbed tank keeps it light. White canvas sneakers keep it clean.

Letting Jorts Run Past the Knee:

Jorts that hang well below the knee look sloppy, even in baggy streetwear. Keep them at or just above the knee so the outfit still looks deliberate.

A minimalist cargo shorts outfit in neutral tones uses cream, oatmeal and off-white together. The tonal colours make the outfit look calm and expensive.

Light neutrals show stains easily. Keep this outfit for clean, city days rather than outdoor adventures.

Cargo shorts with a camp-collar shirt and loafers is the smartest way to wear cargo shorts. Slim navy shorts with flat pockets, a camp-collar shirt and leather loafers look ready for a summer dinner.

A warm colour like rust, terracotta or sage makes the shirt stand out. Loafers without socks keep the summer feel.

Granola cargo shorts with a fleece and sport sandals is a relaxed, outdoorsy outfit. Quick-dry nylon cargo shorts are practical for trails, and a half-zip fleece adds warmth on cool mornings.

Socks with sport sandals is a granola signature. Wool crew socks look best and keep your feet warm.

Nylon cargo shorts dry much faster than cotton. That makes them the better pick for rivers, lakes and sweaty hikes.

Cargo shorts with a hoodie and crew socks is a comfy outfit for cool evenings. The hoodie keeps your top half warm while shorts stay cool.

A lightweight hoodie balances better with shorts than a thick, heavy one. Grey goes with every cargo colour.

White crew socks make it look intentional. Short socks with a hoodie and shorts can look like you got dressed in a hurry.

A cargo shorts party outfit with a printed shirt is fun and easy for summer events. A bold printed shirt is the statement, and solid cargo shorts keep it balanced.

Choose plain cargo shorts in black, navy or khaki. Printed shorts with a printed shirt get too busy.

Nylon cargo shorts for hot weather are lighter and faster-drying than heavy cotton twill. They’re great for travel, humid cities and days when you’ll sweat.

Practicality is the main reason men stick with cargo shorts. In a Vice piece where men explained why they wear them, one called cargo shorts “by far the most practical pair of shorts a man can own,” and another said he zipped friends’ wallets and phones into his pockets to keep them safe from pickpockets.

A quick-dry tee keeps the whole outfit light. Most nylon shorts also pack small and resist wrinkles.

Rolling them or folding shorts into flat bundles keeps a suitcase neater.

A teen cargo shorts outfit is easy and comfortable for summer. Relaxed olive or khaki cargo shorts with a plain tee and skate shoes work for school, parks and hanging out.

Cargo pockets are handy for a phone, keys or a bus pass. Keep them light so the shorts don’t sag.

A boys’ cargo shorts outfit is about comfort and easy movement. Elastic-waist cargo shorts are easy for kids to manage, and the pockets are perfect for small treasures.

Bright tees in green, blue or orange make the outfit cheerful. Sport sandals or sneakers keep feet safe while playing.