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Welcome To The Cargo Jean 2.0
As Noughties nostalgia rages on, the denim cargo pant has returned
There was a time, not so long ago, where the mere mention of cargo jeans would've sent a shiver racing down fashion editors’ spines.
This is a style of denim most associated with the trends of yesteryear, when jeans hung low and tops were blink-and-you'll-miss-them levels of barely-there. Popularised by all manner of famous faces in the Noughties, the denim cargo pant was the mainstay of that bygone era. But, just like that, the reign of the cargo jean was over – and in swept the skinny jean to take its place.
Until suddenly, the boyish charm of denim cargos reared its head like the ghost of Christmas past. At the spring/summer shows last year, cargo pants were introduced in pretty pastels and cool cottons; by the time the autumn/winter collections swung around, they’d been reimagined in dark and inky shades of denim. And for SS24, the trend only gained traction, with the likes of Ralph Lauren, Versace and The Attico debuting the trend's polished new persona. We were compelled to take note: this was the denim cargo 2.0, and it was cool in a way it hadn’t been before.
In the months following fashion’s reintroduction to the denim cargo pant, Net-A-Porter noted that searches for ‘cargo jeans’ spiked on the site, while TikTok has similarly confirmed the denim cargo pants’ return to the fore. The hashtag #CargoJeans has been viewed more than 480 million times on the app, with users waxing lyrical about how to wear theirs with fitted T-shirts and tops for evening and loose knits for a modern take on daytime chic.
Browns Fashion’s Womenswear Buyer, Mia Notley, is one of the cargo jeans’ devotees. ‘Agolde’s Vivian jeans are the perfect pair, she says. 'I love the ones in the darker colourways with the chunky silver hardware to give a more edgy feel.'
As for how to wear these larger-than-life jeans in real life? The Copenhagen street style set has offered a sartorial schooling for such matters. At February's SS24 shows, they paired OTT denim cargo pants with chunky cowboy boots and oversized bomber jackets, doubling down on the scaled-up proportions to ensure maximum impact.
These are the cargo jeans we’ve got bookmarked (and you, no doubt, will too).
Every fashion editor's go-to brand, The Frankie Shop, is the purveyor of some of the best-fitting denim cargo pants around. The Haileys can be dressed up or down; just add a kitten heel for the cherry on top of the fashion cake.
Notley's favourite cut, Agolde's Vivian jeans are one for the true devotee. They're detailed with silver hardware, and sure to make a serious statement.
The straight-leg jean meets the cargo in The Attico's new Essie jeans. Cut for a slimline fit, they offer a fresh take on proportions, with puffed-up pockets for statement appeal.
With an almost tailored waistband, Axel Arigato’s wide-leg jeans are a perfect entrée to the cargo jeans trend if ever we saw one.
If you're looking to replenish your wardrobe with some sturdy, timeless essentials, then look no further than high-street hero, Cos, whose denim cargo pants are wide through the leg but restrained in the pocket realm, so you get a sleek, grown-up silhouette.
A darker denim wash brings a grown-up feel to the cargo cut, as Me + Em's polished pair demonstrates perfectly.
Coperni's offering features a high-rise waist, so is ideal if the idea of exposing your belly button sends shivers down your spine. Team them with a heel, hidden beneath the hems, to create a seriously flattering silhouette.
For a minimalist spin on the trend, turn to Mango. These mid-blue jeans are peppered with pockets and cut for a clean, straight silhouette that works especially well with pointed heels.
Ganni's jeans are a favourite among the fashion crowd thanks to their comfort and effortless feel. Whatever the occasion, these Angi cargo jeans will rise to it.
If you're new to the denim cargo pant trend, then look to the high street before jumping to making an investment purchase. Zara's offer all of the laid-back appeal promised by the jeans without any of the commitment.
& Other Stories' stellar cargo jeans feature a considered vertical seam that runs along the front of the legs, cleverly elongating your legs.
If you prefer your jeans to slouch ever so slightly on the hip, then Self-Portrait's wide-leg, mid-rise jeans are the one. Perfect for partying in without having to employ any kind of real effort.
Naomi May is a seasoned culture journalist and editor with over ten years’ worth of experience in shaping stories and building digital communities. After graduating with a First Class Honours from City University's prestigious Journalism course, Naomi joined the Evening Standard, where she worked across both the newspaper and website. She is now the Digital Editor at ELLE Magazine and has written features for the likes of The Guardian, Vogue, Vice and Refinery29, among many others. Naomi is also the host of the ELLE Collective book club.
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
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