Cargo pants are back: Discover the best picks and how to style them

Back in the '90s — the heyday of the iconic style — the classic baggy, khaki cargos were often sported by celebs and models. Paired with a neutral fitted crop top, it was a look many of us admired at the time while others of us were hesitant to work the style ourselves. But this year is looking like the perfect time to relive your favourite '90s fashion trend.

That's right, cargos are officially back! Stores like River Island, ASOS, H&M and so many more have a mass of cargos available to shop in a range of flattering silhouettes and colours. It’s never been easier to find a pair to suit your body shape or skin tone, either. So what are you waiting for? It's time to give this style a go.

The best women's cargo pants UK

1. Classic camo cargo pants2. Versatile black cargo trousers3. Short girl-friendly petite cargos4. Grey oversized cargo trousers that are super chic

Are cargo trousers in style?

Definitely. This year, cargos have been spotted non-stop on the runways, in magazines and on the streets. While retro pairs with a low-rise cut and baggy fit are still popular, we're excited to see other styles that offer an updated, 21st-century look also dominating the fashion scene.

11 essential cargo looks

So many styles, so many looks! The fashion industry has taken this trend and run with it. Some of our must-have cargo styles include classic beige trousers, white pairs, cargo jean joggers and those with wide-leg silhouettes.

To get you reacquainted with this '90s classic, here are 11 of our favourites and how to style them with pieces you likely already have in your wardrobe.

1. Classic camo cargo pants

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Photo: River Island

River Island Khaki Camo Utility Cargo Trousers

If you’re going to invest in one pair of cargos, why not make it a classic camo pair? These trousers from River Island are the perfect cargo style, with their zip and button waistband and front pockets.

Featuring a straight leg and high-waist fit, these trousers are both flattering and comfortable, offering an effortlessly cool take on an iconic piece of clothing.

And the utility pockets are the icing on the cake; they’re the perfect homage to the classic cargo pants so often sported by celebs in the late '90s.

If all that's not enough to convince you to shop these cargos, River Island is currently offering new Daily Mail shoppers an exclusive 20% off their first order when they spend £60 or more. It's a serious win-win, right?

Wear it with: A cropped white T-shirt and chunky white trainers for a clean, simple look.

2. Versatile black cargo trousers

Photo: ASOS

Stradivarius Straight Fit Cargo Trousers

The neutral colour and straight fit on this pair of cargos make it an excellent first pair to invest in. They come with a high waist and discreet utility pockets that won’t make your look seem too busy.

Wear it with: A fitted nude halterneck and strappy black heels that will completely elevate the cargos.

3. Short girl-friendly petite cargos

Photo: ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Petite Seam Detail Cargo Trouser

If you’re 5’3” or under, it’s worth shopping for petite cargos. If the leg isn't quite the right length, the baggy fit of most pairs have the potential to drown your frame. But have no fear, petite cargos aren't impossible to find, like this ASOS pair. We like the dusky pink hue and seam detailing that runs down the front of the trouser.

Wear it with: A super cropped, fitted white T-shirt that lets the cargos do all the talking. Clear, heeled sandals will complete your look.

4. Grey oversized cargo trousers that are super chic

Photo: PrettyLittleThing

PrettyLittleThing Grey Baggy Low Rise 90's Cargo Trousers

If you love your neutrals but are a little bored of beige and black, we recommend snapping up a pair of these PrettyLittleThing cargos in charcoal grey.

While they do come in a low-rise fit — a divisive retro look that's also making a comeback — their tie-waist design and ultra-baggy leg make them a funky, grunge-yet chic cargo option.

Wear it with: A crop top or a pale grey bodysuit for an on-trend monochromatic fit. Don’t forget a pair of slip-on stilettos to complete the look.

5. Crisp and clean white cargo pants

Photo: ASOS

Bershka Drawstring Waist Cargo Trousers in White

Forever a winner with their chic, understated aesthetic, you can't go wrong with white cargos. And we are totally digging this pair from ASOS. With their mid-rise waist, belt loops, utility pockets and straight-leg fit, they'll take you from daytime brunches to evening hangouts with ease.

Wear it with: A neutral top and a plaid shacket, like this Noisy May Shacket number from ASOS, that adds a little subtle colour to your look. The casual fit will go great with a pair of Converse high tops.

6. Brand-forward Nike cargos

Photo: Nike

Nike Sportswear Essential Women's High-Rise Woven Cargo Trousers

With a stylish, relaxed fit and Nike’s typical high standard of quality, this pair of cargos is brilliant for those who like to wear something with a logo. They come with an elasticated waist and open hems that keep you feeling as comfortable as possible throughout the day. Unlike some of the other cargos on this list, this pair is made from 100% nylon for a crisp, clean look and boasts side patch pockets, perfect for keeping your hands warm during winter.

Wear it with: Sporty trainers and some black activewear on top for the chicest, most comfortable look.

7. Dark green khaki cargo pants

Photo: PrettyLittleThing

PrettyLittleThing Khaki Elasticated Waist Straight Leg Cargo Pants

You save £2.80 (10%)£28

These joggers come in a stylish, neutral colour with a cargo-inspired style. They have a classic khaki material, a flattering fit and pockets at the waist and side that come in handy when you’re out and about.

Wear it with: White platform boots and a nude bodysuit will perfectly complement these pants' luxe brown colour.

8. Classic khaki cargos

Photo: Superdry

Superdry Organic Cotton Baggy Cargo Pants

A wardrobe staple, khaki cargos can easily be dressed up or down depending on the look you’re going for. We like the iconic wide-leg silhouette on this Superdryg pair; it's perfect for those who want to emulate the classic vintage look.

Wear it with: A fitted white T-shirt tucked in and chunky trainers.

9. '90s meets '00s brown cargo pants

Photo: Weekday

Weekday Udo Cargo Trousers

Embrace Y2K fashion with this pair of ultra baggy brown cargos from Weekday. They’re brilliant for making a bold fashion statement thanks to their relaxed fit, unique colour and drawstring cuffs.

Wear it with: A neutral bandeau top, matching trainers and plenty of gold jewellery.

10. Chic slim-fit cargos

Photo: John Lewis

FATFACE Cotton Rich Cargo Trousers

You save £23 (41.82%)£55

Simple and easy to wear, this pair of slim cargos is one of our favourites. The tapered legs and stitch detailing down the front keep the trousers fresh and contemporary — a look that lends itself well to an office-ready wardrobe that's still on-trend.

Wear it with: A bold, graphic T-shirt and nude platform sandals.

11. Woven cargo pants in a show-stopping colour

Photo: boohoo

boohoo High-Waisted Casual Woven Cargo Pants

You save £5.40 (16.87%)£32

For a completely unique take on cargo trousers, you can’t go wrong with this stunning pair from boohoo. 100 percent cotton, these ultra high-waist, ultra-fierce cargos are available in a range of head-turning colours and make for a killer weekend 'fit.

Wear it with: A fitted black off-the-shoulder top and sky-high heels for an elegant look.

Cargo trousers: Best Buys verdict

As you might have already guessed, we’re a big fan of the cargo trend.

It’s a winner for the Best Buys editors for a number of reasons; they’re comfortable, flattering and versatile pieces that make for great additions to any wardrobe. Our favourite pairs include this classic camo design from River Island and boohoo's firey high-waist cargo trousers that have been inspired by typical cargo silhouettes.