Cargo shorts deserve more credit than they get. While other military-inspired staples—like the M-65 jacket or fatigue pants—are menswear darlings, cargo shorts are still shaking off their frat-boy past. The difficulty seems to lie mostly in the very thing that defines them: the pockets. Guys tend to overstuff them like George Costanza’s wallet, which throws off the silhouette and makes everything look bulky. Cargo pockets can carry things, sure, but they’re mostly there for texture. Detail: It’s a design element that adds style.
Luckily, in 2026, cargos are a far cry from oversized, pocket-packed relics of the Fred Durst era. Short lengths are inching back towards the knees, but with smarter proportions. Think slimmer cotton khakis, longer linen styles, and techy hiking pairs that move easily from the trail to the city. So we rounded up the best options worthy of your consideration, all cut with flattering fits and functional pockets you can build a whole summer’s worth of outfits around.
