Cargo Pants and Utilitarian Fashion Are Fall’s Biggest Trend (2024)

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Cargo Pants and Utilitarian Fashion Are Fall’s Biggest Trend? ›

Army jackets, combat boots, and cargo pants reporting for duty. Fall's biggest trend is surprisingly useful. The utilitarian looks we're seeing everywhere are about marrying form and function in the best way.

Cargo pants are similar to utility pants and have a military background. Mainly worn by paratroopers, the distinctive side pockets were designed to carry ammunition and equipment, allowing easy access for the soldiers. In the 1970s and '90s, cargo pants were embraced in the fashion scene.

Cargo pants are still going strong.

"Their appeal is undeniable, as they radiate a contemporary and relaxed vibe, making them a must-have for any stylish wardrobe in 2024," she told BI.

Utilitarian fashion is based on clothing traditionally worn for practical purposes, such as workwear or military attire. The trend has evolved to include contemporary designs that combine function and fashion.

In the late '90s, cargo trousers were all the rage. Throughout this time, they crossed over from being considered military or labor to being considered fashionable. Many people, especially those interested in urban and streetwear fashion, appreciated its loose cut and numerous pockets.

Both cargo pants and shorts have since become popular as urban casual wear, since they are loose-fitting and quite convenient for carrying extra items during everyday foot trips or while cycling.

They have become a wardrobe basic, like the white shirt or the little black dress. No matter what your gender. Think of them as “a more chic alternative to your classic cotton pants,” said Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada, whose cargo pants are worn by Travis Kelce and Gina Gershon.

Another trend that will sweep in spring is cargo pants, which has managed to stay popular for several seasons now. Fashionable brands like Isabel Marant and MSGM included them in their spring-summer 2024 shows.

The combination of style, functionality, and adaptability makes cargo pants a wardrobe essential for men seeking a timeless and practical addition to their clothing repertoire.

Baggy cargo pants can be flattering for various body types and sizes. They are particularly suited for individuals with larger frames or those who prefer a looser fit. The extra room in the thighs, hips, and seat can help create a balanced silhouette and provide comfort.

What is the utilitarianism style? ›

Utilitarianism is a theory of morality that advocates actions that foster happiness and oppose actions that cause unhappiness. Utilitarianism promotes "the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people."

The Utilitarian Approach assesses an action in terms of its consequences or outcomes; i.e., the net benefits and costs to all stakeholders on an individual level. It strives to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number while creating the least amount of harm or preventing the greatest amount of suffering.

For the fashion industry, utilitarianism guides the typical fast fashion philosophy where the greatest good is usually the greatest profit. But there are a number of ways fast fashion companies use a utilitarian calculus to justify their business practices.

The cargo pants trend

Jabari points out the pandemic was a time of dressing comfortably and, on the other side, we didn't want to let that go, which is why many men embraced the baggy pant. "Wide-leg trousers are the most comfortable style of pant to wear outside of the house," he tells the BBC.

Fashion Trend 2024: Full Skirts

Instead of slinky fits or Y2K-inspired denim fabrics, fuller skirts — a Molly Goddard signature — and ball gown silhouettes will be all the rage according to designers like Bottega Veneta and Staud.

Cargo pants became a style staple in the 2000s. As it turns out, baggy trousers featuring plenty of pockets were also a major runway trend during the spring 2023 season, with LaQuan Smith, Isabel Marant and Givenchy reviving the cargo craze.

The green cargo pants we are familiar with today, originally known as combat trousers, descended from loose-fitting utility pants worn in the military. They are distinguishable from other pants by the presence of large pockets initially intended to carry tools. Get it? They carry cargo.

For males who prefer outdoor activities, cargo pants are a great option. Cargo pants for men make outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities more convenient and functional due to their practicality, durability, and substantial storage capacity.

While cargo pants may have once been considered strictly casual attire, fashion norms have evolved, and certain variations of cargo pants can be suitable for a business casual environment.

Do cargo pants count as smart-casual? Yes, cargo pants are considered smart casual, meaning they are not too formal and should not be worn for a particular situation, place, or social occasion.