The Best Cargo Shorts for Men, Tested by Style Editors

Camo cargo shorts are a hit summer after summer, and this pair is no different. Levi’s design is military-inspired but not over-the-top. Now super short dudes might not love the 9-inch inseam as it falls over the knee, but it’s a regular cut that’s universally flattering for most guys. For a more tailored fit, you can adjust the back-waist tabs to tighten things up, so you don't need a belt. The pockets are large enough for a bulky wallet, charger, or passport.

The cotton fabric doesn’t have much stretch but it moves surprisingly well without being stiff. I wore it to a backyard barbecue and didn’t feel any restriction when I jumped into a lawn game or chased down a plate of ribs. If camo is not your style, the brand also offers a few solid colors and a medium-wash denim jort replica (but with cargo pockets, of course).

Relaxed-fit cargo shorts don’t always get the credit they deserve, but this Ralph Lauren pair earned a permanent spot in my summer rotation. It’s cut with a straight leg and classic fit, which provides breathing room and no sweat box down below. The vibe with this pair is a mashup between neat and laid-back, so I could wear it with a linen button-down for dinner or throw on a T-shirt and sneakers for a shopping day in New York City.

The lightweight cotton fabric has just enough stretch to keep up on light hikes or early-morning beach strolls, and still looks crisp after hours of wear. And although the 10.5-inch inseam offers more coverage than modern cuts, it never feels oversized or veers into dad territory. It delivers that timeless, easygoing silhouette that’s been part of Ralph Lauren’s playbook for decades.

These have the same easygoing vibe as the oversized cargo shorts I remember seeing everywhere in the late ’90s and early 2000s, but they feel surprisingly current. The relaxed fit gives you plenty of room through the seat and thighs, so it’s nothing but breezy vibes in the dog days of summer. And while the 11-inch inseam is longer than what I usually wear, baggier silhouettes are back in a big way.

After a day of wearing them, I appreciated the extra coverage and looser fit because it made them especially comfortable for long walks and lazy weekends. The built-in belt is a nice bonus that helps tighten the fit, and with so many colors available, it’s easy to find one that matches the rest of your wardrobe. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable pairs on the list, meaning you can stock up on a bunch to spread out for the week.

I don’t always want my weekend shorts to feel like gym gear, but I still want them to move with me. That’s exactly why I kept reaching for this pair from Nike. The midweight canvas has just enough stretch that I never felt restricted, whether I was walking around the city, grabbing brunch, or spending an afternoon in the park. This pair is great for rainy and sunny days since the nylon-spandex fabric is treated with water-repellent and UV-resistant tech. I’ve worn it in light showers and the material dried in seconds instead of getting too soaked.

The cargo pockets are huge, so they sit right on the legs and lean into the utility look. Like UnionBay’s version, this pair comes with a webbing belt that releases with a quick push. Normally that’d be a dealbreaker for me, but it gives the shorts some personality without feeling like I stepped out of the ’90s. Plus, they’re useful for stashing my wallet, keys, and sunglasses when I don’t feel like carrying a bag.

If your weekends are a mix of trails, coffee runs, and maybe a last-minute hang, you need cargo shorts that can keep up without slowing you down. That’s where the Nomader Shorts come in. It’s made from a breathable organic cotton-polyester-spandex blend that’s soft enough to relax in but durable enough to take a beating. There’s just enough stretch for scrambling up a hill or knocking out some yard work, and the fabric dries quickly if you get caught in the heat—or a quick dip.

The pockets are the real MVP here: cargo-style, but clean and low-profile, so you’re not dealing with bulk or ballooning sides. One of our testers wore them straight through a Saturday that started with errands, detoured into a trail hike, and ended with beers on a patio. Surprisingly, the shorts held up (and looked good) the whole time.

Carhartt has been making workwear longer than just about anyone, so it’s no surprise the brand nailed the cargo short. This style is perfect for guys whose job involves landscape maintenance or postal deliveries. I tested it out for a hike and the cotton-polyester fabric has a lightweight feel that didn’t make me burn up on an 80-degree summer day. It’s made with Carhartt’s proprietary fabric treatment that pulls sweat away from your skin and stretches enough to crouch, climb ladders, or kneel without any pulling.

And unlike cargo shorts that load you up with bulky pockets you’ll never use, this pair has the right balance with roomy cargo pockets, a secure zip pocket, and reinforced belt loops that can handle the weight of your everyday gear. It sits comfortably below the waist with plenty of breathing room in the seat and thigh. The 11.5-inch inseam is great for tall guys with long legs, stopping right above the knee, but might look like capris for short dudes.

If you’re after cargo shorts that don’t scream “outdoor dad,” the Jayden Shorts from John Varvatos are your everyday upgrade. The pair ditches the bulky silhouette in favor of a cleaner, more streamlined look that you can actually wear out to lunch or throw on with a polo and still feel pulled together. The washed cotton fabric is soft right out of the box, and there’s just enough stretch to keep them comfortable from your commute to weekend errands. \

Now, one trade-off: they skip the traditional utility-style side cargo pockets. But that’s part of the appeal. Instead of bulging flaps, you get low-profile pockets that still hold the essentials without weighing you down or ruining the fit. It’s the kind of short that transitions easily from coffee runs to casual dinners, which is exactly what makes them a solid everyday go-to.