How Cargo Trousers Moved From The Battlefield To The Catwalk

One of the most common pieces of trade workwear is a pair of cargo trousers, and whilst there are often modifications to make them better suited for particular professions such as by adding extra strength or ripstop capabilities, they are an almost ubiquitous part of uniforms.

The main reason for this is obvious, cargo trousers with their wide accordion pockets were widely suited to holding a variety of different tools and pieces of equipment safely and securely using buttons or velcro, which can be essential for people working at height.

However, cargo trousers did not begin with the construction industry, not engineers, but instead began with the British Army and are sometimes known as combat trousers for this reason.

The No. 5 Uniform, often known simply as the Battledress, was a serge combat uniform first worn in 1938 and featured two larger specialised pockets on the left and right side. The former was used to hold a map and compass, whilst the latter held field dressings.

This style was very quickly copied by other nations, most notably United States paratroopers, and the uniform itself lasted a long time with very few modifications, only being taken out of service in 1961, although the principle has endured ever since.

Similar trousers started to be used by tradespeople by this point, as the pockets that could be used to hold maps could also be used for hardbound notepads, tools and a variety of essential smaller items that are needed to get a job done.

Cargo pants and especially cargo shorts started to be marketed outside of tradespeople and army surplus stores in the 1980s, with the benefits to fishermen, hunters and sportsmen being self-evident.

This practicality made them very popular and this popularity led to them becoming a fashion staple, particularly buoyed by countercultural subcultures such as skateboarding, BMX cycling and other aspects of urban fashion.