How To Wear Cargo Pants For Summer 2026
By Sarah Macken
Shop the best cargo trousers from Arket, Anine Bing, Nili Lotan and & Other Stories …
Cargo pants have always had an edge in the fashion world. Maybe the fact that they’re worn by Kate Moss and Carrie Bradshaw imbues them with a cool, ‘fashion girl’ edge, perhaps they’re a welcome wardrobe solution if you’re befuddled by the array of new season jeans or, simply, you might just like the look of them. Either way, cargos abound for summer 2026: they have a louche, utilitarian appeal that ushers in warmer days ahead.
The off-duty look of the moment? It contrasts utilitarian trousers with a pretty cotton blouse. While this blue pair (above) are an investment buy from Miu Miu, Arket is stocking similar for summer (see below). Finish with a pair of elevated leather flip-flops and a woven leather bag (shop an edit of our favourite styles here).
On the relaxed end of things, cargo pants are hybridised with drawstring trousers. See the Sifnos trousers from the new collaboration between style influencer Lucy Williams and British label With Nothing Underneath which are made from a crisp cotton poplin, are cut at the ankle and boast square pockets.
Image: Instagram @francescasaffari.
Cobalt hues, popular now, act as a refreshing alternative to khaki. However, classic shades of army green – or, even, olive – have perennial appeal. If army pants feel too out of your comfort zone, look for a pair of curved jeans in a khaki colour-way. The structured fabric will feel reassuring, even if the colour is a little different to what you normally wear.
Shop the best cargo trousers for summer 2026:
Olive high-rise curved jeans, €80; www.abercrombie.com.
Blue cotton cargo trousers, €89, at Arket.
Khaki green barrel-leg jeans, €99, at & Other Stories.
Green Shon cotton barrel-leg trousers, Nili Lotan, €495; www.net-a-porter.com.
Army green Grayson cotton trousers, €280; www.aninebing.com.
We may earn a commission if you buy through affiliate links on our site.
READ MORE: The Fashion World Loves Teal, But We’re Embracing This Summer Colour Trend Instead
