Definition of Cargo Pants
Cargo pants are loose-fitting pants made from cotton twill fabric that feature large, generous pockets along the sides of the legs. The pants were originally made for military use in fatigue green, but managed to make their way onto the commercial scene. Designers from Paris, Milan and New York caught onto the cargo pant style, and commercialized it by displaying designer versions of the pants on the runways. Does this Spark an idea?
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Benefits of Cargo Pants
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The military issues fatigues, or camouflaged pants, to all of their soldiers. Army fatigue pants are loose fitting and equipped with large pockets and loops, which give soldiers the ability to store items they may need while on the battlefield such as food, extra bullets, first aid supplies and water. Items stored in large pockets are easier to reach than items inside of a backpack. This is what makes army fatigue pants so important on the battlefield. A soldier does not need to slow his pace while marching forward since he can reach what he needs in his pants. Cargo pants are designed with the same concept in mind. The difference between military fatigues and cargo pants is the fabric and variations of cut to fit into current fashion trends.
Effects on Fashion
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Designers are influenced by military fatigues or cargo pants. Fashion shows present variations of cargo pants on the runway. Cargo pants are designed using fabrics and cuts that fit into the fashion trends of the season. Cropped versions of cargo pants, where the hemline of the pant hits mid-calf, can also be found in on the runway in a slim version when cropped pants are in style. Cargo pants are shown by designers in cotton twill, velour and thin wool fabrics. Occasionally, when silk is in fashion, cargo pants will be shown in silk giving them a flowing, soft look.
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Features of Cargo Pants
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Cargo pants are found in slim and loose-fitting styles. The hemlines of cargo pants can hit at the ankles or at mid-calf. Cargo pants have inspired other types of cargo garments with the same relaxed, yet useful, look that made cargo pants popular. Cargo skirts and cargo shorts have both become warm weather staples in the fashion industry. They hit about one inch above the knee, and offer roomy pockets. Cargo skirts and cargo shorts are made out of the same thick cotton twill fabrics seen on cargo pants. They are found in colors such as tan, army green, navy and various shades of brown and black.
Types of Cargo Pants
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Cargo pants are worn by both men and women. Men wear the traditional style of cargo pants. Men's styles are loose fitting and may or may not be tapered at the ankle. The male cargo pant is sewn out of cotton twill and is considered casual, weekend wear.
Women's cargo pants can be found in many different styles. Designers give women slim and loose-fitting cargo pants as well as ankle length or cropped versions. Women's cargo pants can be found in cotton twill, silk and velour.
Considerations
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Cargo pants are considered casual. The loose fit and large pockets give cargo pants a relaxed, weekend look. They are not appropriate to wear in an office setting or at a formal event. Although silk cargo pants for women can be worn with high heels, they still do not qualify as anything other than casual. Cargo pants can be worn to casual functions such as barbecues, picnics and informal gatherings.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Mannequin legs image by Tasha from Fotolia.com
