Women’s cargo pants peaked in popularity in the late 90’s. With the rise of grunge and the advancement of the feminist movement, many women turned to cargo pants. Traditionally worn by men, cargo pants found a place in the heart of independent women looking for comfort and big pockets.
Cargo pants are characterized by the presence of a large external pocket on either leg of the pants. Typically, the pocket has a flap to close it, with either a velcro or button closure. The cargo pocket is always bigger than the side pockets and expands outward, away from the wearer, for additional pocket space.
Cargo pants declined in popularity after the 90’s when women returned to carrying large purses. The need for additional pocket space seemed almost silly once women started carrying around luggage-size handbags.
Because the need for pocket space diminished, pockets on women’s cargo pants shrunk in size until they were more of a fashionable embellishment instead of a functional pouch. The slim pockets gave the pants the look women desired, without being as big and bulky.
Women’s cargo pants remain popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts. Purses and often even back packs aren’t practical when hiking through a forest, rafting down a river, or climbing a mountain, but cargo pants provide a handy pocket for an additional protein bar or pocket knife.
Since the demand for women’s cargo pants has decreased as fashion has changed, people looking for cargo pants often have to shop online. Online retailers offer a variety of cargo pants for women at great deals. Sizing amongst women’s pants can vary between brands, so it’s important to pay attention to sizing charts to avoid having to unnecessarily return or exchange your purchase.
Some people are hesitant to shop online for clothing because they are unsure how the item will look when they try it on themselves. Rest assured that women’s cargo pants are extremely forgiving and will look the same on a variety of different sized frames. The cargo pockets draw attention downwards towards the calf of the wearer, where styles are more uniform on different wearers. The main goal is to be comfortable, so if your pants don’t fit, don’t hesitate to return or exchange them. The better the fit, the more you will like your new cargo pants.
Since women’s cargo pants were so common in the 90’s, thrift stores are ripe with barely worn cargo pants. You can pick up a pair of practically new women’s cargo pants for only a few dollars at your local thrift store or consignment shop and best of all, the profits will go to help a worthy charity. You can look good and feel good knowing you’re helping out those who are less fortunate by buying gently used women’s cargo pants.
It may seem strange, but women’s cargo pants are more popular in the summer than in the winter. If you’re looking to purchase your pants from a regular retail store, you’ll likely find a better selection in the summer months. Women’s cargo pants are usually khaki colored, a style that is more readily available in warmer seasons. Cargo pants look casual and fun when worn over a swimming suit.
If you love the look of women’s cargo pants, why not locate a pair at either a retail store or a thrift store and bring back the lost trend. If nothing else, you’ll be comfortable and have plenty of pocket space!
