Cargo pants

In 1938, the British Army created a revolutionary new type of combat uniform (BDU), which included trousers featuring a huge map pocket and a pocket suitable for first aid supplies on the right upper hip. These were cargo trousers.

During World War II, Major William P. Yarborough, commander of the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division, while wearing the trousers, judged that the uniform could be further improved and modified to suit the needs of paratroopers. The major was dissatisfied with the paratroopers' jump suit, as it was nothing more than a standard infantry uniform. Yarborough designed a much more functional garment for soldiers jumping with parachutes, featuring four giant pockets on the upper part and two huge map pockets on the trousers. These were already suitable for storing the equipment needed during jumps.

Paratroopers often needed more space because they also carried items such as grenades and ammunition, which they mainly stored in their backpacks. However, to have a better chance of surviving missions, they had to take additional items that often no longer fit in the pack. That is why the countless deep pockets were so practical for them, enabling them to store more food and ammunition.

Recognising its effectiveness, the US Army standardized the revamped jump suit for all troops in 1943 under the name M-1943. Later, the trousers were further perfected and received different pocket shapes. In 1960, during the Vietnam fighting, Yarborough redesigned the trousers, adding even more pockets—a total of 7—to the new model.

In the 1970s, cargo trousers did not become very popular among civilians and veterans, as they brought back bad memories of the Vietnam War. Later, by the 1980s and 90s, these memories had faded and dressing became more casual, so more and more people began wearing this practical, comfortable trouser cut. In the years since, cargo trousers have become increasingly popular in both long and short versions, embraced by subcultures such as skaters, while also being favoured by fishermen and hunters.

Cargo trousers have become a part of everyday fashion, with a host of fashion designers choosing this cut for their designs. Brands such as Undercover, Julius, Acronym, and of course Alpha Industries—as a former military supplier—have also created their own versions and use the multi-pocket solution on several of their trousers.

Take a look around our webshop where you can choose from various trousers.