9 Cargo Pants From Sustainable & Ethical Brands (2024)
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Our editors have found and reviewed the best cargo pants made by sustainable brands — these are our top picks.
We consider cargo pants to be a wardrobe staple; they’re classic, comfortable, and can do it all. Most cargo trousers are made with a cotton blend for durability, but that’s not always the most eco-friendly option. Instead, we like to see organic cotton, hemp, canvas, and linen as sustainable alternatives — and that’s just what we’ve found below.
Here are nine brands touting eco-friendly cargo pants; these bottoms vary across genders, styles, fit, and features, but one thing’s for certain: They’re made to last through every season. The original design has withstood the test of time, after all — now the fabric will, too.
Our criteria:
- ETHICAL PRACTICES | These brands adhere to ethical and responsible labor practices, ensuring their employees receive fair wages and have safe working environments. We’ve also included brands that give back to their communities and prioritize size inclusivity in their offerings.
- ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | Each of these brands practices sustainability throughout their manufacturing process, including using all natural and organic materials, low-impact processes, and recycled/upcycled materials where possible.
- QUALITY | These pants are classic and timeless in their design and durability, so you can wear them for a lifetime (and pass on!).
For more sustainable fashion, we love these 99 fair trade and ethical clothing brands.
1. Outerknown
Best For | Stylish utility pants
Sustainable Materials | 100% regenerative organic cotton, corozo button
Size Range | Women’s US 24 – 34
Price | $138
Outerknown’s Westbound Utility Cargo Pants are inspired by vintage military styles and offer a perfect mix of utility and style with oversized patch pockets and a comfortable, lived-in feel. Made from 100% Regenerative Organic Certified Cotton and garment-dyed for a well-worn look, they prioritize sustainability while delivering long-lasting quality. With eco-friendly practices and versatile design, these pants are as good for the planet as they are for your wardrobe.
Customer Review | “I love these pants. They are so comfortable, and the buttoned tabs make it easy to adjust the waist size if needed.” – Karen S. (Read all reviews.)
2. Tentree
Best For | Cargo joggers
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton, recycled polyester, natural corzo buttons
Size Range | Women’s XS – XXL, Men’s 30 – 40
Price | $68 – $108
Whether you prefer cargo pants for work or leisure, Tentree’s got options for you. Consider the Stretch Twill Cargo Pull On Jogger ($108) tailored with multiple kinds of pockets — aka just like regular cargo pants, but more sustainable. They’re made of 97 percent organic cotton with a hint of elastane for stretch, and even the buttons are natural. For women, we love the EcoStretch Cotton Pant ($88) touted as “when sweats meet cargos.” Also made with organic cotton, these use recycled embroidery and recycled polyester and tout two different kinds of pockets, elasticized cuffs, and a comfy waistband. See, they’re actually eco-friendly. 😉
Customer Review | “No joke, I wear these all the time. They are comfy and easy to care for. Great, relaxed fit (not slim, which I like). They are breathable and comfortable enough to ride my bike and take a long haul flight in (stretch cotton and elastic waistband). I’m purchasing my second pair as a back up!” – CW (Read all reviews.)
3. Carhartt Reworked
Best For | Pre-loved cargo pants
Sustainable Materials | Cotton stretch ripstop fabric
Size Range | Men’s 28 – 54
Price | $28 – $75
Carhartt Reworked cargo pants are built tough with durable, heavyweight materials and reinforced features, making them perfect for tackling tough jobs. These pre-loved, relaxed-fit pants come with multiple pockets for tools and gear, ensuring they’re as functional as they are reliable. By purchasing these pre-loved cargo pants through Carhartt Reworked, you’re not only getting high-quality workwear but also contributing to reducing clothing waste and promoting sustainability.
4. Patagonia
Best For | Men’s work pants
Sustainable Materials | Hemp, recycled polyester, organic cotton
Size Range | Men’s 28 – 44
Price | $89
Patagonia’s Iron Forge Hemp Canvas Cargo Pants are made for the rugged outdoorsman. Whether they work outside or like to go hiking on the weekends, these bottoms are made to withstand everything that comes their way. They’re heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant, and even made with easy button closures so you can unbutton them with gloves or cold fingers. And with large pockets, gussets for clip-on tools, and seven belt loops, the design has truly thought of everything you may need. Best of all, they’re Fair Trade Certified. If the price feels a little out of reach, check out Patagonia’s Worn Wear shop for gently used and discounted options.
Customer Review | “The pockets. These pants have pockets that everything fits in and doesn’t fall out as soon as you bend or sit down. They are made with serious fabric that doesn’t fall apart after after a few washings. These are serious work pants. I wish more pants would have deep pockets. It’s not that I carry that much stuff, but with these pants none of it falls out. With shallower pockets, you get in a car, your wallet falls out, your keys fall out. Your pocket knife falls out. Your phone falls out. And then you have to dig them out from that black hole of car design. With the extra pockets I can distribute stuff too, especially my phone. These are great work pants, good on hikes too.” – Macduff (Read all reviews.)
5. Quince
Best For | Cotton & linen cargo pants
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton & linen
Size Range | Women’s XS – XL (0 – 16)
Price | $50
For a utilitarian look but effortlessly soft feel, consider Quince’s Organic Cotton Linen Cargo Pant. At under $50, these trousers are made with an organic cotton and European linen blend, so it’s structured yet breathable, smartly finished with a high waist, removable belt, and tapered legs that hit mid-shin. Quince pieces are BCSI-certified to ensure safe working conditions at its partner factory in China. Choose from two colors (our vote is for that gorgeous army green) and enjoy free shipping and free returns within 365 days.
Customer Review | “I’m really pleased with these pants. They come down to my ankle on me, (I am 5 ft 2). The regular trousers on this site are always 3 inches too long for me so these were perfect. And the style is really cute, pair well with boots. Probably would look great on tall people too, paired with a longer boot. The fabric is comfortable and easily washed. I like the belt, as it made the waist fit snuggly.” – Hannah N. (Read all reviews.)
6. Poetry Fashion
Best For | Corduroy-style cargo pants
Sustainable Materials | Hemp, organic cotton, yak wool
Size Range | Women’s XS – L (UK 6 – 22)
Price | £119
Poetry Fashion’s Cropped Trousers seamlessly—pun not intended but embraced—combine form and function. Hemp, organic cotton, and yak wool make up this fabric blend, and the result is an incredibly soft pair of corduroy-style pants. Available in four colors (Charcoal, Chocolate, Dark Indigo, and Mink Brown), there are plenty of cargo-style pockets, a jogger-like fit thanks to the cropped ankle and relaxed shape, and an elastic hem for comfort. They’re unlike any pair of cargo pants we’ve seen before, and we’re here for it.
7. Reformation
Best For | Wide-leg jeans
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton
Size Range | Women’s 23 – 31
Price | $109
Only Reformation could take cargo pants and turn them into the chicest of looks. These high-rise wide-leg cargo jeans come in a non-stretch denim. There are two sets of pockets, including back pockets for all of your belongings. Ref only uses regeneratively grown cotton for these trousers (and helps saves thousands of gallons of water along the way) — but be mindful that they’re no-stretch, so you’ll want to size accordingly. Don’t worry if you have to exchange though; every order comes with free shipping and returns.
8. Lucy & Yak
Best For | Statement parachute-style cargo pants
Sustainable Materials | Organic cotton & linen
Size Range | Women’s US 0 – 28
Price | $70 – $75
For eye-catching breezy cargo gear, check out Lucy & Yak. These cargos make a bold statement with their vibrant patterns, like their Daksha Green print. With an oversized balloon-shaped leg, elasticated waist, and deep cargo pockets, they combine comfort and style effortlessly. Made from a breathable blend of organic cotton and linen, you’ll thank us after adding these to your closet!
Customer Review | “super bright and colourful. wearing them just makes me smile. super comfy and lightweight material perfect for these hot summer days” – s.w. (Read all reviews.)
9. Imogen + Willie
Best For | USA-made military inspired pants
Sustainable Materials | 100% cotton
Size Range | Women’s XXS – XL
Price | $195
Imogen + Willie’s Caro pants bring a touch of military heritage to contemporary fashion. Using a fabric that’s reminiscent of WWII-era military wear., these yarn-dyed Japanese cotton trousers echo the durability and timeless style of historical military pants. Finished with WWII-reissue buttons, they are crafted in the USA and are designed to last for years to come.
Featured image is from Poetry Fashion
