Quick answer: Choose cargo pants by matching fabric to use: stretch 90% nylon / 10% spandex for all-day movement, lightweight quick-dry fabric for trails and travel, and 10–12oz denim for structure. Then check pocket depth (our styles that publish it run about 18cm) and size to your hips and thighs first — not the waist.
This guide uses the actual Cmfrt Pants lineup — real fabric contents, real pocket specs, real size runs — so every recommendation links to something you can check.
Step 1: pick a fabric family
- Stretch synthetics. The men’s High Stretch Multi Pocket Cargo Pants ($35.99) are 90% nylon / 10% spandex: quick-drying, water-repellent, wrinkle- and fade-resistant. Best when movement matters.
- Lightweight quick-dry. The women’s Cargo Capri Hiking Pants ($31.99) wick moisture and dry rapidly, cropped at mid-calf for warm weather.
- 10–12oz denim. The Cargo Jeans Flap Pocket and the Denim High Waisted Flap Side Pocket Cargo Jeans (both $34.99) hold their shape all day and break in over 2–3 washes. No waistband stretch — size carefully.
In between: the Solid Colored Belted Cargo Pants ($39.99) — structured enough to hold a clean silhouette but relaxed enough to move in, per the listing, with reinforced stitching at pocket corners and stress points.
Step 2: choose rise, length, and cut
- High rise: the Denim High Waisted Cargo Jeans sit roughly 25–27cm above the crotch seam — about 3–4cm above the navel — elongating the leg line. Listing caveat: on a short torso it can land high when seated.
- Cropped: the cargo capris hem at mid-calf, between shorts and trousers.
- Straight: the men’s High Stretch runs straight with a slight taper; the Zipper Straight Leg Pants ($39.99) hold one width from knee to hem.
- Adjustable: elastic-plus-drawstring on the High Stretch and capris; the Top And Drawstring Cargo Pants set ($39.99) wears tighter for shape or looser for comfort.
Step 3: audit the pockets
Count: the men’s High Stretch carries six (2 slanted front, 2 concealed front, 2 back); the capris carry six (2 side, 2 rear, 2 flap-closure thigh). Depth: 18cm button flaps on the Cargo Jeans Flap Pocket — a full-size phone, keys, and card wallet without bulging — and about 18cm zip-secured bags on the Zipper Straight Leg. Placement: per the Top And Drawstring listing, pockets at mid-thigh rather than the hip keep visual weight lower and avoid a wide-hip silhouette.
Step 4: size to hips and thighs, not the waist
Our listings repeat one rule: hip and thigh fit is the critical measurement — if you are fuller there, size up; a belt fixes a roomy waistband, nothing fixes a tight thigh. For non-stretch denim, measure your actual waist: denim relaxes up to half a size at the waist over a day of wear and tightens back after a wash.
The lineup compared
| Style | Build | Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Stretch (men) | 90/10 nylon-spandex, 6 pockets | XS–5XL, 3 lengths | $35.99 |
| Cargo Capri (women) | Lightweight quick-dry, 6 pockets | XS–2XL | $31.99 |
| Cargo Jeans Flap Pocket | 10–12oz denim, 18cm flap pockets | XS–L | $34.99 |
| High Waisted Cargo Jeans | 10–12oz denim, high rise | XXS–XL | $34.99 |
| Belted Cargo Pants | Structured, reinforced stitching | XS–XL | $39.99 |
| Zipper Straight Leg | Non-stretch, 18cm zip pockets | S–L | $39.99 |
| Top And Drawstring set | Top + pants, drawstring waist | XS–L | $39.99 |
Frequently asked questions
How deep should cargo pockets be to hold a phone?
Around 18cm. Our Cargo Jeans Flap Pocket lists 18cm button-flap pockets - phone, keys, and card wallet without bulging - and the Zipper Straight Leg Pants list about 18cm zip-secured bags.
Should I buy stretch cargo pants or denim cargo pants?
Stretch for movement: the men's High Stretch cargos are 90% nylon, 10% spandex, quick-drying and water-repellent. Denim (10-12oz) for structure: it holds its shape and breaks in over 2-3 washes.
What does a high rise actually mean?
On our Denim High Waisted Cargo Jeans the waistband sits about 25-27cm above the crotch seam - roughly 3-4cm above the navel. It elongates the leg line but can sit high on a short torso.
How should cargo pants fit?
Hips and thighs first: if you are fuller there, size up rather than going by waist, and belt a roomy waistband. For non-stretch denim, measure your actual waist.
Can I return cargo pants that do not fit?
Yes - within 30 days of the original purchase date if unworn, unused, and in original condition with all tags attached. Email info@cmfrtpants.com to start; return shipping is the customer's responsibility unless the item is defective or we made an error.
More guides from Cmfrt Pants
- Our best-selling pants of 2026 — ranked by real orders
- Men’s High Stretch cargo pants — the full guide
- Mulberry silk long johns — our most-ordered product
- Women’s cargo capri hiking pants — the full guide
Prices and specifications are from the product listings as of July 2026 and may change; see each product page for the latest.