These Controversial Early Aughts Pants Are Making A Comeback

It's time to dig through your fashion archives, because cargo pants are back, baby. With their large utilitarian pockets, cargo pants offer plenty of space to stash an oversized phone, an extra lippie and hand sanitizer. If your decades-old pair could use a refresh, we've found a few replacements that give the throwback style a modern update with drawstrings, unexpected pocket placements and decorative straps galore.

Dynamite

The adjustable cuff on these breezy cotton pants makes them easy to style.

Parachute cargo pants, $70, dynamiteclothing.com

Banana Republic

A paperbag waist and ankle-high pockets give these vintage-inspired pants a modern touch.

Utility pants, $190, bananarepublic.ca

Penningtons

These relaxed carpenter jeans feature a wide-leg silhouette, prominent pockets and a hammer loop, which is set to be spring's trendiest denim detail. 

Carpenter jeans, $80, penningtons.com

H&M

Embellished with vertical seams and metal buckles, these twill pants look equally great paired with sneakers or high heels.

Wide-leg cargo pants, $75, hm.com

Athleta

Designed for weekend adventures, these water-repellent, sun protective cargo leggings take fashion to the  trail and beyond. 

Cargo leggings, $139, athleta.ca

Ganni 

Visible stitching is a stylish addition to these hemp cargo pants.

Cargo trousers, $290, ssense.com

Old Navy

Looking for the perfect travel companion? Look no further than this pair of loose, relaxed and stretchy cargos.

High-waisted cargo pants, $50, oldnavy.ca

Urban Outfitters

When it comes to style, it doesn't get much easier than throwing on a jumpsuit. This one features adjustable cuffs and big side pockets.

Cargo jumpsuit, $114, urbanoutfitters.com

Reitmans

These straight-leg cargo joggers are a cute addition to your loungewear collection.

Cargo joggers, $50, reitmans.com

Reformation

An olive hue paired with plenty of pockets gives these pants a utilitarian vibe.

Cargo jeans, $210, thereformation.com

Mavi

Made from soft twill, these cropped pants are a timeless pick. 

Cargo pants, $138, mavi.com

Mango

For a sleek and polished take on the trend, opt for a pair of tailored trousers with extra pockets.

Cargo trousers, $150, mango.com

Abercrombie & Fitch

Also available in the brand's curve-friendly cut—which Chatelaine tried and loved—these vegan leather pants are the ultimate tribute to the ’90s. 

Faux leather cargo pants, $136, abercrombie.com