A chic comeback! The cargo pant is the next Y2K revival within the fashion market. From style icons like Kim Possible or Cadet Kelly, the comeback style convinces due to its comfortable and flattering style attributes. In a contemporary context, the cargo can be worn casually, but equally be dressed-up with kitten-heels or sandals for a surprisingly chic effect.

While these heavily-pocketed pants have been getting a make-over from several designers on recent runways, the style is now spreading all across the industry. Searches for cargo pants have increased by +300% over the last year and if associated with low-rise fits, they even grew by +250%. The trend visibility on Instagram shows a +74% increased to last year. A steady +4% growth on e-commerce indicated that mainstream customers are not fully ready for the most fashionable interpretation yet, but their interest promises a stronger magnitude of the trend for next summer. Hot markets for the cargo are the UK, US, Australia and South Africa. Credits: H&M, H&M, Mango, Freepeople, @nicholasthelabel, @barbaramalewitzc

The classic utility look. The Carpenter Cargo is defined by its androgynous qualities and a distinctly utilitarian look. Mainly mid or low waist, the style is classified by a slightly enlarged, straight leg fit. The pant is coming from menswear and focuses on functional attributes and a comfort fit. Due to its workwear heritage, this cargo performs in sturdy and long-lasting materials, as cotton twill, light gabardine and lighter cotton options for summer. For even more of a fashionable styling, the waist can be folded over to evoke a purposefully off-size look. Credits: @legerbylenagercke, @nastygal, @giulymol, @lara__brucker, @acnestudio

Commercial but cool. The more fitted and cropped interpretation of the cargo feels like the safer bet for more commercial fashion markets. However, their mix of chic and sport can be modern if paired with lower waist-lines or other stylish waist-band details: creative waistbands or front leg pleats. Slightly tapered around the ankles, this style appears as put-together and workplace-ready. Due to its chic appeal it proposes one of the most versatile options within the cargo range. Credits: Zara, @frame, NA-KD, @miista, Freepeople

An urban tone. The denim cargo is currently enhancing the must-have wides across their category. From low to high waists, the classic patch pockets appear on the side leg and are adding a more fashionable, utility element to jeans. The products leisurely feel appeals to younger markets who are diving into 90s and 2000s skate culture and streetwear again. Young clients are celebrating their free-time again, so that added pockets feel practical and pragmatic, while keeping their nostalgic desires alive. Credits: Weekday, @frame, Bershka, @m___tina_, @elizabethats

Fashionable wides. The fluid, wide leg pant is dominating the fashion market at the moment and proposes an iconic and stylized shape. This softer, wide-leg style is merging with the cargo now. Lightweight materials are key to juxtapose the traditional rigidity of cargos with deliberate female elegance to create a glamorous vibe. From minimal interpretations to more fashionable designs with multiple add-ons, this new cargo is the perfect choice for feminine and fashion-forward cohorts. Credits: H&M, Zara, Zara, @milouitijoe, Stradivarius

Never without. The dressy potential of cargos is taken one step further with new occasion-ready looks. For clients who do not want to compromise on their practical and laid-back favorites at parties or events, dressier interpretations in satin and lurex are the perfect style hybrid. The occasion cargo is mostly high-waisted, rather fitted and gathered on the bottom to enhance the female shape. Overall the slinky style embeds a subtly seductive feel. Credits: @blumarine, @marinamarchado, @intermixonline, Cinq-a-Sept, @nicholasthelabel

Edgy sports. The big revival of nostalgic 90s and 2000s baggy styles is providing the most bold and fashionable style choice for cargos. With big volumes and a pouffy effect, this cargo is shaking-up the trousers range. Cinched ankles infuse the piece with a sporty appeal and reminds us of skate and hip-hop subcultures from the good old days. Light, performance materials and nylons are most effective to enhance these airy volumes and create iconic active-inspired style choices for the next seasons. Credits: Copenhagen Streetstyle, @barbaramalewitzc, @emilisindlev, @xenia, Jaded London