How do I make outfits with tech cargos more interesting?
I like the techwear aesthetic and mindset (I really don't like the prices lmao) especially, with the cargos.
Only issue is, I don't know how to style these outside of a techwear outfit and it'd be awesome to get the most out of a piece, where possible.
How could I break the mold and style these cargos for rock/metal concerts or a general night out?
49 Replies
Just get slightly more normal cargos and they're incredibly easy to wear with anything. That is, lose the leg straps and aim for slightly less pronounced cargo pockets and it'll still give you a technical vibe just from the pants without them being unusable outside of concerts
I'll admit, the example was a bit extreme considering the straps
As an example, get any sneakers and a cool tee and bam https://www.instagram.com/p/CTcoa7XjSVX/. But you started out on the right foot anyway, since cargos are easier to style than other items (and I just wanna prevent people from getting into the leg strap aesthetic lmao)
Eyyy, it's Antwon! Thanks, I'll keep that inspo in mind for my staple day-to-day wear!
Tho better clarify on my question, I'm more concerned about building statement outfits rather than my basics (my basics are all I wear after all XD), how could I build an outfit like this; could I literally just swap the hakama (pants) for cargos?
Techweary cargos call for more fitted garments and more stacks and visual density
They would work with the boots but the top half isn’t quite the same vibe
Surely, I could just wear looser fitting cargos or tighten the fit on the shirt/substitute for a t-shirt?
Yeah it wouldn't work with the older techwearish look of skinny tapered cargos, mayyyybe with the current style of wide ones but I'm not sure, the hakama a line silhouette might not work when being replaced by 'normal' pants. Would work fine without the jacket
It’s an aesthetic miss match not just a fit thing IMO
The buttoned shirt and slick noragi type jacket isn’t pulling from the fashion history of cargos in any way, it’s more pulling from twists on suiting and formality
Why does it need to pull on the history? My intent would be to defy convention and not fit it
yeah the leathery jacket is what's the most troubling haha
You want to be in conversation with the aesthetics of cargos somehow
Not saying crib fits exactly
The noragi type jacket could be subbed for a better fitting leather one
A different leather would do a lot
Aaag, if that's the case; I get where you're coming from waay more now
I seem to have a trend of loosely picking examples XD
Yeah there are leather jackets that go with cargos haha
Just probably not this one
Something more like this?
I’d go for something more cropped and heavier duty probably, more hardware
Cropped is a hard no-go; I got a real short torso
Cargos are a dramatic shape, I feel like they look best when you can get the nipped waist into the wide thigh into taper at the ankle and boot
I honestly don’t put much stock in short torso long torso type stuff
Moving the midline of your fits up and down is a way of keeping them interesting and adding drama
I have super cropped jackets, I have super oversized sweaters
It's a preference, never feels good for me
I agree with this, though it would be into the sneaker, more often, in my case
I think you can go either slimmer or looser, if you go looser, the layers are the game
Straps up top too to match
You still want selective tighter fit
Like it might be loose in some parts and tighter in others
Yeah if you don’t like it on you that’s understandable
A la tightening straps to hold it closer
Agree with everything z said
High drama shapes
Ok, Im a bit lost here; I think I need an example
I like the idea, just not seeing it
For inspo you probably have already done this, but if not...
Go to top of /r/techwearclothing
it's private atm unfortunately
Ok then
Note how she's got both slim and looser fit stuff all at once
Ah yeaaaah
And lots of layering/density
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxN0LxjAtee/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Across colors and pieces and types of footwear
What are the things that cargos have that make them interesting and what can I do to build a fit in concert with that
Cargos have interesting shape and visual density while all being the same color or tone
So cool details and interesting shapes are what you’re paying attention to for the rest of the fit
You can highlight the cargo details by reaaaally understating the rest, like just combat boots and a tank
Or you can make everything stand up to that level of scrutiny
Ok, so let's take stock of everything; correct me if I'm wrong at any point.
Cargos are good because of their specifc shape and tonal consistency; cargos without straps are a bit more versatile. I can match with like colours or just use black as an easy go-to.
If I have straps though, I can tighten/loosen then to change the fit; though being looser is better with more layers across the outfit.
As always in fashion, no hard rules, but yeah that seems like a good place to start building fits with them
Sweet, though, what would you have recommended for a leather jacket? I'll admit I'm vehemently against cropping but would like an example of a "heavier duty" jacket
Schott NYC would be the classic recommendation
or like a thrifted A-2 flight jacket
I don’t know that a double rider is the exact right move but this is what I mean by heavier duty/more hardware
Double riders are cropped by default because they’re for motorcycles
So lengthwise I think it plays with the shape of cargos well
I could consider it, might need to try some one and see how I feel. How about a B3 jacket?
I’m pretty skeptical, it could work but most of those don’t look good
A more milsurp cargo makes more sense for that than a tech wear cargo
Can get both, not an issue
Really? Honestly, I prefer the B3 shap to the double rider but the double rider is a better fit for summer, I'd say
I think most b3s aren’t executed very well and it’s such an iconic jacket in a bad way, just so laden with aviator history that I don’t think it works in many outfits
Looks great in a movie
When you get into a jet
That's an aesthetic in of itself but different strokes; plus, I own one so I can just see what works
Yeah that’s pretty much always the best way
Will be thrifting for a while, ty for all the advice!