Recommendations on finding green cargo pants
Grew up in scouts, partial to their green cargo pants with zip-off bottoms, but I think the official pair is polyester.
Looking to see if y'all have rec's about finding solid (green) cargo pants. Quality-wise is vintage > modern on average? 100% cotton seems hard to find? Just go search thrift stores for old military surplus?
I have found these from Ginew: https://ginewusa.com/products/cargo-pant-spring-23 that meet my requirements, pricey but seems like theyd last forever.
And when it comes to vintage or used, I'm not sure if used pants are considered cleanable or a bit ehh in general. For instance, the above pair has a listing on Ebay with a questionable(?) stain: https://www.ebay.com/itm/126300516232
Any input of specific articles, brands, or general tips is appreciated.
ginewusa
Cargo Pant
Native American owned Ginew's green Cargo Pant. 100% Cotton ripstop, Button fly, Drawstring at waist, Made in the USA. Large pockets.
eBay
Ginew Men's Size 32 100% Cotton Green Cargo Style Pants Made In Oregon
40" outseam. It is a quick process.
20 Replies
try searching for m-1951 pants on ebay
that's the military surplus model of what you're after
og-107 cargo could also turn up what you're after
+1 to military surplus or reproduction
Didn’t know the scout pants were poly, not surprised though
Cotton is rotten and all that
There are some good articles on Heddels on cargo pant history. Lists all the vintage models you can search for, plus some modern picks as well. https://www.heddels.com/?s=cargo+pants
As for your question on buying vintage pants, I buy pants on ebay all the time. Things to look for:
- Stains. I avoid things with bad looking stains, unless they look like something I can definitely get out, like basic dirt & dust stains.
- Damage. I don't have any sewing skills, and am too lazy to take things to get mended, so I avoid stuff that needs repairs, unless I'm definitely going to wear it as is, like for some vintage military stuff.
- Dimensions. Always check the dimensions as compared to a pair of pants that fit you well, and ask for dimensions if listing doesn't have them. A lot of vintage stuff doesn't fit the same as modern stuff, even for the same listed size.
For cleaning, for barely worn modern stuff, I just throw them in with my regular wash and go from there.
For stuff that's older or has tougher stains, my clean-up process is as follows:
- Clean up the threads and stitching
- Pre-treat stains with a stain remover (e.g. OxiClean spray, or another good one)
- Wash on the most intense settings available, which for my washer includes a pre-soak, high temp, extra heavy, two rinses, etc.
- I also typically use three products in the washer when I really want to zap the thing: Regular laundry detergent, OxiClean powder, & Clorox 2 (non-bleach)
Things tend to look really good after going through that treatment.
I've had a pair of these for a while, great pants if you like the loose fit. Canada also did a similar pant with buttons instead of snaps, and I'm pretty sure the US military updated their field cargo pants along with the jacket and released it as the m-65 pant.
Thanks for all the feedback and input!
i feel like the scout pants are a bit of a loose fit, and i like that, so ill prolly search for a pair of these then
Just to share something i came across, these are 🔥 but idk if i can justify the price, so ill be searching for vintage/thrift real ones: https://www.selfedge.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=3211
Buzz Rickson M-1951 Field Trousers
These pants are Buzz Rickson's homage to the US Army M1951 Field Trousers, expertly produced without a single missing detail. The fabric has a light slub texture to give it life, the hardware is all top notch Buzz Rickson Japanese made, and the fit it absolutely perfect. Although this is made of a cotton back satin fabric they are super durable ...
Buzz rickson makes great ones, I think Bronson makes a pair as well. Vintage pieces on eBay are usually easy to come across, I got a pair in 2019 for $35
Oh wow i feel like thats a lot cheaper than what ive been seeing on ebay, but ill keep monitoring
bronson makes nice repros at a much lower price point than buzz ricksons etc.
am i mistaken in thinking that bronsons 1951's seem extra billow-y, and theyre 50% nylon: https://bronsonshop.com/collections/pants-trousers/products/us-army-m-1951-arctic-trousers
Bronson Mfg. Co.
US Army M-1951 Arctic Trouser - Shell
This is a replica of the M-1951 arctic trousers shell. Made by 50% cotton and 50% nylon. The fabric is not waterproof to provide air permeability, which make it more suitable for spring and summer. The original version have no pocket. This version have added pocket to retain the storage function like regular pants.
but it looks like they have closer matchs with their later models, 100% cotton and looks like a more similar silhouette
Bronson Mfg. Co.
1963 1st Model Tropical Jungle Fatigue Pants
This trousers is a replica of the 1963 first-generation Tropical Combat Uniform. Made from 7.5 oz cotton, 100% cotton, which is slightly thicker than the original version. The color and texture closely resemble the original.
Bronson Mfg. Co.
US Army 5th Model Tropical Jungle Fatigue Pants
This is the reproduction of the 1969 5th Tropical Combat Pants. The epaulets and adjustable waistband were canceled. The ripstop fabric introduced in 1968 was used. With hidden type pocket buttons, the drawstring in the pocket was canceled, and add pleats at the knees. These pants are very close to the original in both color and texture. This is...
either of these latter bronson's might be solid if i dont find ebay/in-person surplus
Have you checked Wrangler? Workpants type of company. Modern quality but not the disposable stuff.
Ive seen a tad but it looked on the not-high-quality side, cheaper/not 100% cotton. I can look more if you recommend them. Any model in mind?
I like the zipper ones, but for stuff like what you posted:
* https://www.wrangler.com/shop/wrangler-riggs-workwear-ripstop-ranger-cargo-pant-in-dark-brown-3W060DB.html 100% cotton ripstop but not green
* https://www.wrangler.com/shop/wrangler-legacy-cargo-twill-pant-in-grain-70LEWGR.html Same pocket bump style, 100% cotton... not in green. Weird, sorry.
Maybe "Loden" is a green.
I couldn't figure out how their boy sizes relate to men's sizes but: https://www.wrangler.com/shop/boys-wrangler-free-to-stretch-gamer-cargo-pant-8-16-in-olive-112343809.html and 3% spandex. :/
the first one looks like a decent option, thanks!
loden does look like their green