Leave My Cargo Pants/Shorts Alone

Recently, there has been a growing war. It's not a war on Christmas. It's not a war on... whatever else people go to war over. It's a war, and a very personal war for me that I am determined to win. The war is against my beloved cargo shorts and cargo pants. It would appear that in the last few years this style has fallen out of favour with critics. And as a diehard owner and wearer of cargo clothing, all I have to say is that I will continue the fight to keep the style relevant and alive. Cargo clothes are clothes worth wearing!

One fierce opponent of cargo shorts? Business Insider. Why on earth Business Insider has such a passionate view on cargo clothing is beyond me. But, they do. And this is what they have to say:

"Cargo pocketed shorts are the single worst item a man can wear in the spring and summer."

Then, in the article, they go on to announce that cargo shorts aren't selling at the same level they once were, and seem absolutely giddy about it.

Then, they savagely attack people like me... the dedicated cargoer.

"Still, there are many diehards who consider the cargo short a way of life. They consider cargo shorts useful, comfortable, and all-around fine to wear for all occasions."

Ya, and? Well, apparently, they disagree and go into great detail explaining why that is.

But, the thing is, they ARE useful and comfortable. Would I wear them to ALL occasions? No. But most.

A blog called the Fine Young Gentlemen also seems to have a huge problem with this particular niche of clothing. Take a gander at what they have to say:

"Here’s why we shouldn’t wear them: they flatter no man. They weigh down your legs (in the visual way) and create a bulky and clumsy silhouette. Yes, the reasoning is as shallow, simple and aesthetically based as that.

Not even David Beckham can make them look good... and if he cannot, there is no way that you will. So don’t even try."

What? Seriously? You want me not to wear them because of a shadow? Um... no.

Look, I got stuff. I got stuff that needs someplace to go. So, I need pockets. Cargo pants and shorts offer these pockets. Perfect! One lady that I spoke to who hated cargo clothing pointed out that I could get a nice leather bag to carry around that would work well to hold my stuff. But, that's the problem: You have to carry it around! Why would I want that? I want my hands free. I don't want something slung over my shoulder. I want POCKETS. I want a hands-free carrying experience. I don't want to be chained down to some darn bag. Now, I have nothing against those that carry a bag and enjoy it. Hey, I support those folks. But, the reality is, I am NOT one of those people.

And, yes, Business Insider, they are comfortable. They are darn comfy. I like big and baggy clothes. You will never catch me dead OR alive in a pair of tight pants. Skinny jeans ain't my thing. That is what cargo shorts and pants tend to offer me. They offer me functionality as well as comfort... comfort that I have not found in other types of pants and shorts. Why would I want to wear something that doesn't make me feel comfortable? The answer? I DON'T! So, I wear cargo clothes.

What I don't get is why OTHER people have a problem with MY choice of clothes? I'm not forcing anyone else to wear them, or even like them. But, come ON! You have these other publications featuring entire articles on why I shouldn't be wearing something I love to wear!

All I can say is don't knock it until you have tried it. I'm betting that many of the critics of the style haven't actually even bothered to TRY them. Why? What are they so scared of? That they might actually like it? Because guess what... they will!