Big and Tall Cargo Pants: How to Choose the Right Fit
KingSize cargo pants and shorts differ mainly in waistband construction and pockets — match the right pair to your size and needs.
Full-elastic vs. side-elastic: which cargo waistband fits you?
Full-elastic waistbands, like the one on the Knockarounds Full-Elastic Waist Pants, stretch around the entire waist with a concealed drawstring for the most give. Side-elastic styles keep the stretch panels at the hips only, for a closer, more tailored line under a tucked shirt.
- Full elastic, concealed drawstring: the most stretch, best for all-day comfort and a waist that shifts through the day.
- Side-elastic, elastic inserts at the hips: a more structured look while still giving room to move.
- Plain waist with belt loops: the most defined waistline, best when the pant is meant to read dressed-up.
Compare the full lineup before you decide — browse KingSize cargo pants by waist type and inseam.
What stacked pockets and ripstop fabric actually add
Stacked cargo pockets layer two separate openings per leg with self-adhesive closures, so a phone, wallet, and keys each get their own compartment instead of sliding around loose in one deep pocket. Ripstop cotton, used on the Expedition Ripstop Cargo Pants, is woven with a reinforcing grid that resists tearing right where cargo fabric usually fails first — at the pocket edge and the knee.
Extra pockets only help if they're placed where you'll actually reach them. Front stacked pockets suit a phone and keys; back button-through or self-adhesive pockets are better for anything you don't need mid-stride.
Cargo shorts vs. cargo pants: matching inseam to how you'll use them
Cargo shorts, like the Ranger Stacked Cargo Pocket Shorts, run a Big inseam near 12 inches and a Tall inseam near 14 inches. Cargo pants run roughly 38 inches Big and 40 inches Tall, unfinished, with a hemming option for an exact length.
Shorts make sense for warm-weather errands and travel days. Pants carry the same stacked-pocket storage but hold up better for work or outdoor days that run long. For gym or trail days, activewear cargo pants trade twill for a stretch fabric built to move. Shop the full range of cargo shorts to compare inseams side by side.
Is cargo pant fabric built to last? What our reviews tell us
Most KingSize cargo reviews run positive on fit — the majority rate the fit true to size when shoppers choose their size based on our Size Chart and their inseam needs.
If daily hard wear matters more than a soft, sweatpant-like hand, the ripstop cotton on the Expedition Ripstop Cargo Pants is reinforced against tearing and holds up to outdoor use. If you want the stretch of a full-elastic waist, check the garment-washed twill option over denim for a sturdier feel, and look over the seams before you put it through a hard week.
Cargo pant and short styles at a glance
| Style | Waist | Pockets | Fabric | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knockarounds Full-Elastic Waist Pants | Full elastic, concealed drawstring | 2 front slash, 2 back button-through | Cotton twill or denim | All-day comfort, sizes that shift |
| Ranger Side-Elastic Stacked Cargo Pocket Pants | Side-elastic | 8 pockets, self-adhesive closure | Durable cotton twill | Outdoor days, heavy carry |
| Renegade Side-Elastic Waist Cargo Pants | Elastic inserts at the sides | 7 pockets, hidden phone pocket | Cotton twill | Structured look with some stretch |
| Expedition Ripstop Cargo Pants | Side-elastic | Front zip pockets, back cargo pockets | Ripstop cotton, tear-resistant | Rugged daily wear |
| Ranger Stacked Cargo Pocket Shorts | Side-elastic | Stacked cargo pockets | Garment-washed cotton twill | Warm-weather, travel |
How to size cargo pants and shorts for your build
Measure your natural waist over the underwear you'll actually wear the pants with, then match it to the pant's stated waist. KingSize cargo pants run waist sizes up to 72 inches, so there's headroom to size up if you're between measurements on an elastic-waist style.
- Measure your waist at the point you want the pant to sit, not your pant size from another brand.
- Check Big vs. Tall inseam against your height before you buy — roughly 38″ Big and 40″ Tall on most cargo pants.
- Choose a finished-hem option at checkout if you need an exact length instead of hemming it yourself.
- On a full-elastic waist, size to your measured waist; on a side-elastic or plain waist, size up if you're between numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Do big and tall cargo pants run small?
No — KingSize cargo pants are cut for a Big & Tall body from the start, not sized up from a standard pattern. True to size is the most common fit rating across our cargo pants and shorts.
Are cargo shorts true to size for big and tall men?
Yes. Cargo shorts use the same Big and Tall block as our cargo pants, with a Big inseam near 12 inches and a Tall inseam near 14 inches. Check the waist and inseam chart on the product page before you order.
Can I get cargo pants hemmed to an exact length?
Yes. Several cargo pant styles let you select a finished inseam at checkout for a small alteration fee, so you don't have to buy unfinished length and hem them yourself.