Cargo/Utility Pants - YouLookFab Forum

I love the look of cargo pants; the extra pockets, the sturdy fabrics, the functional look. So I bought these from Banana Republic Factory last fall. I've worn them a couple times, but I'm never quite happy with them. What Angie mentioned in the blog (about her first pair) really rang a bell with me. These feel a little baggy, the fabric's a little stiff, and I'm not sure about the color. Part of the problem is that BR tends to run a little narrow in the waist for me, so I bought these a size up from my usual. They fit great right out of the dryer, but then stretch out and feel a little sloppy.

But I love the details. The zippers at the ankle, the pockets, there's even a horizontal seam on the backside of the pants. Every time I wear them, I wash them, so I'll have that straight out of the dryer feel. I'm also hoping that the fabric will soften up a little bit over time. What do you think? Sometimes it's hard for me to tell whether something is an actual mistake or not.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Banana Republic

Utility Chino Jogger

View Info

Top Pick

1 year ago

Helena

Veteran

Roberta, I like these, but I do see your point that the fabric looks a touch stiff, which I think is a little at odds with the jogger style. I wonder though if they will soften up a little after a few washes?

Glory

I also like these but can appreciate the stiffness of the fabric. I am a fan of the relaxed fit. I’m not sure about whether they would soften up. If not, I’m wondering about how they would look with a straight hem.

kellygirl

I like the relaxed look of these and am kind of amazed at how good they look with high tops! You have styled them well! I have pants like these that I wear in summer with sandals and find that they are a cool alternative to jeans. IKWYM about the color though - I struggle with tan but they bookend your hair and look great on you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER cute!

Perfect on trend look in this roomy fit! And fun with the dressier sweater

They look good, Roberta. I get that they FEEL too big though. Fabric that stretches out is soooo annoying

Sooooo, I'm wearing watermelon velvet pants today, and had them taken in on the waist, seat, and hips a bit. It's made a big difference. They feel good and polished all day. Something to consider.

Custom Find

by Angie

kkards

I like these, and I like how they fit.

Have you tried semi tucking so that there’s waist definition? Would that make it feel less big? also 2nd Angie’s call out on alternating the waist. I find that even a small nip in the waist can make a big difference in how I feel in something

Jonesy

To my eye, these look fab! But you have to *feel* fab in them. Have you tried them with a sleeker shoe, e.g., a bootie? They look great with the sneaker, but a bootie might be fun too.

Indigoprint

I love cargos but find them tricky to style. Do you have a suitable 3rd piece to add? I noted the inspiration pic the model was using a 3rd layer.
Love those booties with your hair.

LJP

I don’t mind these at all - and don’t think they look too big . I might try a more fitted tank or tshirt with them as they are styled in the stock photo. Then throw a shirt , jacket , whatever you want over top .

Firecracker (Sharan)

I really like these on you! And I like the top you're wearing with them. I can empathize with the fit issue you describe, though. I have a pair of balloon (or barrel?) jeans like that--I bought probably a size too big because of the waist, and right after the wash is the only time I really like the way they fit. I do think a little bit of waist definition can help, so in my case, I try to semi-tuck or wear a cropped boxy sweater that reveals the upper hip area.

Suz

I think it has to do the the (lack of) drape -- these are a crisper cargo. I'm with those suggesting you try a different shoe because the pant will fall differently then. I really like the look on you and think they could be excellent. But I also know the aggravation of pants that stretch out during the day and then don't feel fab -- I have had to donate a few pairs of. BR jeans for that reason. I really loved them initially and then, by tend of day...not so much.

Style Fan

I also like these cargos on you, but you must feel fab wearing them. Try styling them in a few different ways and see if that helps. I do like the colour with your hair.

Tanya

They look great on you, and I don't see them as being too loose. However, you need to feel good in them as well. I would play with different tops and shoes and see if something else feels better.

I think they look good on you, but if you don't feel great in them, maybe you can take in a little bit on the legs. I also agree with the suggestion of wearing different shoes to allow it to drape better.

Category