The Complete Cargo Pants Sizing Guide

Finding the right size cargo pants can be frustrating, especially when shopping online. Different brands use different sizing systems, and what fits perfectly in one brand might be too tight or too loose in another. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the sizing maze and find cargo pants that fit well from the first order.

The good news is that once you understand how to measure yourself properly and interpret size charts, you'll rarely need to deal with returns due to sizing issues. Let's break down everything you need to know about cargo pants sizing in Australia.

Understanding Your Measurements

Accurate measurements are the foundation of finding well-fitting cargo pants. You'll need a flexible measuring tape and, ideally, someone to help you. Wearing form-fitting underwear or thin shorts during measurement gives the most accurate results.

Waist Measurement

The waist measurement is typically the most important number for pants sizing. Measure around your natural waist—the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and ensure it's level all the way around.

Important: Measure your actual body, not pants you already own. Different rises (how high the waistband sits) mean different pants will sit at different points on your torso, even with the same labelled waist size.

Hip Measurement

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. Stand with feet together and keep the tape level. This measurement is particularly important for those with a significant difference between waist and hip measurements, as it affects how pants fit through the seat and thigh.

Inseam Measurement

The inseam is the length from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg. The easiest way to determine your inseam is to measure a pair of pants that fits you well. Lay them flat, and measure from the crotch seam down the inside of the leg to the hem.

Alternatively, stand barefoot against a wall with a book pressed firmly into your crotch. Mark where the top of the book meets the wall, then measure from that mark to the floor.

Thigh Measurement

For cargo pants, thigh measurement matters more than with regular trousers because the cargo pockets sit on the thigh. Measure around the fullest part of your thigh, typically 2-3 inches below the crotch. People with muscular thighs may need to size up or choose relaxed fits to accommodate the extra bulk plus the cargo pockets.

Decoding Fit Types

Cargo pants come in various fits, and understanding these terms helps you choose the right style for your body type and intended use.

Regular Fit

Regular fit sits at the natural waist with a comfortable amount of room through the seat and thigh. The leg typically has a slight taper but isn't overly slim. This is the most versatile fit, suitable for most body types and activities. Regular fit works well for both casual wear and moderate physical activity.

Relaxed Fit

Relaxed fit offers more room throughout—wider through the seat, thigh, and leg. This fit is popular for work cargo pants where unrestricted movement is essential. Tradies often prefer relaxed fit for climbing ladders, squatting, and other physical work. The extra room also provides better airflow in hot conditions.

Slim Fit

Slim fit cargo pants have a narrower cut through the leg while maintaining functional pockets. This style offers a more contemporary look but sacrifices some mobility. Slim fit works best for casual wear and office-appropriate environments where a polished appearance matters more than unrestricted movement.

Tapered Fit

Tapered pants are roomier through the thigh and gradually narrow toward the ankle. This creates a modern silhouette while still providing space where you need it. Tapered fit is an excellent compromise between the freedom of relaxed fit and the clean look of slim fit.

Australian vs International Sizing

Australian clothing sizes generally align with UK sizes rather than US sizes. However, many cargo pants brands available in Australia use US sizing, particularly American workwear brands. Understanding these differences prevents ordering errors.

Waist Size Conventions

Most cargo pants use inch-based waist measurements regardless of the country of origin. A size 32 refers to a 32-inch waist. However, the actual garment measurement typically runs 1-2 inches larger than the stated size for comfort—this is called "vanity sizing" or "ease."

Inseam Options

Standard inseam lengths vary by brand:

• Short: 29-30 inches (74-76 cm)
• Regular: 32 inches (81 cm)
• Long: 34 inches (86 cm)

Some brands offer only one inseam length (usually 32 inches), while others provide multiple options. If you can't find your exact inseam, it's easier to hem pants that are too long than to lengthen pants that are too short.

Reading Size Charts

Always consult the specific brand's size chart rather than assuming sizes are consistent across brands. A good size chart includes actual garment measurements, not just the corresponding body measurements.

Body Measurements vs Garment Measurements

Some size charts show body measurements (your measured size), while others show garment measurements (the actual pants dimensions). Understanding which type you're looking at is crucial:

• If the chart shows body measurements, compare directly to your measurements
• If the chart shows garment measurements, your size should have numbers 1-3 inches larger than your body measurements for comfortable fit

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding common errors helps you make better purchasing decisions:

• Measuring over bulky clothing: Always measure over thin layers for accuracy
• Pulling the tape too tight: Snug, not tight—you should be able to slip a finger under the tape
• Ignoring the rise: Low-rise and high-rise pants fit very differently even at the same waist size
• Forgetting about shrinkage: Cotton pants may shrink 3-5% after washing; consider this when choosing between sizes
• Not checking reviews: Customer reviews often mention whether a product runs large, small, or true to size

When to Size Up or Down

Consider Sizing Up If:

• You're between sizes
• The pants are 100% cotton (anticipate shrinkage)
• You'll be doing physical work or active outdoor activities
• You prefer a relaxed, comfortable fit
• You have muscular thighs

Consider Sizing Down If:

• The fabric has significant stretch content
• Reviews indicate the brand runs large
• You prefer a slimmer, more fitted appearance
• The pants have an elasticated waistband that allows for variation

Special Considerations for Work Cargo Pants

Workwear sizing deserves special attention because you'll likely be wearing these pants for extended periods in physically demanding conditions. Comfort and mobility are paramount.

Consider that work pants need to accommodate tool belts, which add bulk at the waist. They also need room for kneeling, squatting, and climbing. If you're unsure between two sizes, workwear is one category where sizing up is usually the better choice.

Many Australian workwear brands like King Gee, Hard Yakka, and Bisley have extensive sizing options, including short, regular, and long inseams across a wide range of waist sizes. Taking advantage of these options ensures a better fit than trying to make a limited size range work.

Armed with accurate measurements and an understanding of fit types, you're now equipped to shop for cargo pants with confidence. Remember that different activities may call for different fits—having both a relaxed work pair and a slimmer casual pair gives you options for any situation.