Jackets aren’t the only garments made of leather. You can find shorts made of leather as well. There are standard leather shorts as well as leather cargo shorts, the latter of which has become a popular choice among men and women alike. With leather cargo shorts, you’ll benefit from additional pockets while making a bold fashion statement in the process. In case this is your first time hearing about leather cargo shorts, though, you may have some questions. Below is a complete guide to leather cargo shorts that contains all the necessary information about this stylish and comfortable leather garment.
What Are Leather Cargo Shorts?
Leather cargo shorts are shorts made of genuine leather that feature large and/or additional pockets on the side. They are usually designed to fit somewhat loosely when worn. They won’t constrict your thighs or legs. Rather, their loose-fitted construction allows leather cargo shorts to drape from your body.
Leather Shorts vs Leather Cargo Shorts
The main difference between standard leather shorts and leather cargo shorts lies in their pockets. Standard leather shorts may have pockets as well. With that said, leather cargo shorts are defined by their large pockets. Known as cargo pockets, they are deeper and more spacious that the pockets used in standard leather shorts. Some leather cargo shorts have four cargo pockets, whereas others have six or more cargo pockets. Regardless, they all have these large pockets.
As previously mentioned, leather cargo shorts have a loose-fitted construction. In comparison, standard leather shorts typically fit tighter when worn. You can find standard leather shorts available in different constructions, some of which fit more loosely than others. Nonetheless, virtually all leather cargo shorts are designed to fit loosely when worn.
Benefits of Leather Cargo Shorts
Why should you choose leather cargo shorts exactly? With their cargo pockets, leather cargo shorts offer plenty of storage space. You won’t have trouble carrying around items like your car keys, cash, wallet, a smartphone and more. Other shorts, including standard leather shorts, have less storage space. Therefore, it’s often difficult to carry items such as these when wearing them. Leather cargo shorts are a better choice since they feature cargo pockets. Cargo pockets are deeper and more spacious than the pockets found on standard shorts.
Leather cargo shorts are also comfortable. They are made of genuine leather, which as you may know is super soft. There are other soft materials from which shorts are made, some of which include cotton and linen. While cotton and linen are soft, they don’t compare to the softness of genuine leather. Genuine leather has a uniquely soft and supple texture. By choosing leather cargo shorts, you’ll experience the softness of genuine leather firsthand.
It’s also worth mentioning that leather cargo shorts are long-lasting. They don’t degrade like many other shorts. Because they are made of genuine leather, leather cargo shorts are naturally resistant to premature wear and tear. As a result, they tend to last for a very long time. It’s not uncommon for leather cargo shorts to last for over a decade, in fact. With such a long lifespan, leather cargo shorts offer a better bang for your buck than other types of shorts.
How to Choose a Pair of Leather Cargo Shorts
Now that you know the benefits they offer, you might be wondering how to choose a pair of leather cargo shorts. While there’s really no wrong choice, there are a few things to know when shopping for a pair of leather cargo shorts.
First and foremost, check to make sure they are made of genuine leather. Some retailers and stores try to cut corners by selling faux leather cargo shorts. If a pair of leather shorts is labeled as “faux leather,” they aren’t made of real leather. Faux leather is a type of synthetic material that’s essentially made of plastic. It looks like real leather, but it doesn’t have the same properties or characteristics as the real deal. Therefore, you should only choose leather cargo shorts that are made of genuine leather.
Keep in mind that some types of leather cargo shorts are made of higher-quality leather than others. Napa leather, for instance, is considered the highest-quality type of genuine leather. It has a finer grain than all other types of leather, allowing for a super-smooth finish. By choosing a pair of napa leather cargo shorts, you’ll benefit from their smooth finish.
You should choose a pair of leather cargo shorts in an appropriate color. Some people assume that brown is the only color in which they are made. While brown is a popular color for leather cargo shorts, as well as other leather garments, you can find them in countless other colors.
Tips on Wearing Leather Cargo Shorts
One of the great things about leather cargo shorts is that you can wear them in many different ways. For a casual look, you pair them with a t-shirt. The combination of leather cargo shorts and a t-shirt is a simple yet attractive choice that’s perfect for all casual occasions.
You can dress up your leather cargo shorts by wearing a leather jacket. There’s no such thing as wearing too much leather in an outfit. Leather jackets have a naturally semi-formal style that can lift the formality of leather cargo shorts.
Regarding accessories, you may want to accessorize your leather cargo shorts with a belt. Even if they fit right, a belt will improve the appearance of your leather cargo shorts by adding colors and textures to the waistline.
In Conclusion
The next time you go shopping for a pair of cargo shorts, consider choosing leather. Leather cargo shorts offer several benefits. They are soft, comfortable — and perhaps most importantly — offer plenty of storage space. With that said, you need to choose the right pair of leather cargo shorts. Avoid cargo shorts made of faux leather and, instead, choose a pair made of premium and genuine leather like napa leather.