Between weekend errands, school drop-offs, and trying to look halfway put together, finding pants that work for everything as a busy mom can be challenging. Jeans are too tight, and I’m tired of always wearing leggings, so what’s a good in-between style I can get away with for it all? Cargo pants. Just ask my 16-year-old, her friends, and my mom crew—they all can’t stop wearing this look, and finally convinced me to try it.  

Cargo pants feature roomy pockets to hold your essentials, have a comfy fit, and are ideal for dressing up or down. My teen and her friends love baggy cargo pants, while my mom friends and I are shopping these comfy Old Navy cargo pants, which are currently on sale for just $25, and a capri style for when it’s hot outside. Keep scrolling to see all 12 cargo pants my teen and mom friends are wearing this spring.

These wide-leg cargo pants have a flattering high-rise fit and come in various colors, including denim, black, and khaki. You can easily dress them up with a tee and chunky sneakers or keep it cozy with a hoodie and slides—something my teen daughter does often, giving her an effortless, edgy style. 

“Our teen granddaughter loves them,” one grandparent shared, adding that the “quality is really nice and well made!!” 

Baggy cargo pants, similar to this pair on Amazon, are a big style trend with my teen and her friends right now. These pants feature a high waist, wide-leg fit, and six pockets that combine function and fashion. They also have Spandex in them, so the stretchy fabric gives a flexible, comfortable feel all day. “The pants have great stretch, and the multiple pockets are an added bonus,” gushed one shopper who purchased several pairs. “They are very comfortable and fit well.”

My teen has already made it clear that she’s borrowing these, not if, but when I buy them. 

Most teens already have a drawer full of baggy sweatpants, so when I saw these cargo pants from Halara, I knew they would earn my daughter’s approval. Offering that same cozy feel she loves with the bonus of multiple pockets—she’ll have an easy place to stash her phone and keys (and so will I). 

The relaxed, wide-legs and adjustable waistband give you a comfy, personalized fit and come in easy-to-style neutral shades. Available in sizes XS to XL, these pants are a stylish upgrade from your basic sweats that make you look cute for school drop-off, errands, or just casual shopping. 

It's getting warmer out, which means my mom friends and I are searching for cargo capris to keep us cool. Parents editor Katrina Cossey told me she wants a pair of these for the upcoming summer. “I love the baggy look just as much as teens do, but I still like to have clothes that fit my body properly, and these are super flattering,” she said. “I can chase my kid outside without overheating and even keep my phone in one of the pockets if we decide to go for a walk. Plus, you can’t go wrong with an elastic waistband.” 

I’m always searching for pants that are dressier and more functional than jeans, so I’m shopping these cargo pants with eight pockets to hold anything I need. They also have belt loops and an adjustable elastic drawstring near the ankles for added flair. And I can’t forget to mention the stretchy waistband—super handy for comfortable hours-long wear, according to my mom friends. 

Parents of teens say these cargo pants have been a hit, with one saying their teen was “so pleased that they were stylish and comfy!” Another parent said the pants “fit true to size, and my teen loves them!” 

I’ll admit it—my teen has been rubbing off on me, and these cargo pants are proof. They’re super cute, stretchy, and just the right amount of cool—great for school drop-offs, grocery runs, or pretending I’m way trendier than I am. One shopper gets it: “The pants are very comfortable and stretchy. They are not see-through and fit true to size. Definitely a good value, I also love how flattering they look on.” You can choose from 25 colors and sizes 4 through 18. (BRB, I’m headed to pick out my fave.)

I love these high-waisted cargo pants for so many reasons: Six pockets, a baggy look, multiple washes to choose from, and a high waist. These pants would pair well with heels or sneakers, so you can dress them up for a fun date night or down for an effortless weekend look.

“I was a 90s teen, and seeing the baggy jeans come back in style makes me a little happy,” shared one reviewer, adding that the jeans “are not too heavy” and “don’t feel bulky when worn.” My teen daughter is a fan too, and she loves the black pair because, as she says, she "can be casual, but still feel put together."

Cargo capris aren’t hugely popular with my teen and her friends, but let me tell you, my mom friends and I love them. I can get in on some teen trends, but when it’s hot out, I’m prioritizing comfort over style. These Lee cargo capris hit just below the knee and come in 13 different colors, including bright spring-like shades and neutrals. 

These Lululemon cargo pants hit the sweet spot between comfort and convenience. The fabric is lightweight and stretchy, making it ideal for running errands, travel days, or just lounging around. I also love that they have pockets and cinchable hems, so you can switch up the style. They come in sizes from XXXS to XL and seven colors, and while they’re the most expensive pick on our list, you can count on them having Lululemon’s high- and long-lasting quality.

My teen is a huge fan of Old Navy and just discovered their cargo pants, and she’s been begging for a new pair ever since. She found these wide-leg cargo pants with a mid-rise fit for a laid-back, casual look. They have multiple pockets for your essentials and are cozy for wearing all day, whether you dress them up or down. My daughter plans to pair them with a simple crop top and sneakers for a more casual vibe. I, however, plan to dress them up with a blouse and sandals for date night with the hubs. And the best part? They’re only $25. 

I’m eyeing these denim cargo jeans, especially after seeing they’re an “Amazon’s Choice” and have a 4.3-star rating. They’re a little different from the typical cargo pant look, but they look good with almost anything and feel nice when on. “They are so comfortable and cute, I couldn’t not wear them,” gushed one Amazon shopper. The deep pockets add both style and practicality—great for a mom to put her card and keys in without the fuss of a purse. 

If you’re looking for a stylish blend of utility and comfort for everyday wear, you’ll fall in love with these wide-leg, cargo-pocket jeans. I like my jeans to be lightweight, so it was a relief to see that these Hidden Jeans cargo pants are 100% cotton. They also provide a relaxed, vintage-inspired look, with functional pockets that are pretty handy when you don’t want to carry a purse.