Cargo shorts

I wear them when it's hot out and I don't feel like wearing linen or lightweight cotton pants.

I think they're perfectly acceptable, but I live in Australia, so bear that in mind.

However, when wearing cargo shorts, there is a fine line between "relaxing in the summertime" and "just came back from the LAN party". Ensure you are on the correct side of the line.

For example, wearing them with sandals, as opposed to flip-flops, is probably a bad idea. Especially with socks.

Do not wear them with overly complicated techy cross-trainer sneakers. Do not tuck in your t-shirt.

Cargo pockets are good for holding an extra beer or two.

Can any of you guys tell the difference between cargo and bdu shorts? I often have people refering to my BDUs as cargoes.

I can, but I understand the confusion. They're both essentially shorts with cargo pockets. Does it matter?

No, it doesn't. Just wondering how to differentiate between the two. What exactly is the difference? Just the materials?

I would call them BDUs only if they were actually produced for the military, or are accurate reproductions.

Many cargo shorts/pants have swiped all the features of BDUs anyway - ripstop fabric, waist tabs etc.

Completely agreed. Cargo, military-styled shorts can be pulled off, but you have to be careful not to look like a massive nerdcore douche.

Technically, BDU's (Battle Dress Uniform) are a specific military uniform. They are the older cammies with the colors in large blotches. Not all of them were ripstop. They are being phased out for service specific uniforms. It all started with the MCU's (Marine Combat Uniform) which has a digital camo pattern. There are seperate ones for desert and woodland. ACU's (Army combat uniform) are also digital, but there is one uniform for both desert and woodland. The new Air Force uniforms have been recently approved. The Navy is going to a blue tiger stripe pattern.

Sorry to be so long winded.

I used to fall heavily on the "just came back from the LAN party" side of things. New Balances, cargo everything, etc. Honestly, I miss cargo pockets. They were very useful. Alas, I really don't like shorts anymore.

It's probably for the best.

A.

Probably so, but they were so useful! Alas, cargo pants that actually look good are nearly impossible to find.

Tailored cuts help. Avoid fraying if possible. And don't sport them with a backwards dirty white baseball cap.

Funny that this thread is here today...

We went to the zoo today with the kids, my in-laws and some family friends for Easter. I must say that 99% of the men at the zoo (myself included) were wearing cargo shorts with tennis shoes. I just happened to note that as we were watching on of the feedings, that almost every male anywhere near me was wearing the same basic outfit.

I was wearing a silk camp shirt and a crushable felt Indiana Jones-style fedora. Others were wearing everything from tee's to polo shirts and most were wearing baseball hats with a few straw golf hats scattered throughout.

I think my outfit would probably be better with flip-flops, but they were not practical for pushing a stroller through the zoo.