Care & Maintenance: Keep Your Cargo Pants Working Hard

Cargo pants are built for action, but heavy use and improper care can shorten their lifespan. This article offers a step-by-step maintenance plan that covers cleaning, waterproof treatments, minor repairs, and storage tips so your cargoes continue to perform season after season.

Read the care label first

Always begin with the manufacturer's care instructions. Technical finishes like DWR and waterproof membranes often come with specific recommendations — deviating from them can diminish protective properties.

Washing best practices

• Turn garments inside out: Protects external finishes and hardware.
• Use cold water: Preserves dyes and reduces shrinkage for cotton blends.
• Choose gentle detergent: Avoid fabric softeners and bleach; these reduce DWR effectiveness.
• Air-dry when possible: High heat can degrade elastane and coatings.

Refreshing DWR and water resistance

If water stops beading on the surface, reapply a DWR treatment. Spray-on and wash-in products are available; follow product directions and occasionally heat activate DWR by tumble drying on low if the garment’s care label allows it.

Minor repairs to stop bigger problems

Small rips and seam failures are best fixed promptly:

• Patch small holes: Use iron-on or sew-in patches behind tears for reinforcement.
• Reinforce pocket stress points: Bartack stitching at pocket corners prevents rips from expanding.
• Replace zippers and toggles early: Hardware is often the weakest link — replacing it is cheaper than replacing the whole pant.

Storage and seasonal care

Store washed and completely dry cargoes in a cool, dry place. Avoid compressed storage for long periods to prevent creases from setting and elastane from losing rebound. Use breathable garment bags for longer storage to prevent mildew and pests.

When to resole or re-hem

If your cargo pants get heavy use and their hems fray or wear, re-hemming is a cost-effective way to extend life. Rubbing at hems against boots or shoes can be addressed by adding reinforcement tape before stitching a new hemline.

Professional maintenance

For complex repairs or membrane re-sealing, seek a professional. Many brands offer repair programs that restore functionality and maintain warranty coverage. Professional seamsters can also replace specialized hardware accurately.

Final checklist

• Read the care label and follow recommended temperatures.
• Use gentle detergents and avoid fabric softeners.
• Promptly repair small tears and reinforce stress points.
• Reapply DWR when water stops beading.
• Store garments dry and loosely folded or hung.

With small investments in care and timely repairs, your cargo pants will remain functional and stylish for years. A little effort goes a long way in retaining performance and sustainability value.