The fabric of your cargo shorts determines everything from comfort to durability to functionality. With so many options availableācotton, polyester, nylon, ripstop, and various blendsāchoosing the right material can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide breaks down every major fabric type so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Cotton: The Classic Choice
Cotton remains the most popular fabric for casual cargo shorts, and for good reason. It's natural, breathable, and comfortable against the skin.
Advantages of Cotton
- Breathability: Cotton fibres allow excellent air circulation, keeping you cool in hot weather
- Comfort: Soft against the skin with no irritation, even during extended wear
- Absorbency: Wicks moisture away from the body
- Easy Care: Machine washable and gets softer with each wash
- Affordability: Generally the least expensive option
Disadvantages of Cotton
- Slow Drying: Once wet, cotton stays wet for a long time
- Shrinkage: Can shrink significantly in hot water or high-heat drying
- Wrinkling: Creases easily and may require ironing
- Less Durable: Wears out faster than synthetic alternatives under heavy use
Cotton Variants
Regular Cotton: Standard woven cotton, good for general use.
Cotton Twill: A tighter weave that's more durable and wrinkle-resistant. Often used in higher-quality cargo shorts.
Duck Canvas: An extremely heavy-duty cotton weave used in work shorts. Highly durable but stiffer initially.
Brushed Cotton: Softer finish, more comfortable but slightly less durable.
Polyester: The Durable Synthetic
Polyester is a synthetic fabric known for durability, quick-drying properties, and wrinkle resistance.
Advantages of Polyester
- Durability: Resists stretching, shrinking, and abrasion
- Quick Drying: Excellent for water activities or sweaty conditions
- Colour Retention: Resists fading better than cotton
- Wrinkle Resistance: Maintains appearance without ironing
- Mildew Resistant: Won't develop mould or mildew when stored damp
Disadvantages of Polyester
- Less Breathable: Can feel hot and stuffy in warm weather
- Odour Retention: Tends to hold onto smells more than natural fibres
- Plastic Feel: Some find 100% polyester uncomfortable against skin
- Static: Can generate static electricity, especially in dry conditions
Cotton-Polyester Blends: Best of Both Worlds
Many modern cargo shorts combine cotton and polyester to capture the benefits of both fabrics while minimising their drawbacks.
Common Blend Ratios
- 65/35 Cotton-Poly: Emphasises cotton comfort with added durability
- 60/40 Cotton-Poly: Balanced blend, very versatile
- 50/50: Equal parts, maximum versatility
- 35/65 Poly-Cotton: Emphasises durability and quick-drying
Benefits of Blends
- More durable than pure cotton
- More comfortable than pure polyester
- Moderate quick-drying capability
- Reduced shrinkage compared to cotton
- Fewer wrinkles than cotton
- Generally affordable
These blends represent the best all-around choice for most cargo short wearers who don't have specific technical needs.
Nylon: The Technical Performer
Nylon is a synthetic fabric favoured for outdoor and athletic cargo shorts. It's lightweight, strong, and handles moisture exceptionally well.
Advantages of Nylon
- Exceptional Durability: Stronger than both cotton and polyester
- Lightweight: Ideal for hiking and travel
- Quick Drying: Fastest drying of all common fabrics
- Water Resistant: Sheds light rain and splashes
- Mildew Resistant: Safe for water activities
Disadvantages of Nylon
- Less Breathable: Can feel warm in hot, still conditions
- Rustling Sound: Makes noise when walking
- Heat Sensitivity: Can melt or deform under high heat
- Cost: Generally more expensive than cotton or polyester
Ripstop: The Rugged Protector
Ripstop isn't a fabric type itself but rather a weaving technique that can be applied to nylon, cotton, or polyester. The distinctive grid pattern you see is reinforcement threads woven at regular intervals.
How Ripstop Works
The reinforcement threads create a grid pattern that stops small rips and tears from spreading. If you snag your shorts on a branch or nail, the tear stays small instead of running across the entire garment.
Ripstop Benefits
- Tear Resistance: Main advantageāprevents small damage from becoming big problems
- Lightweight Strength: Strong without being heavy
- Durability: Extends the life of cargo shorts significantly
- Military Proven: Originally developed for military applications
Common Ripstop Types
- Ripstop Nylon: Lightweight, water-resistant, ideal for hiking
- Ripstop Cotton: Breathable with added durability
- Ripstop Poly-Cotton: Balanced performance
Ripstop is particularly valuable for work shorts and outdoor adventure shorts where snags and tears are likely.
Stretch Fabrics: The Mobility Enhancers
Modern cargo shorts often incorporate stretch materials like spandex (elastane) or Lycra to improve range of motion.
Stretch Percentages
- 2-3% Spandex: Subtle stretch, maintains traditional look and feel
- 4-6% Spandex: Noticeable flexibility, good for active use
- 7%+ Spandex: Maximum stretch, almost athletic performance
Types of Stretch
- 2-Way Stretch: Stretches in one direction only
- 4-Way Stretch: Stretches both horizontally and vertically for maximum mobility
Stretch Considerations
- Added comfort during movement
- Reduced restriction when bending or squatting
- Better fit that moves with your body
- May lose elasticity over time with improper care
- Usually more expensive
Speciality Fabrics
Moisture-Wicking Treatments
Applied to various base fabrics to actively pull sweat away from your skin. Essential for hot weather and athletic use.
UPF-Rated Fabrics
Fabrics with built-in UV protection, rated on a scale similar to sunscreen SPF. Particularly important for Australian conditions where UV exposure is intense.
Water-Repellent Finishes (DWR)
Durable Water Repellent treatments cause water to bead up and roll off rather than soaking in. Great for hiking and variable weather conditions.
Antimicrobial Treatments
Fabrics treated to resist odour-causing bacteria. Helpful for travel when washing opportunities are limited.
Making Your Decision
Consider these questions when choosing cargo short fabric:
- Primary Use: Casual wear, outdoor activities, work, or athletic?
- Climate: Hot and humid, variable, or mild?
- Washing Access: Regular laundering or extended wear without washing?
- Budget: Entry-level, mid-range, or premium?
- Durability Needs: Light duty or heavy use?
The right fabric makes all the difference in cargo short performance and comfort. Understanding these materials empowers you to choose shorts that truly meet your needs rather than settling for whatever's on the rack.