Drawstring cargo shorts offer versatility because the elastic waist provides the comfort of lounge shorts, but the cargo pockets make the shorts functional and able to fit a wider range of tasks. Choosing the right type of fabric for your elastic waist cargo shorts will be important to help make sure these shorts fulfill your specific needs.
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These are our choices for the best drawstring cargo shorts with elastic waistbands:
- Amazon Essentials Men’s Elastic Waist Cargo Shorts (click here to view)
- Cubavera Men’s Drawstring Lightweight Cargo Shorts (click here to view)
- Southpole Men’s Drawstring Cargo Shorts (click here to view)
- Coofandy Men’s Cargo Shorts with Drawstring Waist (click here to view)
- Agnes Urban Men’s Drawstring Cargo Sweat Shorts (click here to view)
- Amazon Essentials Men’s Fleece Cargo Shorts (click here to view)
- *Youth* Nautica Cargo Pocket Drawstring Shorts (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Santiny Lightweight Elastic Waist Cargo Shorts (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Scollit Quick Dry Cargo Drawstring Shorts (click here to view)
- *Women’s* Vcansion Cargo Elastic Waist Drawstring Shorts (click here to view)
This list includes a wide variety of fabrics, including fleece, cotton, linen, and other stretch fabric blends. Each material obviously has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some people prefer a flexible stretch fabric, while others prefer a lightweight fabric to help beat the heat. There are also water-resistant options.
Be sure to consider the inseam length so you find the proper fit. Obviously, your height matters, but a 10″ inseam for men will often hit near the top of the knee. If you prefer long-fitting shorts, you’ll probably need shorts with an inseam of 11 inches or more.
Most cargo shorts have standard flap-close cargo pockets on the side of each leg. These pockets provide plenty of storage space, but can feel a bit bulky at times. If you prefer less bulk, buying cargo shorts that use zipper pockets will give you a more low-profile type of side pocket, and reduce bulk.
In this article let’s take a closer look at these cargo shorts so you can find the right elastic waist cargo shorts to fit your specific needs. Let’s also discuss several things to consider when buying cargo shorts.
Best Drawstring Cargo Shorts with Elastic Waist
Amazon Essentials Men’s Elastic Waist Cargo Shorts
These Amazon Essentials men’s cargo shorts combine an elastic drawstring waist with a casual look that can be worn for a wide variety of occasions. These shorts are made with 100% cotton and, yes, do feature side cargo pockets for storage.
Here’s what these Amazon Essentials cargo shorts look like:
This is the current price of these Amazon Essentials drawstring cargo shorts available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these shorts:
- Drawstring Waistband – Yes, these shorts use an elastic waistband. The waistband also has a drawstring so you can secure the fit around your waist.
- Material – These Amazon Essentials cargo shorts are made with 100% cotton. This means these shorts are machine washable, but will need to be cared for properly to avoid shrinking.
- Pockets – Yes, these shorts have side cargo pockets for storage. The cargo pockets have a top flap that button-closes to help secure the pockets. These shorts also have standard hand pockets, and one back pockets.
- Fit – These shorts have a regular fit that isn’t too tight or too loose. The inseam length of these shorts is 9 inches, which means it will finish above the knee for most people.
Click here to buy these Amazon Essentials elastic waist cargo shorts available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These shorts are machine washable.
Cubavera Men’s Drawstring Lightweight Cargo Shorts
These Cubavera men’s cargo shorts combine an elastic drawstring waist with a lightweight design that might be perfect if you are facing hot weather. These shorts are made with a lightweight linen blend and have a regular fit that is loose enough to let your legs breathe in the heat.
Here’s what these Cubavera cargo shorts look like:
This is the current price of these Cubavera drawstring cargo shorts available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these shorts:
- Material – These Cubavera cargo shorts are unique because they use a lightweight linen material blend. Linen is very breathable and will be a very nice option for extremely hot weather. These shorts are machine washable.
- Drawstring Waistband – Yes, these lightweight cargo shorts use an elastic waistband. The waistband also has a drawstring so you can secure the fit around your waist.
- Pockets – Yes, these shorts have side cargo pockets for storage. The cargo pockets have a top flap that helps secure the pockets. These shorts also have standard hand pockets, and one back pockets. The back pocket also has a top flap.
- Fit – These shorts have a classic fit that isn’t too tight or too loose. They are relaxed through the hips and thighs to create a comfortable, casual feeling while wearing these shorts.
Click here to buy these Cubavera elastic waist cargo shorts available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These shorts are machine washable.
Santiny Women’s Elastic Waist Cargo Shorts
These Santiny women’s drawstring cargo shorts are versatile shorts that can be used for a wide variety of tasks. They are made using a quick-dry fabric that helps you deal with perpetration in hot weather. These cargo shorts feature side zip-close storage pockets.
Here’s what these Santiny cargo shorts look like:
This is the current price of these Santiny women’s drawstring cargo shorts available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). Here’s what you need to know about these shorts:
- Drawstring Waistband – Yes, these shorts use an elastic waistband. The waistband also has a drawstring so you can secure the fit around your waist.
- Material – These Santiny cargo shorts are made with polyester/spandex fabric blend that has some stretch to it. The material is moisture wicking. This fabric provides a combination of flexibility and quick-dry capabilities which make it a versatile short that can be used for work, hiking, working out, and other types of recreation. The material also offers sun protection and is water-resistant.
- Design – Yes, these shorts have side cargo pockets for storage. The cargo pockets are zip-close which provides you a safe place to store essentials. These shorts also have zip-close hand pockets. These shorts have a regular fit that isn’t too tight or too loose.
Click here to buy these Santiny women’s drawstring cargo shorts available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com). These shorts are machine washable.
Fleece Drawstring Cargo Shorts with Elastic Waists
If you are looking for sweat-style cargo shorts that are comfortable and easy to lounge in, you do have several options. Many, but not all, of these shorts will use fleece as the material. Here are a couple of my favorite options:
- Agnes Urban Men’s Drawstring Cargo Sweat Shorts – These Agnes Urban drawstring cargo shorts are made with a comfortable cotton fabric blend and are perfect for you if you are shopping for sweat, lounge-style cargo shorts. Yes, these shorts have an elastic waist and drawstring. They feature a loose-fit design that provide plenty of freedom for proper range of motion while wearing these shorts. Click here to view these Agnes Urban elastic waist cargo shorts available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
- Amazon Essentials Men’s Fleece Cargo Shorts – These Amazon Essentials fleece cargo shorts are made using a cotton/polyester fabric blend that makes them comfortable enough to lounge in, but also functional enough to be used as work or workout shorts. Yes, they feature side cargo pockets and a drawstring waist. They have a regular fit that isn’t too tight or too loose. Click here to view these Amazon Essentials elastic waist cargo shorts available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
4 Things to Consider When Buying Drawstring Cargo Shorts
Comfort
Elastic waist cargo shorts are popular because they provide comfort around the waist, but there are other ways to add comfort to your shorts. Here are a few things to consider.
- Stretch Fabric – Many, but not all, types of elastic waist cargo shorts will be made with a stretch fabric blend. A stretch fabric makes it easier to move around while wearing your shorts. For more options, visit my article about the best stretch cargo shorts.
- Gusset – Some shorts will have a built in crotch gusset to provide more space in the crotch and seat of the shorts which makes it more comfortable to sit, bend, and crouch. Crotch gussets are more common in work and active gear, but will also be found in some types of casual shorts (best gusseted crotch shorts).
- Fit – Wearing loose or relaxed fit shorts can provide extra room for better range of motion. It can also help increase the air flow on a hot day.
- Breathable – You can find certain types of elastic waist cargo shorts that use a lightweight, breathable fabric built for hot weather. For example, the Cubavera shorts on the list at the top of the page use a lightweight linen fabric blend to help increase air flow.
If you are interested in other types of elastic waist pants and shorts, visit our articles linked below:
Pockets
How many pockets do you really need? Having too many pockets can be overkill and just add bulk and weight to your work shorts. That doesn’t help anyone. But not having enough pockets can be a problem too.
If you choose cargo shorts, you’ll want to make sure you consider the bulkiness of those cargo pockets. I personally prefer low-profile cargo pockets that don’t take up a lot of space. If you prefer low-profile, zip-close pockets might be your best option.
Material Type
I discussed this throughout the article, but how durable do you need your cargo shorts to be? You can buy drawstring cargo shorts in a wide variety of fabrics.
The list at the top of the page includes fleece, cotton, linen, and other stretch fabric blends. Each material obviously has its own strengths and weaknesses. If you need something durable, I like ripstop fabric.
If you prefer denim cargo shorts, unfortunately it is very hard to find denim options that have a drawstring.
Some people prefer a flexible stretch fabric, while others prefer a lightweight fabric to help beat the heat (my favorite lightweight work shorts). There are also water-resistant options (for example, the Santiny drawstring cargo shorts on out list).
For me, I’ll often use a lightweight fabric when the temperature turns brutally hot, but that might not make sense for all jobs.
Which style is best for you will likely come down to personal preference and the demands of your job. If you need something that is quite durable, I’d personally stick with a pair of canvas work shorts or ripstop work shorts.
Inseam Length
You will definitely want to consider the inseam of your elastic waist cargo shorts. Obviously, your height matters, but a 10″ inseam will often hit near the top of the knee. If you prefer long-fitting shorts, you’ll probably need shorts with an inseam of 11 inches or more.
If you prefer a shorter inseam, visit our article about short length cargo shorts. If you prefer a longer inseam, visit our article about long length cargo shorts.
Most drawstring cargo shorts have a loose, relaxed fit which provide extra room for proper range of motion. If you prefer slim fit, visit our article about the best slim fit shorts.