Rick Owens Cargo Pants

Finding Your Perfect Pair of Luxury Cargo Pants

Cargo pants are the ultimate combination of comfort and style. With their utilitarian roots, cargo pants offer both functionality with their multiple pockets while also providing a laidback, edgy look. And no one does edgy luxury like Rick Owens. His cargo pants are forward-thinking designs that perfectly balance avant-garde shapes with everyday ease.

Owens is known for his dark, gothic aesthetic and cargo pants that reflect his twisted sensibility. If you’re looking to invest in cargo pants that make a statement, Rick Owens is the way to go. But with so many options to choose from, it can be tricky finding the right pair for you. That’s where this comprehensive buying guide comes in.

I’ll walk through everything you need to know before purchasing Rick Owens cargo pants, from sizing and fit to calculating the real cost per wear. You’ll learn how to spot authentic Rick pieces versus dupes and discover the different styles he offers each season. I’ll also share tips on how to style your Owens cargos for a variety of edgy looks.

Investing in designer pieces can seem intimidating, but educating yourself on how to buy smart can help maximize cost-per-use. By the end, you’ll feel ready to find your perfect pair of Rick Owens cargos to add rockstar attitude to any outfit. Let’s get started!

The Origins: A Brief History of Rick Owens Cargo Pants

To understand Rick Owens’ cargo pants, you have to first look at the history of cargo pants themselves. Cargo pants originated from military uniforms, with the über functional multipe pocket style practical for holding field gear.

When cargo pants migrated over to everyday wear, they maintained utility while also taking on a rugged, anti-fashion attitude. Skaters and punks in the 80s and 90s wore baggy cargos as a reaction against preppy fashion.

Meanwhile, Rick Owens was shaping his aesthetic through an avant-garde lens. After starting his label in 1994, he quickly became known for his subversive take on staples like jeans and t-shirts.

Owens brought this dark sensibility to cargo pants, keeping their practical roots but twisting the fit and Adding exaggerated proportions. The resulting style felt futuristic and otherworldly.

Through the decades, Owens has refined his cargo silhouette with razor-sharp tailoring and inventive detailing. But he maintains the gothic, rebellious spirit of those first cargo experiments. His cargos may be a luxury item, but they retain punk credibility.

The Rick Owens Cargo Pant Look: Silhouette, Style & Details

Rick Owens has perfected his cargo silhouette through the years. While subtle adjustments are made each season, his cargo pants have several signature elements that define the Owens look. Here’s an overview of what makes his cargo pants so distinctive:

The Silhouette

Owens cargos have an exaggerated, billowy fit through the thigh tapering down to a narrow leg opening. They typically have a low-slung rise sitting slightly below the hip. The roomy thigh contrasts with the fitted hem creating drama.

Signature Styles

Most seasons, Owens produces his classic creatch cargo pant in cotton or leather. For colder weather, he reinterprets the style as a wool creatch cargo pant. More avant-garde versions feature asymmetric fastenings and extra flap details.

Tailoring Details

All Rick Owens pants are impeccably tailored. Cargo pockets and waistbands are precision stitched. The narrow leg opening finishes with side zippers for a sleek tapered shape. Hardware like zippers and clasps feature custom matte black finishes.

Luxury Fabrics

Known for luxury basics, Owens crafts his pants from premium natural fibers like cotton, wool, and leather or high-quality synthetics. Fabrics are thick and substantial, draping beautifully on the body. Surprising textures like wool crepe and stretch leather add depth.

Monochromatic Palette

True to the darkly glam Owens aesthetic, colors stick to a moody neutral palette of black, gray, and brown with occasional pops of white. Black is the most common color for his cotton and leather cargo pants.

Avant-Garde Appeal

Owens constantly experiments with subtle new proportions or unexpected details. Recent versions feature asymmetric fastenings, statement flap pockets, and bold textural fabrics. These fresh tweaks keep his cargos feeling modern.

Now that you know what defines the Owens cargo look, let’s move onto the all-important fit. Finding the right size and understanding the brands’ idiosyncratic sizing is key to satisfied with your investment.

Deciphering the Sizing & Fit

Rick Owens has a famously tricky sizing system. His pieces are designed on oversize proportions, but how each style fits can still vary. Cargo pants are cut intentionally loose and flowing, but getting the right amount of roominess comes down to choosing the right size.

Here are some tips for navigating Rick Owens cargo pants sizing:

Run Large & Billowy

Cargo pants run several sizes big as a part of their exaggerated silhouette. Size down at least one size from your typical number. If between sizes, size down two sizes for an intentionally roomy shape.

Know Your Measurements

Focus on measurements over standard sizes. Waist, hip, and inseam lengths are most important. Measure a well-fitting pant then reference Rick’s size chart to find your match. Consider sizing down for a slouchy fit.

Try Before Buying

If possible, always try before you buy. Rick’s proportions suit some bodies better than others. Make sure the rise and seat depth work for your shape. As cargos run oversized, ensure the thigh width flatters.

Fabric Stretch & Adjustability

Leather and wool versions will have less give than cotton. If sizing down significantly, cotton offers more room to size to your ideal looseness. Adjustability features like drawstrings, belts, and zippers also provide flexibility.

Know Your Rick Owens Fit

Once you find your size, take note! Styles may vary, but you’ll likely be the same Owens size across the board. This makes shopping future Rick pieces much easier.

Where to Shop Rick Owens Cargo Pants Online

Once you know your size, it’s time for the fun part – shopping! Rick Owens is a luxury brand so pieces can cost a pretty penny. But there are ways to save if you know where to look. Here are the best places to shop real-deal Owens cargo pants:

Rick Owens Website

For the full collection every season, shop directly from the source at RickOwens.eu. Here you can browse the complete runway lineup plus exclusive collaborations and limited editions. Sign up for emails to get sale announcements and exclusives.

Ssense

This luxury retailer stocks a huge selection of Rick Owens ready-to-wear. Look out for big seasonal sales where you can score major discounts. Sign up for outlet alerts and check their discounted sister site SSense Off Price.

MatchesFashion

Based in London, Matches carries an impressive roster of luxury labels. Along with the latest Rick Owens, they frequently host sales with deep discounts. Create an account to get special price match guarantees.

TheRealReal

This authenticated resale site is great for finding rare Rick Owens pieces from past seasons. Expect to pay 40-60% off retail for like-new garments. Be sure to examine condition closely before purchasing.

Grailed

Dedicated fashion lovers list Owens items, new and used, on this resale app. Vet sellers thoroughly and look for detailed photos. Sort by most expensive listings first to find the rarest gems. Message sellers with questions about condition and fit.

eBay

As with Grailed, dive deep and you can find amazing Rick Owens scores. Search by exact product names and download the eBay app for instant notifications when sought after pieces are listed. Be wary of fakes – authenticate before purchasing.

Now let’s look at another way to save – calculating cost per wear. Understanding how often you’ll actually wear an expensive piece can help maximize your investment.

Getting the Most Value: Calculating Cost Per Wear

Premium designer pieces come with premium price tags. But viewing designer purchases as investments rather than indulgences can help justify spending more. When buying pricy garments, do a quick cost per use estimate:

Retail Price ÷ Estimated Wears = Cost Per Wear

For example:

$1,000 cargo pants ÷ 50 wears = $20 cost per wear

This math works out to just $20 each time you wear your cargos over the course of a year or two. Compared to a $100 pair worn just 5 times before falling apart, the designer pair ends up being much better value.

Here are some tips to get the most wear out of your Rick Owens cargos:

Choose Versatile Neutrals

Go for black, grey, or army green cargo pants in soft cottons or wool rather than loud prints or bold colors. These versatile neutrals will coordinate with your whole wardrobe.

Evaluate Your Lifestyle

If you work remotely and live in casual clothes, you’ll get more wear than someone who dresses up for work. Buy Owens cargos if they match your regular style.

Care For Them Properly

Follow garment labels to wash, dry, and store pants properly. A few extra minutes of care will extend the life of your cargos.

Store Them Visibly

Hang or fold Owens pants somewhere easy to grab. Visible storage will remind you to reach for them more frequently.

Mix Up How You Wear Them

Style cargos multiple ways, both dressed up and casual. More outfit combos means more opportunities to wear them.

Now that you know how to shop smart, it’s time to learn how to rock Rick Owens’ signature cargos. Here are tips for styling your Owens trousers:

How to Style Your Rick Owens Cargo Pants Like a Pro

Rick Owens’ avant-garde silhouettes can seem intimidating to style. But cargo pants are actually one of his more wearable pieces. Here are foolproof ideas for making Owens cargos work for everyday:

Lean Into the Luxe Grunge Aesthetic

Owens cargo pants have a laidback grunge vibe. Play into that spirit by pairing them with distressed leather jackets, vintage rock tees, and chunky boots. Layer on piles of pearls, chains, and rings for that glam-grunge feel.

Balance the Volume

Cargo pants have an inherently slouchy shape. Choose fitted tops in lightweight fabrics to balance the volume. Tuck in slim black turtlenecks or long sleeve tees to accentuate your waist. Smaller accessories like skinny sunglasses also prevent looking too bulky.

Create Strong SIlhouettes

Owens loves strong, dramatic silhouettes. Help define your shape by cinching cargos with wide belts. Suspenders also tailor the waist. Finish the look with sleek boots or loafers for lean lines.

Play With Metallic Shine

Don’t be afraid to dress up Owens cargos! His patent leather and metallic textured versions pair perfectly with heels and strappy tops for nighttime glamour. Add an oversize blazer for unexpected polish.

Give Them the Tall Boot Treatment

Tuck Owens cargos into knee or thigh-high boots to show off the slim shape of the leg. This also elongates legs for a supermodel vibe. Try boots in leather or vivid vinyl.

Lean Into the Goth Aesthetic

As the unofficial king of gothic glam, Rick Owens designs demand an all-black palette. Pair cargos with oversize coffin-shaped bags, spiked chokers, and dark eyewear for post-punk edge.

Finding the Perfect Fit

One of the most important factors in shopping for a pair of Rick Owens cargo pants is finding the right size. Here’s what you need to know to find your ideal fit:

Run Large By Design

Rick Owens designs are meant to fit oversized and billowy. For the trademark Rick slouch, size down 1-2 sizes.

Pay Attention to Measurements

Don’t rely on standard sizes. Refer to the size chart and compare your body measurements for the best cargo pant fit.

Try Before You Buy

If possible, always try on Rick Owens pants in person. The exaggerated proportions fit differently on each body.

Note Stretch & Structure

Fabrics like leather will fit snugger than cotton styles with more stretch. Wool crepe also has forgiving drape.

Fit For Your Lifestyle

Consider where and how often you’ll wear the pants. A more relaxed fit works for casual wear while a tailored fit dresses up better.

Know Your Rick Size

Once you find your ideal Rick Owens pant size, make a note. Styles may vary but you’ll likely be the same size across the board.

The Real Cost: What To Expect to Pay

Like most luxury designer clothing, Rick Owens cargo pants don’t come cheap. But understanding the typical pricing helps you budget and also spot good deals when they come along. Here’s an overview of Rick Owens cargo pant prices:

Mainline Collection

The main Rick Owens label offers the highest quality materials and construction. Expect to pay $800-$1200 for cotton and wool cargo pants here and up to $2000+ for leather.

DRKSHDW Diffusion Line

The DRKSHDW line offers similar Owens designs at more accessible price points. Cargo pants here run $500-$800. Materials are a step below the mainline but still excellent quality.

Sales & Discounts

Retailers like Ssense and MatchesFashion run sales throughout the year, usually offering 30-50% off Rick Owens. Search for extra coupon codes and join mailing lists for the best discounts.

Resale Value

On resale sites, you can find Owens cargos for 40-60% off retail, sometimes more for rare pieces. Just be choosy about condition – holes or stains bring the value down.

Cost Per Wear

Calculate this formula: Price ÷ Estimated Wears = Cost Per Wear. This helps justify spending more when you consider the long-term value.

Now that you know what to expect price-wise, let’s look at how to spot fake Rick Owens pants:

How to Spot Fakes: Authenticating Your Rick Owens Purchase

Rick Owens’ avant-garde designs have unfortunately made him a target for counterfeits. But there are a few key things to look for when authenticating real Rick versus fake Rick Owens cargos:

hardware Logo

Genuine Owens pants have hardware like zippers and buttons stamped with the Rick Owens logo. Fakes often have no logo or a poor etching.

Fabric Quality

Pay attention to the handfeel and drape. Owens uses luxe fabrics with some heft. Counterfeits tend to be made from cheap, flimsy materials.

Interior Labels

Check that interior wash labels use high-quality fabric and printing. Cheap tags with errors are a red flag. There should also be a secondary internal label with the style name.

Garment Tags

Rick Owens tags feature flat matte black fabric tags with clean printed lettering. Fakes often have incorrect fonts, colors and translations.

Zippers & Zipper Pulls

Owens uses Riri brand zippers in matte black with custom Rick Owens branded metal zipper pulls. The pulls should have a substantial weight in your hand.

Stitching & Construction

Examine seams and stitching up close. Owens garments are impeccably assembled while fakes tend to have uneven, sloppy stitch lines with loose threads.

Price

If the price seems too good to be true, it most likely is. Authentic Owens cargo pants rarely sell below 60% off retail.

And if you’re still uncertain, you can always send photos of a potential purchase to a professional authenticator before buying. It’s worth the extra reassurance for pricey designer finds.

Available Colors & Textures to Consider

Rick Owens enjoys creating pieces with depth and dimension. While he sticks to a moody neutral palette, he experiments with luxurious textures and finishes. Here are some options to look for when shopping Owens cargo pants:

Classic Black Cotton

The most common choice – black cotton canvas with a subtle sheen. This versatile shade works year-round.

Heather Grey Wool Crepe

Heathered grey wool with fluid drape for chillier months. The variation in tones adds visual interest.

White or Ivory

Crisp white or ivory cotton stands out in the Owens color palette. Make these cargos the statement piece in an all-black outfit.

Army and Olive Greens

Deep green tones reference military origins. Olive cotton or wool feels modern and unexpected.

Metallics

Owens often adds high-shine metallic leather or silver and gold coated cottons. These eye-catching cargos work for evenings out.

Distressed Black Denim

ForTEXTURE a grungier vibe, black denim cargo pants feature abrasions and fraying. The distressed effect contrasts nicely with dressier tops.

Smooth Leather or Vinyl

Sleek leather or patent vinyl cargo pants offer a futuristic biker feel. Wear them as edgy neutral bottoms. The supple handfeel takes them up a notch.

So whether you gravitate towards classic cotton, tactile wools or leather with edge, Owens offers cargo pants to match your personal style. Now let’s look at how to care for them.

Caring For Your Owens Cargos: Washing, Storing, and Repairing Your Pants

Caring for your Rick Owens cargo pants properly ensures they last for many wears. Follow these tips to keep your Owens cargos looking pristine:

Read Garment Care Labels

Follow all washing, drying and ironing directions on internal labels. Hand or machine wash gently in cold water.

Invest in a Garment Steamer

Skip the iron and invest in a fabric steamer to release wrinkles and refresh the drape. Avoid excess heat which can damage fabric.

Fold Properly

Always folc pants smoothly along seams to avoid creases. Stuff legs with acid-free tissue paper to maintain the shape if needed.

Spot Clean Spills ASAP

Blot stains immediately with a clean absorbent cloth. Use a small amount of mild detergent and dab gently from the edges inward.

Store Airing Out

Let pants air out between wears and hang in breathable garment bags. Rotate between a couple pairs to allow the fabrics time to recover.

Repair Fast

Don’t delay on repairs. Fix split seams, replace buttons and patch holes immediately to prevent bigger issues. Find an experienced tailor you trust for alterations.

Dry Clean Coats & Outerwear

Take wool and leather cargo jackets and coats to a reputable dry cleaner. Make sure to request they press lightly.

Caring for your Rick Owens cargo pants does require a bit of extra effort. But taking the time will ensure your investment lasts for many seasons to come.

Final Takeaways: Why Rick Owens Cargo Pants Are Worth the Splurge

At the end of the day, are luxury designer cargo pants worth the investment? For Rick Owens, the answer is yes – as long as you buy smart. His expert tailoring and use of premium fabrics make a clear difference you can see and feel. Plus, Owens’ twisted take on the classics results in versatile statement pieces that work for day to night.

Follow the tips in this comprehensive buying guide to find the perfect cargo pants from Rick Owens’ wide range of avant-garde options. Put thought into choosing the right size, silhouette and color for your personal style. Research pricing and shop sales, discounts and resale for the best value. Once you have your Owens cargos, learn to style and care for them properly to maximize cost per wear. Worn often and cared for, Rick Owens cargo pants prove their worth as staples in any well-curated closet.