Do you have a pair of cargo pants lying in the back of your closet, forgotten and gathering dust? Maybe they’re too big, too small, or just not in style anymore? Rather than tossing them out, why not give them a new life through upcycling?

Upcycling is all about taking something old and transforming it into something fresh, useful, and trendy.

Whether you’re an eco-conscious fashion lover or just someone looking to add a personal touch to your wardrobe, upcycling is a fantastic way to get creative and reimagine your old clothes.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to upcycle cargo pants into stylish, one-of-a-kind pieces that you’ll want to wear again and again.

Why Upcycle Cargo Pants?

Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, let’s talk about why upcycling cargo pants is such a great idea.

The world is more focused on sustainability than ever before, and fast fashion’s negative impact on the environment is becoming hard to ignore.

Rather than discarding your old clothing, upcycling reduces waste and allows you to create something new and useful. Plus, it’s an opportunity to inject your personality into your fashion.

What can you do with old cargo pants?

• Turn them into stylish shorts for the summer
• Repurpose them into a cool bag or backpack
• Create a skirt or a pair of trendy capri pants
• Add embellishments, patches, or embroidery for a personalized look

The beauty of upcycling is that it gives you the power to make something unique, giving your old clothes new purpose and preventing them from ending up in a landfill.

Getting Started: Supplies You’ll Need

Before we begin upcycling your cargo pants, you’ll need to gather some basic supplies. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for most upcycling projects:

Personal Insight:

When I first started upcycling clothes, I didn’t invest much in fancy tools. I found that a basic sewing kit and fabric glue could do wonders, especially if you’re just starting out. The best part about upcycling cargo pants is that you can get creative without the need for too many supplies.

Turning Cargo Pants into Shorts

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to upcycle your cargo pants is to turn them into stylish shorts. Whether you’re aiming for a classic look or something with a modern twist, shorts are always in style.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Choose the Right Pair of Cargo Pants:
   • Look for cargo pants that still fit comfortably but may be too long or outdated in style.
2. Mark Your Desired Length:
   • Put the pants on and use a fabric marker or chalk to mark where you want the shorts to end. A typical length for casual shorts is just above the knee, but this can vary depending on your style preference.
3. Cut the Pants:
   • Use your fabric scissors to carefully cut along the line you marked. Be sure to cut straight to keep the edges even.
4. Fray the Edges (Optional):
   • To add a distressed look, you can pull a few threads from the bottom edge to make it fray. This will give the shorts a relaxed, lived-in vibe.
5. Sew or Glue the Edges (Optional):
   • If you prefer a clean edge, fold the fabric over and sew a hem. If you’re going for a no-sew option, fabric glue works wonders here too!
6. Add Personal Touches:
   • Consider adding embroidery, patches, or even fabric paint to give the shorts a unique, personal touch.

Example:

I once took an old pair of khaki cargo pants that were too bulky for my taste. After cutting them just above the knee, I added a floral patch on the side and rolled the edges up for an even more laid-back summer look. It felt like I had a brand new pair of shorts for only a fraction of the cost!

Cargo Pants into a Stylish Bag

If you’re looking for something more functional and unique, turning your old cargo pants into a bag is a great option. A DIY bag is both practical and an eco-friendly statement piece. Plus, it’s a perfect way to reuse fabric that might otherwise be wasted.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pants:
   • Start by cutting off the legs of the cargo pants. You’ll need the pant legs for the body of the bag.
2. Create the Shape of the Bag:
   • Lay the pant legs flat and cut a straight line along the seam to open them up. You should now have a flat piece of fabric that will serve as the main body of your bag.
3. Add Handles:
   • You can use the waistband of the cargo pants as the straps. Simply cut the waistband into two strips and sew them onto the top of the fabric where you want the handles to go.
4. Sew the Sides Together:
   • Fold the fabric into a bag shape, sew along the sides, and leave the top open.
5. Finishing Touches:
   • Add any additional embellishments like zippers, patches, or even a lining if you want a more polished look.

Personal Insight:

Creating bags from old clothing has been one of my favorite upcycling projects. It’s so satisfying to see something practical come out of something old. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when people ask where you got that cool bag!

Transforming Cargo Pants into a Skirt

If you’re looking to create a more feminine, trendy piece, turning your cargo pants into a skirt is a fantastic way to blend style and sustainability. This is especially perfect if you want a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut the Legs Off:
   • Cut off the legs of the cargo pants, leaving enough fabric at the waistband for the skirt’s waistband.
2. Create the Skirt Shape:
   • To make a flared skirt, cut down the side seams to open up the pants and then sew them back together, adding extra fabric if needed to increase the width.
3. Sew the Waistband:
   • You can reuse the waistband of the cargo pants for the skirt’s waistband or replace it with an elastic band for added comfort.
4. Hem the Edges:
   • Fold the fabric at the bottom of the skirt and hem it neatly to prevent any fraying.
5. Personalize:
   • Add embellishments, such as lace or fabric paint, to make the skirt more personalized to your style.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When upcycling cargo pants (or any piece of clothing), there are some common mistakes that you should avoid:

1. Not Taking Accurate Measurements:
   • It’s tempting to cut without measuring, but doing so might lead to uneven hems or an ill-fitting garment. Always measure and double-check before cutting.
2. Overcomplicating the Design:
   • It’s easy to get carried away with adding too many embellishments or designs. Keep it simple, especially if this is your first project.
3. Skipping Fabric Prep:
   • Don’t forget to pre-wash the fabric. Upcycled materials often shrink after the first wash, so make sure everything is prepped before you start working.
4. Using the Wrong Tools:
   • Poor-quality scissors or fabric glue can result in a sloppy finish. Make sure you use tools designed for fabric to get clean, neat cuts.

Conclusion:

Upcycling cargo pants is a creative, sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe while keeping your old clothes out of the landfill.

Whether you turn them into shorts, a stylish bag, or a trendy skirt, the possibilities are endless. You don’t need to be a fashion expert to try it just a little creativity and some basic sewing skills can go a long way. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process!

Key Takeaways:

• Upcycling is a sustainable and fun way to repurpose old clothes.
• Simple tools and a little imagination can help you transform cargo pants into trendy pieces.
• Take accurate measurements, keep your designs simple, and don’t forget to prep your fabric.

Why not give it a try? Dust off those old cargo pants, gather your supplies, and start upcycling today! If you try any of these ideas, feel free to share your creations in the comments below, or tag me on social media I’d love to see how you’ve reimagined your cargo pants!