Camo Cargo Shorts: Common Materials and Care

Those camo cargo shorts you wear in the field for airsoft or paintball, or just around for fashion purposes, store your gear and serve you well. 

You should know how to properly care for them so they last longer. You’ll have to replace your cargo camo shorts less frequently as a result.

This short post will cover some of the main materials commonly used in camo cargo shorts, which will determine how to care for them properly. Here’s what you should know. 

Camo Cargo Shorts: Materials

Probably the most common material from which camo cargo shorts are made is a heavy duty cotton twill. Cotton twill boasts a relatively dense, tight weave, making it wear resistant. Denim and canvas, which are also made from cotton, are also commonly used.

One of the main advantages of cotton is that it is lightweight, soft and comfortable. People with sensitive skin often prefer cotton clothing because it is hypo-allergenic and doesn’t irritate the skin.

Cotton is also breathable, which makes it an excellent material for wearing in hot conditions. This makes cotton a prime choice for wear in the summer, as cotton can keep the wearer cool even when conditions are warm and muggy. 

Cotton is often blended with other fibers to form what is known as “cotton ripstop” material. This weave is woven in such a way that, while it can be punctured, tears in the fabric don’t travel, and the fabric doesn’t unravel, hence the name. 

Blends are also popular. Cotton is often blended with polyester or nylon. Blending cotton with polyester confers most of the benefits of cotton already mentioned and gives the fabric a certain degree of wrinkle resistance. It can also make the fabric more flexible and longer lasting. 

The same goes for nylon. Nylon is a very tough, abrasion resistant material and nylon-cotton, or “nyco” blends are tough and resilient. 

Occasionally a little bit of spandex is mixed into the fabric to make it more flexible and to give it a bit of stretch. Some people find that this makes the fabric more comfortable and form-fitting.

Some camo cargo shorts may also be made entirely from synthetics such as nylon or polyester. While these materials can be cost-effective and are highly durable, many people find that they are not as comfortable as all-cotton shorts. They’re also not as good in the heat as cotton is.

Some modern camo cargo shorts are also made with materials such as Tencel that are made from bamboo fibers. These are lightweight and breathable, just like cotton, which makes them suitable in the heat since they are breathable. Like cotton, textiles made from bamboo are also highly sustainable. 

These are just a few of the materials that are commonly used to make cargo camo shorts, but they are among the most common. For your basic purposes, some of the best of them are cotton or cotton ripstop blends which offer a good balance between comfort and durability. 

Camo Cargo Shorts: Care

Caring for camo cargo shorts isn’t rocket science, but you still want to do it properly to ensure two things: one, that the camo pattern doesn’t fade, and two, that you don’t damage any aspect  of your pants. 

First things first, not all stains require the shorts to be washed. Some stains can be spot-treated with an appropriate product to remove the stain. Doing so promptly can help prevent stains from setting into your cargo camo shorts.

When you are going to wash your pants, first unzip any zippers and undo any buttons. This will help eliminate any pressure points on the shorts and will also ensure that all pockets are opened and will therefore be properly cleaned. 

Then, before you wash your pants, turn them inside out. This will help ensure that the outer face of the fabric is protected and will help prevent the pattern from washing out. 

Select like colors for washing with your camo cargo shorts. Go with other clothes that either are also camo or at least use the same basic color palette as the camo pattern in question. 

As for what detergent or cycle to use, follow the care instructions on the tag on your cargo camo shorts. Once your pants are clean, either tumble dry them low (you don’t want them to shrink) or else hang them in a cool, dry place to air-dry. This is gentler on the fabric and therefore better for it. 

This basic care guide should help ensure that your camo cargo shorts are properly cleaned and maintained, giving them a longer lifespan.

Here for a New Pair of Cargo Shorts? 

Time to replace an old pair of camo cargo shorts? Shop our collection first. We carry a wide variety of shorts (as well as camo t-shirts) and other clothing and accessories. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch with us and we’ll be more than happy to help.