Cargo and utility: Functional fashion trends for fall

Fall 2022 is upon us and that means the introduction of heavier fabrics, layering, and darker colors and patterns. We’ve had our eye on one trend that has been picking up this month and it’s all about utility. It was hard not to miss the army of cargo pants that flooded the fashion weeks in Milan, New York, and Paris this year. And in going with this trend we’ve also begun to see an influx of items like camouflage print and utility jackets. Sarah Jessica Parker was seen on the set of season 2 of And Just Like That, in a cargo inspired jumpsuit which fits to the trend perfectly.

Another item that seems to be taking the spotlight this fall season are parachute pants. But what are parachute pants? They usually have multiple pockets, which make them slightly similar to cargo pants, however they are typically made from slightly lighter, nylon fabric, hence the name parachute pants. They are also characterized by an elastic waistband, baggy fit, but with tight or fitted ankle – giving them a very functional, utilitarian feel. This trend has been especially popular with Gen Z and has been going viral on TikTok. We’ve seen increases on the following categories:

• +60% increase in demand for cargo pants on Stylight
• +58% increase in demand for camouflage on Stylight
• +29% increase in demand for utility jackets on Stylight
• +977% increase in demand for parachute pants on Google

Stylight numbers were analyzed on a month over month (MoM) time frame from 1 August – 30 August 2022 vs. 1 September – 30 September 2022. Google numbers were analyzed on a year over year (YoY) time frame from 1 January – 11 October, 2022 vs 1 January – 11 October, 2021.