ORIGIN: British military, 1938
The pants that helped us win WWII. These were standard BDU (battle dress uniform) trousers for the British in 1938, originally called patch-pocket pants, as the extra pockets were simply sewn on. They debuted here in the 1940s with the birth of the paratroopers. Currahee! This style reemerged with a vengeance in the 1990s with über-urban warriors from Staten Island the Wu-Tang Clan. Killer Beez gonna swarm your sartorial skills!
WHY YOU NEED THEM NOW: Today they’re softer and slimmer than the OG army surplus jobs, i.e., not so baggy your girl will bust you for wearing the most comfortable pants you own.
Kai-Aakmann tapered khaki trousers, $113
Etro cotton cargo pants, $615
Rare Man trousers, $221