Cargo scrub pants add extra pockets, usually on the side of the thigh, so you can keep tools, your phone and small supplies within reach instead of piling everything into your top. If you’re always running out of pocket space, cargo scrubs are the easiest upgrade you can make. The trick is matching the pocket layout, leg style and fabric to the way you work.
Here’s how to compare cargo styles and choose a pair you’ll reach for every shift.
What Are Cargo Scrub Pants?
Cargo scrub pants are scrub pants with one or more cargo pockets, which are larger pockets placed on the outside of the leg. They usually sit alongside the regular side pockets and back pockets you’d find on standard scrub pants.
The benefit is simple: more places to stash things, spread out so no single pocket is overloaded. Cargo pockets can come in different styles, too. Some have a flap, some are open, and some have a smaller pocket tucked inside, which is handy for a phone.
Scrub Pants With Lots of Pockets: How Our Styles Compare
Pocket count varies quite a bit from style to style. Here’s what the cargo and multi-pocket options in our shop offer, based on each product’s specifications:
- Women’s Cool Stretch V-Neck Cargo Top and Pant Set: 8 pants pockets (2 front, 2 back and 4 side, including a hidden phone pocket), straight-leg cargo pants with side slits, 93% polyester and 7% spandex.
- Women’s Essential Cool Stretch Jogger Scrub Set: 6 pants pockets (2 side, 2 cargo, 2 back), mid-rise jogger pants with knit ankle cuffs.
- Vel Endeavor Men’s 6-Pocket Double Cargo Jogger Scrub Pants: 6 pockets, including side pockets, a left cargo pocket and a right cargo pocket with an inside phone pocket, plus covered elastic jogger cuffs.
- Unisex Cargo Solid V-Neck Scrub Set: 5 pants pockets (2 side, 3 cargo) in a 65% polyester, 35% cotton blend.
- Women’s Ultra-Soft Luxe Stretch Jogger Scrub Set: 5 pants pockets (2 side, 2 back, 1 cargo) on relaxed-fit jogger pants with a tapered leg.
- Wink WorkFlex Unisex Cargo Scrub Pant: 4 pockets (2 front slash, 1 right cargo, 1 back) on a straight-leg, classic-fit pant.
- Women’s Cool Stretch Jogger Scrub Set: 3 pants pockets (2 inseam, 1 cargo) on mid-rise jogger pants with knit cuffs.
- Men’s Stretch Multi-Pocket Cargo Scrub Set and Men’s Luxe Stretch Jogger Scrub Set: cargo pockets on the pants, with the Luxe set featuring a flap cargo pocket.
If you want the most pockets possible, start with the eight- and six-pocket styles. If you only need one or two extra spots, a pant with a single cargo pocket keeps your silhouette a little cleaner.
Jogger Cargo vs. Straight-Leg Cargo Scrubs
Cargo pockets come on both jogger and straight-leg pants, and each has its fans.
Jogger cargo pants taper or cuff at the ankle, with knit or covered elastic cuffs on most of our styles and a tapered leg on the Ultra-Soft Luxe set. That shape keeps hems off the floor and give a modern, athletic look. The Cool Stretch Jogger set, the Essential Cool Stretch set, the Ultra-Soft Luxe Stretch set and the Vel Endeavor jogger pants are all in this camp.
Straight-leg cargo pants fall in a straight line over your shoes for a more classic look. The Cool Stretch V-Neck Cargo set and the Wink WorkFlex Unisex Cargo Scrub Pant are straight-leg options.
Neither is better across the board. Pick the one that suits your style and your shoes, then focus on pockets and fit.
How to Pack Cargo Pockets Without the Bulk
More pockets only help if you use them well. A few habits keep cargo scrubs comfortable and tidy:
- Balance the load. Split heavier items between the left and right legs so one side isn’t dragging.
- Give your phone a home. If your pants have a phone pocket, use it every time so you always know where your phone is.
- Keep frequently used items up high. Pens and tape belong in easy-reach pockets; backup supplies can go lower or in back pockets.
- Clear out after every shift. Empty all pockets before laundry so nothing goes through the wash.
- Don’t overstuff. If pockets are bulging, consider moving a few items to your top or a small bag at your station.
Waistband and Fit Matter More With Cargo Pants
Full pockets add weight, so a secure waistband is important. Look at how each pair is built:
- The women’s Cool Stretch styles use an elastic waistband with a drawstring.
- The Vel Endeavor pants have a flat-front waistband with a drawstring and a covered elastic back.
- The Wink WorkFlex cargo pant has a flat front with a full drawstring and a half-back elastic waistband.
- The unisex cargo set uses a half drawstring, half elastic waistband.
Sizes vary by style, and each product page lists its own range. The unisex BP102 set runs large, so check our size guide before ordering. Try your pants on with your usual pocket load to make sure they stay put when you bend and squat.
Buy as a Set or Separately?
Many cargo scrub pants in our shop come as part of a matching set, which makes coordinating easy. Others, like the Vel Endeavor jogger pants and the Wink WorkFlex cargo pant, are sold on their own so you can pair them with a top you already love. Our guide to scrub sets vs. separates can help you decide which route fits your wardrobe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pockets do cargo scrub pants have?
It depends on the style. In our shop, pants with a cargo pocket range from 3 pockets on the Women’s Cool Stretch Jogger Scrub Set to 8 pockets on the Women’s Cool Stretch V-Neck Cargo Top and Pant Set, and each product page lists the pocket details.
Are cargo scrubs only available as joggers?
No. Cargo pockets come on both jogger pants with ankle cuffs and straight-leg pants. Choose the leg style you prefer, then compare pocket layouts.
Which cargo scrub pants have a phone pocket?
The Women’s Cool Stretch V-Neck Cargo Top and Pant Set includes a hidden phone pocket in the pants, and the Vel Endeavor Men’s 6-Pocket Double Cargo Jogger Scrub Pants have an inside phone pocket in the right cargo pocket.
The right cargo scrub pants keep everything you need close at hand without weighing you down. Browse all of our scrub pants and sets to find your pocket layout, with free shipping on all US orders.
