The Best Summer Pants for Legs That Need a Break
Nothing better than linen on the beach.
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We know what you’re thinking: Summer and pants. Those two words don’t go together. We all know that summer is shorts and dress season, but sometimes you want a break from showing all that leg. Enter lightweight pants you won’t sweat through profusely.
We rounded up the coolest and most comfortable options from brands like Reformation, COS, Mango, Uniqlo, and Everlane that are perfect for wearing while vacationing, beaching, gardening, skating, biking, or whatever else you plan to do all summer long.
SO, YOU’RE LOOKING FOR THE BEST SUMMER PANTS?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
Our top picks:
The OG- Linen Pair
Olina Linen Pant
Available in sizes XS-XL.
Linen pants are what summer is all about. Like many of Reformation’s basics, these are worth the price tag. Be warned: They are very long, so get out your platform sandals or consider having them hemmed if you’re more of a sneaker girl.
The Easy-to-Wear Cargos
Gap Mid Rise Linen-Cotton Pull-On Cargo Pants
Available in sizes XXS-XXL.
“Linen pants are perfect for summer because of how airy they are,” fashion and beauty writer Asia Milia Ware says. “The elastic waist of these offer comfort even on the most humid NYC day and the cargo details add some edge when styling them.”
The Butter Yellow Trousers
Mango Striped Linen-Blend Pants
Available in sizes 1-10.
Butter yellow is the undisputed color of the season, so you’ll definitely want to add these linen-blend pants to your summer wardrobe. The baggy shape and slight pleating is absolute perfection.
The Versatile Favorite
Friends With Frank The Wide Leg Trousers
Available in sizes XXS-XXL.
“These pants are the epitome of effortless summer dressing,” market editor Cortne Bonilla says. “I can wear them with T-shirts, asymmetric tank tops, linen blazers and little knitted tops. The fabric is lightweight, and the silhouette is so flattering.”
The Best Affordable Pair
Uniqlo Pleated Straight Pants
Available in sizes XXS-XXL.
Shopping writer Chinea Rodriguez loves these because they’re lightweight, stretchy, and affordable. “They also match almost everything so you don’t have to think too much about your outfit,” she says.
More tried-and-true options
The Tailored Pair
St. Agni Carter Trousers
Available in sizes XS-XL.
If you’re looking for elevated trousers that look just as good in the office as they do at a cocktail hour or dinner date, try this tailored pair from St. Agni. Despite being made from a slightly thicker wool-blend material, the pastel blue colorway makes them totally appropriate for summer.
The Pants with Eyelet Details
COS Eyelet Wide-Leg Pants
Available in sizes 2-14.
Pro tip: Always say yes to subtle cutout details in the hot summer months; the eyelet embroidery on these cotton wide-leg pants will make them feel so lightweight and breathable.
The Best Summer Workpant
Everlane The Linen Way-High Drape Pant
Available in sizes 00-16.
Everlane is one of our go-to brands for easy, breezy basics like these wide-leg linen pants that are ideal for the office. They feature a high-rise waist, flattering and relaxed drape, and floor-skimming length.
The Cropped Pair
Sézane Martin Crop Trousers
Available in sizes 0-16.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good low-waisted, floor-length pant. But nothing beats a cropped trouser when you’re wearing really good shoes that deserve to be seen. This wide-leg linen pair from Sézane has a straight silhouette and large pockets in the front and back.
The Best Printed Pants
Cara Cara Josephine Dotted Linen Wide-Leg Pants
Available in sizes 0-10.
Yes, polka dots can we worn if you’re not a toddler! Pair these high-waisted trousers with the matching top for an easy one-and-done summer outfit.
The Most Comfortable Pants
Reformation Olina Knit Pant
Available in sizes XS-XL.
Casual trousers that almost kind of resemble pajama pants are everywhere right now — and I, for one, will be taking full advantage of the trend. Style this striped pair with a white tank and black sunnies if you want to look cool without trying too hard.
The Pair That Doubles As a Swimsuit Cover-up
Solid & Striped The Milly Pant
Available in sizes XS-XL.
I’m normally a neutrals girl but I try to add bright colors to my rotation when summer rolls around. These are a great alternative to traditional swimsuit cover-ups, especially when paired with the matching top.
The Modern Pinstripe Trousers
Aligne Marlene Striped Trouser
Available in sizes 2-18.
The asymmetric folded-over waistband separates these wide-leg trousers from others in your closet, plus they’re made from the same comfortable linen-blend fabric as Aligne’s best-selling soft tailored trousers.
The Pair Made for an Italian Vacation
Lisa Says Gah Robyn Jean
Available in sizes 0-20.
These jeans deserve to parade around the Italian countryside and sip all the wine in the world. Feel free to tag along.
The Low-Rise Cargos
Madewell Garment-Dyed Low-Slung Straight Cargo Pants
Available in sizes 23-33.
These lightweight, low-rise cargos scream “street style.” They’re the coolest pants of the summer. No skateboard required.