The 15 Best Summer Pants for Effortless Outfits

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A perfect pair of summer pants is one of the most gratifying finds. The ideal pair combines breathability with a relaxed yet polished fit—you know it once you’ve encountered it. It’s that pair you default to on scorching days when dresses aren’t the mood. You might even prefer wide-leg trousers or voluminous pants with an oversize fit to leg-baring minis or airy maxis to prevent chafing while providing breathability in high-heat areas (IYKYK).

When looking for the right fit, fabric is the first consideration—natural fabrications like cotton and linen offer the most breathability. At the same time, materials like rayon and viscose are similarly lightweight and breezy. Then there’s silhouette—wide-leg pants are the silhouette du jour this season, but are also a classic. You can’t go wrong investing in a looser fit, whether you tend toward something tailored or prefer a slouchier and relaxed look.

Most importantly, you want a style you’ll wear again and again—an anchor for many of your go-to summer outfits that can be styled with tank tops, tees, blazers—or heck, even a bathing suit on vacation. Maximize bang for your buck by choosing a pair with versatility, be that a neutral color or silhouette, transitioning from the office to casual outings and even a getaway at a moment’s notice. Ahead, 15 pairs of the best summer pants for women that fit the bill, from crisp white palazzos to tailored linen trousers and printed silk styles.

Hilaire Pant

Nothing is breezier in the thick of summer than these voluminous palazzo pants in a crisp cotton.

Colors: White, black, tan

Sizes: 00–16

Materials: 100% cotton

Marella Pant

Mara Hoffman’s navy straight-leg pants have an airy feel and a tailored silhouette that effortlessly transitions from the workweek to the weekend.

Colors: Navy, khaki stripes, multi-floral print

Sizes: 00–20

Materials: 100% hemp

Cotton-Blend High-Waist Bias Pant

The bias cut is a Vince signature, and feels just right for summer thanks to the label’s new-season pair of cotton-blend pants.

Colors: White oak, black

Sizes: XXS–XL

Materials: 48% cotton, 26% rayon, 26% linen

Alda Cotton Linen-Blend Barrel Pants

Ulla Johnson is synonymous with bohemian whimsy of the color and print variety, but don’t overlook the brand’s distinctive approach to neutrals. This cotton-linen pair of black barrel-leg trousers will make a lovely (and breathable!) addition to your summer workwear.

Colors: Black

Sizes: 00–12

Materials: Cotton, linen, silk, with polyester lining

The Pleated Wide-Leg Chino

If you’re looking for a take on the classic chino, consider this modern, wide-leg version with pleats and a belted waist. It’s a structured and polished choice.

Colors: Bone, black, navy, khaki

Sizes: 00–16

Materials: Organic cotton

Tommy II Linen Pant

Rethink your linen pants by opting for a unique, earthy hue like this rusty red. Crafted from an airy linen-viscose blend fabric, this style is breathable and has a wide leg.

Colors: Rust, cream

Sizes: 00–14

Materials: 50% linen, 47% viscose, 3% elastane

The Mindy Pant

These crane-printed silk pants feel perfectly flighty for a warm summer day. They’re ultra sleek and polished in true brand form, whether paired with the coordinated blouse or a simple cotton tank.

Colors: Cream and black crane print

Sizes: XS–XL

Materials: 100% cupro

Grotto Cargo Pant

Embrace cargo pants for summer with this airy pair, designed with a crinkle effect for an intentionally wrinkled look (a.k.a. perfectly heatproof).

Colors: Ashen, black

Sizes: 2XS–XL

Materials: 100% nylon

Charlotte Floral-Print Pleated Wide-Leg Pants

What is summer without a bold splash of color and print? These fluid viscose trousers are ready for a warm-weather getaway.

Colors: Poppy floral print

Sizes: XS–XL

Materials: Viscose

All-Day Pant

Nothing maintains breezy structure and pulls away from the body more perfectly than cotton poplin. Ergo, these drawstring pants are a summer dream.

Colors: Algae, almond, black, natural

Sizes: XS–1X

Materials: 100% organic cotton poplin

Sosana Pant

Show a little hip on your next night out with these cutout wide-leg pants with gold-tone chain-link detailing.

Colors: Beige

Sizes: 00–12

Materials: Compact stretch linen

The Taylor Low-Rise Trouser

White isn’t your only summer denim option. Instead, how about a pastel pair made of 100 percent cotton? Wear them with everything from your favorite white tee to an oversize blazer and cropped tank.

Colors: Pink, white, blue

Sizes: 23–34

Materials: 100% cotton

Lina Slim Linen Pant

If wide legs aren’t for you, try these slim-fit, ankle-length linen trousers, which comes in three perfect neutral colors and regular, long, and petite sizes.

Colors: Pale yellow, natural, black

Sizes: 0–20

Materials: 100% linen shell with 100% cotton lining

The Voila

This drape-y, heavyweight, stretch silk has a cooling effect to keep you breezy and chic at the beach, office, rooftop cocktail bar, and beyond.

Colors: Black, brown

Sizes: XS–XL

Materials: 95% silk, 5% elastane

Elastic Ankle Cargo Pants

A slouchy pant exudes summer ease. We love this slightly tailored pair, crafted from a light cotton-Tencel-rayon blend, worn with thong sandals.

Colors: Beige, gray, black

Sizes: XS–L

Materials: Cotton Tencel 78%, rayon 20%, spandex 2%

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