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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