20 Pairs of Lightweight Pants to Rival Your Favorite Shorts

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We know, we know—after month spent trapped in heavy fabrics, when the weather turns warm all anyone is dreaming of is flirty skirts and breezy sundresses, but hear us out. Pants are secretly one of the greatest additions you can make to your summer wardrobe. Want to look sharp, chic, and Hamptons-ready? A set of light tailored trousers can get you there quick. Need something effortless yet stylish to throw on after a day at the beach? Top that swimsuit with a pair of linen pull-ons and you're set. Need a little extra sun (or mosquito) protection at that garden party? Pants have you covered.

The trick for making pants work during the summer all comes down to choosing more flowing silhouettes and breathable fabrics to keep this light and cool on even the muggiest days summer has to offer. With that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best trousers—from structured options to on-trend wide-leg trousers to airy linen numbers—to fit every fashion need this summer.

Baggy Linen Pants BESALU

Want to master the coastal grandmother aesthetic? A sandy linen pair with a comfy classic drawstring waist is the way to go. Very Nancy Meyers-esque.

Size range: XS—XL

Colors: 18 shades

Material: 100% European Flax

Linen Wide Leg Pants

A wide leg shape ensures a comfy fit, while the linen construction and minty hue give these pants a refreshing feel.

Size range: 2—10

Colors: 2

Material: 100% Linen

Mason Pant

A simple high-waist style in a neutral shade will serve you well during the summer months but will also be a go-to long after the season is over. Also, this one has pockets... which is everything to us!

Size range: 0—12

Colors: 9

Material: 100% TENCEL Lyocell

The Linen Way-High Drape Pant

Between the baby blue hue, the drapey shape, and the understated pleated details, these pants are the definition of easy, breezy elegance.

Size range: 00—16

Colors: 4

Material: 100% Linen

The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants: Linen Edition

Because what's a summer wardrobe without a bit of floral?

Size range: 23—34 (Standard, Tall, Petite, and Plus)

Colors: 13

Material: Linen, Viscose, Elastane

The Favorite Pant Pleat Pants

This polished pair is ready to be worn at the office all summer long.

Size range: 0—18

Colors: 4

Material: 63% Polyester, 32% Rayon, 5% Spandex

Leer Palazzo Pants

You can dress these up with a blouse and heels or keep things more low-key with a tank top and mules—either way, this is a standout summer staple you don't want to overlook.

Size range: XS—XXXL

Colors: 30

Material: 100% polyester

Beach Pant in Willow Boxweave

Mirth may be known for its caftans, but these checked pants made of 100% cotton are just as much a winner style in our book. Wear with a plain tee and strappy flat sandals for a casual chic look.

Size range: XS—XL

Material: 100% Cotton

Evelina Wide Leg Chambray Pants

On those excruciatingly hot days when you just can't bare to have anything clinging to your body, these roomy and light palazzos are the perfect alternative to jeans.

Size range: XS—L

Material: 100% lyocell

Soleil pant

J.Crew's cult-favorite linen drawstring pants are so versatile and comfortable, you'll want to buy one in every color available.

Size range: XXXS—XXXL (Classic, Tall, and Petite)

Colors: 10

Material: 100% linen

Pleated Straight-Leg Sneaker-Grazer Pant

Whether you're showing off your sneakers, sandals or strappy heels, the jump hem on these white trousers are built to flaunt your best summer footwear.

Size range: 2—12

Material: 62% Cotton, 37% LENZING Viscose, 1% Elastane

Endless High Rise Pant

Soft, stretchy, and flattering, it's not hard to see why these pull-ons have become a T&C favorite. "These aren't just glorified leggings," contributor Lauren Hubbard writes. "The fabric has a nice hefty weight, so they drape elegantly and look like actual workwear."

Size range: 0—26

Colors: 8

Material: 86% Recycled Polyester, 14% Spandex

Clean Finish Stretch Seersucker Trousers

Seersucker is a classic warm-weather fabric for a reason: it's comfortable, breezy, and its naturally crinkly texture means it's basically wrinkle-proof, even in muggy climes.

Size range: 00—16

Material: 97% cotton, 3% spandex

tropical forest off-white pants

Put some vacation in your wardrobe with these fun tropical-printed trousers.

Size range: XXS—XL

Material: 100% linen

The Emmett Wide-Leg Crop Jean: Welt Pocket Edition

Yes, white jeans are indispensable between Memorial Day and Labor Day (and yes, you can get plenty of mileage out of them long after the seasons have turned, no matter what those outdated rules suggest.)

Size range: 23—33 (Petite, Standard, and Tall)

Colors: 2

Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane

Washable Stretch Silk Palazzo Pants

The breezy shape and washable mulberry silk construction make these pants a no-brainer for an elegant seaside look.

Size range: XS—XL

Colors: 3

Material: 90% mulberry silk, 10% spandex

100% linen suit trousers

Consider these bold fuchsia linen pants your go-to statement piece for summer parties.

Size range: 1—22

Colors: 4

Material: 100% linen

Printed Linen Wide-Leg Pants

Want the comfort of pants with dress vibes? Look no further than this pair by Camilla, which bring fluttery, beach cool with a complex blue and white print.

Size range: XS—XXL

Material: 100% linen

Denison Pleated Cargo Pants

The award for most unexpected revival goes to... the cargo pant! If you're looking to dabble in the trend in an elegant way, try this drapey, pleated version that puts a feminine spin on structure.

Size range: XS—XL

Material: 100% polyester

Tuck Belted Polka Dot Wide-Leg Pant

A polka dot print instantly brings the fun to any outfit; perfectly balanced by the thoughtfully pleated shape of these pants that find the equilibrium between play and polish.

Size range: 0—10

Material: 100% ramie

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