17 Stylish Pairs of Pants to Sport in the Heat of Summer

No shirt, no shoes, no problem. But pants? You need.

BY Phuong Do PUBLISHED: JUN 16, 2023

Before you even start, I know what you’re thinking. “Pants...in the summer?” You’ve waited all year to break out those mini skirts and biker shorts. Believe me, I get it, but the fact of the matter is even on the stickiest, most sweltering days, you need a good pair of pants in your arsenal. What if you get a bad sunburn or forget to shave your legs? What if your boss has a no-shorts policy, or you run into an unseasonably chilly day? (Thanks, global warming.) Don’t sleep on the need for summer pants, because the last thing you want is to find yourself in a pants pickle with only your fleece-lined leggings or wool trousers to pick from. Below, find 17 of the most stylish pants to have on-hand this summer.

PAPERBAG WAIST

Dokotoo Drawstring Wide Leg Pants

Amazon carries this breezy style in a variety of hues to meet all your summer wardrobe needs. Sizes: S-XL Material: Polyester Colors: 12 options

PALAZZO PANTS Vansha High-Waisted Cotton Palazzo Pants Contrary to popular misconception, this laidback silhouette isn’t just for days at the beach. Sizes: S-XXL Material: Cotton, linen Colors: 16 options

TRAVEL FRIENDLY Alo Yoga High-Waist Pursuit Trouser I’ll shout from the mountaintops about these Alo trousers, which are made with a lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric that feels like exercise apparel, yet looks sleek enough to wear to work. Sizes: XXS-XL Material: N/A Colors: Black, Anthracite, Espresso, Cosmic Grey

ROMANTIC CROCHET Zara Crochet Pants Summer is the season of crochet! Sizes: S-L Material: Cotton, polyester Colors: Ecru

SHEER STATEMENT Mugler Shiny & Sheer Tulle Leggings Sheer garments and going pantless are two of the hottest trends of 2023. Fortune favors the sartorially bold. Sizes: 2-12 Material: Polyamide, elastane Colors: Black

CLASSIC DENIM Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans You can still wear jeans in the summer, obviously, but I do recommend lighter washes. Sizes: Waist: 23-34; Length: 26-32 Material: Cotton, elastane Colors: 15 washes

WIDE LEG JEANS Paige Anessa Lilah Destructed Wide Leg Jean The wider leg, the more room for a breeze. Dress smarter, people! Sizes: 23-34 Material: Cotton, elastane Colors: Blue

FAUX LEATHER Gap Sky High-Rise Faux-Leather Cheeky Straight Pants Now 51% Off If you’re looking to rock the leather pants look in the heat of summer, opt for a machine-washable style like this. Sizes: 24-35; Regular, Tall, or Petite Material: Polyester Colors: Black

THE PERFECT WHITE PANT Spanx On-the-Go Ankle Slim Straight Pant with Ultimate Opacity Technology It’s the ultimate catch-22 that summer is the high season for wearing white, yet white is arguably the hardest color to wear. Spanx is making it easier with these 100 percent opaque sculpting pants. Sizes: XS-XXXL; Regular, Tall, or Petite Material: Cotton, rayon, elastane, polyester Colors: White

BRIGHT & BOLD Showpo Beca High Waisted Plisse Flared Pants These are as soft and flowy as pajama pants, yet can totally pass for party pants. Sizes: 0-16 Material: Polyester Colors: 9 options

GINGHAM PRINT Rouje Smithy Trousers Like a picnic for your pants drawer. Sizes: 34-44 Material: Cotton, elastane Colors: Green, Black

ALL AMERICANA Arizona Love Pink Bandana Pants These pants make a great case for more bandana-printed clothing, don’t you agree? Sizes: 1-3 Material: Cotton Colors: Pink

METALLIC SHIMMER Simon Miller Fizzy Pant These are flashy enough to turn heads on a sweaty summer night out, but loose-fitting enough that you won’t have to peel them off your body at the end of the evening. Sizes: 23-32 Material: Polyester, spandex Colors: Silver foil

PARACHUTE PANTS SIMKHAI Artemis Parachute Cargo Pants IN BLUE I’m naming parachute pants as the unofficial bottom of summer. (Just think of all that airflow!) Sizes: XS-XL Material: Rayon, nylon Colors: Blue or white

CARGO POCKETS Free People Tahiti Cargo Pants You’re going to need pockets on all those summer adventures you have planned. Sizes: XS-XL Material: Cotton Colors: 10 options

OFFICE ATTIRE Reformation Freddie Wide Leg Linen Pants Light linen trouser is your best bet for corporate dressing during the dog days of summer. Sizes: 0-12 Material: Linen Colors: Oatmeal

SUNNY & STYLISH Urban Outfitters Jay Embroidered Wide-Leg Pant C’mon, it’s summer—have a little fun. Sizes: XXS-XXL Material: Cream Colors: Cotton