Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
17 Stylish Pairs of Pants to Sport in the Heat of Summer
No shirt, no shoes, no problem. But pants? You need.
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.
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
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
Alo Yoga High-Waist Pursuit Trouser
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
Mugler Shiny & Sheer Tulle Leggings
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
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
Paige Anessa Lilah Destructed Wide Leg Jean
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
Gap Sky High-Rise Faux-Leather Cheeky Straight Pants
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
Spanx On-the-Go Ankle Slim Straight Pant with Ultimate Opacity Technology
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
Showpo Beca High Waisted Plisse Flared Pants
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
Like a picnic for your pants drawer.
Sizes: 34-44
Material: Cotton, elastane
Colors: Green, Black
Arizona Love Pink Bandana Pants
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
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
SIMKHAI Artemis Parachute Cargo Pants IN BLUE
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
Free People Tahiti Cargo Pants
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
Reformation Freddie Wide Leg Linen Pants
Reformation Freddie Wide Leg Linen Pants
A light linen trouser is your best bet for corporate dressing during the dog days of summer.
Sizes: 0-12
Material: Linen
Colors: Oatmeal
Urban Outfitters Jay Embroidered Wide-Leg Pant
Urban Outfitters Jay Embroidered Wide-Leg Pant
C’mon, it’s summer—have a little fun.
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Material: Cream
Colors: Cotton
Meg is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com where she researches trends, tests products, and looks for answers to all your burning questions. She also co-writes a monthly column, Same Same But Different. Meg has previously written for Cosmopolitan and Town & Country. Her passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and sustainability. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
The Launch: Fashion News to Know This August
The 20 Best Personal Portable Fans of 2023
5 Insiders on How to Find Deals on The RealReal
The 10 Best Barbie Costumes to Wear in 2023
