I'm Voting "No" to Jeans for Summer; But These Breezy Pant Styles Are Even Better

Monique Dale wears J.Crew white linen trousers, red top and sandals.

(Image credit: @monikh)

I typically live in jeans, but come summer I tell a different tale. As soon as the weather hits 70 degrees, I’m all about easy pant styles. And yes, while jeans are ‘easy,’ as in easy to style and wear, they can be rigid and uncomfortable in the heat of summer. Instead, I prefer breathable fabrics that move with me and can adapt to most situations. Thanks to labels like The Row, breezy pants and trousers with elasticated and drawstring waists have a luxurious appeal to them, too.

While wide-leg styles are my silhouette of choice, sportier straight styles are equally appealing. Breezy pants are simple to style as well; worn with a thin t-shirt and strappy sandals, they can seamlessly take you from lunch with friends to a quick jaunt on the beach. Plus, I guarantee they’ll have everyone asking, ”What are those pants?!”

Below, I’ve compiled 6 of my favorite easy pant styles for summer. If you’re anything like me, they’ll have you saying sayonara to your jeans til September.

Pajama Inspired

London woman wears blue striped pajama style pants, black v-neck sweater, sunglasses and Chanel flats.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

My entryway to breezy pants, I have the Donni version listed below and they’re quite possibly my favorite pants I own. I like to style mine with fitted t-shirts or oversize button ups for a casual chic vibe.

Cropped Cotton Trousers

Brittany Bathgate wears Apiece Apart cotton poplin trousers, long sleeve top and white fisherman sandals.

(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

For a more structured summer pant, consider a cropped wide leg trouser. Elastic waist styles in cotton poplin or linen have been trending particularly hard this season.

Flowy Silk and Satin Styles

Olivia Faeh wears brown, pleated silk pants, white turtleneck sweater and leopard kitten heels.

(Image credit: @oliviafaeh)

While silk and satin can trap heat making them perhaps not the best choice for daytime, a pant in these materials is perfect for cooler summer nights. Not to mention these fabrics look beyond expensive.

Wide Leg Linen Trousers

Monique Dale wears J.Crew white linen trousers, red top and sandals.

(Image credit: @monikh)

I gotta say, I bought a pair of baggy linen trousers in Copenhagen a few years ago and I don’t feel as stylish in anything else. While they’re an excellent vacation pant, they’re just as good for everyday.

Straight Leg Track Pants

Camille Charriere wears Adidas firebird track pants, black baby t-shirt and ballet flats.

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

For a sportier option, I defer to the straight leg track pants I can’t get through an instagram scroll without spotting. Pair yours with a ballet flat like Camille for a particularly on-trend look.

Drawstring Trousers

Marianne Smith wears drawstring trousers with a brown sweater, trainers and green The Row bag.

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Nothing says ‘ease’ like a drawstring trouser. While we may not all be on permanent vacation come summer, these pants can at least trick us into feeling like we could be!

Freelance Contributor