Cute summer outfits can always incorporate tailoring, structure, or a sense of dressing up, even when temperatures skyrocket. The best summer pants of 2023 look completely put-together and feel amazing under the sun.
Celebrity stylist Sarah Edmiston tells BAZAAR that the best summer pants all prioritise two key features: shape and fabrication. "It’s great to opt for a wide leg or a looser shape for a stylish and practical option," she says. Linens by Spell and Reformation will keep you cool on blisteringly hot days, while Cult Gaia's knit pants can double as a swim cover-up and everyday pair. Even denim can belong in your summer wardrobe, depending on the cut and color.
Just like the comfortable walking sandals for your commute or a roomy straw bag to hold your essentials, summer pants worth shopping are all about ease. Ahead, we've rounded up the 17 best summer pants for a season's worth of effortless (and comfortable) outfits.
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BEST PLEATED SUMMER PANTS
Vince Pleat Front Pull On Pant
A favourite from Edmiston, these Vince pants are pleated with an elastic waistband—comfortable for enduring long office days. "They are a great shape for a summer pant as it will feel lightweight and comfortable in the summer months, as well as the linen material being breathable," Edmiston says.
Colour: Black
Sizes: XXS–3X
Materials: Linen, rayon, spandex
Photo: Everlane
BEST SLOUCHY SUMMER PANTS
Everlane The Way-High Drape Pant
Here's an editor-tested pant that belongs in your capsule wardrobe year-round. Everlane's lightweight fabric gives a floor-length, slouchy look that'll pair with any number of crop tops this summer.
Shopper review: "I never write reviews, but I absolutely love these pants. I’m a sucker for a super high waist, and these deliver! They fit true to size, the shorter length and size 4 was perfect for me. I’m 5’3” and 135 pounds, and curvy. I can’t wait to buy more honestly!"
Colours: Sandstone, black, gingham, ash brown
Sizes: 00–20
Materials: Tencel lyocell, cotton
BEST KNIT SUMMER PANTS
Cult Gaia Jayla Knit Pant
Knit pants can be as essential as linens in June: Some fabrications are just as breathable and look just as dressed-up. Cult Gaia's ombre yarn pair is rooftop party material.
Colour: Green
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Viscose, Tencel
BEST SUMMER CHINOS
Raey Front-Seam Chino Trousers
Another case for darker tones in a summer wardrobe, courtesy of Raey's navy linen trousers. They're delightfully oversized and on their way to our doorstep in 3...2...
Colours: Navy, cream
Sizes: 4–14
Materials: Cotton, linen
Photo: Summersalt
BEST BOLD SUMMER PANTS
Summersalt The Perfect Wide Leg Pant
Summersalt customers can't stop raving about these relaxed knit pants, available in sizes 2–22. We're all-in on red for a summer statement, but there's also a cream version if you're feeling a subtler shade.
Shopper review: "Very well made and extremely flattering pants that can go from day to night with ease! Fits true to size and are a little longer than most pants but that’s great for taller ladies or anyone who loves to wear a low heel."
Colours: Lava, white
Sizes: 2–22
Materials: Polyester, spandex
BEST EXTENDED SIZE SUMMER PANTS
Mara Hoffman Marella Pant
Mara Hoffman's Marella pant, available in sizes 00 to 20, is so much more than a plain black trouser. The hemp material give your summer outfits that crisp finish for when you want a touch of professionalism.
Colour: Black
Sizes: 00–20
Materials: Hemp
BEST COOLER SUMMER PANTS
AYR The High Hopes
July AC can get chilly; make sure you have a pair of knit pants ready. AYR's pants have a relaxed fit and breathable, yet soft, fabric. Pair with an equally breezy button-down for the most laid-back weekend outfit.
Shopper review: "Perfect pull on casual pant. The leg is a bit full with great drape and a classic look. Great alternative to jeans or chinos."
Colour: Black
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Pima cotton, modal, spandex
BEST TAILORED SUMMER PANTS
Sandro High-Waisted Pants
Sandro's menswear-inspired pants are what summer work outfit dreams are made of. Add the matching waistcoat for a laidback suiting moment.
Colours: Cream
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Viscose, linen, cotton, polyester
MOST COMFORTABLE SUMMER PANTS
Alo Yoga High-Waist Pursuit Trouser
You'll want to live in these lightweight trousers. Everything that Alo makes is incredibly breathable, so you know these are going to be good.
Shopper review: "Beautiful design, gentle colour, fine cut. The fabric is amazing- looks good with simple top and great for both work ( high tech) or just go out for a drink or shopping."
Colours: Espresso, black, cosmic grey
Sizes: XXS–L
BEST SUBTLE SUMMER PANTS
Muma World Jacquard Pant
Relaxed, timeless, and subtly printed, these pants will work hard for you all summer. Wear them lower around your hips or higher on your waist; anything goes with this pair.
Colour: Cream
Sizes: XS–L
Materials: Cupro, viscose
BEST SLIM-FIT SUMMER PANTS
Francis Valentine Lucy Pant
The epitome of tailored comfort, Francis Valentine delivers a stretchy silhouette with a slight crop at the hem. It's the sort of easy-yet-elevated pant you won't have to think twice about wearing to work.
Colours: Oyster, orange, black
Sizes: 0–18
Materials: Stretch Japanese wool
BEST WHITE SUMMER DENIM
MOTHER SNACKS! Cropped Jeans
Wide-leg jeans take on a new meaning in this pair. While white denim is a summer staple, this exaggerated shape keeps you from overheating (and looks excellent with a tight-fitting top).
Colour: White
Sizes: 23–31
Materials: Cotton
BEST BRIGHT SUMMER PANTS
Simon Miller Linen Bloo Pant
Simon Miller is showing up to summer with bold pants that'll give your outfits a jolt of energy. The colour isn't going to attract the heat, and the linen construction keeps you cool and breezy.
Colours: Sherbert orange, Island print, Gummy green
Sizes: 0–12
Materials: Linen, cotton
MOST VERSATILE SUMMER PANTS
Spell Every Single Day Pant
These pants earned their name. Australian label Spell is serving up a pant that you can literally wear all day, every day when it's scorching hot outside, comprised of the lightest materials.
Colour: White
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Cotton blend
BEST PRINTED SUMMER PANTS
L'Agence Lilian Wide Leg Pants
L'Agence may be known for its jeans, but its summer pants are all-around winners. This vintage safari print billows out from a cinched waist for some tropical flair.
Colour: Print
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Rayon, viscose
BEST SUMMER PANTS IN DENIM
DL1961 Bridget Boot Vintage Crop
Summer denim comes in many forms, but we especially love a bootcut crop with a raw hem. DL1961 crafts a light wash that pairs swimmingly with white tees and tanks.
Colour: Blue
Sizes: 23–34
Materials: Cotton, lycra
Photo: Reformation
BEST SUSTAINABLE SUMMER PANTS
Reformation Olina Linen Pant
Reformation is known for linen pants that are sustainable, stylish, and sure to be worn all day long. The drawstring waist gives customisability to your fit, which is a welcome addition.
Colours: White, oatmeal, herb, black
Sizes: XS–XL
Materials: Linen
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.