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20 Lightweight Summer Pants That’ll Save You From Burnin’ Up This Season

Your fave shorts have nothing on these bad boys.

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Summer: The season when most of us prefer to avoid wearing long pants. Truly, walking around in thick jeans while the sun is beating you down and the humidity is having a field day with your hair is not ideal in the slightest. But before you swear off all pants during the hottest months, hear us out. Easy, breezy, lightweight summer pants exist—and they're super cute. And yes, you absolutely need a pair in your closet! While shorts, skirts, dresses (my personal fave), and a fab swimsuit may be your go-to pieces during the steamier temps, an effortless pair of warm weather-friendly pants will work wonders for ya.

Luckily, there are styles that'll feel like clouds on your skin, so you won't melt before you even step outside. Think: breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and satin! Let's be real: anything other than these materials (along with viscose and polyester blends!) probably won't mesh well with the relentless sun—so we’ve rounded up our favorite flowy bottoms, below. Srsly, the sweltering season is much easier to bear with these bright, printed picks.

Our top summer pants picks of 2024:


From culottes to joggers, cropped pants, and wide-leg styles—not to mention pleated trousers and flowy palazzos, we've got you covered. Pair these 20 lightweight summer pants with just about anything in your closet!

if you're feelin' chic

Abercrombie A&F Sloane Tailored Pant

A&F Sloane Tailored Pant
$90 at Abercrombie

Beware: you're gonna want to buy these tailored trousers in all styles and colors (there's 12 in total). Dress 'em up or down for an effortlessly clean look.

Material:Lining:98% Polyester, 2% Elastane / Body:75% Polyester, 22% Viscose, 3% Elastane
Size Range:29-37 | Extra Short, Short, Regular, Long
Maintenance:Machine Wash Cold
if turnin' heads is the goal

Hanifa Aster Acid Jeans

Aster Acid Jeans
Now 50% Off

These unique, acid-wash jeans with hand-dyed seams and fun cut-outs (that let in the breeze!) are a showstopper.

Material:Cotton Denim
Size Range:XS-3XL
Maintenance:Dry Clean
if you're bringing the sunshine

Billabong Free Fall Stretch Crop Wide Leg Pants in Kiwi

Free Fall Stretch Crop Wide Leg Pants in Kiwi

Nothing says summer like a pair of cropped pants in a fun hue. You should check out the flamingo pink!

Material:98% Cotton, 2% Elastane
Size Range:24-31
Maintenance:Machine Wash
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if you're on the wild side

MANGO Bow Printed Pants Black

Bow Printed Pants Black

These striking zebra stripes are pretty high on my shopping wish list! Wide-leg pants are so on trend rn and I just love how this wild take on them somehow also looks classic. Let's call it funky-chic, shall we?

Material:88% Viscose,12% Polyamide
Size Range:XXS-4XL
Maintenance:N/A
if you're heading to work

Abercrombie Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Pant

Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Pant

Perfect fit, perfect comfort, perfect work pants! Seriously, reviewers rave about how they need this one in every color and print!

Material:80% Polyester, 16% Viscose, 4% Elastane
Sizing:23-37 | Short, Regular, Long
Maintenance:Machine Wash Cold
if you want to turn heads

Layla Wide Leg Pants

Wide Leg Pants

World, stop. You're gonna look amazing in this hot pink assymetrical top and wide-leg pants combo.

Material:95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
Sizing:2-32
Maintenance:Machine Wash
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if you need a go-to

Lululemon Lightweight Mid-Rise Barrel-Leg Cropped Pant

Lightweight Mid-Rise Barrel-Leg Cropped Pant

Oh hello, pants I will be wearing all day everyday. These cropped cuties are not only lightweight, but are windproof and water-repellant!

Material:65% Recycled Nylon, 30% Nylon, 5% Elastane
Sizing:0-14
Maintenance:Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low
if you're looking for comfort

Skims Loose Pants

Loose Pants
Now 48% Off

Time. To. Get. Cozy. And in endless shades! I'll be wearing mine with the boyfriend cropped tank but there's also a tee or a long-sleeve shirt.

Material:47% Cotton, 48% Modal, 5% Spandex
Sizing:XXS-4X
Maintenance:Machine Wash Cold
if you want a monochromatic moment

Bluzat Ivoiry Cargo Trousers With Pockets

Ivoiry Cargo Trousers With Pockets

You know I'm always down for a monochromatic moment. Wear these pieces together or apart and still look effortlessly fabulous.

Material:Durable cargo
Sizing:XS-L
Maintenance:Dry Clean Only
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if you're shooting the breeze

ASOS EDITION Curve Satin Long Sleeve Top and Wide Leg Pants Set

Curve Satin Long Sleeve Top and Wide Leg Pants Set

Welcome soft and cooling kisses on your skin by slipping your body into this gorge satin set.

Sizing:14-26
if you need a mood booster

STAUD Womens Elliot Pant

Womens Elliot Pant

Need a mood-booster? Pull out these bright cherry beauts for major party vibes.

Material:Polyester
Sizing:0-12
Maintenance:Dry Clean Only
if you're a compliment-magnet

Lovers and Friends Mel Pant

Mel Pant

No way you can wear these stunning pants without the lightweight mesh top. And there's absolutely no way people won't be asking you where you got it from!

Material:95% Polyester, 5% Elastane
Sizing:XXS-XL
Maintenance:Dry Clean Only
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if you're feelin' fancy

ASOS DESIGN Curve beaded tie detail set in textured rust

Curve beaded tie detail set in textured rust

This beaded tie vest and pant combo? Chef's kiss!

Material:Polyester
Sizing:14-26
Maintenance:Machine Wash
if you need your basics covered

Bardot Enya Linen Pant in Tan

Enya Linen Pant in Tan

This linen pant also comes in ivory and black. I'll take one in each color, please and thank you!

Material:Linen
Sizing:2-12
Maintenance:Hand Wash
if you're looking for quality

Alice and Olivia Dylan High Waist Wide Leg Pants

Dylan High Waist Wide Leg Pants

According to reviews, these pants look great on but I mean, they're Alice and Olivia, so ofc! They're v classic, luxe, and can be dressed up or down.

Material:Polyester
Sizing:0-14
Maintenance:Dry Clean
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if you're headed on vacay

Diarrablu Leer Nar Pants - Bijour Blanc

Leer Nar Pants - Bijour Blanc

You'll definitely feel the breeze in this airy, palazzo-style high-waisted pant that can be worn as a 'fit or a swim cover-up—your pick!

Material:Cotton
Sizing:XS-3XL
Maintenance:Machine Wash Cold, Hang Dry
if you're a casual cutie

Dokotoo Cargo Pants

Cargo Pants

Cropped cargos like these should be a staple in your summer wardrobe. Plus, the cut really helps you show off your fresh kicks!

Material:98% Cotton, 2% Elastane
Sizing:S-XL
Maintenance:Hand Wash Only
IF YOU WANT THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

superdown Seleste Drawstring Jogger Pant

Seleste Drawstring Jogger Pant

According to reviewers, the product photos for these pretty pants do them no justice! The fabric is a little "snaggable" but it's incredibly silky smooth and looks absolutely amazing on. Oh, and this shade of pink is even more gorge in person.

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if prints are your thing

Diarrablu Sustainable Hana Pants - Tali Orange

Sustainable Hana Pants - Tali Orange

Two words: palazzo pants. (!!) The style is so breathable and comes with pockets (a must, right?).

Material:Lyocell Satin
Sizing:XS-3XL
Maintenance:Machine Wash Cold, Hang Dry
IF HIGH-WAISTED PANTS ARE YOUR FAVE

Zara High-Waisted Pants

High-Waisted Pants

So many colors, so little time with this one! I'm a sucker for two things: all things pink and high-waisted bottoms. So clearly, I'm in love. Find which color you're crazy about with this classy pant.

Headshot of Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Fashion Editor

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn

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