Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lopez Convinced Me to Buy These 8 Jeans-Alternatives for Summer

This summer, celebs are deep diving into the jeans-alternative movement, and I am here for it. Sure, I am denim-obsessed—most of the year. However, when the temperature spikes and the humidity kicks in, the idea alone of spending a day in denim (minus cutoffs, a mini skirt, or dress, of course) makes me start perspiring. 

Luckily, there are lots of non-denim options that are equally versatile, timeless, fuss-free, and a whole lot more breathable. Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kendall Jenner are just a few of the big guns who have been sporting easier and breezier bottoms everywhere from the beach and streets to media appearances, inspiring me to take a deep dive into the best jeans-alternatives options to buy right now. 

8 Comfy Jeans-Alternatives 

• Banana Republic Factory Sculpted Wide-Leg Trousers, $23 at checkout (Originally $100)
• Madewell Pintucked Slim Pull-On Pants in Satin, $35 with code COOLDOWN (Originally $98)
• Banana Republic Factory Satin-Pleated Wide Leg Pant, $38 at checkout (Originally $100)
• Nordstrom Open Edit High Waist Wide Leg Trousers, $49 (Originally $70)
• J.Crew Soleil Pant in Linen, $98
• Free People Hot Shot Sport Pants, $108
• Madewell Pull-On Crop Straight Leg Linen Pants, $88
• Madewell High-Rise Straight Cargo Trousers in Satin, $128

Banana Republic Factory Satin-Pleated Wide Leg Pant

For a summer evening out on the town, satin pants are the way to go. Not only will the material help you keep cool, but it effortlessly polishes up any look. During The Idea of You press tour, Anne Hathaway made an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, wearing the black version of Des Phemmes’ $935 satin trousers. These jeans-alternatives from Banana Republic Factory are a fraction of the price but offer the same wide-leg, silky crepe material look sans the gemstones. Shoppers love that the “classy, comfortable, and cool” style is versatile and also “comfortable so you don't feel you can't move in them.” The “buttery soft material feels amazing on the skin and looks elegant and flowy,” adds another. The best-seller comes in four color options, sizes 0 to 20 and also in petite sizes 00 to 18. 

Nordstrom Open Edit High Waist Wide Leg Trousers

ICYMI, Open Edit is one of Nordstrom’s best kept secrets when it comes to high-quality, on-trend clothing items. These smart, refined, and cool girl high-waisted wide leg trousers are a bargain on sale for $49 right now. Pair the slacks, which “look expensive,” according to shoppers, with a blazer or polished tank when you need to look professional, or pair them with a baby tee and sneakers while tooling around the town on the weekends. They come in five colors including black, a neutral khaki-like tan, and pale blue. As for sizing, they are available in sizes 0 to 16, but be forewarned that sizing runs a little small, per customers. 

J.Crew Soleil Pant in Linen

Linen pants are one of summer’s most effortless style staples—and nobody does the airy textile better than J.Crew. With a drawstring, adjustable waist, pockets, and crisp 100 percent linen look, it’s no surprise that the style has become a best seller for the iconic brand. I wear mine with everything from my swimsuit as a cover up to a matching linen shirt and sandals for nice evenings on the town. In fact, some people are so crazy about the “perfect pants for summer,” they own multiples. “I actually have these in almost every color,” writes one shopper. Customers note that they run a little big and advise sizing down. Currently they come in five colors, including white, which is lined, and classic sizes 3XS to 3XL—but fair warning, they’re selling out. 

Free People Hot Shot Sport Pants

J.Lo, the queen of sporty athleisure, has been wearing her Free People To the Sky Parachute Pants on repeat for years. I personally prefer the brand’s more bohemian, beachy, fisherman-inspired Hot Shot Sport Pants. The slouchy, soft harem pant features a ruched waistband and dropped crotch and is surprisingly flattering. “[These are] potentially the sexiest comfy pants you’ve been waiting your whole life for,” writes one shopper about the low-key cool style. You should also check out the jumpsuit from the Hot Shot collection, one of my all-time favorite one-and-done traveling outfits.