Nothing gives off that easy-breezy, yet totally-chic vibe better than a pair of lightweight pants. These pants, typically worn in warmer weather, come in many forms — cargo style, joggers, palazzo and the list goes on — so it’s safe to say that there's no shortage of options. And with the spring and summer ahead, lightweight pants will come in handy to pair with a bevy of tops.
But what exactly does "lightweight" mean when it comes to pants? “Theoretically, lighter should mean it's more comfortable and flexible, be more tolerable in heat, and help you sweat less,” says Lara Eurdolian King, a New York City-based beauty and fashion expert and the founder of Pretty Connected, her website and accessories line.
“It’s a bonus if the fabric doesn't easily wrinkle," Eurdolian King adds. What’s more, lightweight pants can be worn beyond spring and summer. Think: for traveling year-round, workouts and in-between all the seasons.
Style-wise, lightweight pants are all about versatility. Personally, I’ve worn joggers with a blazer one time and layered tights under a flowy pair another time (which gave me the warmth and style I was aiming for).
What to look for | Expert picks | Editor faves | How we chose | Meet the experts
What should I look for when shopping for summer pants?
- Material. Consider your style, comfort and price range when choosing the material. For a more elevated take, “look for natural, non-synthetic materials when you’re shopping," says Liz Teich, NYC-based stylist and style expert for The New York Stylist blog. “These are more breathable, not to mention also more sustainable.”
- Function. This depends on where you plan on wearing lightweight pants. “For instance, if you plan on hiking or camping, you may want moisture-wicking and quick-drying pants to keep you comfortable and dry during your outdoor activities,” says Basia Richard, a Los Angeles-based virtual personal stylist and strategist. “On the other hand, if you're looking for pants for casual wear or office attire, you may prioritize style and comfort over function," she adds.
- Style. Preference, lifestyle and body shape all play a role when it comes to styling. “When dressing for the office, you might pick wide-leg high-waist pleated pants and style them with high heels,” says Richard. “For a weekend outing, you might pick culottes and style them with a simple shirt or a blouse and sneakers.” Overall, it comes down to your personal taste, and you can have fun creating your own style.
- Versatility. “Choosing pants that can be worn in different settings can help you get more use, and you won't need to buy as many pairs for other occasions,” says Richard. Ideally, the most versatile pair would be one that you can wear to the office, a meeting, a weekend lunch and when running errands. In that case, “all you need to do is to accessorize it differently and tweak the styling,” says Richard. You may also want to consider factors such as whether it has pockets and material stretch.
- Maintenance. Does it need to be ironed out all the time or is it wrinkle-resistant? Is it dry clean only? These are questions to keep in mind based on how much time you’re looking to spend on upkeep while shopping for lightweight pants.
Expert-recommended lightweight pants
For the woman on the go: Banana Republic Factory Tencel Cargo Jogger
- "Perfect mix for work clothes or everyday wear"
- "Extremely comfy"
- The elasticized ankles may feel tight, according to some reviewers
Material: 100% TENCEL | Size range: XXS-XXL, regular and petite | Pockets: Four | Maintenance: Machine-wash
There are pockets aplenty on this pair of cargo pants (two zippered pockets and two buttoned pockets). “These are a great spring and summer trouser and have a bit of shine, while still a very wearable staple,” says NYC-based celebrity stylist Samantha Brown. “I’d pair them with a slide and camisole tucked in.”
For the running enthusiast: Vuori Performance Jogger
- Provide a "great fit"
- "Absolutely comfortable"
- Prone to pilling
- Different fabric and material compared to past versions
Material: 89% recycled polyester, 11% elastane | Size range: XXS-XXL | Pockets: Two | Maintenance: Machine-wash (cold)
“For weekend and travel, these joggers are my go-to pants because they’re so lightweight and soft, yet have great coverage without being too sheer,” says Teich. “If you’re looking for lightweight sweats to upgrade to, these are amazing.”
For the fashionista: Sweatpant by Norma Kamali
- "Classy but casual"
- Runs large; size down
- Sheer; see-through
Material: Four-way stretch lamé with 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Size range: XXS- XL | Pockets: Two | Maintenance: Hand wash in cold water (line dry)
If you’re traveling and in need of wrinkle-free dressy pants for an occasion, look no further than this metallic number.
“It’s the fanciest pair of ‘sweatpants,’” says Eurdolian King. “You can dress it down with a cotton tee and sneakers, or glam it up with heels and a matching blazer.”
It’s got it all: comfort, style, and it barely takes up space or weight in a luggage.
For the businesswoman: Everlane The Linen Way-High Drape Pant
- Reviewers love the "fit and material"
- "Super flattering and comfortable"
- Wrinkles easily; steam often
Material: 100% linen | Size range: 00-16 | Pockets: Four | Maintenance: Machine-wash (gentle)
Looking for a denim alternative for warm-weather days? This pair recommended by Teich does the trick.
“For lightweight pants, you can’t go wrong with 100% linen, which is both timeless and effortlessly chic,” she says. “They’re also so breathable that they’ll keep you cool when it’s hot out.”
One Everlane reviewer couldn’t say enough good things about the pair: “I used Everlane’s size chart, and these fit me perfectly. I love how breezy and lightweight they are yet tailored in the hips and waist for some definition. Exactly as described.”
Teich adds that this Everlane pair has a more tailored take on the linen pant that even feels work appropriate.
For the brunch aficionado: Spanx AirEssentials Tapered Pant
- Easy to take care of
- No pockets
Material: 47% modal, 46% polyester, 7% elastane | Size range: XS-3X | Pockets: None | Maintenance: Machine-wash (cold, gentle)
Teich also recommends this pair of light-as-air pants by Spanx. It’s got that sporty jogger style, while the material feels buttery-smooth and luxe. Plus, it features a four-way stretch so you can move around in comfort all day long. This pair comes in neutral colors including beige, black, and navy.
For some elegance: Reformation Mason Pant
- "Baggy, cool girl fit" energy
- Run long
Material: 100% TENCEL Lyocell | Size range: 0-12 | Pockets: Two | Maintenance: Machine-wash
Both Teich and Brown recommend this pair of wide leg pants from Reformation.
“It’s the perfect on-trend yet classic fit, and the Lyocell fabric is both breathable and sustainable,” says Teich. She adds, “I style them with everything from sneakers and a tee, or dress it up with a cropped top or tucked-in blouse. I may or may not own them in three colors — they’re that good!”
Brown agrees: “The Mason pant can be styled casually or dressier depending on how you mix it up. They look great with sneakers and T-shirts, or styled with a blazer or blouse.”
Editor-approved lightweight pants
Channel your inner fashion model: Tronjori High-Waist Palazzo Pants
- "Super comfortable and a great fit"
- "Flattering and comfortable"
- Some reviewers had issues with delivery and packaging
Material: 100% polyester | Size range: XS-XXL; with short and long options | Pockets: Two | Maintenance: Machine wash
Associate editor Shannon Garlin calls these high waist trousers her favorite pants to wear to the office. In the spring and summer, she recommends wearing these slacks with a cute tank or tee. "Also, the fabric is super soft and lightweight; I have the beige color and am happy to report they’re opaque and not see-through," Garlin explains.
Show us your best runway walk: Grace Karin Casual High-Waist Pencil Pants
- "Incredibly flattering fit"
- "Soft & comfortable material"
- Run large; recommend sizing up
Material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane | Size range: S-2XL | Pockets: Two | Maintenance: Machine-wash (cold, gentle)
These comfortable paper bag-style pencil pants check multiple boxes in terms of what our style experts look for in lightweight pants: They’re soft, versatile — and are slightly cropped, which is one of the trending pant styles this season. But more important: They’ve won over the hearts of Shop TODAY’s associate editor, Danielle Murphy.
“With the pull-on fit, soft feel and expandable waistline, I can’t imagine anything better to wear during long days of sitting at the office. The material is mostly made up of polyester and a little bit of spandex for some added stretch,” she says. Plus, not only are they available in over 30 colors, but the fact that they’re cropped also gives her flexibility when it comes to choosing between flats or heels.
For the cozy one: Real Essentials 3-Pack Wide Leg Palazzo Lounge Pants
- Fabric is "buttery-soft"
- Comes in a 3-pack
- Reviewers like the options for multiple colors
- Runs large
- No XS sizing available
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Size range: S-3X | Pockets: None | Maintenance: Machine-wash
The moment I took these out of the package, I noticed how incredibly soft the fabric is. The palazzo style makes it versatile enough to wear as pajamas or going out. I just wish they had size XS as it runs big, but overall, it has my vote for one of the best lightweight pants that I own. The fact that it comes in a pack of three pairs for less than $35 is another perk. Choose among four color combos.
For the world traveler: Quince 100% European Linen Pants
- "Dream pants," most reviewers are repeat buyers
- Wrinkle quickly
Material: 100% European flax linen | Size range: XS-XL | Pockets: Three | Maintenance: Machine-wash cold
Quince focuses on high-quality goods at radically low prices, and this pair of linen lightweight pants fit the bill for sure.
Former Shop TODAY associate editor Fran Sales says these are “so airy and comfortable and easy to dress up or down.” The elastic waistband makes it easy to slip on and look polished in a cinch.
For the bold adventurist: Banana Republic Factory Linen-Blend Crop Pant
- Deep pockets
- Easy to style
- True to size
- Wrinkles easily
Material: 52% flax (linen), 46% cotton, 2% elastane spandex | Size range: XXS-XXXL | Pockets: Two pockets | Maintenance: Machine-wash
"I feel like I’m on a journey to my ultimate goal as a millennial: converting my entire wardrobe to be inspired by the coastal grandmother aesthetic," says senior editor Jess Bender. "These pleated pull-on pants are an easy commitment to get me to that goal. The breezy linen material and cropped style is perfect for office days during the summer, while the waistband sits in a super flattering position in my mid-region," she says.
For the sophisticated woman: Chicos Brigitte Rivet Ankle Pants
- Slimming technology
- Feels soft and lightweight
- Color fades after washing
Material: 76% rayon, 21% nylon, 3% spandex | Size range: 00-18; with regular, short and tall options available | Pockets: Two pockets | Maintenance: Machine-wash
SEO writer Jannely Espinal reaches for these on mornings when she needs to put together a last-minute look for the office. But, these are not your average pair of pants, she warns.
“They feel like leggings and require zero ironing,” she says. “It feels lightweight and features a hidden technology by the waist area which smooths your figure. Plus, the slimming effect its surreal. I haven’t looked at button and zipper pants the same since I’ve tried these.”
For the woman that loves to be comfortable:HalaraMagic™ Mid Rise Jeans
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- May run big
Material: 44.8% cotton, 33.3% polyester, 17.9% rayon, 4% elastane | Size range: 0-16 | Pockets: Four pockets | Maintenance: Machine-wash cold
Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo loves these cotton and polyester slacks from Halara. “These jeans are more like comfy pants than jeans. I love how lightweight they are and stretchy so they are great for warmer weather in the office,” she says.
How we chose
In addition to trying on and wearing some of these lightweight spring and summer pants in the real world, we tapped style experts for their top recommendations based on experience. Furthermore, we thoroughly combed through dozens of retailer sites and bestseller lists for highest-rated pairs, according to customer reviews and star ratings.
In short, you can trust Shop TODAY — we rolled up our sleeves up and did research for you, spending hours to find the best picks.
Meet the experts
- Lara Eurdolian King is a beauty and fashion expert and on-air host. She started Pretty Connected, one of the first beauty blogs in New York City, over a decade ago, and it has now expanded into a multi-platform brand. Eurdolian King is also the founder of a mask chain and accessories line that has been worn by many celebrities and content creators.
- Liz Teich is a New York-based commercial and personal fashion stylist and mom of two. She’s also known as @thenewyorkstylist on social media. In her content, she shares thoughtful insights on how to style and shop smarter and more sustainably. Teich has worked with an array of celebrities, brands and retailers.
- Samantha Brown is a celebrity and personal stylist and fashion expert. For over a decade, she’s been helping dress people so they feel their best. Whether it’s helping a client curate their style for a special event, rebuild their work wardrobe, or discover which colors, shapes and styles suit their body type, Brown has it covered.
- Basia Richard is a Los Angeles-based personal stylist and strategist. For over 15 years, she has styled top celebrities, and she currently focuses on styling women who are corporate leaders to dress for success at work. She also constantly shares resources on everything style-related on her Instagram @basia.richard.
