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    If You Absolutely Refuse To Wear Shorts, Check Out These 23 Pairs Of Breathable Pants

    Summer is all fun and games until denim shorts are involved.

    Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.

    1. A pair of cropped palazzo pants with a paper bag-style waist for days when you want to be comfortable but also look like you have your life together. P.S. The tie-waist belt is removable, so you can also wear these with your own belt or even skip it entirely! 

    reviewer wearing the beige pants with their own belt in place of the tie belt
    model wearing the yellow pants

    Promising review: "These pants are fantastic. They are lightweight, and I love where they sit on the natural waist. They are adorable paired with a fitted shirt/tank." —Christine

    Get it from Amazon for $33.97+ (available in sizes S–XL and 22 colors/patterns). 

    2. A pair of lightweight and breathable wide leg sweats because your closet needs these, no matter the season. Sometimes, you just want to be in sweats without the bulkiness or cinched ankles — I totally get it. Also, these have pockets, so ya can't lose!

    a model wearing the tan colored pants

    3. A pair of stretchy palazzo pants that are literally screaming your name (and mine, too, if I'm being honest). Despite not owning these yet (the keyword being *yet*), I've already planned 2,000 outfits with these in my head. Like, are you kidding me? These are so freaking cute — especially because they come in patterns AND solids.

    reviewer wearing the houndstooth pants
    reviewer wearing the green pants

    Promising review: "These are the best pants I’ve ever bought online. They’re so comfortable, stretchy, breathable, and not see-through. I get so many compliments on them, too! Definitely buying more." —erica taylor gonzales

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (clip the coupon on the product page to save 10%; available in sizes S–3XL and 20 colors/patterns). 

    4. A colorful pair of boho-inspired harem pants because you're going to be living in them forever. Yes, they're literally that comfy. It's the way that these have elastic cuffs on the bottom, so you can make sure they are the perfect length for you. Short peeps and tall peeps — this one's for you. 🫶

    reviewer wearing the blue pants
    model wearing the green pants

    Promising review: "The most comfortable pants I've ever worn. I don't even know why I would bother wearing anything else. Fits great, silky soft, lightweight, and breathable. Perfect summer pants when it's a tiny bit cool for shorts but too warm for yoga pants or jeans. Purple is just as vibrant as the pictures." —tatianna

    Get it from Amazon for $18.75+ (available in four sizes, in extra long lengths, and 32 colors). 

    5. A pair of wrap linen pants that give that "skirt over pants" look without the bulky layers. Just picture yourself wearing these with a summery top while sipping on a fruity cocktail on a beach somewhere. Minimal yet statement-making, they 100% deserve a spot in your vacay wardrobe.

    A model wearing white pants with a white top and matching shoes

    6. A pair of tapered drawstring joggers in case wide-leg pants aren't your vibe. Something to note is that these bbs are 100% linen, so they're super lightweight and breathable. Heads up — sometimes, linen is a bit sheer, so make sure you have the right undergarments!

    Promising review: "These are so comfy and great for summer. Breathable, thin, but quality material. I am getting more! They don’t wrinkle, great for travel. These have been my go-to pants all summer! Love, love, love." —Christine

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and in eight colors).

    7. A pair of ridiculously cute high-waist pencil pants that'll add some personality to any outfit. Not only is there bow detailing at the waist, but the bottoms are tightened at the ankle (also with bows) just like joggers, making these extra comfy.

    Reviewer wearing the red high-waisted pants
    Reviewer wearing the blue high-waisted pants

    Promising review: "Absolutely obsessed!! I want alllll the colors! They fit perfectly, so comfortable, and SUPER cute and stylish! I get tons of compliments on them. Excellent quality and light, breathable fabric. Since I’m short, they fit right at my ankle and waistline. You will not be disappointed!" —M. Keene

    Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL, in sets of two or three, and in various colors).

    8. A stretchy palazzo/yoga pant hybrid for the person who would rather be in bed rn. Casual and cute, these can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the day and activity. I mean, is there anything better than wearing something that feels like PJs and looks like slacks? I'll wait.

    reviewer photo wearing pink palazzo pants on a front porch
    reviewer photo wearing turquoise palazzo pants in front of the stairs

    Promising review: "As a plus-size woman, finding clothes that fit is a challenge and a half. Finding ones that fit and are both comfortable and look good is next to impossible. Like finding a unicorn. These are a unicorn! They are the single most comfortable pair of pants I've ever worn and fully intend to order more in other colors over the coming weeks and months. They fit perfectly, cling without being stifling, just enough to be comfortable. I cannot recommend these strongly enough. The material is so soft and breathable. They aren't warm, I'll give you that, so definitely wear them when it's seasonally appropriate, but so comfortable I'll freeze happily." —Danika Brennen

    Get it from Amazon for $19.75+ (available in sizes XS–5XL and 31 colors/patterns).

    9. A pair of Everlane's "easy pants" because they're really just that — easy. They're easy to style, easy to wear, and of course, easy on the eyes. Made from a cotton blend, these breathable pants are office-friendly and also sunset-cocktails-on-a-rooftop-bar friendly.

    A model wearing white pants and a white top with black shoes

    10. A pair of baggy boho-style pants that can be made custom to fit you. Something super cool about these pants is that they're super wide, but tailored at the ankle, which gives them an airy I'm-ready-for-Tulum look. A fun way to play with proportions is to pair these with a tiny crop top.  

    model wearing the white pants
    model wearing the pink pants
    CharmWoodSigns / Etsy

    CharmWoodSigns is a small biz that makes dreamy, minimalist clothing in custom sizes.

    Promising review: "I love these pants. So light and loose. I will wear them from spring through fall. Thanks for the personal touch!" —Gretchen Curtis

    Get it from CharmWoodSigns on Etsy for $41.40+ (originally $83.30+; available in sizes XS–6XL, or you can customize with your measurements, and in 34 colors).

    11. A pair of pleated pants with an adjustable waist since our bodies are constantly changing — sometimes even from meal to meal! For a fun monochromatic moment, try pairing the pants with a button-down in the same color. You can thank me later for how cool you'll look. 

    Promising review: "Soft and breathable. I love these pants so much that I bought a second pair; I bought them in black for work, and I find myself choosing them over all of my other (more expensive) work pants. I wound up buying the teal because in the picture it looked like a deeper, rich color; they're actually more vibrant and light, but I still love them anyway. Be sure to wear skin tone underwear; they're unfortunately a little sheer." —Rebecca Sarraga

    Get it from Amazon for $14.21+ (available in one size or S–XL and 25 colors).

    12. A sporty pair of quick-drying cargo joggers that'll be perfect for all those hikes you're planning this spring and summer. Besties, these pants have not one, not two, but FIVE pockets (and yes, they are all fully functional). 🤯  I almost forgot to mention they have SPF 50 protection in them, too! 🤯🤯🤯

    reviewer wearing the gray joggers with a white hoodie
    reviewer wearing the gray joggers while hiking near a waterfall

    Promising review: "These joggers fit the bill for me. I needed lightweight pants to wear while working in the yard. We live in the heavily wooded boondocks of Florida, and working in the yard without getting eaten up by mosquitoes and other insects is a challenge. These pants are lightweight and breathable enough to wear when it's warm, and at the same time, help to ward off the bug bites." —Hello

    Get it from Amazon for $29.98 (available in sizes XS–3XL and 13 colors). 

    13. A pair of wide-leg pants to rock the coastal chic look. Lightweight pants like these make for a great wardrobe staple because you can wear them about 220,320,913 times and have each look be different. Plus, they are so darn comfy — I live in pants like these all spring and summer, and you probably will, too. 

    Promising review: "I got three pairs of these for a family trip to Hawaii. I wanted something breathable, more so than my cotton knit pants, but that would be OK walking around in. These are fantastic. The fit is loose, and I did order a size up since linen does not stretch. The drawstring kept them plenty tight around my waist, but the legs were baggy and breezy, which is exactly what I wanted. The inseam is a bit short. On the bright side, it does mean that when I wore sandals, the pants were not hitting the ground. They were perfect for the beach, colors were spot on, and they also looked perfect for walking around farmers markets. Quality is great. No, they are not see-through, but I also didn't get white." —Kindle Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $34.20 (available in sizes XS–6X and 11 colors). 

    14. A pair of lightweight slitted trousers that give the look of a dress and skirt without the chafing (which is a huge win in my book). I can just picture you rocking these while going to admire cascading cherry blossoms or at the beach during sunset. Also, photos in these with a breeze would be totally iconic. 

    front view of reviewer wearing the black and white striped pants
    side view of a reviewer wearing the black and white striped pants on the beach

    Promising review: "If you are on the fence with buying these pants...just do it! You won't regret it. They are SO comfortable, and the slits on the sides make them breathable to be able to wear in the summer. I bought the white, and they are NOT see-through. Wearing flat sandals and the pants a little past my belly button; they fell right at my ankle. You can dress them up or down." —lnarthur

    Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in sizes 10, sizes S–4XL, and in 22 colors/prints). 

    15. A pair of chambray pants with an elastic waist because it's too hot to wear your jeans but you're not in a shorts mood. What's great about these is that they give the look of jeans but with more breathability, and they even have an elastic waist to boot!

    front of model wearing the chambray pants
    back of model wearing the chambray pants
    LL Bean

    Promising review: "These pants were perfect. I bought them before a trip to Disney World, and they were great. Comfortable, good fit, and lightweight for the heat in Florida. So glad I had them. Looking forward to lots of wearing this summer, as I'm not a shorts-wearing person." —Nana

    Get it from L.L. Bean for $59.95 (available in sizes 2–26, in two inseams, in petite, plus, and tall lengths, and two colors). 

    16. A pair of floral cotton-linen pants because it is the epitome of spring comfort. Pants don't always need to be boring to be comfy — sometimes, you just need to throw on some fun patterns in order to tackle your forever growing to-do list. 

    model wearing the yellow floral pants
    model wearing the pink floral pants
    PrivateTailor / Etsy

    PrivateTailor is a small biz making simple yet stylish pieces that are custom tailored to fit you perfectly. 

    Promising review: "They’re perfect. Light, textured, comfortable, and very wellllll sewn! I'm a fashion school dropout (due to hating tailoring); however, I love a good tailor. Well done and well appreciated. :) Thank you!" —Lexi Hsu

    Get it from PrivateTailor on Etsy for $41.20+ (originally $130.99+; available in sizes XS–6XL, or you can provide your measurements for a custom size, and in three colors). 

    17. A pair of lightweight twill cargo pants that you can wear year-round. These pants are made out of cotton and linen (are you noticing a theme here?), which basically makes them some of the comfiest warm-weather pants of all time. Fun fact: They even come with a removable belt so you always have the perfect fit.

    A white top with green pants and white shoes

    18. A pair of lightweight flared leggings because these cozy bottoms would be great paired with a lightweight sweater for a casual day out in the sunshine. Personally, I wear pants like this out all the time, so I think they're a great staple piece.

    A model wearing black pants and blue top

    19. A pair of lantern trousers that have the coolest shape. If you're worried wide-leg pants will swallow you, these give the look of wide-legs but have a tapered ankle and cinched waist, so you can get the best of both worlds. Alexa — play "The Best of Both Worlds" by Hannah Montana. 🎶

    model wearing the green pants
    reviewer wearing the blue pants

    Promising review: "My new favorite pants for summer. They are so soft, breathable, while the material is not too thin and not see-through. Effortless, chic, and comfortable." —Olga Lyolka

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and 25 colors). 

    20. Beyond Yoga joggers that are made from the dreamiest material that'll keep your gams breezy and your outfit stylish.

    A person standing, wearing navy blue joggers and multicolored sneakers, focus on the lower half of the body

    21. Wide leg linen pants so you can be comfy and cool, even on hot days. These come in an array of colors and nobody will judge you for buying them all!

    Woman posing in a ruffled white blouse, floral pants, and black flats, holding a small purse

    22. J.Crew wide legs with a tie waist because they combine two of your favorite things: breathability and a waistband that won't restrict you.

    Woman in a white tank top, red trousers, and sandals, holding a straw hat, posing for a fashion article

    23. Athleta joggers to wear on your outdoor adventures or when you're heading to the office. These are made of a tear-resistant fabric with a no-dig waistband, which is a win-win.

    Woman in casual sportswear, with a jacket, cropped pants, and sneakers

    The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.