The weather’s heating up and you’re spending more and more time in the sunlight. It’s important to have the best men’s summer pants available so you stay (relatively) cool without breaking a sweat.
Pants are often the most overlooked part of a man’s wardrobe. With a little guidance, we can help point you in the right direction just in time for spring / summer. These essential, lightweight pants represent the full range of suitable, elegant and durable options—from rugged everyday wear to dress trousers.
The goal is to stay cool, comfortable, and classy, no matter the circumstances. Nobody wants to be sweating in unseemly places because they chose the wrong pants for the occasion! So let’s get into it.
Lightweight Pants For Men That ARe PERFECT FOR Surviving Hot Weather
Obviously, shorts reign supreme in the hotter months, but there are only so many times you can wear the same 5″ inseams before they get old. You’re eventually going to have to put on a pair of pants, even if it’s hot outside. You’re not going to wear running shorts or swim trunks to a decent dinner!
Luckily there are so many great options for men’s summer pants. Breathable fabrics, cuts for all shapes and sizes, in every color of the rainbow. We’re in the midst of a great pants renaissance, so it’s time to take advantage.
Like we mentioned, these options run the gamut from casual to formal. If you’re unsure whether or not one pair is good for a specific occasion, feel free to DM us on Instagram and B will help you out.
Huckberry Flyweight Flex Chino Pant in Driftwood
This flex chino is a versatile pair of pants that are comfortable enough to lounge in, sharp enough to wear on the town, and complement most shirts in your wardrobe.
Ideal for the office and beyond, you’ll be surprised at just how comfortable and breathable these chinos are.
They’re lightweight, stretchy, and have an outdoorsy vibe about them. They definitely add a ruggedness to your casual outfits, whether or not you’re wearing flannel that day.
Though they’re durable, they’re also made of 97% cotton, which allows your skin to breathe.
The four colorways are each neutral enough that any pair can get a lot of mileage. The steel blue exudes an elegance because of its distinct hue, while the driftwood leans hard into the workwear aesthetic.
One thing to look out for is these pants tend to run long. This is fine since they’re so casual, but you might need to get them hemmed or wear them cuffed!
Todd Snyder Lightweight Japanese Selvedge Jeans
If you’re looking for the perfect pair of evening selvedge jeans to keep comfortable but classy on those balmy summer nights in, the Todd Snyder Premium Selvedge Jeans are remarkably lightweight.
Our denim comes in distinct categories (Stretch, Selvedge and Small Batch), for the same reason that sometimes you want an artisanal sipping whiskey, and others a draft beer.
They’re crafted from actual Japanese selvedge, spun on old-fashioned shuttle looms. The result is a deep and beautifully textured color, and a lightweight fabric at only 11oz.
These premium pants can definitely take you from spring, into summer, and even the earlier parts of fall. Style-wise, they suit all seasons, if you go for a medium-dark wash.
One thing to note is that these jeans are truly a slim fit. They aren’t super skinny, but if you do have broader legs, you might try these jeans from Mavi, which have a universal regular fit.
Madewell Slim Jeans COOLMAX Denim Edition
These Madewell pants are a classic-casual pair of slim jeans, with a serious straight leg, rendered in a perfect stonewash shade. The Alhart wash is a faded light blue, reminiscent of a mostly-clear summer day.
The cut: fitted through the hip and thigh with a straight leg, these are classic, can't-go-wrong slim jeans.
Check out a few of our other favorite light wash jeans here!
The supple soft fabric moves with you, providing a lightweight, wearable fit that’s extra comfortable. Madewell’s flexible denim is made with COOLMAX, a specially engineered polyester that’s moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, perfect for the spring and summer.
As several reviewers report, these jeans do tend to stretch with use, so it’s best to buy your size or one size down. In most cases, stretch denim tends to bounce back after a wash and dry cycle, so if you’re unsure, just go with your normal size.
State and Liberty Athletic Fit Stretch Tech-Chino
Available in an extensive range of colors, these incredibly dressy, lightweight chinos are perfect for the office, a garden party, or a day at the races.
Men's athletic fit, stretch dress pants designed for guys who need more room in the seat and quads while still wanting a tapered look.
They were designed with athletic legs in mind, offering excess fabric in the hem for easy tailoring, more room in the seat and quads, with a stylish taper into the hem. It’s an uncommon and versatile fit.
Unlike so many “hybrid” pants, these actually achieve a formal look and a performance fit. They’re made of a nylon-spandex performance blend that wicks sweat and stretches so much, you can literally do squats in them.
Indochino Kelly Wool Silk Sage Pants
The Kelly Pants from Indochino are super luxurious, made of a wool silk linen blend. Wool helps lend that classic dress pant look. Linen, of course, is very summer-appropriate, both aesthetically and comfort-wise. And silk levels them up with an elegant sheen and softness.
Set the tone in sage. Let everyone know you stay on top of the trends and step out this season in an It color for spring.
These stylish pants boast a sage color that’s definitely trending, but so similar to light olive and steel blue that it’s timeless as well. This unique shade can be worn as both daytime wear for a more formal event, or evening wear.
The material is naturally lightweight, also making it naturally cool, and as with everything from Indochino, the cut and size are fully tailored to your measurements.
Google reviewers have indicated the fabric is quite delicate, so avoid wearing these pants during high-impact activities.
Bonobos Stretch Chambray Suit Pants
Chambray pants are a great summer alternative for your wardrobe, and this pair from Bonobos is tasteful, dressy, and lightly-constructed with a premium stretch chambray cotton.
Perfect for a smart casual look, in a cool chambray fabric.
Chambray is already light and comfortable, but the extra flex Bonobos infuses these pants with, makes them that much more versatile.
These
Banana Republic Core Temp Chino
The Banana Republic Core Temp Chinos use literal science to ensure you stay comfortable in the heat.
Introducing Core Temp, soft and lightweight fabric using 37.5° Technology and the power of active particles derived from volcanic sand to regulates body heat for maximum comfort.
Technology derived from the power of active volcanic sand particles helps regulate your overall body heat for maximum comfort, even on high-temperature days and nights. Basically, it makes sure you stay at your optimum core temperature, all day long.
On top of looking like classy tailored pants (with a really rich color), they’re also stretchy and comfortable thanks to the touch of spandex in the fabric formula.
Zara Linen Cotton Pants
Linen is the first material that I think of when I hear the word “summer”. The lightweight breathable fabric reigns supreme in spring and summer fashion for a reason.
Pants made of linen and cotton blend fabric. Adjustable elastic drawstring waistband. Front pockets and back welt pockets. -Zara
These pants from Zara come in black, white, tan, and brown, featuring an elastic waistband and a versatile straight fit. You can wear them with anything all season long.
Lululemon ABC Pull On Pant
You may have heard of these before—I can’t go anywhere on the street without seeing a pair. It took me a long time to come around to these pants. I previously wrote them off as too norm-y for me, but after checking them out in the store, I changed my tune.
Comfort that won't quit. Made from our high-performance, wrinkle-resistant Warpstreme™ fabric, these pants make long days look (and feel) easy. -Lululemon
The material is similar to a workout jogger, but the casual tapered fit makes them work for everyday wear.
These pants win on comfort, are suitable for various types of weather, and I have several friends who swear by them. All in all, they meet my criteria for a solid men’s summer pant.
Alex Mill Field Pants
Alex Mill is a relative newcomer on the scene, though Alex Drexler started the label on Elizabeth Street in NYC back in 2012.
In 2019, Mickey Drexler, the original founder of Old Navy, and once-CEO of Gap and J.Crew (and also Alex’s dad) teamed up with Alex and designer Somsack Sikhounmuong to fully launch Alex Mill.
Vintage-washed and garment dyed for a lived-in look with highs + lows of color at seams. We added adjustable tabs at the waist and an interior button closure for a fit that's more tailored to you. Slight gusset at the crotch for extra comfort. Pro tip: we like these cuffed once or twice. -Alex Mill
Alex Mill is often compared to older J. Crew, aiming to sell high-quality basics at a competitive, entry-level luxury price point.
The brand’s field pants feature a 50% vintage cotton, 50% cotton blend, and a timeless straight-leg cut, playing to the military fatigue silhouette that has been trending recently. For comparison’s sake, these are much higher quality than a similar pair I picked up from Uniqlo (now sold out, unfortunately).
The website advises that they look best cuffed once or twice, making them versatile. You can rock these with sneakers, mules, dress shoes, or boots. At $165, these are definitely a bit of an investment, but the styling possibilities ensure you’ll get your money’s worth.
Gap Relaxed Fit Modern Khaki
Recent financial challenges aside, Gap simply makes good clothes. I have a ton of Gap jeans in my wardrobe, as the brand offers 100% cotton denim at an affordable price point.
I’ve become a fan of their Modern Khaki line recently, which comes in a wide variety of fits and cuts. This pair is relaxed through the waist and the thigh with a straight leg cut.
Smooth, water-resistant twill weave with GapFlex stretch technology. Special stretch waistband for added comfort. Button closure, zip fly. Front slant pockets, rear button-welt pockets. -Gap
Clearly, these were crafted with comfort in mind. You get that classic structured look with the right amount of stretch thanks to the 98/2 cotton and spandex blend.
I recommend the traditional khaki color because of its versatility, but you can always expand your horizons and opt for another color like olive, light blue, soft black, or brown.
J.Crew Slim Fit Linen Chino
In this sea of relaxed and straight-fit pant options, I had to include a slim-fit chino. The J. Crew Slim Fit Linen Chino is as good as it gets.
The pants come in tan, grey, blue, and green and offer a wide size range. These would look great with a camp collar shirt or a long sleeve oxford.
These versatile pants are made with cotton and linen for breathability and texture, and look great no matter how you wear them. Our designers engineer these pants with precision—using fit and fabric details that'll make you want to wear them every day. -J.Crew
Paired with some unfussy shoes like a Vans Authentic, some espadrilles, or a casual loafer and a fun hat, these pants will make you look like you’re on vacation wherever you go.
Asos Wide Leg Plisse Suit Pants
Craving the Issey Miyake look without the Issey Miyake budget? Aren’t we all? Luckily, ASOS has you covered.
These wide-legged pleated trousers are beautiful. I believe that lavender is on its way to becoming the preeminent color in menswear (and so does GQ!) making these pants a great choice to inject some color into your outfits. Though the pants are sold on their own, you could pick up the matching jacket to complete the look.
Wide leg style, with a regular rise, belt loops, and side and back pockets. An homage to the original Issey Miyake Plisse pants.
Reviewers note that these run a bit snug, so consider sizing up. If I didn’t already own an Issey-inspired pant from another brand, I’d be all over these.
(Side note: If you’re deadset on a pair of genuine Issey Miyake Homme Plisse Pleated pants but don’t want to shell out $400+ for them, they do go on sale semi-annually on websites like FarFetch or SSENSE.)
Lee Straight Leg Light Wash Jeans
I think I’ve recommended Levi’s in just about every article that I’ve written, so it’s time for a change of pace.
These days, you don’t see a lot of people talk about Lee jeans—the ubiquity of Levi’s has monopolized the jeans conversation for years. Believe me, I get it, but there are hundreds of other companies making good denim and I want to highlight one of them.
Multiple men's denim colors ensure you find exactly the right look that meshes with your personal vibe, while the straight-leg design pairs perfectly with sneakers, work boots, and loafers for versatility in wear. -Lee
Lee is an American jean manufacturer with roots going back to Kansas in the 1880s, making it only a few years younger than Levi’s. They’re owned by VF Corp, the same company that owns Vans, Supreme, and The North Face.
These jeans are a relaxed fit, straight leg with a light wash, the perfect style for summer. Balance out the bagginess of these jeans with a well-fitting
Cookman Chef’s Pants – Sauce Splash
Above all else, spring and summer should be fun! These pants? Very fun.
They have the classic anatomy of a chill pant: an elastic waist, 100% cotton twill, and a loose fit. You can probably guess by the name that Cookman is a clothier founded to provide chefs with clothing meant to withstand the grueling conditions of the kitchen.
The brand has received some attention within niche menswear communities over the last couple of years and has since pivoted into a full clothing brand, offering graphic hoodies and t-shirts in addition to traditional culinary uniforms.
Functional and fashionable is the key for these chef's pants. Made from 100% cotton twill to provide maximum comfort, featuring dual pockets, both in the front and rear, and a string loop designed for key chains. -Cookman
Designed to look like pants that have been splattered on with sauces over the course of a long day, these pants don’t take themselves too seriously.
Throw these on with a solid-colored white or black t-shirt and your coolest pair of sneakers. Top it off with a cool piece of outerwear like a bomber jacket and you have a hit on your hands. At $50, these are hard to beat.
Stussy Beach Pant
Stüssy has had an unmatched renaissance as of late. The 90s cool-kid brand has recently seen a huge uptick in interest, particularly from the TikTok fashion set.
They’ve been making cool clothes for decades, but it seems like they’re on a hot streak over the last several seasons where they can do no wrong.
Classic garment washed beach pant. Elastic waist with interior drawcord. Decorative fly stitching. On seam side pockets. Stüssy big stock flag label at left thigh. Rear yoke with on seam welt pocket. 100% Brushed Cotton Twill. -Stussy
The beach pant is one of Stüssy’s more classic silhouettes, offering a relaxed fit with an elastic waist and interior drawstring. They’ll look as good at the skatepark as they will in a conference room. I’m a fan of the blue pair for a good splash of color.
Los Angeles Apparel Heavy Fleece Straight Leg Sweats
There will come a time during the warmer months when you don’t want to do anything at all.
Maybe you had a glass (or two) of wine too many at a work happy hour. Maybe you just stayed up until the crack of dawn at the club with your friends. Regardless, come morning you may not feel so hot and just want to lounge around.
This sweatpant is made of our bestselling 14 oz. Heavy Fleece and features a wide, straight leg fit that is comfortable for both lounging and everyday wear. Finished with 2 side pockets, a back pocket and adjustable drawcord waistband. -Los Angeles Apparel
Eventually, you’ll get restless and need to hit the coffee shop down the street. These Los Angeles Apparel sweatpants are going to be your best friend when you’re feeling too lazy to throw on a detailed fit.
They’re a more modern cut of sweatpants than the popular cinched-ankle jogger silhouette, and come in black and grey (but we both know that there’s nothing more chill than a pair of grey sweats).
Lightweight Men’s Summer Pants: A Few Frequently Asked Questions
And to wrap things up, let’s take a look at some of the questions we hear from guys when selecting your ideal pair of summer pants.
What type of pants are best for hot weather?
Anything lightweight, and breathable, with a natural material that allows airflow such as cotton, silk, and linen. We recommend chinos designed for hot weather, denim jeans with a material width of 11oz or less, or linen
What pants will keep you cool?
Although anything made from linen or cotton is an instant winner, these days a lot of brands are using core temp heating technology to lower the base temperature of the pants. These new developments in fabric can help keep you cool.
Can you wear black pants during the summer?
Yes, if you style it properly. Ultimately, you should wear what makes you feel comfortable, but if you choose black, make sure to choose the most light-weight, breeziest fabrics, and cuts possible. Pairing it with a splash of color will achieve the summer statement you may be after.
The Best Men’s Summer Pants We Could Find for You
If it isn’t already obvious, pants can make or break your wardrobe. For spring and summer, we want to keep things relaxed and copacetic while still maintaining a sense of style.
We’ve recommended mostly relaxed and straight-fit pants, many of them in light fabrics with drawstrings to achieve this ultimate level of chill. Your outfits should show the world you’re a laid-back guy who’s always ready for whatever comes your way.
So, grab a new pair of pants or two. Experiment with different
Dress to impress but remain comfortable and carefree while you attend those soirees, outdoor treks, and formal events over the hot months ahead!
What are some of your favorite pants for hot weather? Which pair in this round-up is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts! Feel free to DM us on Instagram anytime!
What’s changed?
| 03/27/2023 | Added 8 new pairs, updated text and links |
| 07/21/2022 | Original publish date |
