Flowy and Breathable Lightweight Pants for Summer You’ll Love
When we think of summer outfits, it’s easy to go straight to white jeans, sundresses, and shorts, but there are a lot of lightweight summer pants that are really stylish and often more comfortable. They’re cute and breezy, the perfect thing to keep you cool on the hottest days!
Today, I’m sharing some of the most popular styles and a few favorites I like to wear that you can grab right now.
Prefer summer dresses and shorts? Take a peek at these posts next:
- The Best Denim Shorts for Women Over 40 (That Aren’t Too Short or Too Tight)
- 10 Casual Striped Spring & Summer Dresses for Women Over 50
- Dresses for Women Over 40: Figure Flattering Dresses
Flowy and Breathable Lightweight Pants for Summer You’ll Love
Why Choose Breathable Pants in the Summer?
The secret to staying comfortable in warm weather is choosing breathable fabrics. Linen is a classic favorite, thanks to its ability to let air flow and its natural cooling properties. Cotton gauze is another great option—it’s soft, airy, and doesn’t cling to the body. Fabrics like Tencel and rayon also work well, offering a light, drapey feel that’s perfect for sticky summer days. Even certain lightweight blends can keep you feeling cool and looking pulled together.
Best Lightweight Pant Styles for Summer
Not every style of summer pants works for everyone. But that’s the beauty of fashion over 40—we’ve figured out what feels good and flatters our shape. Here are a few styles I reach for again and again.
1. Linen Drawstring Pants
Linen pants are the gold standard for summer. They’re breathable, light, and have that laid-back elegance I love.
Look for a drawstring or elastic waistband for extra comfort (and a little give after dinner). Don’t worry too much about the wrinkles. That’s part of linen’s charm—it’s relaxed but still looks put together. These from Amazon are not lined, but I just bought these lined ones from Lily Pulitzer, and I love them, too. ( size up one)
2. Gauze Pants
I find cotton gauze really comfy in summer. It’s soft, breathable, and doesn’t cling. Plus, the crinkling conceals any wrinkles and adds a nice texture. Most gauze pants feature elastic waistbands that are easy to pull on with a tank top or tee and some slides.
3. Wide-Leg Flowy Pants
Flowy pants with a wide-leg are look and feel a little glam. They are soft and flowy, like pajamas, but you still look polished. I love these for summer entertaining or vacations. You’ll often find them in soft rayon or crepe fabrics that move beautifully. Pair them with a slim tee or a cropped blouse to balance the volume.
4. Travel-Friendly Pants
If you’re planning a vacation, you need pants that don’t wrinkle easily and feel great in heat and humidity. Tencel and viscose blends are excellent options, and many travel pants now feature moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics. Choose neutrals so you can mix and match them with your travel tops.
What to Wear With Summer Pants
Summer pants are super versatile. Here are a few outfit ideas that never fail:
- With a Tank and Denim Jacket: A go-to combo that works every time.
- With a Lightweight Button-Up: Tie it at the waist or tuck just the front for a laid-back look.
- With a Fitted Tee: Let the pants do the talking, especially if they have a fun pattern or flowy silhouette.
- With a Linen Blouse: For a breezy, coastal vibe that looks great on vacation or at home.
Lightweight Pants for Summer I’m Loving Right Now
I’ve rounded up a few lightweight pants that are on my radar this summer—some I own and others I’ve added to my wishlist:
Loft Breezy Wide Leg Ankle Pants in Chambray
These chambray pants are everything I want in an easy summer staple. The wide leg gives them a relaxed, flowy feel, while the light wash keeps them feeling fresh and effortless. They’re soft, lightweight, and hit right at the ankle—perfect for pairing with a simple tee or a tucked-in tank. Just add a straw tote and some slides.
Lilly Pulitzer 27″ Brawley Linen Crop Pant
These colorful pants are practically begging to be packed for your next summer getaway. The tailored fit adds polish, while the linen keeps things light and breathable. Pair them with a white blouse or tee for vacation dinners, casual lunches, or just everyday wear!
Old Navy High-Waisted Linen-Blend Straight Ankle Pants
These high-waisted linen-blend pants are a great budget-friendly option that still looks chic. The straight-leg silhouette is classic, and the ankle length works well with everything from sneakers to espadrilles. They’re soft, easy to move in and come in a few colors, so you might end up grabbing more than one pair!
Athleta Retreat High Rise Linen Ankle Pant
These are the kind of linen pants you’ll want to live in all summer long. They’re lightweight, breathable, and have just the right amount of structure to feel polished. They come in great neutral colors and are perfect for everything from running errands to sightseeing on vacation.
Lands’ End Lightweight Denim High Rise Relaxed Straight Pull-On Pocket Jeans
If you love the look of denim but hate the weight of it in summer, these are a dream. They give you that classic denim style without any of the bulk or stiffness, and they have the easy pull-on waist we all appreciate. These are great everyday pants that go with just about anything in your closet!
Quince 100% European Linen Pants
Quince is known for its quality at a great price, and their linen pants are no exception. They’re made from 100% European flax linen and come in fourteen colors! I have them in white, and I love how soft they are. You know how some linen is a little stiff and scratchy? Not so with Quince. The cut is clean and easy to wear, with an elastic waistband in the back for comfort and a slightly tailored look in front.
Gap 365 High Rise Linen-Blend Trousers
These trousers hit that sweet spot between relaxed and refined. They’re an easy choice for casual days, but you can just as quickly dress them up with a nicer top and sandals if you’re heading out. I happen to love this bold red, but if that’s not your thing, they also come in great neutrals like tan, black, white, and a fun stripe or two.
Talbots Wide Crop Pull-On Gauze Pants
If comfort is at the top of your list, these gauze pants from Talbots are a must. The fabric is soft and breathable with that lightweight, crinkled texture that’s perfect for summer. The wide-cropped leg gives them an easy, breezy vibe, and the pull-on waist makes getting dressed a total no-brainer. They’re ideal for weekends or travel days!
Palazzo Pants
If you’re looking for something fun and easy to wear on vacation, these palazzo pants are a winner! The prints are colorful, the fit is loose and breezy, and the high waist is super flattering. They’re light as air and perfect for tossing on over a swimsuit or pairing with a simple tank for a laid-back summer look. And the best part? They’re budget-friendly, so you can grab a few different prints without thinking twice.
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I loved this roundup! 🌼 Breathable pants are truly a game-changer for summer ☀️—I’ve recently switched to softer fabrics for everything, even innerwear. If you’re someone who loves that no-fuss, comfy feel under lightweight outfits, Adira’s leggings collection 🧘♀️ is totally worth checking out. Their pieces stay in place, don’t bunch up under flowy pants, and the fabric feels like second skin. It makes a big difference when you’re dressing for hot weather! 💛👖
Hi Jessy, Comfort is key for me too. I haven’t heard of Adira’s legging collection. Where do you buy it?
I love all these options! :)