Wearing pants in the summer can be a sweaty grotesque experience if you’ve selected the wrong pair. Even medium-weight pants are dead to me once the weather gets over 70 degrees — and don’t even mention the word tight. Once it’s hot, I am a dress fanatic. But many of my clients have good reasons for wearing pants in the summer. Let’s discuss.
Why Wear Pants In The Summer?
Personally, I love the sun protection that a lightweight pant provides in the summer. As I approach 40, I have become obsessed with protecting my skin. I love to be in the sunshine, but I also love youthful skin. It’s a constant battle I don’t plan on winning — though I try. But of course, that’s not the only reason to sport pants in the summer. Here are the top reasons some of my clients love wearing pants all summer long.
- Insecurities about skin issues or leg shape
- Modesty
- They run cold even when everyone else is sweating
- Sun protection
- Comfort
One thing I would like to address is that first reason. Too many women are self-conscious about their legs. Your legs are great — even ones that aren’t that great are still pretty great. Trust me, I have done the leg work (pun intended). Your legs don’t need to be hidden and no one is looking as closely as you think they are. I am regularly encouraging clients to wear shorts and higher hemlines, but I do understand that sometimes you just feel like covering up and that’s okay too. I want you to have some flattering pants to keep cool in this summer if you’re not feeling your legs all the time.
As for reason #3, a summer pant is a great way to go from a hot day to a cooler evening. Just a teensy bit of fabric can make a big difference after the sun sets and the chill comes in, especially in San Diego where the evening temp drops pretty dramatically. And then there are those gals who simply run cold, no matter how hot it gets. Girl, you need pants!
I have already mentioned sun protection, my favorite reason for wearing pants in summer, so let’s jump to the comfort aspect. Wearing a breezy pant can mean more freedom than a dress or shorts. You can spread your legs or sit anywhere and anyhow you want. I think even the most leg-loving people will enjoy a day in a lightweight pant this summer.
Best Lightweight Pants
Below I have selected my absolute favorite lightweight pants that I have been putting on myself and my clients this month. I have never seen a better selection of summer pants. I have everything from the lightest-weight jeans to resort pants. And don’t you worry, there’s not a tight pant anywhere near this post. That denim option is a straight leg, and it is shocking how comfy and lightweight those jeans are. Last bit of advice here: when wearing these lightweight pants, your body will look best if you wear shorter tops or tie waist tops to go with the wider legs and relaxed fits.
Madewell Stovepipe Jeans in Leman Wash
These Madewell Stovepipe Jeans in Leman Wash are extremely lightweight, stretchy, and feel like pajama pants. They run large, so order a size or two down.
ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Slub Jersey Wide Leg Pants
Pair these ATM Slub Jersey Wide Leg Pants with a bikini or crop top. They’re available at Bloomingdale’s, ATM, Neiman Marcus, Revolve, Saks 5th Avenue, and Nordstrom.
Robin Piccone Isla Cover-Up Beach Pants
These beachy lightweight pants also pair best with a bikini or crop top. They’re available at Nordstrom and Zappos.
Paige Christy Pant – Vintage Salt Blue
You know I love these pants by Paige if you follow my LikeToKnowIt. Pair them with a shorter top, or tuck in your shirt for the best look. They run large, so order a size down. These summer pants are available at Paige, Zappos, Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Amazon.
Frame Trapunto Stitch Cuffed Moto Pants
You are going to LOVE these Frame Trapunto Stitch Cuffed Moto Pants. You know the drill: wear them with a shorter top, tie-waist blouse, or tuck in your shirt. These lightweight pants are available at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Frame, Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Net-A-Porter.
Caslon Stripe Linen Blend Pants
Pair these Caslon Stripe Linen Blend Pants with a crop top or tucked-in tee. I don’t like tie waist tops with a drawstring pant — too much excess at the waist.
Paige Christy Pant – French Waters
This is the most versatile and beloved pant on the list, as you can tell since I’ve featured it in three colors. It runs large, so order a size down. The Paige Christy Pant in French Waters is available at Paige, Bloomingdale’s, Saks 5th Avenue, and Amazon.
Treasure & Bond Pull-On Pants
These Treasure & Bond Pull-On Pants are resort pants with versatility. Pair them with a crop top or tie waist shirt.
Caslon Track Style Linen Pants
These Caslon Track Style Linen Pants can get wrinkly, but it may be worth it for the comfort.
Loft Perfect Straight Pants In Washed Twill – Coral
The Loft Perfect Straight Pant In Washed Twill – Coral is the perfect smart pant for the summer. It comes in petites, so you shorter gals can finally enjoy a straight leg.
Roxy Oceanside Linen Blend Beach Pants
The Roxy Oceanside Linen Blend Beach Pants are great with a bikini or crop top. These pants are available at Nordstrom, Roxy, Amazon, and Macy’s.
Faherty Arlie Day Pants
The Faherty Arlie Day Pants are one of the more flattering linen blend joggers. They’re available at Nordstrom, Faherty, and Backcountry.
Paige Christy Pant – Vintage Warm Sand
Here’s those Paige Christy Pants again, this time in “Vintage Warm Sand,” which is such a great color for darker skinned ladies. These pants are available at Paige and Amazon. They run large, so order a size down.
Loft Perfect Straight Pants In Washed Twill – White
Loft’s Perfect Straight Pants In Washed Twill are for all you preppy gals out there. And they come in petites too!
Faherty Arlie Tie Waist Pants
The Faherty Arlie Tie Waist Pants are best with a crop top. Remember to skip tie waist tops with a drawstring pant. You can cheat this though by untying the top and just tucking it in. These pants are available at Nordstrom and Faherty.
