Typically worn in warm weather, these pants come in a variety of forms: overalls, sweatpants, wide-leg pants and more, so it’s safe to say there’s no shortage of options. With the arrival of spring and summer, you will need lightweight trousers that can be combined with a variety of tops.
“In theory, lighter should mean more comfort, more flexibility, better heat resistance and less sweat,” says Lala Oh, a New York City-based beauty and fashion expert and founder of Pretty Connected (her website and Lara Heurdolian King feature). Accessories line.
Lightweight trousers highlight versatility. One day I wore joggers with a blazer, and another time I wore layered leggings under flowy tights.
“It would be nice if the fabric didn’t wrinkle,” adds Eurdolian King. In addition, light trousers can be worn not only in spring, but also in summer. Think: Ideal for year-round travel, training, and any time of year.
Lightweight trousers are versatile in terms of style. Personally, I wore joggers with a blazer one time and layered leggings under flowy leggings another time (which gave me the warmth and style I was looking for).
In addition to trying out these lightweight spring and summer pants in the real world, we asked fashion experts for their best advice, based on experience. Plus, we scoured dozens of retailer websites and bestseller lists to find the top-rated shoes based on customer reviews and star ratings.
In short, you can trust Shop Today to roll up our sleeves and do the research for you, spending hours finding the best options.
Read on to learn about the 26 best lightweight thermal pants, expert shopping tips, FAQs, and more. Use the links below to navigate.
What to look for | Best Budget | Best cargo transport | Best for Travel | Best Wide Leg | Best Runner | Best for Hot Weather | Best for Work | Best jeans | Best lingerie | Best Cotton | The best silk | Best for Workouts | Best Plus Sizes | Best for hiking | Frequently asked questions | Meet our experts
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Size range: from S to XXL | Pockets: no | Care: Machine washable
When I took them out of the package, I noticed that the fabric was very soft. The palazzo style makes it versatile enough to be worn as pajamas or while out and about. I just wish they had these pants in an XS because they are a little big, but overall they are some of the best lightweight pants I own. The fact that a pack of three pairs costs less than $35 is another bonus. Choose from four color combinations.
Rave reviews: “These pants are quite roomy, so order at least a size down. The fabric is very soft. I just love them!” — Amazon reviewer
Material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane | Size range: from S to XXL | Pockets: 2 | Care: Machine wash (gentle cycle in cold water).
These comfortable paper bag pencil pants are everything our fashion experts want in a lightweight pant: soft, versatile and slightly tailored, they’re one of this season’s trending pant styles. But more importantly, they’ve won the hearts of more than 19,000 verified Amazon customers, who have given the shoes five stars, as well as Shop TODAY assistant editor Danielle Murphy.
“I can’t think of anything better to wear during long hours of sitting in the office, thanks to the soft feel, padding and expandable waist. The material is made primarily of polyester with a small amount of spandex for added stretch. ” she says. Plus, not only are they available in more than 30 colors, but the cut also gives her the option of flats or heels (Murphy is 5’3″).
Staff Comments: “I love the drawstring belt, not only does it look very stylish with the ruffles at the front, but it also defines my waist and makes me look slim. I love the way it works by tucking my tank top into my trousers and blazers to show off that feature and give it a more professional look. If the belt doesn’t suit your style, you can remove it entirely.” – Danielle Murphy, assistant editor, Shop TODAY
Material: 100% Tencel | Size range: XXS to XL, regular and petite | Pockets: 4 | Care: Machine washable
The overalls have many pockets (two with zippers and two with buttons). “These are great spring/summer pants that have a little sparkle but are still very wearable,” says New York City-based celebrity stylist Samantha Brown. “I would pair them with slippers and a blouse.”
Rave reviews: “These pants are super comfortable and the perfect addition to workwear or casual wear,” Banana Republic Factory reviewer.
Materials: nylon, lycra spandex, polyester | Size range: from 0 to 20 | Pockets: 2 (plus 1 zip pocket/card holder) | Care: Machine wash (gentle cycle).
Designed for busy bees, these shoes are breathable, have 4-way stretch and are cool to the touch.
“These joggers are perfect for travel and can be paired with your favorite sweatshirt, T-shirt, leather biker jacket or denim jacket,” says Brown. “They’re stretchy, comfortable, and still have a flattering silhouette,” she adds.
Rave reviews: “I swear I won’t wear these pants every day, but they are literally the most comfortable pants I own. Buy in another color,” Lululemon reviewer.
Material: 4-way stretch wire, 95% polyester, 5% spandex | Size range: from XXS to XL | Pockets: 2 | Care: Hand wash in cold water (hang to dry).
If you’re traveling and need a pair of wrinkle-resistant dressy pants for any occasion, these metallic pants are perfect for you.
“These are the funkiest ‘sweatpants,’” says Eurdolian King. “You can wear it casually with a cotton T-shirt and sneakers, or go glam with heels and a matching blazer.”
Budget Option: Looking for a pair that’s equally wrinkle-resistant but dressy enough for under $100? Also travel-friendly, these low-maintenance button-down pants from Chico’s feature beautiful gold buttons at the hem and are under $90.
Material: 100% polyester | Size range: XS to 2XL (regular, short) | Pockets: 2 | Care: Machine washable
Another #1 Amazon bestseller, this time in the women’s casual and cropped pants category. At first glance, it’s not hard to see why.
These versatile pants have a roomy, wide-leg silhouette that’s super flattering (and super seasonal), and while they’re so wide that the pants almost look like a skirt, they have enough ruched front detail to make them look perfect. Just the right amount of structure.
While they look dressy enough to wear to the office with heels, the bag has an elasticated waistband for added comfort. ”
Warning: “These are not suitable for short girls, so I recommend bringing them along,” says Shop TODAY photo editor Vivian Le.
Rave reviews: “I ordered the petite size XXL based on the size chart and I’m very impressed. They fit as expected and fit me really well. Not only that, I don’t feel uncomfortable sitting in them. They have that the length. is just right, it won’t work any further. The only problem I had was that I tripped and fell while walking up the stairs in them, but if you know you need to be more careful or you won’t so small (5’1″ or so), you should. No problem!” — Amazon reviewer
Material: 100% Lyocell | Size range: XXS to XL, short, regular and long | Pockets: 2 | Care: Machine wash in cold water.
“Wide-leg, high-waisted pants are one of the biggest trends we’re seeing,” says Eurdolian King. “They’re great because you can easily tie them to a belt and half-tuck a ribbed sweater into a colorful suit, or wear them in a more casual setting with a white tank.”
It also caters to all body types, offering short, regular and long sizes from XS to XL.
Rave reviews: “These pants fit great and are definitely going to be part of my airport outfit. Stylish, wrinkle-free and comfortable! I’m usually 5ft tall so I was worried they would be too big, but they are actually a little tight for us and the length is perfect. I’m so glad.” – Abercrombie & Fitch reviewer.
“It’s the perfect fashionable yet classic silhouette, and the Lyocell fabric is both breathable and eco-friendly,” says Teich. She added: “I wear them with everything from sneakers to a T-shirt, with a crop top or a tucked-in shirt. They may or may not come in three colors, they are that good!”
Brown agrees: “Mason pants can be worn up or down, depending on how you style them. They look great with sneakers and a T-shirt, or with a blazer or shirt.”
Warning: May go a long way (according to the brand’s website, the model shown is 5’10″ in a size 2).
Rave reviews: “I wear these pants all the time. If you are looking for these baggy cool pants for girls, these are 100% what you need. I wish they came in more colors! I need to adjust them a little.” Definitely made for tall people,” Nordstrom reviewer.
Material: 54% linen, 44% viscose, 2% spandex | Size range: XS to 5X | Pockets: 4 | Care: Machine washable
If you’re missing cozy sweatpants this summer, you won’t have to give them up as the temperature rises with these affordable sweatpants made from a soft linen-viscose blend (with stretchy spandex added). Feel comfortable and cool on the skin, it can be easily put on or down. It also features a comfortable elastic waistband and two fun summer prints: mushroom ikat and palm green.
Rave reviews: “Mix linen and stretch fabrics and you’ve got a Florida warm-weather option. These pants have a surprising ‘cool factor’: they fit loosely but not tight, and the hem straps are perfect. “I usually wear an XL, but size L fits perfectly because the material stretches when worn. This is fine as it adds a casual vibe, but you don’t want to look casual. This pattern is soft and looks more like something I would wear in Something.” – QVC Reviewer
Material: 89% recycled polyester, 11% elastane | Size range: from XXS to XXL | Pockets: 2 | Care: Machine wash in cold water.
“These joggers are my go-to trousers for weekends and travel because they are so light and soft, yet have great coverage without being too see-through,” Teich says. “If you’re looking for a lightweight activewear option, this is a great option.”
They’re so comfortable and easy to style—it’s no wonder Vuori has over 25,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars. Plus, both colors are currently on sale at REI for almost $20.
Rave reviews: “Very comfortable and light. Great for traveling because I don’t overheat like heavier pants,” reviewer Vuori.
Material: 47% modal, 46% polyester, 7% elastane | Size range: XS to 3X | Pockets: no | Care: Machine wash (cold water, gentle cycle).
Teich also recommends these light-as-air pants from Spanx. It has a sporty jogger style and the materials feel sleek and luxurious. Plus, it has four-way stretch so you can move comfortably throughout the day. The shoes come in neutral colors including beige, black and navy.
Post time: Sep-19-2023