The Summer Pants Edit: 10 Men's Picks

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Summer heat puts every wardrobe to the test. The wrong pair of pants turns a sharp outfit into a sweaty ordeal, but the right pair carries you from a beach walk to a rooftop dinner without a second thought.

The good news: menswear brands have invested serious effort in summer-specific fabrics and cuts. Linen, stretch cotton, ripstop nylon, and performance blends now arrive in silhouettes that work for the office, travel, and weekends in equal measure. This guide cuts through the noise to present the best men's pants for summer across every style and budget.

Man in a blue shirt and beige pants stands casually on a sunlit brick sidewalk, with historic buildings and trees in the background.


Our Top Picks

Best Loungewear: Gap Relaxed PJ Pants

A person wearing a white tshirt and gray striped pants with a drawstring waist stands casually. The tone is relaxed and comfortable.

Not every summer pant needs a formal occasion. The Gap Relaxed PJ Pants sit at the casual end of the spectrum, built from a soft 100% cotton weave that breathes well in warm weather and gets better with each wash. The elasticized waist with drawcords removes any guesswork from the fit, and side welt pockets add a practical touch for low-key evenings at home or a slow weekend morning.

Available in both solid tones and allover prints, these pants suit a range of casual aesthetics. They won't replace your chinos, but for a relaxed evening in or a lazy Sunday, they are one of the most comfortable options on this list.

Size note: the relaxed, straight-leg silhouette is true to its description. Stick to your standard size.

Material: 100% cotton | Fit: Relaxed, straight leg | Colors: Multiple prints and solids | Care: Machine wash

Best Seersucker: Brooks Brothers Washed Cotton Seersucker Pant

A person wearing navy trousers and yellow sneakers stands against a neutral background. The outfit conveys a casual and stylish tone.

Seersucker is one of the oldest tricks in the summer wardrobe, and Brooks Brothers executes it with the confidence of a brand that has stood behind the style for over a century. The washed cotton construction gives these pants a soft, broken-in feel straight out of the box, while the seersucker weave creates natural airflow against the skin for genuine warm-weather comfort.

The regular fit is cut for a wide range of body types, with enough room for ease without excess fabric. A 2% spandex addition provides subtle stretch that keeps things comfortable through a full day of wear. Pair with a white OCBD or a navy polo for a summer look that leans into the classic American wardrobe.

Material: 98% cotton, 2% spandex | Fit: Regular | Colors: Navy, Blue | Care: Machine wash

Best Statement Trouser: Mango 100% Linen Pinstripe Trouser in Ecru (via ASOS)

A man stands casually against a plain background wearing a black T-shirt, beige trousers, and white sneakers. The style is minimalist and modern.


For men who want something more considered than a plain linen pant, the Mango Linen Pinstripe Trouser in ecru delivers. The 100% linen construction keeps the feel light and breathable, while the pinstripe pattern adds a visual interest that separates these from a standard linen pant. The ecru colorway is versatile enough for both casual and smart-casual settings.

Belt loops and side and back pockets give these a conventional trouser construction, and the cotton-lined interior adds a layer of comfort against the skin. The regular fit works for most body types and won't cling in the heat.

A natural match for a white or navy linen shirt and leather sandals at a summer dinner or any warm-weather occasion that calls for a little more personality.

Material: 100% linen (main), 100% cotton (lining) | Fit: Regular | Colors: Ecru | Care: Machine wash per care label

Best Linen Blend: Abercrombie Linen-Blend Relaxed Straight Pull-On Pant

A person is wearing white pants and brown boat shoes. The bottom of a blue shirt is visible. The pose is casual against a plain background.


The Abercrombie Linen-Blend Pull-On Pant makes a strong case for the no-fuss summer wardrobe. The fabric combination of cotton, viscose, and linen strikes a balance between structure and softness, with the linen component providing breathability and the viscose adding a relaxed drape. A pull-on waistband with interior drawcords removes the need for a belt, which makes these an easy choice for travel days or casual weekend outings.

The relaxed straight-leg cut gives plenty of room for warm-weather comfort, and the pocket layout covers the essentials. One practical note: these require a lay-flat dry rather than a tumble dry cycle, so factor that into your care routine before you order.

Material: 57% cotton, 23% viscose, 20% linen | Fit: Relaxed straight | Colors: Beige, White, Black, Brown, Olive, | Care: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry

Best Linen: Todd Snyder Italian Linen Trouser

Man in light gray trousers with hands in pockets, styled with a tucked-in shirt. Feet in black woven sandals on a wooden floor. Casual elegance.


Linen is the fabric of summer, and no brand handles it better at this price point than Todd Snyder. The Italian Linen Trouser arrives in a relaxed, tailored cut that hangs beautifully in the heat, with just enough structure to look intentional. The fabric breathes well and softens with each wash, which means it gets better with age.

The flat-front construction and clean silhouette make these trousers a natural match for linen or cotton shirts, suede loafers, and warm-weather occasions from casual dinners to destination weddings. Available in classic summer tones, these trousers fill a genuine gap in most wardrobes: the elevated, warm-weather essential.

One note: linen wrinkles, and this pair is no exception. Embrace it as part of the aesthetic, or reserve these for occasions where you move from car to table.

Material: 100% Italian linen | Fit: Relaxed | Colors: White, Oatmeal, grey | Sizes: 28–38 | Care: Dry clean or hand wash

Best Chinos: J.Crew 484 Slim Chino

A man in a navy sweater and light gray chinos stands with hands in pockets. He wears dark brown loafers, creating a smart-casual, relaxed vibe.


The J.Crew 484 is a proven staple, and for good reason. This slim chino hits the sweet spot between tailored and relaxed, with a fit that flatters most body types without the compression of a skinny cut. The cotton-elastane blend moves with you without sacrifice of the structure that gives chinos their polish.

For summer, the lighter colorways such as stone, khaki, and white work well with short-sleeve shirts, linen overshirts, and clean sneakers. The 484 transitions from a Friday office look to a weekend dinner with no wardrobe change required.

J.Crew updates its chino fit regularly, so a try-on is worthwhile if you haven't revisited this style in a few seasons.

Material: 97% cotton, 3% elastane | Fit: Slim | Colors: Khaki, Stone, White, Navy, Blue| Sizes: 28–40 | Care: Machine wash

Best Budget: Amazon Linen Blend Pant

A person stands barefoot wearing relaxed-fit white linen pants with drawstring waist. The hands are in pockets, and a watch and bracelet are visible.


At under $35, the Amazon Essentials Linen Blend Pant punches above its weight. The linen-cotton construction keeps things light and breathable in summer heat.

The elastic waistband and drawstring closure make these an easy option for days when a formal fit isn't the priority. They won't compete with Todd Snyder on fabric quality, but for beach trips, travel days, or a casual afternoon, they more than hold their own.

Size note: these tend to run large, so size down if you fall between sizes.

Material: 10% linen, 90% cotton | Fit: Relaxed | Colors: Khaki, Navy, Olive, Black, White | Sizes: S–3XL | Care: Machine wash

Best Casual: Uniqlo Easy Ankle Pant

Young man stands in a relaxed pose wearing a cream, short-sleeve shirt and matching pants. He completes the look with brown sandals on a white background.


Not every summer day calls for a tailored silhouette. Uniqlo's Easy Ankle Pant fills the gap between sweatpants and chinos with a clean, relaxed cut that works for weekend errands, casual café afternoons, and low-key social outings.

The cotton-polyester blend is soft without sacrifice of durability, and the elastic waistband removes the need for a belt on laid-back days. The cropped ankle length pairs well with clean sneakers or sandals for a modern, effortless look. Available in a wide range of muted, easy-to-wear tones, these pants slot into almost any existing wardrobe.

Fit note: the "slim" label runs more relaxed than expected, particularly at the ankle. Consult the size chart before you order.

Material: 66% cotton, 34% Linen | Fit: Relaxed | Colors: Beige, Light Blue, Green, Black | Sizes: S–3XL | Care: Machine wash

Best for the Outdoors: prAna Stretch Zion Pant

Man in a yellow shirt wearing beige cargo pants and brown hiking boots, standing against a plain gray background; casual outdoor style.

The prAna Stretch Zion is a cult favorite in the outdoor world, and it earns that status. The nylon-spandex blend is tough enough for a full day on the trail, resistant to water and abrasion, and flexible enough for scrambles, boulder steps, and all the other demands of active outdoor use. Despite all that technical performance, this pant doesn't look out of place on a town walk or a casual lunch after the hike.

A gusseted crotch and articulated knees provide genuine freedom of motion, and UPF 50+ sun protection is a real bonus for long summer days above the treeline. Available in both short and regular inseam lengths.

Fit note: the Stretch Zion runs on the relaxed side. Opt for your true size or size down for a more tailored result.

Material: 97% nylon, 3% Elastane | Fit: Relaxed | Colors: 7 | Sizes: 28–42 | Care: Machine wash

Best Lightweight Formal: Faherty Drawstring Linen Pant

A man with gray hair wearing a beige, short-sleeve button-up shirt and brown pants stands against a neutral background, exuding a relaxed and stylish vibe.


For beach weddings, resort dinners, and warm-weather events where a standard dress pant feels too heavy and jeans too casual, the Faherty Drawstring Linen Pant occupies a useful position. The 100% linen construction is as breathable as summer fabrics get, and the classic fit drapes well without the look of excess fabric.

The drawstring waist and minimal design give these trousers a relaxed elegance suited to smart-casual settings. Pair with a linen or cotton shirt and simple leather sandals for warm-weather occasions that call for something a little more elevated.

Like all linen, these will wrinkle. At a resort or garden party, this is part of the aesthetic rather than a drawback.

Material: 100% linen | Fit: Relaxed | Colors: Dark Palm, Sand, Washed Black | Sizes: XS–XXL | Care: Machine wash

What to Look For in Men's Summer Pants

Fabric

Fabric choice is the most important factor for summer pants. Linen tops the list for breathability and natural temperature regulation, though it wrinkles easily. Cotton blends with a small percentage of elastane offer a cleaner look with more wrinkle resistance. Performance synthetics such as nylon-spandex blends excel in active or travel contexts, with fast-dry capability and durable construction.

Fit

A well-fitted pant does more for your summer look than any other single adjustment. Avoid excess fabric in the thigh and knee, which can make lightweight summer pants look shapeless. At the same time, a cut that's too slim restricts motion and feels uncomfortable in the heat. Slim to regular fits work best for most summer occasions.

Color

Light and neutral tones reflect heat better than dark ones, and they suit the relaxed aesthetic of warm-weather style. Khaki, stone, white, navy, and olive are versatile starting points. Reserve darker tones for evenings or formal settings.

Waistband

For comfort in summer heat, an elasticated or drawstring waistband is worth consideration. It allows adjustment throughout the day, particularly useful for travel or active use. For office or formal settings, a standard flat-front waistband with structured belt loops provides the polish the occasion demands.

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