The Best Breathable, Lightweight & Office-Ready Work Pants for Summer
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Sometimes finding the right summer outfit for work can be a challenge – especially when it's hot AF outside. You want something cool and comfortable, yet office-ready and cute, and budget-friendly, of course. Because I live in New York City and commute to work, I get it. So, I rounded up some of my favorite hot weather pants that are professional, made of a breathable fabric, and look great (and won't break the bank).
What to Look for When Shopping for Summer Work Pants
When the hot weather hits, you want clothes that won't cling to your body (especially if you're sweaty). Keep an eye on natural, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen that will give you some flow, plus an added bit of stretch or moisture-wicking to keep you cool. And if you want an extra bit of breeze, consider a cropped length that will let your ankles breathe (and look great with ballet flats).
From tailored work trousers from Abercrombie and Fitch to a slim pair of dress pants from Banana Republic Factory, to my favorite pair of wide leg pants from Madewell, these are the best office-ready work pants for summer that are ready for any dress code (and temperature). Bring on the heat.
Shop the Best Breathable, Office-Ready Pants for Work
With so many colors to choose from and a versatile design, these high-waisted chinos are an easy add to a work-wear rotation. Plus, they're made of cotton with some spandex for stretch, so they'll keep you cool and comfy all season long.
- Available colors: 11
- Available sizes: XS to 4X (regular, tall, petite)
- Shoppers say: "Super flattering, perfect length and fit literally my favorite work pants ever!"
These pull-on athletic pants are soft and stretchy for the office or a round of golf. With a cropped length and big side pockets, they'll keep you cool and comfortable no matter what. They're backed by over 4,200 5-star Amazon reviews that rave about their professional look and fit.
- Available colors: 20
- Available sizes: XXS to XXL
- Shoppers say: "Suuuuuper soft, super professional looking for work (so versatile, because they aren't like regular yoga pants), fantastically fitting, very forgiving in terms of stretchiness, cut in perfect proportions, and high quality workmanship (I'm a seamstress). The fabric is some kinda WOW!"
First of all, these trousers are a steal at $20 (an extra 40% off is applied at checkout). Featuring a flowy wide-leg and lightweight linen-blend, they're the perfect combination of breathable and stylish for the office.
- Available colors: 4
- Available sizes: 00 to 20 (regular, tall, petite)
- Shoppers say: "Great fit, very flowy, cool and comfortable. They can be worn to work and out after work. Very happy with them."
Stretchy and wrinkle-resistant, these straight-leg pants may feel like you're wearing your favorite pair of yoga pants. Just pull them on and their moisture-wicking properties deliver easy breezy results. And their versatile design goes with any outfit.
- Available colors: 9
- Available sizes: XS to XL (regular, tall, petite)
- Available inseam: 26 to 32
- Shoppers say: "Love these pants! Great silhouette, super comfortable, can be dressed up or down, and the perfect pants for work travel. I have pretty much built my work wardrobe post baby around these pants."
I first saw these tailored wide-leg pants on my coworker in June. They were so chic and looked so comfortable, I had to ask where she got them. I immediately ordered my own and wear them all the time (especially when it's hot out). One reviewer calls them "corporate girly work pants."
- Available colors: 6
- Available sizes: 23 to 37 (extra short, short, regular, long)
- Shoppers say: "The best work pants! Tailored to fit any body type!"
Made of lightweight, organic cotton, these utility pants have a classic silhouette that will keep you looking chic and cool all day at the office. They include an ankle-length and statement curved leg that elevate any aesthetic, from t-shirts to crisp button downs.
- Available colors: 3
- Available sizes: 00 to 16
- Shoppers say: "The pants looks amazing and the leg has a slightly japanese style influence. I'm so thrilled that Everlane starting make more cuts of our beloved utility pants."
I've written about my love for these wide-leg pants before. They're a Madewell bestseller for good reason. Flattering, stylish, and flowy, they look tailored and professional, but can also be dressed down with sneakers and a t-shirt. I wear them everywhere.
- Available colors: 5
- Available sizes: 00 to 16 (petite, plus, standard, tall)
- Shoppers say: "I am so in love with these pants. They are extremely comfortable and flattering. They are easy to dress up with a button down shirt and blazer for work or you can pair them with a t-shirt and boots for a casual look. The fabric drapes in a flattering fashion. It is also soft yet still remains structured."
Sleek and tailored, these wide-leg trousers have a classic office-ready look (pleats and all). They're made of breathable TENCEL lyocell, that's also really soft, so you won't overheat on your commute or in a meeting. Featured here is a pink option, but these summer pants are also available in warm brandy, forest floor, and black.
- Available colors: 4
- Available sizes: 00 to 24 (classic, petite, tall)
- Shoppers say: "These are the best pants for work year round, but I especially love them for the summer with a linen blazer."
Just pull on these ponte flare pants and you'll get a smoothing silhouette, thanks to targeted areas of compression. Plus, they have a flirty flare and stretchy, curve-hugging fit that's great for work or the weekend.
- Available colors: 2
- Available sizes: XS to 3X (regular, petite, tall)
- Shoppers say: "I have several pairs of this style and I love it because the pants are comfortable and don’t wrinkle (great for travel). They are perfect for work because they can be dressed up or down. Please make more colors!"
One reviewer raved that they could wear these pants to work and then go straight to Pilates without having to change. Stretchy and sweat-wicking, you'll want these work pants in your rotation, too.
- Available colors: 4
- Available sizes: 0 to 20
- Shoppers say: "My favorite pants for work everyday. The material feels soft and cool, good in office for all seasons. The style and length makes them perfect match with shirt, blouse, blazer and jacket."
Right now you can get an extra 20% off these ankle pants -- a steal at $40. They have a polished look and a professional aesthetic, but a stretchy, comfortable fabric that will keep up with you all day long.
- Available colors: 2
- Available sizes: 0 to 20 (regular, tall, petite)
- Shoppers say: "Perfect pant for work. Great fit. Comfortable."
Looking to top off your office-ready fit? Then you need a black blazer. Check out our picks from Everlane, J.Crew, Target, and more.