The Best Men's Pants for Summer 2026, Worn and Tested by Style Editors

When I want to throw on pants in the summer that just goes with just about anything like a solid t-shirt or tank top, I always reach for this pair from Banana Republic. The striped style is relaxed through the hip and thigh, making it especially comfortable on hot, humid days. Plus, it’s cut from a breathable cotton-linen blend that feels light and airy, which kept me cool on vacation in Costa Rica when temperatures climbed above 90 degrees. The elastic waistband and adjustable drawstring sit comfortably without digging in, so they’re easy to wear for hours from morning sightseeing to lunch by the beach. At $130, it’s definitely an investment, but the quality is immediately noticeable. You’re paying for a polished fit, premium fabric, and versatility that lets you build a week’s worth of outfits from one pair of pants.

Linen is designed to be light and airy, which is why this pair is my go-to in the dog days of summer. During a staycation in the Hamptons, I found these luxe linen pants breathe way better than most summer pants that I’ve tested. They come in a classic fit that’s a tailored a tad to the leg without that snug feeling.

You could opt for a number of colorways, but the black feels super especially sharp with a polo and loafers for a beachside dinner. I have to admit, it was slightly wrinkled after I pulled it out of my suitcase, but a quick steam solved that problem. Aside from that, these pants are versatile enough for casual and dressier settings.

These are hands down the most comfortable summer pants I’ve tested. The linen-cotton blend has the airy, breathable feel of linen but the softness of cotton, while the relaxed, tapered fit gives your legs plenty of room to move without ever looking oversized. I found myself reaching for them whether I was lounging at home, exploring a new city, or heading out to dinner.

The relaxed, tapered silhouette is what really won me over. There’s plenty of room through the seat and legs, so nothing feels restrictive, but the subtle taper and ankle-length cut keep them looking clean instead of oversized. I wore them with everything from sneakers to loafers and sandals, and the proportions always felt right. They’re also my favorite alternative to heavier chinos when I’m traveling. This pair packs lighter, breathes better, and still looks polished enough that I never felt underdressed.

Like it or not, skinny-leg pants are out and wide-leg trousers are here to stay. It is a tricky style to pull off, but Cos makes the best wide-leg summer pant we’ve tried. I love that the chino silhouette is more relaxed rather than looking like balloons on your legs. Available in neutral colors, this pant drapes straight down, creating clean vertical lines that don’t look baggy at all. If you need to alter the fit, there’s adjustable tabs on both sides to tighten or loosen the waist.

Style preferences aside, a wide fit makes the most sense for summer pants because it enhances air flow. Wide open cuffs and plenty of space between your legs and the fabric lets your body breathe better than any slim fit pant ever could. To balance out the puffiness of the pant, we recommend wearing it with a tight knit polo for date night or fancy dinner.

Handpicked to be tested by our style editors and then fitted on Bullet Train action star Andrew Koji, Everlane’s chinos move you from the tarmac to the resort without losing a second of relaxation, courtesy of the spandex blend.

While cotton is less cooling compared to linen, having tested these pants’ fabric, we guarantee that they’re indeed sweat-wicking and quick-drying to keep you cool and dry. Although the fit leans slim, it hasn’t made us feel restricted or uncomfortable in those tight airplane seats. Unlike other summer pants that have an open leg, this pair has elastic cuffs, but it doesn't cancel out breathability.

Cargo pants are cut out for summer heat because they’re comfortable, functional, and stylish. Take this pair from Alo that embodies the Y2K-retro vibe. It’s made from a lightweight cotton-twill fabric, which is soft against the skin and infused with elastane, so you can easily bend down to tie your shoes or power walk through the airport. We also found the straight-leg fit is pretty loose, keeping things cool and breathable, even in low 80-degree temps.

In the summer, we’ve paired these pants with a tank top or tee for a backyard BBQ or music festival. But it also looks great with a crewneck sweatshirt or hoodie in the cooler months, so this one option to keep in rotation year round. The four cargo pockets are a little offset, but that design gives it a unique look compared to other cargo pants. Plus, they’re super spacious, and offers plenty of storage for your keys, wallet, or sunglasses.

Levi’s launched a collection of jeans that merges lightweight linen and classic denim that feels breathable and comfortable in the sun. Jeans might seem like a stuffy option for blazing hot weather, but I wore it in high 70-degree weather and I was impressed at how cool and airy it felt, even after hours outside. The linen blend makes a world of difference and gives them a breezy, broken-in feel, but still has that classic denim look.

I found there’s more room in the seat and through the thigh, which makes it wearable for city commutes or long-haul flights. It doesn’t have much stretch, but I didn’t have any restriction no matter which way I moved or turned. Another bonus: aside from blue, it’s available in multiple washes including black, brown, and white colors.

Read More: Best Jeans for Men