"At long, long last, summer is on the horizon, and moms everywhere are preparing for a blissful three months of pure relaxation. If you’re raising your eyebrows right now, please know that my prior statement was (as you might have guessed) intended to be humorous. Don’t get me wrong: Summer is excellent. A much-appreciated break from short days, dismal weather, and school drop-off and pick-up. It is also a very busy time for parents.
This kid-safe smartwatch is perfect for kids 5+ with built-in GPS tracking, parent-monitored apps, and fun wristbands. Get the Gabb Watch FREE for a limited time only!
School’s out, trips and camps are on the agenda, and kids are eager to scale playground equipment, visit amusement parks, socialize with friends, go swimming in lakes, pools, and sea, and take advantage of every single precious moment from June through August. It’s hectic, joyful, exhausting, and arguably the best time of the year.
And as you prepare yourself and your family to dive into this busy time of year, know this: Prepping your wardrobe to hold up to your active lifestyle is an essential step that shouldn’t be overlooked. As a mom of two toddlers, I often find myself choosing my OOTD based on how much time I’ll be spending with my kids that day (daycare versus home all day) and what activities I have on the agenda (an outing to the zoo or park versus a day spent playing in the backyard).
For me personally, I’d never survive the summer months without my lifeblood selection of shorts and skorts—but I recognize not everyone is a fan of minimal hemlines. There are just some days when you want your legs covered, but you still want to be cool enough on a hot summer day. That’s where pants that aren’t jeans come in. Keep scrolling to check out our favorites, from linen options to trousers to athleisure.
How to Style Pants That Aren’t Jeans for Summer
It’s true—shorts tend to be the wardrobe item everyone thinks of when the sun is shining. But for some, they’re not the most comfortable option. The perfect inseam can be difficult to strike upon, and if you have young kids, the constant bending and squatting may not be something you feel comfortable doing in shorts. Beyond comfort, many of us also need to retain office-appropriate workwear through the warmer months. And while shorts aren’t off the table in some offices, a number of workplaces still maintain a pants-preferred mindset (and dress code).
While jeans can, of course, be styled for summer, the reality is they’re not the most comfortable article of clothing when the sun is beating down and the humidity is on the rise. Denim is stiff and can also be unforgiving should you currently be either pregnant or postpartum. Denim can also feel predictable and—dare I say—played out.
Whether you’re inspired to shake up your usual outfit formula this summer (jeans + tee) or are looking for bottoms that lend more give than jeans, look no further. These mom-friendly summer pants that aren’t jeans will see you through the season in style and comfort.
The Best Summer Pants That Aren’t Jeans
Trousers
Trousers are the year-round go-to pant option for the chicest among us. Because they can be styled with just about every top (from basic tanks to blouses), they’re incredibly versatile and, therefore, a wise choice for moms. When constant expenses of daycare, extracurriculars, and feeding the family are eating up your weekly paycheck, you need a pant that can deliver on cost per wear. Trousers’ versatility also makes them a practical option for feeling put together with limited time.
Needless to say, if you spend the morning trying to convince the kids to get out of bed and find yourself with a limited amount of time to get ready for work, trousers can be your savior. While perhaps not the most comfortable for chasing your kids around on sweltering summer days, these trendy pants can get you through the work week in style while still providing a bit more breathing room than their denim brethren.
Linen Pants
There is—quite possibly—no fabric better suited for summer than linen. The season and material go hand in hand. Breezy and lightweight—linen pants are an ideal option for busy moms whose kids are keeping them active on hot days. Just as well-suited for the office as they are for the beach, invest in a quality pair of linen pants you’ll reach for time and time again.
Pull-On Pants
From pull-on cotton utility pants to crinkled textures sporting vibrant patterns, the pull-on pant shopping category is broad, playful, and just about as comfortable as it could possibly get. Wide-leg varieties are particularly trendy and provide extra breathability on hot days.
8 colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – XXXL; 3 lengths
7 colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – XXL; 3 lengths
Athletic Pants and Joggers
This year, the fashion gods gifted moms with the resurgence of athletic pants. That’s right—those striped track pants a number of us were wearing during our middle school era? They’re back with a vengeance. Style with your favorite tees and tanks for active days with the kids. Lightweight, brushed fleece joggers pair well with evening bonfires and walks on the beach.
Capri Pants
Capri pants are the controversial fashion trend of the season. But considering many of us moms are intimately familiar with this style from back in the ’90s, I’m willing to bet a number of us are also willing to welcome the pants back with open arms. If you love the concept of shorts (They’ll keep me cool!) but don’t love them in practice (They’re uncomfortable!), then capri pants just may be the compromise for you. I’m personally considering purchasing a gingham pair myself and styling them with cat-eye sunglasses for a vintage look.
