Ava Gilchrist
I love jeans, but once the temperatures hits over 25°C, I'm unable to face squeezing myself into my favourite denim. The thing is, I'm not really a dress person either— the odd breezy dress or pretty midi will do fine, but personally I feel the most confident in summer when I'm wearing trousers. And it appears I'm not alone. Fashion people everywhere—from editors to influencers and even the best-dressed celebs have been opting for chic trouser outfits this summer, and there's not a pair of jeans in sight.
So, where to start if you're considering leaving behind the comforting cocoon of your reliable blue bottoms? Well, obviously loose, wide-leg trousers lend themselves best to warmer days. And while in winter wide-legs come in heavier fabrics like wool, in summer there's much more room to play around. Think chic linens, relaxed silks, and voluminous silhouettes. With the popularity of heavy cargos last season, this summer I've also seen a number of fashion people playing with lighter parachute pants as a warm-weather evolution on this 2025 trend. Then, of course, there's classic stripes, which make any outfit feel summer-appropriate.
Keep scrolling to shop the 11 key trouser trends I plan on wearing this summer and beyond...
11 Summer Trouser Trends That Will Tempt You Away From Jeans
1. Linen
Style Notes: What would summer be without linen trousers? Whether you opt for white or black, wide-leg or tapered, the open weavework will keep you cool, even in the hottest of climates.
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I love how these linen trousers look a little more dressed up.
Wear with flip flops and a tank.
My ideal lazy weekend look.
2. Pyjama
Style Notes: Similar in silhouette to that of the linen trousers featured above, another breezy summer trouser trend I'm see a lot of this season is cotton, pyjama-style trousers. Look for pastel colours to really nail the vibe seen on social media.
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Wear with a tank top and bubble jewellery for an elevated nonchalant look.
This light blue crisp cotton style is perfect for early morning coffee runs.
Pair with a scarf top and you have a low effort but uber chic breezy ensemble.
3. Silk
Style Notes: Summer presents the perfect opportunity to experiment with fabrics, and I'm seeing so many influencers integrate satin and silk into their looks, not by dresses, but in trouser form. Dress them up with strappy heeled sandals, or keep things casual with sliders or ballet flats.
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If you're going to buy silk or satin trousers, we can't recommend Reformation's Gale pants enough.
The Olina style is another great option.
Or, for something a little more luxurious, why not reach for Toteme's best-selling embroidered silk pants?
4. Capri
Style Notes: Capri pants are emerging as one of the biggest and most unexpected trouser trends of the season. The way to wear them in 2025? With simple tops and, ironically, '90s fashion-inspired shoes like flip-flop wedges.
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I love the split hem details on these pedal pushers.
As Bella Hadid proved in her Ferragamo capris, balancing the mod shape with technical outerwear is a shortcut to making these '60s fashion staples feel more current.
Layer with a tank and strappy ballet flats for the ultimate off-duty style.
5. Parachute
Style Notes: The ideal alternative to the enduring cargo trouser trend, parachute pants are typically made from more lightweight fabrics, thus lending themselves perfectly to the balmy summer months. Wear with flip flops for the ultimate throwback pairing.
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I need these.
Australian brand Venroy offers elevated basics with a holiday-forward twist. Think shirts designed to layer over bikinis, slouchy linens and parachute pants to dress up even the most basic jersey top when you're travelling.
This feels right out of Jennifer Aniston's early 2000s wardrobe.
6. Ultra-Wide Leg
Style Notes: If capri pants aren't for you, this trouser trend is the antidote. I'm seeing more and more exaggerated wide-legs on the market: When they look this cool, it's little wonder.
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These wide leg denim trousers from COS make even the most simple looks feel more intentional.
If linen fabrics are too relaxed for you, more structured woollen styles can also help achieve the same effect.
Loose and breathable.
7. Crochet
Style Notes: Crochet always makes a comeback in the summer months but never before have I seen so many pairs of crochet trousers. If there's a top to match, that makes for an easy styling option. Otherwise, they'll pair just as well with relaxed-fit linen shirts, vest tops and bandeaus. Now, where's the beach?
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You'll look like you've just stepped off a Greek island.
The fact that this comes as a set is a plus.
I've seen these styled on holiday recently and fell in love.
8. Drawstring
Style Notes: Comfortable trouser silhouettes tend to lead the charge in the summer season, and what could be more comfortable than a drawstring pair? Given their roomy waistline, drawstring trousers are my preferred (and editor-approved!) airport outfit for travelling in.
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Fun fact: Who What Wear UK SEO Writer, Ava Gilchrist, lost her bags during her last international holiday. With just her carry-on, she took herself straight to Zara and purchased this drop-waist style, proving these really are a fashion insider's best kept secret.
Countering a easy, slip-on style with a tougher jacket is a simple way to balance out the softness of drawstring trousers.
These are technically denim, but the loose drawstring finish makes them ideal for hotter weather.
9. Stripe
Style Notes: Striped trousers and summer aren't mutually exclusively, but there is something that feels warm-weather about candy, pinstripe and seersucker stripes.
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I love how thin the stripe on this style is.
Cute.
These are on my wish-list.
10. Cropped
Style Notes: A summer trouser trend that all petite women can get behind—cropped pants are the easiest way to switch out body-grazing denim styles for a more refined shape. Just pair with your favourite waisted top and kitten-heel mule.
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Turns out, the absence of pockets makes a cropped trouser look all the more chic.
A great summer evening option.
Balance out the fit-and-flare leggings with a romantic top like a broderie anglaise blouse.
11. Bloomers
Style Notes: Since debuting on Chloé's spring/summer 2025 runway, the vintage lingerie-inspired pant has been making waves in fashion circles. The billowing volume, tie-up waist and flared lace-trim finish makes them the perfect summer trouser.
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In Chemena Kamali we trust.
I love the elasticated panel around the knee.
Style with floral embroidered slides.
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