E! News Illustration / Photos Courtesy of Old Navy, Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic Factory
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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
Old Navy High-Waisted OGC Chino Pants
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!"
CRZ YOGA Womens 4-Way Stretch Ankle Golf Pants
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. Amazon reviewers 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!"
Gap Factory High Rise Easy Wide-Leg Khakis
First of all, these trousers are a steal at $24. Featuring a flowy, wide-leg and lightweight cotton-blend, they're the perfect combination of breathable and stylish for the office.
- Available colors: 5
- Available sizes: X-Small to XX-Large (regular, tall, petite)
- Shoppers say: "I love these pants. They're comfortable but have enough structure for work and can be dressed up or down."
Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants
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."
Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant
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!"
Everlane The Utility Barrel Pant
Made of lightweight, organic cotton, these barrel pants have a trendy silhouette that will keep you looking chic and cool all day at the office. They include an ankle-length and statement curved leg that elevates any aesthetic, from t-shirts to crisp button-downs.
- Available colors: 14
- Available sizes: 000 to 16 (regular, tall)
- Shoppers say: "These pants are so flattering. They are just the right amount of “barrel.” The high waist makes it possible to wear with any shirt. I love them and wear them all the time."
Madewell The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
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."
J.Crew Factory Lizzie High-Rise Patch-Pocket Wide-Leg Pant
Sleek and tailored, these wide-leg trousers have a classic office-ready look. J.Crew fans rave about the versatility, flattering fit, and comfort -- and you might just, too.
- Available colors: 4
- Available sizes: 24 to 35 (classic, petite, tall)
- Shoppers say: "Light, stretchy but more loose fitting. Perfect summer work pant."
lululemon Daydrift High-Rise Trouser Regular
Stretchy and sweat-wicking, you'll want these work pants in your rotation. Shoppers rave that they're wrinkle-free and look so professional.
- Available colors: 7
- Available sizes: XXX-Small to X-Large (3 length options)
- Shoppers say: "I love the fit and the fabric. I wear this when I’m working from home and when running errands. It’s super comfy and doesn’t look frumpy at all."
Banana Republic Factory Stretch Twill Ryan Ankle Pant
Stretchy and sweat-wicking, you'll want these work pants in your rotation. Shoppers rave that they're wrinkle-free and look so professional.
- Available colors: 7
- Available sizes: XXX-Small to X-Large (3 length options)
- Shoppers say: "I love the fit and the fabric. I wear this when I’m working from home and when running errands. It’s super comfy and doesn’t look frumpy at all."
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.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
-Originally Published Aug. 26, 2024, 1:04 p.m. PT