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Linen pants promise breezy summer comfort, but somehow they always end up wrinkled by lunch, riding up in all the wrong places and needing constant readjusting. Sure, they look effortless in theory . . . just not always in real life. It’s why we went on a hunt for a better alternative.
As it turns out, drawstring pajama-style pants are quietly becoming the comfy upgrade, and even Vogue considers them a summer trend to watch. We rounded up 13 chic pairs you can actually wear out of the house for brunches, flights and everyday errands. Even better? Prices start at just $15, making the switch feel like the easiest summer upgrade.
13 Breezy Drawstring Pants Are a Comfy Summer Upgrade
1. Our Favorite: The drawstring elastic waist on these khaki palazzo pants adjusts to bloat days, post-lunch fullness or anything in between. The flowy wide legs keep air moving when temps climb past 85.
2. You’re Good Jeans: Real jeans get sweaty fast in summer. These high-waisted denim pants give you the look without the rigid waistband or zipper, so you can actually breathe in July.
3. Sleek Stripes: Wear these striped wide-leg pants with a white button-down shirt half-tucked for lunch on the patio. The nautical stripe pulls everything together with zero effort.
4. Barrel Beauties: The barrel shape on these striped drawstring pants curves out at the thigh and tapers at the ankle, giving them more shape than standard palazzos. The side pockets and an elastic waist seal the deal.
5. Pull-On Ease: These gray striped pants work for the airport, office or Tuesday’s coffee run. Add loafers and a white tee, and you’ve got a 30-second outfit that looks styled.
6. Gorgeous Gingham: Throw these gingham wide-leg pants on with a black tank and espadrilles for an outdoor gathering. The print does the work, so you can skip jewelry entirely.
7. Has Pockets: Pants without pockets means carrying a bag everywhere, even to the mailbox. This striped wide-leg style has real pockets that fit a phone, so you can actually leave the purse at home.
8. Silk-Like Stunners: Real silk pants can cost anywhere around $300 (and need dry cleaning). These silky drawstring pants give the same fluid drape without the maintenance and splurge-worthy price tag.
9. Airy Essential: The cotton-blend fabric on these baggy palazzo pants breathes the way linen does, without the wrinkles. The drawstring elastic waist gives all the room you need.
10. Boho Babe: Plain pants need accessories to feel finished. This boho-print wide-leg option looks complete with just a black tank, which saves time when you’re running late.
11. Free People-Style: Pull on these Free People-style pants with a white ribbed tank and woven sandals for a Saturday at the beach club. The orange stripes handle the sunset photos for you.
12. Darling Denim: Denim look, sweatpant feel. These drawstring jean sweatpants skip the zipper and button entirely, with a baggy high-waisted cut that wears like your softest joggers.
13. Luxe Leopard: Pair these leopard wide-leg pants with a plain black tee and gold sandals for a girls’ dinner. The print reads expensive, even though they cost less than the appetizer.
