Love them or hate them, skinny jeans just aren't made for summer. Even in the stretchiest denim, slipping in or out of form-fitting designs takes much more effort than it's worth. And, when it's so easy to make a simple outfit swap, why bother?
With that in mind, we headed to J.Crew in pursuit of something more breathable—something that could be easily dressed up or down and look chic on a girls' night out. While it might not be your first instinct to breeze past the denim display, we headed straight to the suiting section and were amazed by all the options in store.
Ahead, browse 14 alternatives to skinny jeans, including linen pants, chinos, and trousers in various materials and colors. And, if you're still stuck on jeans, well, there's a breathable chambray option, too, so you can look and feel cool without breaking a sweat.
Ask any Who What Wear editor, and they will tell you that linen pants are summer's must-have item.
Cool and comfortable.
A slightly slimmer leg helps this style of pants look extra polished.
Style these lightweight flare pants with chunky mules or sandals for a casual, office-friendly look.
I'm a sucker for seersucker, and this whole look is summer suiting goals.
Don't swear off gray trousers for the season. J.Crew has several styles that come in lightweight summer fabrics and look super chic.
Want pants that look like jeans and feel like pajamas? That's basically J.Crew's chambray fabric.
It's called the essential for a reason.
You'll want to wear these white pants long after Labor Day.
Easy and breezy, right?
J.Crew's Kate pants come in several fun colors.
Wide-leg and slightly cropped, so you can show off your cute shoes.
Pair these pants with a three-piece suit, as shown here, or literally anything else in your closet. It works.
It's official: we're team wide-leg all the way.
Next, So Many New Items Just Dropped At J.Crew, and I'm Losing It Over All 18 Of Them
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For This Effortless Wardrobe Essential When I Don't Know What to WearHere are nine easy ways to style the piece.
-
My Style Is Thoughtful and Tasteful—30 Must-Have Luxe Pieces I'm Shopping for This WinterA+ finds.
-
10 Wardrobe-Improving Things to Buy in JanuaryYour monthly shopping list.
-
You Had Me at Cashmere Sale—30 of the Chicest Finds to Shop Before They Sell OutYou'll wear these forever.
-
This J.Crew Cashmere Sale Rarely Happens—These Gorgeous Styles Are Up to 50% OffAmazing deals.
-
It's True—Every Chic Person Is Wearing This New Top TrendCheck it off your list.
-
Get a Head Start on the Top 2025 Trends With These Key Pieces From the Nordstrom Half-Yearly SaleYou'll actually wear these forever.
-
Shop Now, Apologize Later: These New Winter Finds Will Sell Out If You Wait Another SecondDon't miss out.
