5 Things Everyone Is Currently Ditching Their Jeans For

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Between a pandemic that has kept us at home and the sweltering heat that always accompanies this time of year, there are fewer and fewer reasons to put on a pair of jeans. If you are looking to keep your denim in rotation right now, though, be my guest (and get your download on a few new denim trends while you're at it). But something tells me that you're also itching to discover some summer jean alternatives like I am, so if that's the case, then this one's for you.

The fashion set is on the same page here, and I've spotted them swapping looser and more forgiving bottoms into their summer outfits and some rather chic ones at that. Taking the lead are billowy, wide-leg trousers and all manner of shorts from track shorts to knit shorts. Once you discover these five fresh options that are on deck for the season, I have a hunch you'll also be inclined to branch out from your denim stack and into new territory. Who knows? Maybe you'll even discover a jean alternative that will get more airtime than your beloved jeans ever did. Don't say I didn't warn you.

1. Tailored Shorts

Like it or not, long Bermuda-length shorts are here to stay. The tailored look is a favorite for when you want to look polished without trying too hard, which is why fashion people have been quick to choose them over jeans lately.

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

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(Image credit: @GRECEGHANEM)

2. Sweatshorts

Remember when all anyone could wear or talk about were sweatpants? Well, they haven't quite stopped; they've simply turned their attention to warm weather–friendly sweatshorts.

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

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3. Roomy Trousers

Tailored but slouchy, this trouser silhouette is everywhere right now, and the creamy beige tones many of them come in couldn't be better for summer.

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

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(Image credit: @monikh)

4. Hot Pants

Hot pants (yes, hot pants) are another shorts trend taking hold. Sure, they can seem intimidatingly tiny at first, but the knitted and crocheted versions we're seeing look like the ultimate way to do summertime loungewear.

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

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(Image credit: @matildadjerf)

5. Boxer Shorts

That's right. Boxer shorts are the latest trend that's replacing jeans and jean shorts right now, and thanks to cool versions from The Frankie Shop and Comme Si, fashion people are predominately styling them as a set with coordinated Oxford shirts.

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

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(Image credit: @CLAIRE_MOST)

Next up, nine non-dated ways to wear shorts this summer.

Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.