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
-
J.Crew Just Released Its Holiday Campaign—Shop Curated Gift Guides for Everyone You're Shopping ForStarring Delaney Rowe, Aki and Koichi Kim, Kareem Rahma, Abby and Baskin Champion, and Terrence O'Connor.
-
I Got My Love for Cozy Sweaters From My 63-Year-Old Mom—Here Are 24 We're Both Eyeing RNSpecifically from J.Crew, Reformation, and Banana Republic.
-
Surprise! J.Crew Extended Cyber Monday Deals—Score 50% Off Best Selling Last Chance DealsSo many amazing bestsellers left to grab.
-
5 Sweater Styles Every 2025 Winter Wardrobe NeedsOur must-have knitwear list.
-
If You Missed J.Crew's Black Friday Sale, Don't Fret—You Can Still Score the Chicest Pieces for 50% Off During Cyber MondaySo many great finds.
-
If Chic Jeans-and-Boots Outfits Are the Goal, Don't Miss These Standout Picks From Zara, Madewell, and NordstromBring on a stylish fall-and-winter closet.
-
Satin! Cashmere! Soft Things! 19 Cozy Basics, Uggs, and Accessories for a Chic WinterJ.Crew, Gap, Aritzia, and more.
-
Nordstrom Just Dropped the 5 Winter Trends All the Coolest Girls Will Be Wearing Next MonthShop the edit inside.
