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True story: I’ve spent the summer testing out nearly all of the utility pants trending on the internet right now. After wearing my go-to Levi’s to death, I was looking for options that felt elevated and would easily transition from summer into fall (I’m not going to lie, I got easily sucked in by my IG feed). Here are my extensive thoughts on these 17 popular styles. A lot of them come in tall and petite lengths, too.
Denim you won’t sweat in…
While Madewell’s Airy Denim is made of cotton and Tencel Lyocell that’s breathable for summer, I also find them to be some of the softest, most comfortable pairs of jeans I own. Because the denim is thinner, they drape nicely and really do feel like sweats.
A silhouette that’s making a major comeback…
In case you missed it, culottes are back. And no, you don’t have to go for a style that reminds you of gauchos (IYKYK). This pair from Boden has modern pleating, along with full-length legs that don’t give 2009 energy.
The Gap pants that broke the internet…
Everyone on my feed has been wearing these Double-Knee Pants from Gap. They have a drawstring waist, spacious pockets, and like most Gap styles, come in petite and tall lengths. Pick between a more substantial cotton style or the lightweight poplin version that keeps going in and out of stock.
And the designer style they’re based on…
One of the reasons Gap’s Double-Knee Pants went viral this summer: They’re a pretty noteworthy dupe for the Kyoto Carpenter Pants from Leset. I’ve worn both. These Leset ones are worth the investment if you’re looking for a pull-on pant you can get away with dressing up. The Gap ones feel more casual to me.
Another pair of Gap pants I couldn’t resist…
I just picked up these Mid-Rise Barrel Utility pants in the cream shade and I think they’ll be a great transitional piece going into the fall. To me, these feel like a classic barrel jean with elevated carpenter detailing.
A utility style I’ve worn in 90-degree weather…
This is another style (can you tell I’m a loyalist) made of a lightweight twill that drapes way better than the other Gap pants I’ve tried. It’s made of a soft cotton twill that I find still looks good even when a little wrinkly. I don’t have to be overly precious with them; I’ve worn them on flights and I’ve walked around NYC in 90-degree weather with no complaints. If I were to suggest one Gap pair from this list to go with, I’d rec these.
The Quince option that got me into this trend…
These Quince European Linen Pants are the one style that got me to break away from my trusted jeans. They have an elastic waistband and are completely made of linen. At $42, they’re incredibly affordable for linen pants. Go for the black pair so you can dress them up, too.
Some satin pants that’ll take you from work to drinks…
While I do love Abercrombie for its denim, I actually think it’s a great place to buy pants for the office. I usually go for the Sloanes, but I’m also into the Gemmas, a wide-leg satin pant with a drawstring silhouette. They’re perfect for office days when you’re truly not in the mood to get dressed, but still need to look put together.
A pair of Levi’s you can wear right now…
I swear by Levi Wedgie Straight Ankle Jeans, but I find that they are too thick for summer. If you’re looking for a vintage-inspired style that’s still breathable, go for the brand’s Lightweight line. These Lightweight 501s aren’t too baggy or too slim, and they’re made of a blend of cotton and Lyocell like the Madewell ones (but are a little bit cheaper).
The chicest pair of track pants I’ve ever seen…
Gap Factory, you’ve done it again. These linen-blend track pants are a dupe for the Donni ones, which makes them an ideal swap if you’re looking for a stylish pant to wear instead of leggings. They have a drawstring waist and spacious pockets, and the chocolate brown shade will transition well into the fall.
A pair of no-frills trousers…
Sometimes, you just need a classic pair of trousers. These Discourse Pants from Aritzia are made of a “crepette” fabric, so they’ll have the structure of substantial trousers, while still feeling flexible and lightweight sans wrinkles. They have a low rise with a classic straight leg.
The most affordable way to wear utility pants…
If you are wanting to try the utility pant trend, but you don’t want to spend nearly $100, I’d go for this pair from Old Navy. They come in three neutral washes and are under $50. They hit right at the ankle and are somewhere between a wide leg and a straight leg.
And a budget way to try the bubble-pant trend…
These linen-blend bubble pants are basically a dressier, more summer-friendly jogger…and I’m not mad about it. While you can wear them with a low-profile sneaker, I love how they look with a loafer, a kitten heel, or a sandal.
Some barrels you can wear to the office…
Shoutout to the clothing pieces that make you look like you put in way more effort than you actually did. These Relaxed Painter Pull-On Pants from Banana Republic always make me feel so cool when I wear them. It’s hard to put a finger on it, but the silhouette of these pants looks good — whether I wear them with a tank or a button-down. I love the cinnamon brown shade for fall.
A legging-trouser hybrid worth the investment…
These cropped flare pants have the feel of leggings, but look like standard trousers. If you hate hard pants and want a pair that can be worn year-round, these Donni ones are a must. They’re made of a soft, ribbed fabric with a slight drape. Layer them with cashmere socks and boots in October, and pair them with sandals later once warmer weather hits.
Corduroy pants that don’t feel overly preppy…
I’m going to start reaching for these J.Crew Luna Pants come September. This is one of the brand’s bestselling drawstring styles of the summer, and the brand just came out with a corduroy drawstring version for fall. If you tend to find cords tight and uncomfortable (I do), be sure to give these a try. They’re one of those styles that’ll take you from weekend errands to the office.
A jumpsuit you can layer…
I love this Free People jumpsuit because the pants are so drapey that it looks like a dress. It’s made of 100% cotton and has adjustable drawstrings that cinch at the shoulders. Come fall, I’d throw a blazer or a cardigan on top.