Beach pants are the type of clothing that give you the opportunity to step out of your usual trouser habits and wear what you really want: elastic waist bottoms that are kind of weird. They’re a fancy version of couch sweats, if you will. Zippers are discouraged, zany prints are a must, and hell, you can even wear see-through crochet pants—no one will bat an eye. Shop 12 of our favorites just in time for your much needed warm weather vacation.
1 High-Waisted Lace Culotte
American Eagle ae.com
$44.95
Not only does American Eagle make affordable swim suits that look expensive, they also have some of the best coverups. Can’t you envision yourself in Greece wearing these pants on a midday stroll?
2 Sita Crochet Ttrousers
She Made Me farfetch.com
$208.60
The opportunity to wear crochet pants is generally relegated to beaches and festivals, so don’t miss your chance to try them. These pants from our favorite crochet swim brand will let the breeze flow.
3 Awning Stripe Beach Pants
Tory Burch toryburch.com
$248.00
These pants are so easy to wear. They knot at the waist, are super lightweight, and dry immediately (which is key if someone knocks you into a pool).
4 Pamela Printed Pants
Miguelina net-a-porter.com
$400.00
Bring Hawaii to you, even if you’re posted up at Rockaway Beach. Ideal for beach vacations, try the matching top, too.
5 Emmett Crop Wide Leg Pants
Madewell nordstrom.com
$88.00
Can’t leave your jeans at home? Try a pair of cotton wide-leg pants instead. They have the same heft of denim, but come in a summery array of colors.
6 Knit Pants
If you’re the type who never mismatches her bikini, try this knit pant that has a coordinating beach sweater.
7 Mare Cropped Crochet Pants
Missoni net-a-porter.com
$670.00
Experiment with wild colors and prints you don’t typically wear, like iconic zigzags from Missoni.
8 Celeste Pant
Beach Riot x Revolve revolve.com
$110.00
Swimwear and wallpaper are having a tropical leaf moment. Hop on this printed trend that will make a simple black swimsuit pop.
9 Pareo Pants
These Pareo pants have side slits, in case your legs need a little more attention.
10 Northhaven Pants
Marysia marysia.com
$137.00
If you’re not the type to wear color, we suggest this sheer black pair. They are super simple, but the lace-up detail makes them special.
11 Belted Linen Pant
Lisa Marie Fernandez lisamariefernandez.com
$595.00
Linen is the ideal fabric for summer. It’s lightweight, breathable, and durable enough that it doesn’t get messed up in the sand. This pair makes linen even better in a structured, belted cut.
12 Wide Leg Coverup Pants
Emilio Pucci intermixonline.com
$1,050.00
These designer pants are meant more for lounging, not swimming. Try them for a chic poolside event, and style it with your floppiest straw hat.
Justine Carreon Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again.
