As a Travel Writer Living in Egypt, I Recommend These 15 Lightweight Pants for Any Hot Destination This Summer

As someone who traveled to the Middle East and North Africa several times before moving to Cairo, Egypt where I now live, I have many pairs of breezy, lightweight, and comfortable pants that are go-to staples in my closet. These types of modest bottoms help avoid unwanted attention by not showing too much skin and make it possible to enter must-visit religious sites (where shoulders and knees need to be covered); but they also offer a practical solution to the sun’s rays (especially if they are made of UPF fabric). 

Ahead, I’ve rounded up the best breezy pants to pack for any summer vacation to a hot destination, including airy wide-leg pants, lightweight linen pants, and more. Whether you’re headed to sunny Mediterranean Europe, humid Southeast Asia, or the arid Middle East, these travel pants are cool, comfortable, and functional. Scroll down and start shopping; your next trip’s wardrobe will be ready to go before you know it. 

Quince Linen Wide Leg Pants

First, you have to have a classic linen ensemble that will keep you cool on long, hot days. I love how versatile these linen pants are: I wear them with casual tees or dressed up with designer heels. With pockets and an elastic waistband, these pants are also plenty functional to take on vacation. Pair them with the matching top for a complete outfit for just $70—a steal compared to other matching linen sets.

Dibaolong Yoga Joggers

Here’s a recommendation from another fellow Middle East frequent traveler. Whether crawling inside a pyramid or riding on a camel through the desert, you can wear these lightweight, stretchy joggers for a variety of hot-weather activities that are on your itinerary. Shoppers like the buttery-soft feel and the comfortable loose fit of these pants, making them a great pick for wearing on a long flight, too.

Baleaf Wide Leg Swim Pants

Consider beachwear when searching for proper pants to pack for visiting a hot-weather destination. These inexpensive wide-leg pants from Amazon are quick-drying and have built-in UPF 50+, making them the perfect bottoms to stay cool and protect your skin. On top of that, there are high slits on each side allowing the pants to be more breathable and comfortable. 

Gap Organic Cotton Poplin Easy Wide-leg Pants

Cotton is another breathable fabric that will be smart to pack to brave the heat. These Gap pants have a relaxed fit for total comfort and vertical stripes that will elongate any figure. Discounted to just $34, this is a winning purchase, and as if that’s not good enough, you can also grab the on-sale matching top, resulting in a fresh, trendy look you won’t want to take off.

prAna Palisades Ripstop E-Waist Pants

In need of chic yet tactical pants for a desert hike? Look no further than these prAna pants, made of ripstop material for durability and breathable organic cotton. While an investment piece, these pants are worth the cost with a flattering silhouette and lined pockets to ensure necessities like your keys, phone, small snacks, and more don’t fall out. And, the protective UPF 50+ fabric will protect you from the sun.

Everlane The Way-High Curve Jean

For something more fashion-forward to wear for brunch or a day at the museum, go with a sartorial statement, courtesy of these Everlane jeans. The wide design gives your legs plenty of room, and the premium cotton fabric will be comfortable for all-day wear. Plus, they’re available in a variety of blue denim washes and neutrals.  

Vuiori Coastline Front Zip Jumpsuit

Switch things up with a jumpsuit featuring fun elbow-length sleeves. It’s the ultimate day-to-night look that’ll keep you comfy and appropriately dressed anywhere. Slip it on with sneakers for sightseeing or with classy mules for a night out to get two outfits in one. 

BMJL Wide Leg Summer Pants

Pants with a petaling split will give you the right balance of a modest style that allows for plenty of comfortable movement. It’s made for extreme temperatures as the openings will provide you with unrestricted airflow. At this low price point, why not stock up and snag a few in other colors?    

Madewell Flared Wide-leg Crop Jeans

Forego plain jeans and make things more interesting with this extra flared crop. The raised hemline will keep you cool, with raw edges that have a refreshing touch. Thankfully, you have the chance to get the fit that’s best for you as Madewell offers plus, petite, and tall sizes in addition to standard measurements.  

Gap Mid Rise Cargo Baggy Khakis

When I moved to Cairo, I quickly added several pairs of modern-looking cargo pants to my closet; I couldn’t resist the wide legs and useful pockets of these comfy pants. For this stylish pair, reviewers confirm that the cotton fabric is soft yet sturdy, so the pants will be plenty durable for vacation after vacation.

Coolibar Petra Wide-leg Pants

Here’s a dressier Amazon find that also offers UPF 50+ sun protection. The feather-light fabric feels like silk, but, unlike the fragile material, these pants are a lot more forgiving, packable, and cost-effective. Available in an array of colors and prints, there’s a style to suit any wardrobe. Just keep in mind that the white is sheer, so you’ll have to wear something underneath if you go for that shade.    

Florence by Mills Couch Date Sleep Pants

A hack I keep coming back to for comfort and style is wearing a pair of pajama pants. Hear me out: The loose fit is perfect for the heat, and if you rock it with the matching top, it comes off like a very put-together coordinated set. Plus, the lightweight cotton will feel soft and cooling in the hot weather.

Xiaoxuemeng Baggy Wide-leg Pants

Don’t miss out on this slouchy steal that’s available in a range of hues at Amazon. The wide-legged palazzo pants are a step up from your average sweatpants but are equally comfortable. Wear these stylish bottoms with a neutral or printed top to be ready for a full day of exploring.    

Quince Super Wide-leg Ankle Pants

For a more sophisticated choice, grab these Quince pants that feature a stretchy, elastic waistband for comfort and ease. The best part, however, is the wrinkle-resistant fabric that makes these pants so easy to pack. The rayon-nylon blend material will also help wick sweat away to keep you comfortable out in the heat.

Madewell The Easy Pull-on Pant

Last but not least, add a pop of color with these light pink Madewell pants. Their pull-on design couldn’t be easier, and they offer a simple, laid-back look you’ll want to wear again and again. The 100-percent linen fabric is bound to keep you cool, and there are petite and tall sizes available, too, to get the right fit.

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