Beach Pants for Women: The Linen, Cotton and Mesh Styles That Beat Shorts

The short answer: the best beach pants are loose, light and pull on, in linen, cotton voile, cotton mesh, with an elastic waist and room through the leg. They protect skin from the sun better than shorts and still let air move. Our pick is the Johanna Ortiz Femininity Dramatic Pant, a printed linen wide leg with ties at the hem. Shop all wide leg pants and the Johanna Ortiz edit.

Shorts are the default for the beach, but anyone who has walked a hot promenade at noon knows that a loose trouser is cooler. It shades the leg, it moves, and it turns a swimsuit into an outfit in one step. The right pair also goes to lunch, which shorts rarely do.

Beach pants at a glance

Cuts that work

• Wide leg. The most flattering, and the coolest. Choose a high waist to lengthen the leg.
• Gathered cuff. Keeps hems out of the sand and gives a softer, harem line. The Palm Nomad Pant in black cotton mesh is cut this way.
• Tie hem. Adjustable ties at the ankle let you wear the leg long, then gather it when you walk on the beach.
• Drawstring waist. Easy over a wet swimsuit, and adjusts after a long lunch.

How to wear beach pants

Over a one-piece, they turn swimwear into a jumpsuit. With a matching top, they read as a co-ord, and Johanna Ortiz designs many of its prints as sets for exactly that reason. For dinner, swap the swimsuit for a fitted bodysuit and a flat leather sandal. For more on linen, read our linen wide leg pants guide, and for the full bag see what to pack for a beach vacation.

Beach pants vs shorts

Shorts leave the legs exposed to the strongest sun of the day, and they rarely go to lunch. A loose trouser in linen, cotton mesh shades the skin while air moves underneath, and it reads as dressed when you sit down to eat. On boats and in beach towns, beach pants also protect against wind and the scratch of rough seating. Keep one pair of shorts for the gym and pack trousers for everything else.

How to keep linen beach pants looking good

Linen creases, and that is part of its charm. Roll it in the case instead of folding it, hang it in a steamy bathroom on arrival, and the deepest lines relax. Follow the care label: many printed designer linens, including the Johanna Ortiz pair, are dry clean only to keep the print sharp.

Our picks

1. Femininity Dramatic Pant

Linen in an ecru and black print, wide through the leg, with adjustable ties at the hem. Wear it with the matching top, then swap in a lightweight shirt.

2. Palm Nomad Pant

Black cotton mesh with a palm motif, an elastic waist and gathered cuffs. Sheer by design, made to go over swimwear.

3. Raiz Marina One Piece

The swimsuit we wear under both: ecru lycra bound in chocolate.

Frequently asked questions

What pants are best for the beach?

Loose pull on trousers in linen, cotton voile, cotton mesh, with an elastic waist.

Are linen pants good for the beach?

Yes. Linen is the coolest fabric in humid heat, dries quickly and looks good creased.

Can you wear beach pants over a swimsuit?

Yes, that is what they are for. A wide leg over a one-piece reads like a jumpsuit.

What shoes go with beach pants?

Flat leather sandals, espadrilles, and a low wedge for dinner.

Do Johanna Ortiz pants fit true to size?

Yes. The house describes its pants as true to size, and Coveti lists them on the UK ladder, US 0 to UK 4.