As I take stock of my overflowing wardrobe this month, I’m reminded that pants are an integral part of my everyday style. There’s no doubt, jeans take up the biggest square footage in my closet, but as someone who has an onset of jean fatigue fairly regularly, it’s the other trousers that often take center stage—easy pull-on pants for working from home, tailored silhouettes for the office, and silky styles for a night out.
With a new season just around the corner, it feels like the right moment to look ahead and determine what pant trends are about to dominate in 2026—so I can prep my wardrobe accordingly. I studied the spring/summer 2026 runways along with what’s trending among the fashion set, and put together a list of seven styles we’re about to see everywhere this year.
From comfy retro track pants to the return of balloon pants, and elegant satin styles, you’ll find that this year there’s a pant persona for every occasion! Now all you have to do is choose your favorite. Keep scrolling below to see the pant trends of 2026—and the best part—shop them all for under $150.
1. Low Slung
Low-rise silhouettes are here to stay for 2026, thanks to designers such as Miu Miu and Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, who fully endorsed the cool-girl trend on the spring runways. Wear them in a wide-leg slouchy silhouette for a look that feels more 2026 than 2006.
Shop:
ZARA
Low-Rise Pinstripe Pants
Aritzia
The Effortless Pant Lo-Rise
2. Liquid Satin
If you invested in silky pants throughout the holiday season then you’re in luck because the trend is here to stay for 2026. Slippery silken styles sashayed down the spring runways most notably in neutral tones of brown, black and cream. It’s all about that luxe-looking liquid sheen that makes the style feel fresh for the new season.
Shop:
Banana Republic
High-Rise Wide-Leg Hammered Satin Palazzo Pant
ZARA
High-Waisted Satin Pants
MANGO
Satin Pants With Side Openings
3. Retro Track Pants
The perfect balance of comfy and cool, this season’s sporty track pants come with retro appeal—like you just picked them up from your local thrift store. This season opt for bold, saturated hues as seen at Lacoste and give them a fashion-girl spin by styling them with chic ballet flats or slim sneakers.
Shop:
4th & Reckless
Tammy Tailored Trousers
Urban Outfitters
Nike Sportswear Loose High-Waisted Balloon Pant
FP Movement
Retro Rider Pants
4. Thick Leggings
Call them equestrian pants, call them super skinny pants or call them heavy-duty leggings (just don’t call them athleisure). This season’s slim silhouettes offer the comfort of leggings but in thicker wool and cashmere fabrics that you can easily pair with elegant blazers and coats.
Shop:
Quince
Ultra-Stretch Ponte Pintuck Ankle Pants
Lauren
Stretch Cotton Blend Twill Skinny Pant
5. Suede
It’s safe to say the suede trend is here to stay in 2026, and while last year we saw the fabric take center stage on jackets and bags, this year relaxed pants get the suede treatment in earthy fabrics such as camel, tan, and chocolate brown.
Shop:
Urban Outfitters
Edikted Stacey Low Rise Faux Suede Pants
WAYF
Freya Faux Suede Pants
6. Cloud Dancer
Cloud Dancer has been named Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026—an airy, cloud-like white that also happens to be a key color for this season’s pants—championed by designers such as Victoria Beckham and Balenciaga. Opt for slouchy wide-leg slacks or tailored straight-leg silhouettes to lean into the trend. Just be careful with your coffee.
Shop:
Aritzia
The Effortless Pant
Kenneth Cole
Double Pleat Twill Pants
7. Balloon Pants
Genie pants have been trending since last summer, but designers such as Altuzarra proved they can look just as chic in the colder months paired with ankle boots and leather jackets.
Shop:
MORE TO COME
Marissa Balloon Pant
Solrae Fluid Balloon Pants – Burgundy
MANGO
Balloon Pants With Elastic Waist – Women | Mango Usa
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