Jeans are an integral part of our wardrobe for most of the year, forming the basis of most of our weekend ensembles and – depending on your job's dress code – many of our work outfits, too. However, when the summertime rolls around, our trusty bootcut and straight-leg styles crafted in rigid denim tend to take a backseat in favour of floaty summer dresses, wide-leg linen trousers and shorts.
But if the rising temperatures are the only thing keeping you from your favourite denim, that's no reason to banish it to the back of your wardrobe for the months of June through to August. Instead, you just need a pair of ‘summer jeans’.
Crafted from lightweight denim, they are specifically designed to keep you comfortable in the warm weather. While the weight of the fabric obviously has an impact, it's important to think about construction, too. Look for 100% cotton, or cotton-blend fabrications with Tencel and Lyocell that promise to be highly breathable. Avoid synthetic fibres, such as elastane and polyester, that can trap the heat close to your skin.
Similarly, stick to looser fits that allow for optimal airflow. Wide-leg silhouettes reign supreme, but barrel leg cuts and boyfriend styles offer a middle ground if you usually prefer to wear skinny and slim-fit jeans. Or consider cropped jeans, finished perfectly with a pair of sandals.
Finally, don't forget to think about colour. As well as oozing an effortless summer vibe, pale, light blue washes along with shades of white and ecru reflect the sun instead of absorbing it, helping to keep you cool.
When it comes to shopping for summer jeans, brands including Marks & Spencer and Levi's offer dedicated warm-weather options. Below, find our round-up of our favourite lightweight styles available to shop now:
M&S Denim High Waisted Belted Wide Leg Culottes
Levi's XL Straight Lightweight Jeans
Next Light Blue Lightweight Denim Patch Pocket Cropped Jeans
Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend High Rise Ultra Wide Leg Jean
Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend High Rise Ultra Wide Leg Jean
7 For All Mankind Wide Leg Pant in Weightless Denim
7 For All Mankind Wide Leg Pant in Weightless Denim
M&S Lyocell™ Blend Wide Palazzo Leg Jeans
Nobody's Child Light Blue Peckham 100% Cotton Barrel Jeans
Nobody's Child Light Blue Peckham 100% Cotton Barrel Jeans
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
