The Taffeta Pants Trend Is Summer’s Chicest, Most Unexpected Staple

On city streets around the world, a new pants trend is starting to take over for summer—and it’s just as chic as it is relaxed. Taffeta pants might not yet have the reach of silk or satin, which have been absolutely everywhere so far this season, but mark my words: Taffeta is coming for our wardrobes, especially now that the material is easier than ever to shop.

It all started, as many great trends do, with loungewear. Relaxed-yet-stylish bottoms—think straight-leg sweatpants, flared leggings, and especially track pants—are some of 2026’s most sought-after pieces, capturing our moment’s obsession with easy, unaffected style. And this season our favorite labels are rendering that loose silhouette in taffeta, a fabric most often associated with ballgowns. Somehow, though, it works.

Shop the taffeta pants trend

Chan Luu Techno Taffeta Barrel Pants

Shop now

Take, for example, Donni, a loungewear brand popular among cool moms during school pick-ups and weekend playdates. It recently released its cult-favorite drawstring pants in taffeta, and they’re perfect for busy Saturdays or movie marathons while still being sleek enough for the office. Now editor-loved brands like Chan Luu, Staud, and even Zara are following suit.

When you think of silk, loose, fluid satin—the kind that makes everything from dresses to drawstring pants feel instantly more elevated—probably comes to mind. (There’s a reason so many people swear by sleeping in the stuff.) Taffeta is a fabric, though, not a material. The stiff, shiny stuff is traditionally made from silk, but it can also be woven from manmade fibers like nylon and polyester.

Because they’re stiffer and a little hardier than satin, taffeta pants leave a touch more to the imagination and aren’t quite so delicate, so feel free to wear them on errand runs or while traipsing around on vacation. Plus, they do the whole day-to-night thing expertly, and they pair well with everything from blazers to tank tops. Get your hands on the trend (and learn how to style it) below.