Summer is easy, it’s breezy, it’s quick to relax – but not every day is a sunny, sandy beach holiday. What if there was a way to use that power even in legally dependent situations? Situations where you have to wear, you know, actual pants? Sometimes I struggle to stay cool in the heat while looking sharp, but I think I found the right solution.
It’s a tricky issue sometimes even for a men’s style enthusiast like myself, but that’s where linen pants – not just any linen pants, but the best linen pants – come in to save the day.
I’ve found that linen pants are an underrated summer style move. They’re more daring than simple wash jeans, more formal than shorts, and give off an old-world vibe.
Think of linen pants that aren’t exactly the bread and butter or potatoes of your menswear pyramid, but an important source of livelihood all the same. Lighter than thick cotton jeans, cut with more leg room, and not as tight as linen pants, the best linen pants can still hit some formal and casual notes.
I’m wearing a pair of linen pants and a polo shirtand a blazer in a different color — that’s a first.
The best linen pants are, sometimes, even suitable for wearing a suitable T-shirt and leather sneakers (I find that this combination also works more than enough). I’ve named a few of my favorites when it comes to this set of summer pants.
MANGO Slim-Fit Cotton Linen Pants
As we like to say here at WERD, shopping on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. With big retailers like MANGO, the name of the game, (quality and style).
The budget-conscious shopper should also consider flexibility — not too loose or too loose — and the right fabric combination (in this case, 100 percent linen).
And if, like me, you tend to shop with a budget in mind, it’s always wise to save a few bucks when trying out a new style.
MANGO’s cotton linen pants feature a modern, tailored fit that still offers breathability, a portable drawstring, and belt buckles that provide a touch that lets you show off a well-crafted leather belt when you tuck in your dress shirt. Four easy-to-style color options provide style points galore, too.
Buck Mason Loomed Linen Fatigue Pants
Inspiration isn’t easy to come by at American Buck Mason, as the company looks to classics from the past – from chinos to T-shirts, polos and henleys – and updates those basics with softer fabrics and stronger construction.
In my experience, the brand never cuts corners when it comes to material or design, and that’s true of these military inspired pants. The front patch pockets are a cool, retro detail, and the open linen weave ensures breathability even in high temperatures.
Alex Crane Cham Linen Pants
Linen pants are often different from regular pants because of the soft hip pockets, similar to dress pants, but these pants use to create four pockets unlike denim. The sturdy yet soft French linen hits all the right relaxed notes, but the look is a great way to enter the world of linen pants while still looking like your favorite pair of jeans.
And as someone who can never get enough of my light wash denim, I relish any opportunity to wear pants that mimic jeans even a little.
James Perse lightweight linen trousers
When looking for the best linen pants, we considered several important factors – price chief among them, as linen tends to be more expensive to manufacture due to its finer fibers and delicate design. Of course, the price counts for the quality–durable, strong fabric, and the right fit (comfortable but not too much).
If you want to really lean into a casual type of linen pants, it’s best to find a pair that just looks like it has some character–like the wide, relaxed and dusty options available at James Perse.
I’ve found that earthy, dusty tones are easier to mix and match than you might think, and they’re a nice change of pace from the bright colors of summer.
The Mineral Pigment option looks interesting when combined with other earth colors, and the back patch pockets provide room for a few EDC essentials. 7 color options available.
Todd Snyder Italian Linen Beach Pants
You might associate rugged menswear designer Todd Snyder with sporty styles like the heritage crewneck sweatshirt or high-top sneakers. However, Todd Snyder is heading for warmer beach weather with his menswear for spring and summer, including linen corduroy pants that combine comfort with sharp style.
The Iowa-born designer has never let me down when it comes to style and durability, and that’s true here as well. The Italian garment-dyed and washed fabric is luxurious without being expensive, and it’s easy to wear with a Todd Snyder polo or even a graphic tee.
Alex Mill Standard Pleated Pant in Linen
If you ever thought leggy pants weren’t all that fun – and I consider myself part of that group – think again. Fringe pants become a simple, stylish piece that turns the best linen pants into a pair that is completely different from anything in your closet.
Variety is the spice of life, something I try to remember when I create my wardrobe, and when you throw in a loose linen weave, a washed fabric and a subtle appeal, the overall result is very fun and really stylish.
Sunspel Cotton-Linen Drawstring Pants
Linen is a time-honored fabric prized for its lightweight nature and visually interesting texture, but sometimes, it’s made better (and just a touch more durable) by adding cotton. It gives these drawstring pants a nice weight while keeping them breathable, and vivid color options like Atlantic Blue fall in line with the perfect summer look.
Plus, I’ve found that a James Bond-approved brand like Sunspel knows a thing or two about quality gems and iconic designs.