We Tried Dozens of Linen Pants. These Are the Best Pairs to Stay Cool This Summer

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Linen is the ultimate summer fabric: cool, durable, hypoallergenic, and breathable, with excellent thermal regulation. It won't pill or absorb odors after heavy rotation in your wardrobe. And that crisp feel becomes softer with each wash, too. 

Linen pants are incredibly versatile and can be worn for formal settings, work, lounging, or tropical vacations. Whether paired with a tailored blazer and dress shirt for a polished ensemble or a white tee or tank top for a beach vibe, linen trousers adapt to various settings effortlessly.

However, not all linen trousers are created equal. Tailored linen trousers with classic button fasteners and a slim fit are better for work or formal occasions. At the same time, drawstring elastic bands, with their relaxed silhouette, are perfect for leisurely lounging or beach days. 

White or tan linen trousers are often the first that come to mind. However, various neutrals or earth tones ranging from green to tobacco, pastels, and classics like navy or beige are all great options. 

Despite their numerous advantages, the tendency of linen trousers to wrinkle easily is a common concern. Yet, this minor drawback pales in comparison to the benefits they offer. The elegance, breathability, and comfort of linen trousers make them an essential summer staple, filling the void between jeans or chino’s casualness and the heft of wool trousers. 

While fabric blends provide structure or stretch, the following list comprises (mainly) 100 percent linen trousers. We found Todd Snyder Italian Linen Beach Pants to be the all-around best linen pants. However, you'll find the 12 best linen pants below, each meticulously chosen to suit any occasion, from summer weddings to laid-back beach sessions and everything in between.

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Best Linen Pants at a Glance

• Overall Best Linen Pants: Todd Snyder Italian Linen Beach Pant
• Best Tailored Linen Pant: Percival Tailored Linen Trousers
• Best Pinstripe Linen Pants: SuitSupply Light Grey Striped Slim Leg Pants
• Best Linen Pants for Work: Charles Tyrwhitt Linen Pants
• Best Linen Cargo Pant: Banana Republic European Linen Tailored Cargo Pant
• Best Linen Pants for the Beach: Alex Crane Bo Pants
• Best Everyday Linen Pants: J. Crew Classic Fit Linen Trouser
• Best Utility Linen Pants: Buck Mason Loomed Linen Fatigue Pant
• Best Linen Pants for Travel: Tommy Bahama Latigo Beach Linen-Blend Pants
• Best Lounge Linen Pants: Quince European Linen Drawstring Beach Pants
• Best Pleated Linen Pants: Bonobos Coastal Linen Pant
• Best Luxury Linen Pants: J. Mueser Wool Linen Tab Trouser

Best Linen Pants for Men

Overall Best Linen Pants: Todd Snyder Italian Linen Beach Pant

Todd Snyder Italian Beach Pants may be called "beach pants," but you can wear them with a blazer and t-shirt for a more refined look just as easily as with a tank top seaside. The relaxed fit complements the elegant, easy, and breathable nature, and a versatile silhouette provides room to lounge beachside while still being tailored enough to wear to a summer soiree. 

Made from soft Italian linen, they are garment-dyed and washed for extra comfort. They include a comfortable elastic waist, an adjustable cotton drawcord, and plenty of pockets. 

Best Tailored Linen Pant: Percival Tailored Linen Trousers

Every guy needs a pair of tailored dress trousers for formal engagements, and in the depths of summer, you can do no better than to make sure they are linen. Percival Tailored Linen Trousers are crafted from 100-percent linen and feature an improved straight-leg fit while maintaining a classic shape. 

They are incredibly breathable and come with belt loops at the waist, a shirt grip to keep everything tucked in, and a zip fly. Ideal for summer weddings and smart dressing, these linen suit trousers come in various colors. Pair them with a linen blazer or tucked-in oxford cotton shirt.

Best Pinstripe Linen Pants: SuitSupply Light Grey Striped Slim Leg Pants

SuitSupply Light Grey Striped Slim Leg Pants are a stylish mashup of drawstring joggers, pinstripe dress trousers, and casual lounge pants. They have a tapered, slim fit, pleated front, drawstring closure, and elastic waistband. Pair them with white sneakers and a t-shirt for a casual vibe, or a linen blazer and loafers to dress them up.

Best Linen Pants for Work: Charles Tyrwhitt Linen Pants

This brand is known for quality and stylish work wardrobe essentials, and Charles Tyrwhitt Linen Pants are no exception. They're made of 100-percent linen fabric for maximum breathability for your work commutes. The pressed crease ensures these pants always look elevated, and with a slim-fit cut, they are perfect to pair with a polo or dress shirt. Think of them as the summer linen counterpart to your work chinos.

Best Linen Cargo Pant: Banana Republic European Linen Tailored Cargo Pants

Banana Republic European Linen Tailored Cargo Pants meet at the crossroads of form and function. This expertly tailored reinterpretation of the classic cargo pants features side adjuster tabs at the waist for a perfect fit as well as signature cargo pockets. Crafted from European linen, they have a lived-in look and can stay cool and crisp in heat and humidity, and the pants' tailored slim fit make them stylish and practical.

Best Linen Pants for the Beach: Alex Crane Bo Pants

Alex Crane Bo Pants are made from sustainably grown French linen and washed with biodegradable softeners. These wide-stripe drawstring pants epitomize laid-back beach elegance. Available in various washed-out color waves, the Big Wave white and blue stripe is particularly fitting for a relaxed, elegant, stylish, retro vibe. 

Best Everyday Linen Pants: J. Crew Classic Fit Linen Trousers

J. Crew Classic Fit Linen Trousers are unassuming—and that’s the point. With a straight-leg cut, neutral tone, and a classic button waist with belt loops, these breathable linen trousers are perfect for weekends when everyday errands go straight into dinner afterwards. They feature an easy, classic fit that tapers slightly below the knee. Wear this versatile pair dressed up with a blazer or keep it casual with sneakers and a tee.

Best Utility Linen Pants: Buck Mason Loomed Linen Fatigue Pants

Buck Mason is known for paying homage to historical authenticity in menswear, and these pants further that design. The brand's vintage-inspired Loomed Linen Fatigue Pants are made from 7-ounce linen in a loose, airy weave that breathes easily. 

They include two front patch pockets, two back patch pockets with flaps, an encased elastic waist with drawcord, and corozo buttons. Garment washed with enzymes and softener for extra comfort, the button flap pockets protect your wallet or keys. Wear these for all your weekend errands; they can handle it.

Best Linen Pants for Traveling: Tommy Bahama Latigo Beach Linen Blend Pants

Tommy Bahama Latigo Beach Linen Blend Pants are designed to keep you cool and comfortable from departure to destination. Crafted from a blend of linen and polyester, the combo of stretch, natural breathability, and moisture-wicking technology are ideal for relaxing on a plane or train.

Best Linen Pants for Lounging: Quince European Linen Drawstring Beach Pants

Quince European Linen Drawstring Beach Pants are made from the highest quality linen, sustainably sourced from Europe. The drawstring waistband allows for a customizable fit and is incredibly comfortable for lounging, while the back pocket stores your wallet or phone for a quick errand. The brand's linen pants are also durable, ensuring they will last for many lazy Sundays.

Best Pleated Linen Pants: Bonobos Coastal Linen Pants

Bonobos Coastal Linen Pants boast a fantastic silhouette, making it easy for any guy wary of pleats to give the style a try. The inherent texture of linen pairs exceptionally well with single pleats, creating a look that exudes luxe, shore-inspired sophistication. With a classic fit and airy-light texture, this pair includes cotton for added structure and a touch of spandex for stretch—perfect for all your summer weekend activities.

Best Luxury Linen Pants: J. Mueser Wool Linen Tab Trousers

Hand-finished and made from Italian wool and linen, J. Mueser Wool Linen Tab Trousers were hand-finished and tailored with inspiration from traditional Ivy style. Ideal for wearing from spring through fall, they feature a flat front, buttoned tab waist, and adjustable side tabs instead of belt loops. Additional details include slash side pockets, an on-seam coin pocket, two welt back pockets, and a front lining through the knee for added comfort. These trousers can be worn as part of a suit or on their own, adding serious luxury style no matter the situation.

How to Style Linen Pants 

Linen pants are far more versatile than one might think. They inherently offer equal parts sophistication and casual charm. A tailored look is easy to achieve by pairing them with a crisp button-down shirt and linen or cotton blazer. For a relaxed vibe, opt for a lightweight linen or cotton tank or tee. Consider accessorizing with a woven belt and leather sandals for resort beach vibes, or with unstructured loafers and a dress belt for more formal occasions. 

We consulted with Jake Mueser, founder of J. Mueser Bespoke, who also has a fantastic new collaboration with Buck Mason. Jake tells us how he prefers to style linen pants, furthering just how versatile they can be. 

"The great thing about styling linen pants is that you can go in any direction. You can lean into the casual nature and wear a T-shirt or dress them up with a tailored shirt," Mueser says. "Personally, I often go in between with a good knit—ideally, a crochet or looser woven polo that goes well with a jacket."

While some people worry about wrinkles when it comes to linen, Mueser says that's actually a boon: "I like it all the more for this very reason. It has a natural, effortless style that never feels uptight or overly fussy."

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Linen Pants

For the most part, our list comprises 100-percent linen pants, except just a few that include stretch. All were breathable, lightweight, and stylish. For instance, the best beach linen pants had a more relaxed cut and drawstring elastic waist, whereas the best tailored linen pants had a slimmer cut and traditional button enclosure. The linen cargo pants' numerous pockets were great for errands, and the traveler linen pants used moisture-wicking and stretch fabric for comfort. While all were selected with style in mind, there are some key considerations when choosing the best linen pants.

Color

Neutral colors like beige, khaki, tan, and gray are timeless choices for linen trousers. They are the most versatile and can be easily paired with various shirt colors and patterns for casual and semi-formal occasions. 

Earthy hues such as olive green, tobacco, and rust can add depth and richness with rugged sophistication. Soft pastel shades like light blue, pale pink, and mint green create a fresh, summery look and are well-suited for casual outings and beachwear but can also be dressed up. Bold colors like deep red, royal blue, or mustard yellow can add color to your outfit, but be mindful of balancing bold colors with more subdued pieces to avoid overwhelming your look. Lastly, you cannot go wrong with navy or white for most occasions. 

Overall, everyone has their preferences. Linen, being a primary summer fabric, often makes people gravitate towards pastels and lighter colors," says Mueser. "My favorites are always the earth tones. From light tobacco to dark espresso bean.”

Waist

“When it comes to the waistband style, it depends on the function," says Mueser. "A drawstring can be great for a relaxed style that feels suited for the beach. Mostly, I like taking the bespoke tailor’s approach—a hand-sewn waistband with side adjusters, creased trousers, and a good cuff.”

Elastic drawstring waistbands provide flexibility and ease of movement, making them ideal for casual, breezy occasions or waist size accommodation. While elastic waistbands with drawstrings are best for beachwear and lounging, they may not offer the tailored look of other traditional waistband styles. 

Waistbands with button or hook-and-bar closures provide a secure fit and help maintain the shape of the trousers. They are often best for work and semi-formal or formal occasions. Such pants generally also have belt loops, furthering their use for travel or tailoring.

Fit

Slim-fit linen trousers offer a modern, tailored look, while relaxed-fit or straight-leg styles provide a more casual vibe. Make sure the trousers fit comfortably around the waist and hips overall. Consider more minor details such as pockets and cuffs for utility or style. Also, subtle details like pleats can add a touch of tailored sophistication and casual charm. Mueser says, "Given the nature of the fiber, you generally don't want linen pants to be too tight. A good clean straight leg is always best."

Why You Should Trust Us

In addition to writing for Men's Journal, I have covered topics ranging from menswear, fragrances, watches, grooming, and styling for InsideHook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men's Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. I also conceptualized and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and a significant portion of the grooming pages. 

I have always tried to add a timeless element to whatever I have written, as although trends are interesting and relevant to a degree, my heart has always been drawn to more perennial guidance and themes. My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are both a blessing and a curse and while I often delve into researching items to the point of exhaustion, it's this approach that often positions me as a go-to person for advice. Whether it's about coats, colognes, or turntable needles, people recognize that I've done the legwork. I enjoy inspiring others around me to seek out their unique interests in things that might make their life better.

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