The Linen Pants Revolution You Need

Linen pants are made from natural fibers and are a cool and airy choice for women’s outfits. They are made to be light, so they are great for warm weather, and their soft material makes them look great on everyone. Also, linen pants naturally don’t wrinkle, which makes them a low-maintenance choice for everyday wear.

What to Look for in the Best Linen Pants:

Fabrication: Are the linen pants you like made of 100% linen or a mix of linen and other materials? Both are good in some ways: Most of the time, pants made of 100% linen are lighter, but they can be rough on the skin and wrinkle more easily. Blends, especially ones made with cotton, don’t wrinkle as much and may feel softer when you touch them.
Silhouette: There are a lot of choices on the market right now, so think about which shape you like best. Straight-leg tailored pants look good in the office and are considered more classic, but new cargo-style or cropped pants can be fun.
Color: Classic colors like white, cream, blue, and black are great choices, but as Gayot from J’Crew pointed out, you should also consider other colors. Iterations in pastel colors or flowers can make even the most basic summer clothes look better, and they’re great to pack for your next trip.

How to Care for Linen Pants:

For the most effective methods of cleaning your particular pair, consult the care label or visit the official website of the brand.
To keep the colors from running, separate your clothes into lights and darks before you put them in the washer.
If you’re concerned that your pants might shrink when washed, it’s best to wash linens by hand. Be sure to verify the manufacturer’s instructions before washing your linen pants; some suggest just hand washing.
Avoid bleach and fabric softeners when you wash your linen pants, as these products can weaken fabric over time.
You shouldn’t tumble dry all linen pants. If yours are washable (according to the care label!), try removing wrinkles by drying them with wool dryer balls. If you want to be extra careful with your linen pants, hang them to dry.

Here Are Our Top Picks:

Best Cropped COS Linen Culottes:

$120 At COS

The airiness of wide-leg culottes makes them a wardrobe staple for summer. These bell-shaped pants from COS come in two colors: classic navy and a subdued sage green. They have an elasticated waistline that makes them extremely comfortable, giving them the look and feel of a skirt. The use of recycled linen in the construction is a nice touch, and if you also get the matching linen top, you’ll have a breeze in summertime.

Fabric Type: Linen (70%) & recycled linen (30%)
Size Range: Sizes 2 through 14
Review: This pair was similar. They terminate mid-shin, great for ankle boots with heels. Feel confident wearing these to work or a sophisticated summer event due to their shape. The waistline is kept flat on the tummy when tucked inside the T-shirt, which is great. Despite adjustments, a concealed drawstring didn’t bunch up.

Best Colorful Everlane Linen Easy Pants:

$88 At Everlane

This pair of linen pants is sure to be a hit with fans of Everlane’s summer classics. Their tight elastic waistline and straight fit give them the “easy” in their name. Airy and perfect for any event, these four-pocketed linen pants are made entirely of linen. They are available in a rainbow of hues, from the ever-popular Kelly green to a pristine white, striped variation, and a medium-toned brown.

Fabric Type: 100% European Flax linen
Size Range: Sizes XXS through XXL
Review: People really liked these pants; they were among the most comfortable they had ever worn. Even though the waistband couldn’t be adjusted, it was very comfy, and the material wasn’t itchy or scratchy. Still, they got wrinkled quickly and took longer to get out as they wore them. People who don’t always remember to steam their clothes before wearing them. Do the same thing. You can plan by putting these in a room instead of a drawer.

Banana Republic Italian Linen-Cotton Wide Leg Jeans:

$150 At Banana Republic

These linen-blend pants come in three colors and are a nod to the 1970s. They have a zipper fly, belt loops, and a structured fit through the waist and hips. The waist is very high—11 inches, to be exact. They come with two different leg lengths, and the strong material doesn’t wrinkle. The brand also says that you can wash them in a machine.

Fabric Type: 60% flax linen, 39% cotton, 1% elastane
Size Range: Sizes 24 through 35
Review: The standard length was too short for tiny feet to wear with sneakers or other flat shoes, so resort to wearing them with high heels. Usually, they hem pants, but if did so to these, the bell-shaped pattern on the legs would be lost. However, the clean and streamlined appearance of the lower half was enhanced by the stretch linen-cotton combination, which held in without suffocating.

Caslon Stripe Drawstring Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants:

$35.70 At Nordstrom

The legs of these lightweight pants made of a linen blend are cut wide and flowy, and they are finished with a comfortable elastic waist. The pants are adorned with bold stripes.

Fabric Type: 55% linen, 45% rayon
Size Range: Sizes XXS Through XXL
Review: Our south/central Texas summers require decent linen and cotton staples, and Caslon always provides plenty. Miniatures under 5’2″ will love these striped gauzed crop pants. It hits the ankle, therefore flat sandals or low heels work well. The XXS is loose and comfortable at 120 pounds. Wish they had more colors, I’d buy another for beachwear.

Max Mara Studio Treviso Pleated High-Rise Bootcut Linen Pants:

$525 At Neinman Marcus

Elevated basics from the luxury label MaxMara are perfect for both casual and dressy situations. These high-waisted linen-blend pants are a perfect example. Featuring a high waist and delicate pleating pattern, these linen pants are the perfect summertime alternative to your go-to black pants.

Fabric Type: 100% Linen
Size Range: Sizes 2 Through 10
Review: A more refined version of linen pants, the Treviso pants by Max Mara Studio are a great choice. A combination of a high waist and a bootcut silhouette makes them look taller and more attractive. The pleats give them an air of sophistication that works for both casual and formal events. Keep in mind that linen pants may not need as much maintenance as these because of how quickly linen wrinkles.

Best Pastel Mango Linen-Blend Elastic Waist Trousers:

$90 At Mango

Made for effortless summer style, these Mango trousers blend comfort and fun. The pastel color adds a touch of whimsy, while the linen-blend fabric keeps you cool and comfortable. The elastic waist provides a relaxed fit that flatters many body types.

Fabric Type: 100% linen. Lining: 100% cotton
Size Range: Sizes XXS Through XXL
Review: For a light and airy summertime choice, try the Mango Pastel Linen-Blend Elastic Waist Trousers. Breathability is guaranteed by the linen blend, and comfort and a relaxed fit are prioritized by the elastic waist. However, some people may find that they need to iron or steam these more frequently than they would like because linen wrinkles readily.

Best Stretch Theory Clean Terena Linen Pants:

$275 At Bloomingdale’s

If you’re looking for linen pants, Lloyd says Theory is a great brand to check out because they “make a great classic straight-leg linen pants that will be a workhorse in your office wardrobe.” This short pair is proof. They’ll move with you all day because they’re made from a mix of linen and recycled lycra, which gives them a little stretch. Plus, they come in navy and black, which are both good choices for the office.

Fabric Type: 62% linen, 36% recycled pre-consumer viscose, 2% recycled pre-consumer elastane
Size Range: Sizes 00 Through 16
Review: Many people choose the Theory Clean Terena Linen Pants when they want to look good and feel good at the same time. The linen fabric has a little give to it, so it moves with you easily. The slim Treeca fit makes them look good on most body types. Reviewers like how they don’t wrinkle (which is great for linen!) and how they can be worn to work or on the weekend.

So forget the jeans and appreciate the breezy ease of linen pants! With so many styles to select from, you’re sure to discover the ideal pair to complement your summer attire. Whether you like easy elegance or relaxed weekend vibes, linen pants are a cool, breathable, and endlessly versatile alternative that will keep you looking and feeling great all season.