Lifestyle

The 10 Best Linen Pants You Can Buy Online

With their light weight, breathability, and casual elegance, linen pants are an absolute must-have for any summer wardrobe. The best linen pants combine fashion and function, providing versatile style while keeping you cool on those stifling summer days. Depending on the style, linen pants can be dressy enough to wear to the office or for a dinner out, or casual enough for a day out shopping or strolling a boardwalk.

To help you narrow down the enormous range of options out there, we researched and reviewed many different pairs of pants from top brands across a variety of price ranges and styles. We also spoke with Stitch Fix Stylist Stephanie LeDonne for insights on what sets linen apart from other typical options, along with tips on choosing the best pants for your style and needs.

PHOTO: Madewell
What Stands Out

  • It’s a versatile, flattering cut that comes in a fantastic size range, including tall and petite sizes.

Madewell’s The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant checks off all the boxes of a versatile, breezy linen pant for summer. It’s made from 100% linen and features a crisp yet relaxed design, with a pleat down the front, a wide waistband with belt loops, and a cute button at the waist for an extra touch of polish. The simple, classic style makes these perfect to either dress up or down, and you can choose from six solid colors and one summer-y striped pattern.

Although it’s labeled as a “wide leg” pant, these pants don’t have the oversized legs you might imagine. That being said, some wearers, especially petite people, may still find them a little baggy. Fortunately, the pants come in a fairly comprehensive size range, including standard, petite, tall, and plus sizes, so you can find your best fit more easily. The one major downside is that the lightweight linen can be a little sheer, especially in the lighter colors.

Size Range: 00—28W, including tall and petites | Color Options: 7 | Material: 100% linen

H&M Linen-blend Pull-on Pants
PHOTO: H&M

If you’re looking for the lightness and comfort of linen pants, without too much formality or cost, the H&M Linen-blend Pull-on Pants should definitely be on your radar. Made from a lower-cost blend of linen and rayon, these pants are a comfortable, budget-friendly option. Instead of a button or zipper, they’re designed as pull-on drawstring pants. This, paired with a wide, straight leg and no pleating, gives the pants more of a casual look.

While these pants are a great choice if you like a relaxed fit, they’re not exactly the most versatile, as they only come in three neutral colors (plus one pattern) and lack petite or plus size options. They also tend to run on the long side, so if you’re short, the long, wide legs may look awkward. If the color and size options available work for you, though, you can’t beat a price like this for comfy summer pants!

Size Range: XS—XXL | Color Options: 4 | Material: 55% rayon, 45% linen

TOCCIN Layla Wide Leg Pant with Sash Belt
PHOTO: TOCCIN
What Stands Out

  • It features flared legs, wide waist, and loose belt, giving a sophisticated flair to classic pants.

Linen pants can range from the casual to the elegant, and the luxurious TOCCIN Layla Wide Leg Pant with Sash Belt is definitely the latter. A front pleat and a polished linen material give these pants more of an “upscale” look, making them a great choice for office wear, vacations, or dinner out. The high rise and wide belt, with a loosely tied “sash” style for the belt, are features that are worth noting as particularly flattering and comfortable.

Crisp, sophisticated pieces tend to be focused more on neutral colors, and these pants are no exception. The soft beige shade is versatile and pairs well with any number of tops and accessories. Unfortunately, it’s the only color available. The size range is similarly limited, topping out at a women’s size 12 without any additional plus, petite, or tall size options. These are certainly a fashionable upgrade to basic linen pants, but if you’re searching for a wider array of options, these may not be your best bet, especially given the higher price point.

Size Range: 0—12 | Color Options: 1 | Material: 100% linen (with polyester lining)

Reformation Olina Linen Pant
PHOTO: Reformation

Buying properly-sized pants when you’re petite can be a challenge, but the Reformation Olina Linen Pant has a few features that seem perfectly designed with shorter folk in mind. The style overall is pretty classic, with a relaxed fit and slight ruching details along the waistline. An elastic waistband and drawstring tie add to the comfort of the fit, making it easy to cinch or otherwise adjust the waist.

Although the leg length is a little long, these pants offer a couple of options that still make them a standout choice for petites. They come in petite sizes from XS up to XL, and Reformation also offers free, custom hemming through their retail locations around the country. While the sizing caps off at XL, and the pants are only available in six neutral tones, petite shoppers will be happy to know that these comfortable, versatile linen pants won’t swallow up your legs.

Size Range: XS—XL | Color Options: 6 | Material: 100% linen

Old Navy High-waisted Linen-blend Wide-leg Pants
PHOTO: Old Navy

For casual linen pants in a wide range of sizes and colors, try the Old Navy High-Waisted Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants. The linen/rayon material makes them more affordable, although the fabric does feel a little less “luxe” that 100% crisp linen. By far, the best part of these pants is the sheer number of options available. You can choose from tall, petite, and regular sizes, with the “regular” sizes going all the way up to 4X. The color range is also fairly wide, including neutrals, bright colors, and stripes.

Although they’re an inclusive and affordable pick, these pants do have a few of the flaws that tend to accompany lower-priced pieces. They’re cut fairly loosely and without much detailing, which can result in a baggy or overly-casual look depending on your body and style preferences. The lighter colors also may be a little see-through, especially in full sunlight, since they lack a thicker lining. 

Size Range: XS—4X, including tall and petites | Color Options: 8 | Material: 55% linen, 45% rayon

Zara Linen Blend Pleated Pants
PHOTO: Zara

If you’re going with a wide-leg style, go all-out with a pair of statement-making pants like the Zara Linen Blend Pleated Pants. These pants are noticeably wider than most styles, with roomy legs and a wide flare down to the hem. Thanks to a series of pleats below the waist and a pair of buttons, they have a sleek, classic look that could take you from a relaxing weekend to a day at the office depending on what other items you pair the pants with.

Although they’re versatile in terms of styling, they only come in one color — a basic off-white — and they’re only available in sizes XS to XL, with no plus sizes, petites, or tall sizes. Extra-wide-leg pants like these aren’t quite as versatile (in appearance or in fit on different body types) as a “normal” wide leg, but if they suit your style, this pair is a comfortable and reasonably priced choice.

Size Range: XS—XL | Color Options: 1 | Material: 63% linen, 32% viscose

Anthropologie Maeve The Colette Linen Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
PHOTO: Anthropologie

Finding a well-proportioned cropped pant is a major balancing act, which is why we love the Anthropologie The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants by Maeve. These crisp pants pair a tailored style with a flared, cropped leg for a breezy yet sophisticated look. Because cropped pants are even more height-dependent than standard-length pants, it’s especially great that these pants come in a wide range of sizes, including plus, petite, and tall sizing. 

The color options are also numerous, with nine solid colors (including both neutrals and brights) and four patterns, although stock availability varies widely, and not all colors and patterns are manufactured in all sizes. A high waist and well-placed pockets add to the comfort and wearability of these pants, but the narrower cut of the hip and thigh area may not work for all body types. Keep an eye on the material, too, as the linen/viscose blend may show wrinkles more, especially on lighter colors.

Size Range: 23—34, including plus, petites, and tall | Color Options: 13 | Material: Linen, viscose, and elastane

J.Crew Classic-Fit Linen Trouser
PHOTO: J.Crew

Linen pants are for anyone who wants to stay cool and stylish in the summer months, and the J.Crew Classic-Fit Linen Trouser ensures men can get in on the trend too. The pants feature a classic, straight leg, no pleats, and a single-button closure for a simplistic, yet stylish aesthetic. Moreover, there’s a slight taper to the legs near the bottom for a slightly more polished look that can easily be dressed up or down.

You can choose from four neutral colors, all of which have that signature linen texture that adds visual and tactile interest to the solid colors. They’re 100% linen and machine washable, meaning that they might actually get softer with wearing and washing over time. If you need larger or tall sizes, though, you’re out of luck, as these pants are currently only available up to a standard 38 waist, and only a couple of waist sizes go up to a 34-inch inseam.

Size Range: 28—38 (waist), 30—34 (inseam) | Color Options: 4 | Material: 100% linen

Free People Livin' In It Cotton Linen Pants
PHOTO: Free People

If you’re not sure that a 100% linen piece is within your budget, go for a blended fabric like the Free People Livin’ In It Cotton-Linen Pants. Made of almost equal parts linen and organic cotton, they’re still super-breathable and lightweight without breaking the bank. Plus, the material is part of the brand’s “Care FP” initiative, which requires products to use at least 50% of a certified material responsibly sourced with a focus on social or environmental impacts.

Six beautiful colors range from classic neutrals to bright primary colors. The pants also have a relaxed fit, a mid-rise waist with a drawstring tie, and a length that should hit right above or at the ankles for most people. All those elements make these exceptionally comfy, but they also make the pants very casual and not versatile enough to wear when you need a more polished or work-ready look.

Size Range: XS—XL | Color Options: 6 | Material: 55% linen; 45% organic cotton

COS Straight-leg Tailored Linen Pants
PHOTO: COS

Linen is such a popular fabric for summer because of its natural breathability, but the COS Straight-leg Tailored Linen Pants take things to the next level with a loose, light cut paired with 100% linen fabric — including 30% recycled fiber. The result is a pair of pants that are both environmentally-friendly and ready for any summer weather. Although the elastic ruching along the waist looks a little casual, the straight, tailored legs and the subtle pleating elevate these pants a bit, giving you more leeway to dress them up or down.

The biggest downside to these pants is the small number of color and size options. They come in just three colors (lilac, black, and white), and their sizing offers nothing for petites, talls, or plus sizes. It’s definitely a breezy and breathable choice without adopting a baggy or overly-casual style, but the limited availability can be frustrating if your tastes or body roam outside a very narrow range.

Size Range: 2—14 | Color Options: 3| Material: 70% linen; 30% recycled linen

Final Verdict

Thanks to a classic cut and a wide range of size and color options, the Madewell The Harlow Wide-Leg Pant earns the distinction of our best linen pants pick. It’s lightweight and comfortable, yet versatile enough to style any number of ways. If you’re looking for more of a budget-friendly pick, we love the H&M Linen-blend Pull-on Pants, which provide casual comfort at a lower cost.

How to Shop for Linen Pants Like a Pro

Material and Quality

The linen pants you’ll find in stores — including the picks above — may vary in fiber composition, ranging from 100% linen material to blends with cotton or synthetic fibers. While 100% linen offers excellent breathability and durability, it can be prone to wrinkling and feel a bit restrictive initially. To circumvent this, LeDonne suggests browsing linen blends.

“Linen blends, such as those mixed with cotton and synthetic fibers, can offer increased durability and wrinkle resistance,” LeDonne explains. “While pure linen embodies relaxed, laid-back elegance, linen blends can provide a bit more structure and longevity.” She also notes that higher-quality linen pants will usually have a tighter, more even weave, well-finished seams, and quality hardware like buttons and zippers.

Cut and Fit

Your personal comfort should always come first in choosing linen pants, as with any other item of clothing. Linen pants come in a variety of cuts, but tend to be a little looser than other types of pants. LeDonne particularly highlights wide-leg linen pants as a popular choice, “as they offer a flattering, relaxed fit that works well for many body types.”

Style

Similar to cut and fit, the style of pants you choose depends on your personal aesthetic and how you want to style them. According to LeDonne, “wide-leg pants are this year’s most popular silhouette… [and] they offer the added bonus of increased breathability, making them a choice well-suited for hot temperatures.” However, if a wide-leg isn’t for you, there are several linen pants options that can accommodate those who prefer a narrow leg or cropped structure.

Questions You Might Ask

What makes linen pants different from other types of pants?

According to LeDonne, it’s the unique properties of linen itself that gives linen pants their distinctive, versatile look and feel. “Linen pants stand out due to their natural fibers, which provide unparalleled breathability and a lightweight feel, making them perfect for warm weather and vacation wear,” she explains. “Unlike synthetic materials, linen has a unique texture and a relaxed drape that makes any outfit look effortless. The natural creases and wrinkles of linen give them a distinctive, casual charm that’s hard to replicate with other fabrics.”

What tops can you wear with linen pants?

Linen pants can be incredibly versatile, LeDonne says, encouraging shoppers to look for pants in vibrant colors and patterns as well as neutrals. The style and color of your pants will affect which tops you choose to style with them, but LeDonne recommends a few overall tips.

“Styling linen pants is all about embracing their relaxed-yet-elevated vibe. Pair them with lightweight tops like cotton tees, tank tops, or style them with a matching linen blouse to keep the look cohesive and breezy,” she advises. “Don’t be afraid to play with proportions, either. Cropped tops can balance out high-waisted, wide-leg linen pants beautifully, while a voluminous blouse can contrast nicely with slim-cut linen pants.”

Should you size up or down in linen pants?

LeDonne recommends choosing your true size in linen pants, due to the particular qualities of linen fabric. “Unlike some fabrics that might shrink significantly, quality linen pants should be pre-washed by the manufacturer to account for any shrinkage,” she explains. That being said, she also notes that many people prefer sizing up in linen pants for a more relaxed fit. 

Take Our Word For It

This article was written by Amanda Prahl, a contributing writer for Real Simple with over five years of writing lifestyle content. To find the best linen pants, she researched dozens of options across a range of brands, styles, and price points, considering factors such as size range, number of color options, and material type. She also spoke with fashion expert and Stitch Fix Stylist Stephanie LeDonne for advice on selecting linen pants for a variety of style preferences and budgets.


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