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- What to Look For
- How to Care for Linen Pants
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By Julia Marzovilla
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Fact: The best linen pants are crafted from one of the best fabrics you can pull on during scorching hot summer weather, bar none. Linen's fibers are quick-drying, breathable, and sustainably-made. (The material is actually crafted from flax, which is biodegradable, requires little water to grow, and uses the entire plant.) Truly, lightweight linen is the perfect summertime material to lounge around in.
Marie Claire editors happen to spend summer living in all forms of linen. (The team has even tested and reviewed the best linen dresses, linen blazers, linen shorts, linen skirts, and linen suits to prove our collective devotion to the fabric.) Of them all, there's nothing quite like owning a classic pair of the best linen pants—ones you'll want to wear every day.
So, Marie Claire editors took the time to round up a few of the cutest-ever options for a long summer ahead–and our selections do not disappoint. They’re stylish, yes, but some of our favorite pairs are also priced at under $50. These summer-ready bottoms are entirely crucial to surviving heat-wave-level temperatures: Face it, even the best summer dresses in your closet need a break from time to time. Style your favorite linen pants with yoursummer outfitessentials, or just throw them on over a bikini on your next beach vacation.
Ahead, shop the 12 best linen pants to try this season, knowing full well that one of these pairs will end up in your warm-weather outfits for good.
Overview
- Best Overall Linen Pants: LNX Linen Pants
- Best Office-Friendly Linen: Banana Republic Seahaven Straight Italian Cotton-Linen Pants
- Best Linen Pants With Different Inseams: J.Crew Kate Straight-Leg Pant in Stretch Linen
- Best White Linen Pants: Posse Exclusive Ducky Oversized Paperbag-Waist Linen Pants
- Best Colorful Linen Pants: Zimmermann Matchmaker Linen Wide-Leg Pants
- Best Black Linen Pants: Athleta Retreat Wide Leg Linen Pants
- Best Size-Inclusive Linen Pants: Amazon Essentials Women's Linen Blend Drawstring Wide Leg Pant
The Best Linen Pants
Best Overall Linen Pants
LNX Linen Pants
This wide-leg, cropped style is made of a breathable linen-cotton blend and is available to shop in sizes up to 5X. You have editors' permission to stock up on every single color (of which there are over a dozen). Plus, consider that they're priced at just $38. With nearly 3,300 five-star reviews on Amazon, they're an undeniable fan favorite. A true cropped pant, they're great if you're on the petite side or are just looking to show your ankles this summer.
Composition: 50% linen, 50% cotton
Pros: Comes in sizes up to a 5X; Comes in 22 colors; Machine-washable
Cons: Not 100% linen
Customer Review: "I bought 2 pairs of these pants! Love them! Sooo comfortable. They wash up easy but I hang all my clothes to dry. I don’t know if they shrink. Material is perfect for hot & humid summer days. It’s nice to find a pair of pants that meet all my needs. To remove wrinkles I put them in my dryer with a mist for a couple of minutes & they come out perfect. Did iron 1 pair one time…ugh. My ironing days are so over!" — Amazon
Best Striped Linen Pants
Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend Tailored Straight Pant
If you're a fan of Abercrombie & Fitch's black trousers, consider picking up this under-$100 pair of pinstriped linen pants for the perfect summer work outfit. They're available in sizes 24 through 34 and in three different leg lengths. The brand says they're machine washable, but are not suited for the dryer or the dry cleaner. They're also made from a linen blend containing 55 percent linen and 45 percent viscose, so they won’t wrinkle as easily.
Composition: 55% linen and 45% viscose
Pros: Comes in three leg lengths; Comes in sizes 24-34; Comes in two colors; Fully lined; Machine-washable
Cons: Not 100% linen
Best Basic Black Linen Pants
Calson Tulip Hem Linen Pants
This pair of lightweight, 100 percent linen pants from Calson are an ideal summer pant. Available in four neutral colors—this black option, a classic white, an olive green, and a slate gray—and priced at well under $100, they’re a great summer piece to have in your vacation wardrobe. The brand notes that they run large and recommends sizing down. Reviewers love them because they’re comfortable, are machine-washable (so you don’t have to hand-wash them every time you wear), and because they don’t shrink in the wash.
Composition: 100% linen
Pros: 100% linen; Comes in four colors; Machine-washable; Have a drawstring waist
Cons: Runs large
Customer Review: "Perfect fit - not too tight - comfortable but not baggy either. I haven’t washed them and hope they don’t shrink." — Nordstrom
Best Linen Pants With Multiple Inseam Options
J.Crew Kate Straight-Leg Pant in Stretch Linen Blend
This top-rated pair of linen pants from J.Crew are available in white, ivory, and black. They're also available in three inseam lengths, the shortest of which is 26 inches for petite. The Classic length measures 28 inches, and the Tall option measures 31 inches. They're made from a blend containing 67 percent linen alongside a plant-based polyester material called Sorona, which the brand says uses less energy to produce. You can shop the matching linen blazer to wear all summer.
Composition: 67% linen and 33% Sorona polyester
Pros: Comes in three inseam lengths; Comes in three colors; Machine washable; Fully-lined
Cons: Not 100% linen
Customer Review: "Bought these pants in white. A perfect piece for any hot summer day. So comfortable and cool. Adequately lined. Dress up or wear to the beach, these pants have you covered." — J.Crew
The Best Low-Rise Linen Pants
Venus Wide Leg Pants
This pair of olive green pants from Venus comes in at just under $50 and in sizes up to a 3X. They have a high waist and a 29" inseam with a wide leg, as the name suggests. You can also shop them in a bright floral pattern, too. The drawstring waist makes them perfect for keeping in your suitcase on your next vacation. The brand notes that this pair is not machine-washable, though, and you’ll need to hang them to dry. The upside? They’ll get softer as you wear them.
Composition: Linen blend
Pros: Available in two colors; Available in sizes up to a 3X; Has a drawstring waist
Cons: Hand-wash only
Best Size-Inclusive Linen Pants
Amazon Essentials Women's Linen Blend Drawstring Wide Leg Pant
These under-$40 linen pants from Amazon’s Amazon Essentials brand are available in sizes XS through 6X. You can shop them in 11 different colors including navy blue, white, tan, and a burnt clay shade that works all year round. The best-selling trousers have attracted over 1,000 five-star reviews, so it’s safe to say that they’re a safe investment. Users note that they’re not see-through, have a mid-rise, and run a little small, causing some reviewers to size up if they’re between sizes. However, the elasticated waistband makes them comfortable to wear all day.
Composition: 55% linen, 45% cotton
Pros: Machine-washable; Available in sizes up to a 6X; Available in 11 colors
Cons: Not 100% linen
Customer Review: "I got three pairs of these for a family trip to Hawaii. I wanted something breathable, moreso than my cotton knit pants, but that would be ok walking around in. These are fantastic. The fit is loose, and I did order a size up since linen does not stretch. The drawstring kept them plenty tight around my waist but the legs were baggy and breezy, which is exactly what I wanted." — Amazon
Best Striped Linen Pants
Venus Striped Wide Leg Linen Pants With Self Belt
Mastering the art of summer office dressing is a true skill, but these lightweight striped linen pants from Venus make it just a touch more attainable. The belt is suited toward tucking in your favorite blouse or T-shirt, and the slightly flared leg will work with loafers or heels. They’re available to shop in sizes 2 through 24 and aren’t sheer in the slightest, which means that you can wear them on just about every occasion—even to the office in the summer.
Composition: Linen blend
Pros: Comes in sizes 2 through 24; Machine-washable on cold
Cons: Fabric has no stretch
Best White Linen Pants
Posse Exclusive Ducky Oversized Paperbag-Waist Linen Pants
Australian-based label Posse has become known across the internet for its selection of luxe linen pieces and celebrity credentials. (Meghan Markle is a noted fan.) These 100% linen pants exemplify what makes Posse such a breakout brand, so prepare to live in them 24/7. While they’re designed for an oversized fit, the brand does note that they run true-to-size. The elasticated waistband and hidden zipper give them a low-key look while maintaining their luxurious-looking shape. The ever-so-slightly cropped leg also gives you the perfect excuse to show off your cutest summer sandal.
Composition:: 100% linen
Pros: Made from 100% linen; Runs true to size; Has an elasticated waist
Cons: Dry-clean only
Best Office-Friendly Linen Pants
Banana Republic Seahaven Straight Italian Cotton-Linen Pant
Dressing for the office in the heat of high summer can be tricky. Luckily, this pair from straight-leg linen pants from Banana Republic is the solution your closet is looking for. These pants come in two colors— a cream variety and an olive green shade—three inseam lengths, and in sizes zero through 20. The inclusion of cotton in the fabrication helps keep you wrinkle-free after hours sitting at your desk. You can even complete the look with the matching linen blazer.
Composition: 54% organic cotton, 46% linen
Pros: Comes in two colors; Comes in three inseam lengths; Fully lined
Cons: Not 100% linen
Best Linen Cargo Pants
Gap Linen-Cotton Pull-On Cargo Pants
Cargo pants get a summery upgrade in this pair of under-$100 linen pants from Gap. They come in four colors, including this sporty black version and an olive green variety, and have tons of pockets for all of your off-duty essentials. A perk of the linen-cotton blend fabrication? You can throw them in the washing machine after a few wears. A pull-on style and elasticated waistband are hallmarks of an easy pant, and this pair has both.
Composition: 55% linen, 45% cotton
Pros: Machine-washable; Comes in four colors; Runs true-to-size
Cons: Not 100% linen
Zimmermann Matchmaker Linen Wide-Leg Pants
Not all linen pants need to come in colors like white, cream, or green. This pair from Zimmermann comes in a sweet pastel pink hue, for instance. The touches like a built-in belt and structured silhouette make them great for a fancier occasion on your calendar this season. Or, you can just as easily style them with a white T-shirt or tank top for a casual approach. They have a higher rise than some of the other versions on this list—12 inches—and an inseam of 33.5".
Composition: 100% linen
Pros: Made from 100% linen; Can be dressed up or down; Fully lined
Cons: Dry-clean only
Best Petite Linen Pants
Reformation Petites Olina Linen Pant
I stand a cool five-foot-two, so finding pants that actually fit without a trip to the tailor can be a challenge—even in 2024. This pair of linen pants of Reformation has filled the gap in my wardrobe, though, as the inseam measures 28 inches. They pool around my ankles in that perfectly relaxed way, and the straight-leg silhouette is ideal for an on-the-go summer day. I love them so much, I'm debating picking up one of the other four colors.
Composition: 100% linen
Pros: Made from 100% linen; Machine-washable; Comes in four colors
Cons: White colorway can be sheer
Best Black Linen Pants
Athleta Retreat Wide Leg Linen Pants
This humble pair of black linen pants has racked up nearly 1,600 five-star reviews on Athleta’s website. Shoppers say that they can run a little big with a mid-rise. Available in four colors and in three different size ranges, they’re the best all-around black pair of linen pants on this list. They’re both made from 100% linen and machine washable, a rare combination. You can even throw them in the dryer! Plus, they have zippered pockets at the front to keep your belongings safe.
Composition: 100% linen
Pros: 100% linen; Machine-washable; Can be put in the dryer; Have zippered pockets; Run true-to-size; Comes in sizes up to a 3X
Cons:Some reviewers said these pants can be long in the leg
Customer Review:"Perfect pant for a retreat to Morocco! This lightweight pant looks great casual with a tee or a flowing blouse for dinner and super comfortable! With sandals or tennies, it's hard to beat this great pant." — Athleta
Best Low-Rise Linen Pants
Urban Outfitters Uo Amelie Linen Pant
Low-rise pants are very much back for 2024. If you're unsure about opting for a pair of low-rise jeans this year, I recommend trying low-rise linen pants from Urban Outfitters instead. They retail for less than $50 and come in sizes XXS through XXL. Some reviewers did say that these tend to be see-through. You can shop them in two colors and they're machine-washable. I love them for their super-wide silhouette because it screams "Bring me on vacation, ASAP."
Composition: 55% linen, 45% rayon
Pros: Run true-to-size; Come in two colors; Have an easy wide-leg design
Cons: Some reviewers said the white version is see-through
Customer Review: "Incredibly comfortable. Slightly wide leg with a flair to them that doesn't look ridiculous. Feel like I'm wearing pajama pants but still look chic. They say they're low waisted but they hit my belly button and I'm 5'6 but I don't mind—could maybe be an inch shorter. The white is see-through so you'll have to wear nude underwear but that's expected from white linen. The red detailing on the string is even cuter in person. Would glue them to my legs if I could." — Urban Outfitters
What to Look For in The Best Linen Pants
Linen pants are one of the most versatile and classic pieces you can add to your wardrobe, so it’s important to carefully consider the details before you purchase a pair. From the fabrication (are they made from 100 percent linen or a blend?) to the length and style (cargo options are trending, straight-leg linen pants are timeless) to the color (do you want a white pair, or something more fun?) there are a ton of tiny decisions to make along the way.
“I usually look at the material and fabric makeup, since a lot of linen pants are a blend,” says fashion stylist Olivia Rose about what she considers on her hunt for, as she puts it, the “ultimate summer pant.”The way you plan to wear your pants will affect which fabric you end up trying. "If you want that lighter feeling, go with 100 percent linen," she says, "and if you want a little more weight or structure, a cotton/linen blend is great."
The best linen pants for 2024 come in just about every different print, pattern, color, and even hemline length, giving you a buffet of adorable linen bottoms to test.
How to Care for Linen Pants
Now that you’ve invested in your favorite pair of linen pants, there are a few things you should know about how to properly maintain them. Finding the perfect piece is only half the battle when it comes to building your dream wardrobe over time—the other half of the journey is making sure that you tend to your pieces so they last. That’s why I turned to Theresa and Corinna Williams, the co-founders of Celsious, a sustainable garment care provider and laundromat in Brooklyn, New York. Ahead, they break down everything you need to know before you throw them in the wash with the rest of your clothes.
- “Make sure to always sort your clothes by color before washing to prevent dye transfer."
- “Wash your pants together with like colors only. Zip up zippers and turn your pants inside out before washing.”
- “Ideally, machine wash on a delicate cycle–to reduce shrinkage, which linen, especially if it has not been pre-washed, is prone to—with cool water and a gentle detergent."
- “Always steer clear of bleach and softeners, which can weaken fibers and hinder breathability. If you are worried about shrinkage—linen can shrink an average of 4% with its first wash—consider going for a hand wash, massaging your garment lightly, and never wringing it out.”
- “Before tossing your pants in the dryer, double-check the care label on whether they can be tumble dried. If they can, dry with wool dryer balls on low, which will also help loosen up wrinkles. If not, hang your pants to dry. For a wrinkle-free finish, iron or steam. The Steamery Cirrus 3 can do both.”
Meet The Experts
Theresa and Corinna Williams
Theresa and Corinna Williams are the co-founders of Celsious, New York’s premium sustainable laundry service and online destination for garment care solutions.Their Celsious line features 100% biodegradable products formulated free of dyes, bleaches and preservatives.
Olivia Rose
Olivia moved from her small New England town to Nashville to study music business at Belmont University. She found her ideal place in the industry through the intersection between music and fashion. After assisting celebrity stylists in New York and Nashville, she built her own client base of musical artists, celebrities, commercial brands and personal styling clients. From red carpet events to music video wardrobe, Olivia works with Luke Combs, Brother Maven, Kev Kelly, Avery Anna, Peytan Porter and more. She strive to incorporate a unique and personal story with each look she styles, and believes that developing a connection with her clients is essential in cultivating a sustainable creative image that will stand out. I Olivia has also worked with brands including Cartier, Frye, Kate Spade, Kendra Scott, and many more.
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Julia Marzovilla
Fashion E-Commerce Editor
Julia Marzovilla is the Fashion E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers everything from the latest beauty and fashion launches and sales to celebrity outfits and news. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and STYLECASTER. In her spare time, Julia can be found creating shopping guides for all of her friends, spending too much money on yet another pair of black boots, and cooking in her far-too-small kitchen.
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