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PSA: linen trousers are trending, these are the best to shop now
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As we head into the summer, there's one thing that fashion editors will keep reaching for again and again: linen trousers. They're understated, ageless, versatile and a seasonal staple, meaning you'll keep them forever – talk about a sustainable style win.
The best part? You don't have to spend a fortune to bag yourself a great-looking pair. Read on to learn more about the trend, how to style it and where to score the nicest linen trews this season.
(Psst, shopping for a holiday? Browse our edits of the best summer dresses, bikinis for small boobs, mesh ballet flats and anti chafing shorts for all your vacay essentials.)
What to wear with linen trousers
Linen fabric has an inherently coastal feel to it thanks to its lightweight breathability and natural woven texture. Any excuse to channel the cast of The White Lotus, or the Succession lot when they're on a yacht.
For your most casual looks, pick a pair with an elastic pull-on waist, a wide-fit leg and some generous pockets at the hip. Our favourite relaxed linen trousers are by H&M, Mango, and Free People. They'll pair well with everything from a matching linen button-down or a crop top, to swimwear and a crisp, boxy t-shirt. That's your easy, knocking about at the weekend and beach holiday cover-up outfits sorted in one. Don't forget your tarnish-free gold jewellery to pull it all together!
Want to give your linen trousers a more dressed-up feel? All you need is to add the slightest hint of structure, AKA tailoring. A zip and button waist closure, belt loops, or some pleats at the front as seen at Weekday, Boden, and Reformation make linen trousers look elegant and grown-up (but still less formal than a suit trouser). Contrast the formality with a ribbed white tank top and trainers, or lean into it with a shapely blouse.
Style inspo sorted, sit back, relax, and keep scrolling to browse our round-up of the best linen trousers to buy now.
BDG's drawstring linen trousers are at the top of our summer wish list. They're the ultimate wardrobe staple to take you from the office to after-work drinks. They're softly tailored but the 100% linen material still makes them cooling – we love the versatility.
If there's one brand we associate with effortless style, it's Reformation. The American label just knows how to nail those core wardrobe staples that you'll reach for again and again. Like these perfect drawstring linen trousers, which are available in six colours too.
Free People's Dana Trousers have our full attention – just look how fun they are! With so many styling choices, from graphic tees to lacy camisoles (and not to mention gold accessories), these free-flowing pants are the first thing we're packing for our summer vacay. Just imagine the beach pics 😍.
Although stripped PJ bottoms are exactly what we're wearing to bed, the pyjama-pant trend has made them an office staple too. To elevate the look, pair these comfortable linen-blend Monki trousers with ballet flats and load up on accessories.
It doesn't get much more easy going than H&M's pull-on trousers. The drawstring waist, slit pockets at the hip, and generous fit give maximum comfort without compromising on style. They're available in six colourways, but something has to be said for this stunning royal blue.
Consider Bershka's linen-viscose blend trousers as a level-up from your standard airport fits. They tap into the pyjama trouser trend, but when waking up for your 8am flight, that's perfectly acceptable IMO.
Zara's easy breezy mid-rise linen trousers have us praying for summer. We love the relaxed fit and mega-baggy leg – just what's needed to throw on for a day in the sun. And just how cute are the hip ties?
Aligne is our Shopping Editor's go-to brand for tailoring that won't (completely) break the bank. We're in love with these wide-leg trousers and matching linen top. AKA the co-ord we'll be wearing all summer long.
Toast has fully entered summer mode with these playful gingham linen trousers. We're obsessed with the straight cropped leg and elasticated waist, perfect for beach holidays or drinks in the park.
Cos's take on the linen trouser is impossibly chic. These will work just as well with a blazer as they will your favourite bikini top or button-down shirt.
Simply Be's "Dad Trousers" look a lot more expensive than their price tag suggests, and they're available in sizes 10 to 22. Be quick though, these are selling fast.
This red number from Arket is the ultimate power move, proving that linen trousers don't have to be neutral. Be sure to pair with the matching linen shirt and prepare to turn some heads.
If you're looking for something smarter than a drawstring, & Other Stories' pure linen trousers are topped with a belted waistband, making them a fab option for the office. Team with a waistcoat to create the perfect business-casual summer suit.
Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Premium Linen Pant
A&F's tailored pants prove that linen can be just as business casual as your fave pair of suit trousers. The ultra-high-rise waist and wide-leg pant create a flattering silhouette, plus the 100% linen material will keep you cool 'n breezy in the office. Tuck in a baggy shirt to complete the look.
Want to play with colour? Mango's 100% linen mustard trousers are our current go-to. They're fun, slouchy and simple to style – the ideal inclusion for your holiday wardrobe.
Weekday's slouchy trousers are the ultimate cool-girl buy to take you into the summer. Wear with a graphic tee, a pair of Birkenstock Bostons and an Aperol in hand.
WAT The Brand's gorgeous black trousers are crafted with a linen-viscose mix, so you can achieve that chilled out summertime look with less creasing. Genius.
Maddy Alford is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK, covering fashion content online and in print. Maddy specialises in shopping galleries and first-person reviews of the best fashion buys, from jeans and jewellery to wedding dresses, gymwear, and winter coats. She also writes op-eds on on pop culture, viral fashion moments, travel journalism, fitness, and the LGBTQ+ community's relationship with style. Maddy is also a fashion stylist who has worked on over 100 photoshoots at Hearst, including those starring Raye, Niall Horan, and Lena Dunham. Previously, she has worked in fashion PR and e-commerce, including stints at ELLE US and UK, Net-a-Porter, InStyle, and Time Out New York. Maddy has ten years of experience in the fashion industry in both London and New York City, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is passionate about second-hand shopping, inclusive fashion, running on Regent's Canal, and finding London's cosiest pubs.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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