Unlock the Secret to Effortless Summer Style: How Linen Pants Can Transform Every Occasion—Fashion Editors Spill Their Game-Changing Tips!

Ever tried to outsmart a relentless heatwave by cuffing jeans, rolling up dress pants, or rocking shorts at the office, only to end up sweating buckets and regretting every choice? I’ve been there—and trust me, I’ve been on a quest to find the ultimate summer pants game-changer. Here’s the kicker: the top contender isn’t what you’d expect. Linen pants have evolved far beyond the wrinkly, shapeless monstrosities of your grandpa’s era. Today’s linen is sharp, breezy, and surprisingly versatile—you can pull them off whether you’re chilling on the beach or commanding the boardroom. I stumbled upon this sartorial revelation during a sweaty June trip to St. Kitts, where a spontaneous pair of wide-leg linen pants turned into my go-to for everything from beachfront dinners to airport car rides without a single wrinkle in sight. Curious about which linen pants strike the perfect balance between style and comfort? And how to wear them without looking like you just checked into the White Lotus? Let’s dive into the why, what, and how of mastering linen pants this summer. LEARN MORE

AS SOMEONE WHO’S tried to outsmart heatwaves by cuffing jeans, rolling up dress pants, and even sporting shorts at the office, I can say this with confidence: the best summer pants are linen pants. And today’s linen pants aren’t the wrinkled, shapeless sacks your grandpa wore. They’re sharper, breezier, and easier to style, so you can wear them to the beach or boardroom.

I became a linen pants convert during a sticky June trip to St. Kitts. I packed a pair of wide-leg pants from Todd Snyder on a whim, figuring I’d wear them once, maybe twice. Well get this: I didn’t take them off. They kept me cool at a beachside dinner, looked so neat and fresh with loafers at brunch, and didn’t crinkle despite hours in a long car ride to the airport. Anyway, what are the right linen pants, you ask? And how do you wear them without looking like you’re checked in at the White Lotus?

Let’s break it down.

Types of Linen Pants

Finding the right fit is key to pulling off linen pants, since the fabric naturally drapes and moves in a way that can either flatter or distract, depending on the cut. That movement comes from linen’s unique structure, which is made from flax and woven with a looser, more breathable weave than cotton. The result is a fabric that feels lighter, cooler, and more airy, especially in the heat. Unlike cotton, which holds its shape, linen tends to flow and wrinkle, giving it a relaxed, lived-in look.

Here’s how to approach the three most common styles:

Tailored or Slim Fit

Tailored or slim-fit linen pants are a great choice if you’re aiming for a polished, put-together look that still reads summer. These pants taper slightly at the ankle, which gives your outfit a sharper edge and works well with button-down shirts to fitted polos. They’re ideal for occasions that call for a touch of formality—think rooftop dinners, summer weddings, or even offices with relaxed dress codes. Pair them with loafers, leather sneakers, or even derbies to keep the vibe elevated.

Relaxed or Wide-Leg Fit

Relaxed and wide-leg linen pants embrace the easygoing nature of the fabric and are often cut to drape more freely from the hip down. This style leans more younger and trendy, depending on how you wear it. Its breezy cut works for beach days, weekend markets, or travel. Styling-wise, they work well with a more fitted shirt like a tank top to balance things out. Footwear can be just as relaxed: try fisherman sandals or low-profile sneakers.

Elastic-Waist or Drawstring Styles

Elastic-waist or drawstring linen pants are your go-to for lounging, travel, or low-effort vacation looks. They’re slightly cropped or cuffable, which helps avoid a sloppy appearance, and the waistband makes them comfortable to wear for hours. This style pairs easily with relaxed tees, polos, or breezy camp-collar shirts. While they’re inherently casual, you can still make them look neat with some polish. Tuck in your shirt, throw on a woven belt, and finish with leather slides or slip-on sneakers. They’re also the easiest style to pack for a trip, since they can double as both poolside cover-ups and dinner-ready pants.

Styling Linen Pants Where You Are

For the City Weekday

You can still pull off linen pants in the city as long as they have a tailored cut and a fixed waistband to keep things looking sharp. Think clean lines and maybe even a front crease. Tailored linen trousers instantly upgrade your summer work fits. At the office, pair them with a dress shirt and unstructured blazer, something breathable but still put-together. When it’s time to head to happy hour, ditch the blazer and swap in a crisp T-shirt or polo. Leather sneakers or loafers on foot. A slim belt at the waist. Done.

For the Beach or Vacation

Beach style should feel cool, comfortable, and flowy. That’s why wearing relaxed or wide-leg linen pants makes the most sense. Let everything drape and move with the breeze. You want pants that catch the wind a bit, and feel as chill as a sunset cocktail. Bonus points if they’re part of a matching linen set. Stick to tonal or neutral colors: sand, olive, ivory, navy to keep it sharp.

Top it off with a breathable camp collar shirt (buttoned or unbuttoned), slip-on sandals or espadrilles, and aviator sunglasses.

For the Backyard BBQ

Linen pants, especially styles with a drawstring, play nice with easygoing tops and accessories. They’re perfect for casual settings like a backyard BBQ because they feel just as comfortable as sweats but look way more pulled together. The drawstring gives you that laid-back look without the need for a belt, and they’re lighter and breezier than jeans. In this case, you want to be relaxed but still clean. Go with a well-fitted tank, overshirt, and canvas sneakers. You can ditch the overshirt when the temps rise. You’re not dressing up, but you’re also not in sweats. Just keep the rest of the fit sharp. Roll the hems once or twice to show a bit of ankle or sock. It helps balance the relaxed cut.

For Date Night or Dinner Out

For date night or dinner, you want linen pants that feel polished, not resort-ready. Look for a slim or tapered fit with a fixed waistband. Bonus if they’ve got a subtle pleat or crease to sharpen the silhouette. These are the kind of linen trousers that can pass for dress pants at first glance, but feel way cooler (literally and stylistically). Pair it with a linen button-up shirt, knit polo, or fitted tee. Finish with loafers or clean dress sneakers. Go for darker linens: charcoal, black, or forest green. They hide wrinkles and feel evening-appropriate, especially paired with black or brown leather accents.

What to Style with Your Linen Pants

Types of Linen Pants

Closing Tips

Avoid super thin linen that becomes see-through in daylight. Look for a linen-cotton or linen-viscose blend that adds durability and structure. If it wrinkles a little? Good. That’s part of the charm. Just don’t try to iron it into submission; light steam or a wrinkle release spray will do.

Accessorize wisely. A woven belt, leather sandals, or some low-key jewelry goes a long way in elevating linen pants from loungewear to street-ready sharp. Linen pants aren’t just for vacation anymore. They’re the secret weapon of guys who’ve figured out summer style: breathable, low-maintenance, and shockingly versatile. Believe me, when you find the right pair, you’ll wonder how you ever sweated through July in jeans.

More of Our Favorite Summer Essentials

Best Shorts for Men | Best Swim Trunks | Best Cargo Shorts for Men | Best Jean Shorts for Men | Best Baggy Shorts | Best Sandals | Best Summer Shoes | Best Slides for Men | Best Slip-Ons | Best Tank Tops for Men | Best Board Shorts | Best T-Shirts for Men

As the Style and Commerce Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.