Easy breezy, but effortlessly tailored at the same time, linen trousers are key to building your perfect summer capsule wardrobe. Of course, you'll need other summer staples like a basic vest top, chunky sandals and a pair of statement sunglasses, but as far as trousers go, linen will be your hot weather saviour.
Apart from their ability to elevate any given outfit, linen trousers are also especially valuable during those sweltering days in the city where you want to stay cool but don't necessarily want to wear a pair of shorts. They're also typically crease-proof, making them perfect for vacation packing, and for even more good news, linen trousers don't have to cost a fortune, either. M&S's linen selection is impressive (we all remember the linen trousers that went viral last summer), with an affordable starting price of just £25, while Aligne's linen offering is something you can only conjure up in a dream. Elsewhere, ARKET and Mango offer wonderful linen blends in neutral shades of cream and off-white. My favourite? Aligne's wide-leg linen trousers, which are a comfier iteration of the pair I've loved and worn for two summers in a row.
aligne.co
Despite skipping the pleated details of my exact pair, these wide-leg linen trousers are a dressy option thanks to their crisp white colour. Style it with one of the brand's waisted blazers for an elegant event, or simply throw on a white T-shirt and striped button-down for a distinctly off-duty flavour.
In terms of styling, matching a waistcoat to your linen trousers is a great option for something more sophisticated, or a simple open-weave tank top for a more casual day-time ensemble.
Shop our pick of the best linen trousers for this summer.
Shop: The Best Linen Trousers
H&M www2.hm.com
H&M's lineup of linen trousers is currently incredible, so it's no surprise these linen-blend trousers are selling fast. Available in a range of colours, our favourite is this light beige. Shop while you still can.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Every year M&S release a pair of linen trousers that become the most popular style, and we have a sneaky feeling these are the ones this year.
www.marksandspencer.com
A slightly elevated pair from M&S, but still under the £40 mark, these trousers are designed with a breezy feel and feature pockets for an added touch of practicality. Perfect for wearing with a matching blazer to the office.
www.abercrombie.com
Our go-to destination for all things elevated basics, it's no surprise that Abercrombie & Fitch has the perfect pair of linen blend trousers. While the beige is an evergreen classic, we're also fans of the trendy gingham take.
On sale
www.nobodyschild.com
Just as wearable in the daytime as it is for summer evenings, Nobody's Child strikes the perfect balance with these wide-leg palazzo trousers. Plus, the darker cream shade sets it apart from your usual off-white pair.
On sale
& Other Storieswww.stories.com
If you're keen on a brighter trendy pair in one staple pair of linen trousers this summer, let it be this tailored style from & Other Stories. A touch dressier than more classic styles, it'll see you from the office to rooftop sundowners with ease.
COSwww.cos.com
We can take quite a good guess that this pair of wide-leg trousers from high street hero COS, are not going to be in stock for long. The closest you'll get to a pair of laid-back linen trousers that you'll still look chic in, these trousers also feature a comfortable slouchy oversized fit and a drawstring waist.
www.zara.com
Made from a linen and viscose blend, this Zara makes for an easy foundation in your spring/summer uniform. Most customer reviews say that the trousers run large, so we'd recommend sizing down with this one.
Mangoshop.mango.com
Linen trousers don't just come in neutral colours. Sometimes it makes a nice change to invest in a pair of linen trousers in a colour you usually wouldn't gravitate towards. This striped blue pair strikes the balance between bright, but not too far out of your comfort zone that you wouldn't get any wear out of them.
Max Marawww.net-a-porter.com
Trust Bali-based label Faithfull to make easy breezy summer staples well. These linen trousers, with their airy linen construction and streamlined straight leg silhouette are ideal for this season.
What tops go with linen trousers?
The great thing about linen trousers is that they're really versatile and can go with almost anything. For a more casual look, pair your trousers with a lightweight cotton, or even linen blouse. Double linen can also look more formal if you add a couple of accessories, like a brown bag, belt and loafers, and throw a knitted jumper over your shoulders. This will really elevate your outfit and make it feel a little more office-ready.
Alternatively, if Hailey Bieber is your muse then you might want to style your linen trousers into something that's more reminiscent of the street style we see on her nowadays, such as a cropped tank top or baby tee.
Is linen good for summer?
If you find yourself overheating the second the sun comes out, then linen is a great choice. Linen is a light fabric that allows air to circulate freely, and it also has moisture-wicking properties to ensure you stay cool at all times. There's a reason why linen is the best fabric for the summer, year after year.
Gemma Lavers is a Fashion Writer at Bauer Media, writing for brands like Grazia, heat and Closer. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).