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 pair that went viral last summer) with an affordable starting price of just £25, and 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.
In terms of styling, Victoria Beckham's SS24 offers endless inspiration, sending models down the runway in white linen trousers with a matching grandad-collar shirt and a cream clutch. Matching a waistcoat to your linen trousers is another 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 - and many summers after that.
SHOP: The Best Linen Trousers
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. Made from a linen-rich fabric that'll have you feeling cool all summer long, they can also be dressed up as the front pleats add a more tailored touch.
& Other Storieswww.stories.com
If you're investing in one staple pair of linen trousers this summer, let it be these ones from & Other Stories. The best part about these trousers is that they're available as part of an entire linen set, with a Tailored Linen Waistcoat and Fitted Linen Blazer. Once you've got all three parts of this set on, you'll practically feel (and look) like the sunshine.
Reisswww.reiss.com
These Reiss trousers are individually dyed so that no two pairs look the exact same. With a high-rise style that looks incredibly chic when tucked into a basic tank top, these trousers are perfect for a laid-back outfit - especially when paired with an oversized rattan bag and a chunky pair of white sandals.
Massimo Duttiwww.massimodutti.com
For the ultimate wide-leg linen trouser, you're going to need this pair from Massimo Dutti. Thanks to their oversized and slouchy style, the best way to create an outfit incorporating these is to commit to this. We're talking pairing with an oversized white shirt or blouse for the ultimate laid-back look.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
M&S again proving they're a forced to be reckoned with when it comes to making the best linen trousers. With a wide-leg shape, an elasticated waist and two handy front pockets, these trousers are a capsule wardrobe staple. Plus, their striped design means you can dress them up or down, to the office or to the beach.
Uniqlowww.uniqlo.com
For a linen trouser that has a slightly more formal and tapered look, Uniqlo has released a pair that is perfect for wearing into the office when it's too hot to wear anything else. The trousers are available in five different colours; beige, white, black, pink and olive and can be purchased alongside the Linen BlendShirt for the full linen set.
Mangowww.asos.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 blue colour strikes the balance between bright, but not too out of your comfort zone that you wouldn't get any wear out of them.
Ralph Laurenwww.ralphlauren.co.uk
You can't go wrong with a pair of Ralph Lauren linen trousers, especially when they have a classic drawcord-waist and large front pockets. What we love about these trousers is their versatility; wear them in the spring with a light cotton jumper, in the summer with a longline tank top, or in the autumn with a chunky roll neck and leather jacket.
Abercrombie & Fitchwww.abercrombie.com
Another striped pair of linen trousers on the list (we can't get enough) this time with a green stripe and a more tailored fit. These Abercrombie trousers are perfect for petite and tall girls that struggle with finding a pair of trousers that aren't too long or too short. That's because they're available in three different lengths; short, regular and long.
Max Marawww.net-a-porter.com
Max Mara is best known for creating must-have coats for every season, but we love a brand that can do it all. These linen trousers, with its airy linen-blend gauze and flowing wide leg is ideal for this season. A pop of colour is always welcomed come summertime, too.
Mint Velvetmintvelvet.com
These orange linen trousers from Mint Velvet are a vibrant addition to any wardrobe. They feature an ankle-grazing hem in three different lengths (short, regular and long) and a thin belt that cinches in the waist. Pair them with a simple blouse and some boho sandals for an effortless summer outfit.
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).