Things are getting toasty out there, fellas. It’s just about time to switch over to your summer wardrobe. On the absolute hottest of days, you may be inclined to reach for your favorite pair of shorts.
And hey, we’re not knocking that decision. But on days that you still want to feel a bit more dressed up without sacrificing comfort and breathability, consider picking up a pair of linen pants this season.
For the less initiated, linen is a fabric made from fibers derived from flax plants. Not only is it natural, but it is highly breathable, featuring a looser weave than knotty wools and twill cottons.
This makes linen an ideal material for summertime clothing, especially pants. Their relaxed nature and subtle texture can elevate just about any summer outfit, whether you’re running morning errands or grabbing dinner outdoors. And the best linen pants absolutely double down on the cool factor.
At Real Men Real Style, we want you to look your best and feel your best this summer. So without further ado, here are our top recommendations for the best men’s linen pants in 2024, covering a variety of budgets and micro-styles. Read on!
The Budget Pick: Linen Blend Relaxed Pants by Uniqlo
The Japan-based mega-retailer of clothing basics doesn’t miss. Their Linen Blend Relaxed Pants are an excellent choice, and snagging a pair won’t hurt your wallet too much, either. While not a fully linen composition, a linen-cotton blend ensures a bit less wrinkling than you’d typically expect from fully linen pants – and it keeps things breathable, too.
With a classic silhouette, these are incredibly easy to style as well. Not sure how? Here’s a hint. Try ‘em with just about anything. Appropriate for the office, country club, cruise ship deck, and anywhere in between, there’s a heck of a lot of versatility available to you here.
With five colors and extensive unisex sizing options, you can’t get much better than these for under the $50.00 mark.
The Laid-Back Pick: Linen Drawstring Pants by Madewell
If the last option had a bit too much cotton in the mix for your taste, the Linen Drawstring Pants by Madewell might be more your thing. Made from 100%, you guessed it, linen, these casual bottoms offer a solid value for the money, and significantly more laid-back aesthetic.
Available in a unique sage green, don’t let their casual nature fool you – you can style these a ton of ways. Wear them with your favorite band tee. Wear them with loafers of Adidas Sambas. Try them out with a camp collar shirt.
You’ve got options, and the relaxed, generous fit provided by the drawstring waistband means you don’t need to bother worrying about a belt. For under $90.00, these are a damn near steal.
The Contemporary Pick: Classic-fit Linen Trouser by J.Crew
If J.Crew didn’t make this list, then something would be seriously wrong. As the parent brand to Madewell, J.Crew is known to offer serious style with a preppy twist – and their linen offerings are no exception to this rule. Their Classic-Fit Linen Trousers are 100% linen and come in four flexible colors.
Not only that, but their timeless fit makes these work exceptionally well for almost any occasion. Dressed up or down, they’ll make an impact. And for a price tag of $118.00, they feature some great extra features like button-flapped rear pockets. We can’t recommend these enough for all your summer sartorial needs.
The Detail-Centric Pick: Standard Pleated Pant in Flax Linen by Alex Mill
Launched in 2012, Alex Mill has made a profound impact on the men’s fashion landscape in only a relatively brief period of time. Well-regarded for their solid fabrics and budget-friendly casual tailoring options, they should definitely be on your radar – and so should their Standard Pleated Pants in Linen.
There’s hardly a better way to add easy visual depth to an outfit than a couple of pleats, and these pants understand that to great effect. With a slightly cropped hem and higher rise, the fit on these is exceptionally well-crafted.
There’s extras to go around too, most notably a tastefully-flapped coin pocket and cuffed legs. Available for $175.00, these offer a pretty good value if you’re ready for the next step above traditional budget options.
Oh, and did we mention they’re 100% linen, too?
The Clean Pick: Linen Hopsack Carry-On Pant by Buck Mason
The go-to brand for American classics and workwear-inspired pieces at a reasonable price-per-quality, Buck Mason is particularly good at turning great fabrics into even better clothes. Look no further than their Linen Hopsack Carry-On Pants for proof.
Inspired by the look of vintage military chinos, these pants have a particular airy weave that keeps things extra breathable. With a classic fit, natural color, and details like a coin pocket, these pants are competitively priced at $178.00 and can be paired with Buck Mason’s matching Linen-Hopsack Carry-On Jacket for a casual suit that may as well be the official uniform of taking it easy – in style.
The Five-Pocket Pick: Relaxed Fit 5-Pocket Cotton Linen Pant by Todd Snyder
Looking for a pair of linen pants that definitely air on the casual side of casual? Five-pocket pants are much like jeans – but aren’t necessarily made from denim. In the case of this offering from Todd Snyder, they can come in linen, too!
Todd Snyder is much beloved for their updated takes on classic style centerpieces, and these pants prove they’re still on the money. Available in three colors, you can forget resorting to jeans anytime you want a five-pocket configuration.
With a 73% cotton and 27% linen composition, you can expect these to be sturdier than other more linen-forward pants. But don’t be misled – they’ll still keep you feeling cool and looking fresh.
The Customizable Pick: Classic Wide-leg Trouser by Scott Fraser Collection
Scott Fraser Collection has become renowned for their exceptional fits, fabrics, and plethora of options available. The England-based brand offers some brilliant tailoring, and their Classic Wide Leg Trousers exemplify the quality you can expect.
Technically, these pants are offered in dozens of options, including cottons and wools. But they’re also available in multiple linen fabrics, ranging in color and weave. There’s guaranteed to be an option that calls out to you.
But that’s not where the customization stops. You can choose to add/remove belt loops, side tabs, cuffed legs, and more, and can expect a highly-flattering traditional fit that is full through the leg and the seat, thanks to a couple of generous pleats. All of this – available to you for around $310.00 USD (converted from GBP).
The Enthusiast Pick: Tobacco Cotton Linen Games Trousers by Drake’s
If you’re a menswear-head like us, you’re surely familiar with Drake’s. If not, then let it be told – they’ve got some serious game. While certainly pricey, the quality and pure style found in the garments of this British-based menswear powerhouse are nearly unparalleled.
Drake’s understands pants. Like, really well. Their Cotto Linen Games Trousers? Truly exceptional. A high-quality blend of linen and cotton means that these pants will hold their shape better and be less prone to excessive wrinkling, but still maintain a breathable composition suitable for summer weather.
While easily styled up, the construction is relatively relaxed and works just as well casually, with a pinched waist and fuller fit in the leg. Adorned with a pair of single forward-facing pleats, they come in a variety of colors. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but we’re especially fond of the Tobacco color – they’re incredibly versatile.
Like we said, these ones aren’t exactly cheap, coming in at $500.00, but you’ll struggle to find a pair this good anywhere else. Menswear enthusiasts love Drake’s for a lot of reasons. These pants are one of them.
The Wrap-Up
At Real Men Real Style, we want you to look your best and feel confident. Which is why we want to let you know about the best products and best practices. If you haven’t previously given linen pants a shot, let this be your sign to upgrade your style game this summer.
Like we said, shorts can be cool. But linen pants indicate a level of understanding when it comes to the intersection of fabrics and functionality. They tell the world that you don’t have to resort to shorts the moment it gets a bit warm outside. You’re prepared. You’ve got the perfect pair of pants for the job. Any of the above will most certainly help you keep your cool.