Linen pants are the best kept hot weather secret. You can wear dressier outfits that require pants without burning up in the mid-summer heat. You can also dress down certain looks while giving off a cool, effortless summer vibe. We’ll go through 3 best linen pants for hot weather, and how you can wear them.
In reality, you only need a couple of pairs of linen pants. Unless you attend numerous dressy-casual events (usually during the day) over the summer, one or two foundational pairs should suffice.
Why Linen Pants?
What are the benefits? Linen was made for the hot weather. It is lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic. Linen pants allow you to look put-together without sacrificing comfort. They can get a little wrinkled, which is part of the casual effortlessness of the look. It’s fine be a little relaxed during the summer months. The natural variation and texture of linen fibers also adds visual interest to your outfit, which can liven up otherwise standard/boring looks.
Another advantage of linen is its durability. While the fabric may feel soft and lightweight, it’s surprisingly strong compared to cotton. With the right care, gentle washing, air drying, and avoiding harsh detergents, linen pants can last for many summers. They also get softer with every wash, making them more comfortable the longer you own them. Unlike synthetic fabrics, linen is also eco-friendly, since it comes from flax, a plant that requires fewer resources to grow. For men looking to build a more sustainable wardrobe, this makes linen pants an environmentally conscious choice.
When is it best to wear them? Depending on the cut and construction, they have an unbeatable versatility during the summer. A summer wedding (either as separate pants or part of a linen suit), a rehearsal dinner/cocktail hour, lunch or afternoon drinks, a casual dinner, a boat party, to the pool, a walk on the beach, lounging at a café… really any warm weather casual or semi-formal situation.
They’re also a practical travel companion. If you’re going on vacation to a tropical destination, packing a pair of linen pants can save you from overheating in jeans or chinos. They take up little space in your luggage, and since wrinkles are part of their charm, you don’t need to worry about ironing them while traveling. Throw them on with a lightweight shirt, and you’ll fit in perfectly whether you’re exploring markets, dining seaside, or attending a sunset event.
How to Wear Linen Pants
The cut must match the formality of the occasion. You can pull off drawstring linen pants, or those with a fuller cut, for more casual situations. You can wear these with a t-shirt and leather sandals or espadrilles, or with a polo shirt or short-sleeve button down and white canvas sneakers. Below are a few examples of a solid casual looks with linen pants.
For dressier situations, you should go with more tailored pants, possibly in a linen-cotton or linen-wool blend. Blends like these keep the cooling properties and relaxed vibe of linen, while adding a touch more structure.
This type of pant will match unstructured sport coats, button-down shirts, loafers, or even a more casual pair of suede oxfords, for instance. The photos below are a good example of some slightly dressier looks with linen pants. Notice how well the pants match the dressiness of the other parts of the outfit, while still maintaining a relaxed feel.
Color is another factor to keep in mind. Classic shades like beige, cream, and light gray are easy to pair with nearly anything, while navy or olive can add more depth to your wardrobe. For those who like to experiment, pastel tones such as light blue or dusty pink can create a fresh summer statement without looking over the top. Pairing different shades of linen pants with complementary tops can give you multiple outfit options with just a few key pieces.
3 Best Options
Alright, now that we know all about the versatility and comfort of linen pants, let’s look at the best linen pants for hot weather, with a few options at varying price points.
- Banana Republic Athletic Fit Linen Pants – solid, affordable casual option
- Mango Slim-Fit Linen Pants – perfect in-between option
- J. Crew Slub Cotton-Linen Suit Pant – great for more structured looks or paired with a matching suit jacket for a summer suit
If you’re just starting your linen collection, choose based on your lifestyle. Someone who spends most weekends at the beach or poolside will get more use out of casual drawstring pants. On the other hand, professionals attending client lunches or networking events in the summer might benefit from a more tailored option. Owning at least one casual and one dressy pair ensures you’re ready for both relaxed and refined occasions.
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