It hasn’t even started yet, but I’m already dreading the end of summer. Hasn’t it been refreshing to pop some on lightweight clothes, slip into sandals and ditch all of the fussy layers? One wardrobe staple in particular has become such a favourite that I’m inclined to start wearing them all year round: wide-leg linen trousers.
As an editor I spend a lot of time researching trends and analysing street style, and believe me when I say that this failsafe anti-jeans option is something that remains a classic, suits everyone and is easily the comfiest trousers you’ll wear all year. I have already been getting heaps of use of of a perfect-fit Totême pair, but the high-street options for looser-leg linen silhouettes abound: COS, H&M, Arket, M&S, Abercomrbie… every retailer has their take on the capsule wardrobe essential, and they’re selling like hotcakes. What’s more is that I genuinely believe linen trousers can look really chic paired with a leather blazer, a denim shirt or a chunky knit, meaning you actually can take a summery pair into the autumn.
White or cream linen trousers are almost always available from designers and on the high street every summer, but fast-forward to spring 2023, and there are a few details that have brought the classic trousers well up to date. Look for belted high waists, pleat-fronts, ultra wide-leg silhouettes and new colourways like olive green, khaki and brown.
Jessica Skye adds a one-shoulder black top, a pair of flip-flops and a raffia bag to her linen trousers to complete this perfect summer look. This trend has been regularly spotted on influencers as well. Studio Arva owner Abi Omole, previously featured on Best Wardrobes in Britain, pairs her cream trousers with a peach vest and a pistachio cardi. Lorna of Symphony of Silk styles a padded vest with white linen trousers, a Prada bag and Converse shoes, and Jessica Skye has opts for a one-shoulder vest with linen trousers, sandals and a beach-ready raffia bag. Meanwhile, in the Who What Wear office, we have a few particular styles that have become our tried-and-tested favourites. Editor-in-chief Hannah Almassi swears by Reformation’s Mason pants, Emily Dawes rates multiple M&S pairs, and social media editor Joy Ejaria has found the perfect fit at Uniqlo.
Style Notes: Laid-back but still super cool, Lorna of Symphony of Silk knows how to make her linen trousers look fresh and chic. All three influencers might have gone for pale-coloured wide-leg linen trousers, but there are plenty of other options around. Keep scrolling to see how to style your linen trousers, and to shop my edit of the very best on the market.
Style Notes: The supersized volume makes these baggy linen trousers feel entirely fresh.
Style Notes: The easiest way to wear white linen come summer? A matchy co-ord of course.
Style Notes: When the weather is cooler layer up your your linen with our favourite transitional piece, the trench coat.
Style Notes: Break up a three-piece suit and mix and match the pieces to create a whole new look.
Style Notes: Neutral hues always look expensive so pair camel with fresh whites, khakis, and black for a chic look in 5 minutes.
It’s the elasticated waist for me—dream to wear.
H&M’s linen trousers are a great find, plus they go up to a size 28 in this style.
Looking for something slightly different from your usual linen trousers? Try a cargo pair.
I love the extra-wide, baggy legs on this palazzo style from Zara.
The ones all the fashion girls want.
M&S knows how to do simple pieces really well, and you can trust that these will last you well beyond this year. Almost every linen trouser style they have is all but sold out.
If you’re looking for a colourful pair, they don’t get prettier than these.
Abercrombie’s linen pants have been notching up the 4- and 5-star reviews. They come in short, regular and long lengths, plus they have an elasticated waistband at the back for an even more versatile fit.
These come in multiple colourways and matching items, and the fit has been praised by numerous editors in the team.
Extra pleats = extra roomy.
COS’s trousers are legendary, so it goes without saying that their summer versions are excellent.
Just the right amount of exaggerated slouch.
These have a satisfyingly crinkly texture to them.
Reiss’s linen tailoring is some of the smartest out there on the high street, and it’s not hanging around for long…
These trousers, and the matching waistcoat, have been insanely popular.
The perfect weekend trousers. Up next, linen trouser outfits we want to copy right away. This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
