If you’re not one for girly summer dresses, and usually reserve denim shorts for trips abroad, a pair of the best linen trousers for women will be a mainstay in your spring/summer wardrobe. Crisp yet floaty, cool yet covering, they’re never not on our radar, but recent runways have piqued our interests more than ever.
Spotted at Stella McCartney, Max Mara and Peter Do, paired with everything from white shirts and and flip flops to vest tops and loafers, linen trousers have taken the reins from our beloved wide-leg trousers, and are solving those warmer weather obstacles when it comes to what to wear.
Because yes, they might bring to mind beachy locations and tropical environments, and we admit they are an ideal inclusion for your holiday wardrobe (just roll them instead of folding when it comes to packing to avoid creasing!), but linen trews are actually just versatile as some of the best jeans you own.
Not only are they integral to creating a slick linen suit look, they’re also just as effective on their own with a simple T-shirt, linen shirt, swimsuit or otherwise. See, told you.
Who makes the best linen trousers?
- Most affordable: Uniqlo
- Best on the high-street: Mango
- Best for colour variety: Marks & Spencer
Neutral-tones and basic black linen trousers are a summer classic, but 2025 is seeing some up-to-date details that we’re utterly here for. Look for tailored iterations with pleated waists alongside casual drawstring versions, plus newer colourways and patterns including PJ-style stripes, pinks and bright pastels.
We’re also here for linen’s more-sustainable credentials. While cotton is a super thirsty crop that requires epic amounts of water and pesticides to grow (one tee would need 2700 litres to produce – more than the average person drinks in 2 ½ years) linen doesn’t need extra irrigation, making it a less environmentally-impactful fabric choice.
So, if you’re someone who favours easy outfits – you know the ones… the type that you you can just throw on and go, without having to think too much about – then owning a pair of linen trousers is non-negotiable. Think of them as summer’s answer to black leggings and you’ll see exactly what all the fuss is about, we promise.
