14 Best Linen Pants and Shorts for Women to Buy for Summer
A summer wardrobe isn't complete without a pair of linen pants, so here are the best ones to buy - including a bestselling pair that has sparked a frenzy on social media.
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Linen is the perfect summer fabric – it’s versatile, comfortable and most importantly, breathable.
That’s right, linen isn’t just reserved for your bedding – linen fashion is the embodiment of the summer aesthetic … think relaxed and effortless resortwear. It’s an easy-to-style fabric that thankfully still looks super chic even when it’s creased and looking a little worn in.
With loads of linen pants on the market – really, you can find one for any and every summer occasion – we’ve narrowed down the best picks to add to your shopping cart, stat.
To get more bang for your buck, Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC, recommends thinking about when and where you plan to wear linen pants before purchasing a pair.
“If you want a casual weekend pant, go for a drawstring pair, if you plan to wear them to work, look for a more tailored style that has a front pleat, pockets and a waistband. If you’re after a more stylish look, try on a linen cargo pant, a low-rise pant or a wide slouchy pant.”
Keep on scrolling to see our selection of the best picks – including the popular Cotton On Haven Wide Leg Pants that have gone viral on TikTok. Shoppers have dubbed them the "most comfortable pants ever".
We're also loving the Linen Pleat Wide Leg Pant from Glassons that is “beautiful and airy", and "not see-through".
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST LINEN PANTS
Cotton On Haven Wide Leg Pant, $24.99(down from $49.99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Popular style; size inclusive; elasticated waistband with draw cords; relaxed fit.
What to consider: Light colourways may be slightly sheer.
Material: 55 per cent linen (flax) and 45 per cent viscose | Colour: Multiple | Size: AU 6 to AU 24
What You Need To Know
It wouldn’t be a round up if we didn’t include Cotton On. Featuring relaxed, full-length legs and side slip pockets, this pair can be worn mid to low-rise and is incredibly lightweight and breathable. Available in sizes AU 4 to AU 24, it’s easy to wear and style, and a must-have for your next summer holiday.
Five-star reviewers on the Cotton On website say they're the "most comfortable pants ever" and "look really flattering".
"Love these pants. I bought 2 different patterns. They feel great on and look really flattering. So versatile I wear them for work and socially," one wrote.
"These pants are very comfortable to wear - they are light and breathable," another wrote.
Linen Tailored Pant from Glassons
Why we love it: Timeless style; fully lined(!!!); not see-through; versatile - can be dressed up or down.
What to consider: Light colourways may be slightly sheer; maxi length - may be too long on those that are shorter in height.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Colour: White, Soy Bean, Head in the Sand x Milk and Black | Size: AU 6 to AU 14
What You Need To Know
White linen pants that aren't see-through? Groundbreaking. Made from 100 per cent linen, this timeless pair from Glassons features a relaxed fit with a mid-rise waist, straight wide legs and belt loops. They're lightweight, airy and super easy to dress up with heels or down with sneakers, not to mention they're fully lined.
"Best pair of linen pants. Its even the first one I've had that is lined and not see through. It's beautiful and soft to wear. I wore one in Cairns and it's so humid there and the linen pants were beautiful and airy," one five-star reviewer wrote.
BEST AFFORDABLE LINEN PANT
Linen Blend Pull On Pants, $34.99 at H&M
Why we love it: Affordable; easy pull-on design; relaxed fit; elasticated waist.
What to consider: Light colourways may be slightly sheer; no stretch; may crease due to fabric; some reviewers say the legs are really long.
Material: 55 per cent viscose and 45 per cent linen | Colour: Multiple | Size: XS to XXL
What You Need To Know
Made from a viscose-linen blend, these affordable yet quality linen pants are great for a day at work or a casual day out. It features an relaxed wide leg fit, elasticated waistband with an adjustable drawcord and side slip pockets.
"These pants are great! Got them in white and sage green. The white is slightly see through but the green sage isn’t at all! The look so good and are super comfy," one reviewer wrote.
BEST LINEN PANT FOR THE OFFICE
Witchery Linen Pleat Pant, $125.30 (down from $179) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Sophisticated shape; high-rise waist; great wardrobe staple; fully linen.
What to consider: Quite expensive.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Colour: Black, Blue-Grey, Floss Pink, Stone and Lemon | Size: AU 4 to AU 18
What You Need To Know
Described as a “elegant, classy yet comfortable” trouser, this 100 per cent linen pair has a tailored designed with slim fit legs that flare out below the knees and side slip pockets. They also come in loads of colours, so if you love the fit, you can stock up on the range and easily rotate them in your wardrobe.
Atmos & Here Alis Linen Blend Pants, $59.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Affordable; flattering high-rise waist; great for work; adjustable drawcord.
What to consider: No stretch.
Material: 81 per cent viscose and 19 per cent linen | Colour: Black, Light Khaki and White | Size: AU 6 to AU 16
What You Need To Know
Made from a viscose-linen blend, these affordable yet quality linen pants are great for a day at work and beyond. It features a high-rise paperbag waist with an adjustable drawcord, side slip pockets and a tapered leg.
BEST BLACK LINEN PANT
Unison Linen Wide Leg Pant, $129.95 at Myer
Why we love it: Comfy and casual; elasticated waistband; relaxed fit.
What to consider: Quite expensive; some may think the waistband isn't sophisticated enough for work.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Colour: Black and Stone | Size: AU 6 to AU 16
What You Need To Know
A fabulous pair of black linen pants if you don’t want to break the bank, these ones from Unison are a top pick. Crafted from 100 per cent linen, this is casual enough for everyday and super comfortable thanks to the elasticated waistband.
BEST WHITE LINEN PANT
Seed Heritage Core Linen Waisted Pant, $159.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Flattering high-waisted fit; wide legs; premium French linen make.
What to consider: Quite expensive; pockets can be seen through the fabric.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Colour: Whisper White | Size: AU 4 to AU 18
What You Need To Know
We’re obsessed with the flattering high waist and long, wide legs of this pair. It’s crafted from 100 per cent French linen and offers side slip pockets, dart detailing and a zip and hook closure.
BEST STRAIGHT LEG LINEN PANT
AERE Straight Leg Linen Pants, $120 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Relaxed fit; straight leg silhouette; lightweight; easy to dress up or down.
What to consider: Slightly sheer - unlined.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Colour: Oatmeal | Size: AU 6 to AU 18
What You Need To Know
You can’t go wrong with a simple pair of straight leg linen pants and we love this sophisticated pair. The neutral oatmeal colour makes it easy to effortlessly match with the rest of your summer wardrobe and it can easily be dress up or down.
BEST WIDE LEG LINEN PANT
Amellus Mabel Linen Pant, $129 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Simple style; elasticated waistband; wide legs; high waisted.
What to consider: May be too long for those that are shorter in height.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Colour: Navy, Black, Khaki and Natural | Size: AU 6 to AU 16
What You Need To Know
These 100 per cent linen wide leg pants from Amelius are a total winner. Designed with an elasticated waistband, side slip pockets and a relaxed wide leg – they’re an easy piece to dress up or down. Plus, the sleek Navy colour is a good alternative to a classic black pair.
BEST CROPPED LINEN PANT
Witchery Linen Crop Pant, $97.30 (down from $139) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Cropped length; high waisted; straight leg fit; great for work or casual wear.
What to consider: Some might not like a cropped leg length.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Colour: Black and White | Size: AU 4 to AU 18
What You Need To Know
If you’re after pair of linen pants that you can work into your weekday and weekend wardrobe, this pair from Witchery is perfect. Made from 100 per cent linen, these pants feature a zip and hook closure, cropped straight leg profile and side slip pockets. It’s a timeless style that can be dressed up or down.
BEST HIGH-WAISTED LINEN PANT
AERE Straight Leg Linen Pants, $120 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: High waisted; lightweight; straight legs; pockets; relaxed fit.
What to consider: May be slightly sheer when under light.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Colour: White and Black | Size: AU 6 to AU 18
What You Need To Know
The AERE Straight Leg Linen Pants have made it to the top of our list, crafted from 100 per cent linen and made with soft front pleats and a high-rise waist to beautifully accentuate your curves and shape your body.
Love them so much you want them in another colour? You’re in luck, these also come in black, perfect for your workwear wardrobe.
BEST LINEN PANT FOR CURVY WOMEN
Something 4 Olivia Lottie Linen Pants, $99.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Flattering; high waisted; wide legs; pockets; size inclusive.
What to consider: No stretch.
Material: 55 per cent linen and 45 per cent viscose | Colour: White and Black | Size: AU 10 to AU 24
What You Need To Know
Perfect for work and everyday, these oh-so flattering pants are made from a linen-viscose blend and feature a high-rise waist and full length wide legs. Plus, it has pockets too.
BEST LINEN SHORTS
Witchery Linen Pleat Short, $90.30 (down from $129) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Easy to style; high waisted; flattering; gorgeous colour.
What to consider: No stretch; may be slightly sheer under light.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Colour: Lemon, Black, Stone and Floss Pink | Size: AU 4 to AU 18
What You Need To Know
No summer wardrobe is complete without a pair of linen shorts and we love this gorgeous lemon yellow one from Witchery. Crafted from 100 per cent linen, this lightweight and breathable pair offer a high waist, slightly wide cuffed legs with pleat details, two side slip pockets and a flattering longer leg length – making them great for work and casual wear.
Country Road Organically Grown Linen Relaxed Short, $119 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Easy pull-on design; elasticated waist with drawcords; relaxed fit.
What to consider: Quite expensive.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Colour: Black, Light Pistachio and Chambray Blue | Size: AU 4 to AU 16
What You Need To Know
If you’re after shorts that are a little more relaxed and easy to slip on, this pair from Country Road has an easy elasticated waistband with a drawcord. It’s made from 100 per cent linen and has side seam pockets.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING LINEN PANTS?
When it comes to purchasing a pair of linen pants, it's important to consider these factors:
Composition: Do you want a 100 per cent linen make or a linen-blend? Pure linen pieces provide the benefits of being breathable, hypoallergenic, durable and absorbent. Whereas partially linen pieces may not provide all those benefits.
Weight: If you've ever had an issue where you bought a pair of linen pants that ended up incredibly sheer, don't worry. In order to avoid this, you should make sure you look into the GSM or thickness of the linen - this will ultimately tell you whether the piece you're potentially going to buy is sheer or opaque.
- Sheer = 0-50GSM
- Light = 50-150GSM
- Medium = 150-300GSM
- Heavy = 300+GSM
Style: Linen pieces generally aren't cheap, so you should invest in linen pieces that are timeless (style wise) and opt for neutral colours like black, white and beige as they're easy to style.
Price: Are you happy to invest a little more on pure, quality linen pieces or are you after a more affordable option like linen-blend compositions or pieces that are on tthe thinner side.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the perfect pair of linen pants that’ll see you right through summer, we spoke to Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC for her advice and recommendations on what to consider when buying a linen pants. In addition, our shopping team sifted through hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best pair of linen pants – from premium to budget.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I STYLE LINEN PANTS FOR THE OFFICE?
Dressing for the office in summer isn’t always easy. You need to balance looking professional and appropriate while still keeping cool throughout the heat.
That’s where linen pants come in. They’re comfortable, breathable and lightweight, making them the perfect addition to your workwear wardrobe.
Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC, couldn’t agree more.
“To work, I’d team my linen pants with a matching linen jacket over a basic tee, making for a chic understated suit set. Depending on how dressy the office is, I’d style the look with some sandals or a kitten heel. Our office dress code is fashion casual, so I often pair my linen pants with a trendy sneaker, ideal for when I’m running around styling shoots. I also like to play around with coloured linen shirts and a French half tuck, coupled with loafers or a closed toe pump heel.
WHY ARE LINEN PANTS SO EXPENSIVE?
There are so many benefits to linen pants that actually make investing more money on them worth it. They're the perfect pant to wear during the hotter seasons because they're breathable, moisture-wicking, lightweight, and overall very timeless and stylish.
Pieces made from 100 per cent linen tend to be more expensive than a linen-blend composition, so if you want to experience some of the benefits of linen pants but don't want to break the bank, there are many affordable options available from retailers like Cotton On, H&M and more.
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