How to Style Linen Pants for Every Summer Occasion, According to Fashion Editors

5 min readAS SOMEONE WHO’S tried to outsmart heatwaves by cuffing jeans, rolling up dress pants, and even sporting shorts at the office, I can say this with confidence: the best summer pants are linen pants. And today’s linen pants aren’t the wrinkled, shapeless sacks your grandpa wore. They're sharper, breezier, and easier to style, so you can wear them to the beach or boardroom.I became a linen pants convert during a sticky June trip to St. Kitts. I packed a pair of wide-leg pants from Todd Snyder on a whim, figuring I’d wear them once, maybe twice. Well, get this: I didn’t take them off. They kept me cool at a beachside dinner, looked so neat and fresh with loafers at brunch, and didn’t crinkle despite hours in a long car ride to the airport. Anyway, what are the right linen pants, you ask? And how do you wear them without looking like you’re checked in at the White Lotus?Let’s break it down.Types of Linen PantsFinding the right fit is key to pulling off linen pants, since the fabric naturally drapes and moves in a way that can either flatter or distract, depending on the cut. That movement comes from linen's unique structure, which is made from flax and woven with a looser, more breathable weave than cotton. The result is a fabric that feels lighter, cooler, and more airy, especially in the heat. Unlike cotton, which holds its shape, linen tends to flow and wrinkle, giving it a relaxed, lived-in look.Here’s how to approach the three most common styles:Coofandy Drawstring Linen PantsCredit: Rona AhdoutPidogym Mens Cotton Linen PantsNow 15% OffCredit: Courtesy of RetailerAbercrombie Tailored Linen-Blend Relaxed Straight TrouserQuince 100% European Linen Drawstring Beach PantsNow 68% OffUniqlo Linen Blend Easy Ankle PantsCredit: Courtesy of RetailerBonobos Coastal Linen PantNow 20% OffCredit: Courtesy of RetailerSuitsupply Straight Leg Suit PantsPolo Ralph Lauren Wide-Leg Checked Linen TrousersCredit: Courtesy of RetailerNN07 Kay 1455 Straight-Leg Pleated Pinstriped Linen TrousersCredit: Courtesy of RetailerTailored or Slim FitTailored or slim-fit linen pants are a great choice if you’re aiming for a polished, put-together look that still reads summer. These pants taper slightly at the ankle, which gives your outfit a sharper edge and works well with button-down shirts to fitted polos. They’re ideal for occasions that call for a touch of formality—think rooftop dinners, summer weddings, or even offices with relaxed dress codes. Pair them with loafers, leather sneakers, or even derbies to keep the vibe elevated.Relaxed or Wide-Leg FitRelaxed and wide-leg linen pants embrace the easygoing nature of the fabric and are often cut to drape more freely from the hip down. This style leans younger and trendy, depending on how you wear it. Its breezy cut works for beach days, weekend markets, or travel. Styling-wise, they work well with a more fitted shirt like a tank top to balance things out. Footwear can be just as relaxed: try fisherman sandals or low-profile sneakers.Elastic-Waist or Drawstring StylesElastic-waist or drawstring linen pants are your go-to for lounging, travel, or low-effort vacation looks. They’re slightly cropped or cuffable, which helps avoid a sloppy appearance, and the waistband makes them comfortable to wear for hours. This style pairs easily with relaxed tees, polos, or breezy camp-collar shirts. While they’re inherently casual, you can still make them look neat with some polish. Tuck in your shirt, throw on a woven belt, and finish with leather slides or slip-on sneakers. They’re also the easiest style to pack for a trip, since they can double as both poolside cover-ups and dinner-ready pants.Styling Linen Pants Where You AreFor the City WeekdayYou can still pull off linen pants in the city as long as they have a tailored cut and a fixed waistband to keep things looking sharp. Think clean lines and maybe even a front crease. Tailored linen trousers instantly upgrade your summer work fits. At the office, pair them with a dress shirt and unstructured blazer, something breathable but still put-together. When it’s time to head to happy hour, ditch the blazer and swap in a crisp T-shirt or polo. Leather sneakers or loafers on foot. A slim belt at the waist. Done.Buck Mason Chateau Cotton Linen Carry-On JacketSuitsupply Sand Crochet Buttonless PoloCole Haan Grand Crosscourt Traveler SneakerNow 25% OffCredit: Courtesy of RetailerBanana Republic Leather Moc-Toe loaferCredit: Courtesy of RetailerFor the Beach or VacationBeach style should feel cool, comfortable, and flowy. That’s why wearing relaxed or wide-leg linen pants makes the most sense. Let everything drape and move with the breeze. You want pants that catch the wind a bit, and feel as chill as a sunset cocktail. Bonus points if they’re part of a matching linen set. Stick to tonal or neutral colors: sand, olive, ivory, navy to keep it sharp. Top it off with a breathable camp-collar shirt (buttoned or unbuttoned), slip-on sandals or espadrilles, and aviator sunglasses.Cos Camp-Collar Cotton ShirtCredit: Courtesy of RetailerJ.Crew Short Sleeve Textured Cotton Camp-Collar ShirtCredit: Courtesy of RetailerBruno Magli Bologna Slide SandalCredit: Courtesy of RetailerBirkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed - Oiled Leather (Unisex)Credit: Rona AhdoutFor the Backyard BBQLinen pants, especially styles with a drawstring, play nice with easygoing tops and accessories. They’re perfect for casual settings like a backyard BBQ because they feel just as comfortable as sweats but look way more pulled together. The drawstring gives you that laid-back look without the need for a belt, and they’re lighter and breezier than jeans. In this case, you want to be relaxed but still clean. Go with a well-fitted tank or tee with an overshirt and canvas sneakers. You can ditch the overshirt when the temps rise. Keep the rest of the fit sharp. Roll the hems once or twice to show a bit of ankle or sock. It helps balance the relaxed cut.Beyond Yoga SoftKnit Men's Cotton TeeBanana Republic Authentic Ribbed TankMorjas Deck Canvas SneakersCredit: Courtesy of RetailerFor Date Night or Dinner OutFor date night or dinner, you want linen pants that feel polished, not resort-ready. Look for a slim or tapered fit with a fixed waistband. Bonus if they’ve got a subtle pleat or crease to sharpen the silhouette. These are the kind of linen trousers that can pass for dress pants at first glance, but feel way cooler (literally and stylistically). Pair it with a linen button-up shirt, knit polo, or fitted tee. Finish with loafers or clean dress sneakers. Go for darker linens: charcoal, black, or forest green. They hide wrinkles and feel evening-appropriate, especially paired with black or brown leather accents.Quince 100% European Linen Relaxed Long Sleeve ShirtNow 71% OffBanana Republic Standard-Fit Linen-Blend ShirtNow 40% OffCharles Tyrwhitt Suede Slip On LoafersFinal Words of AdviceAvoid super thin linen that becomes see-through in daylight. Look for a linen-cotton or linen-viscose blend that adds durability and structure. If it wrinkles a little? Good. That’s part of the charm. Just don’t try to iron it into submission; light steam or a wrinkle release spray will do.Accessorize wisely. A woven belt, leather sandals, or some low-key jewelry goes a long way in elevating linen pants from loungewear to street-ready sharp. Linen pants aren’t just for vacation anymore. They’re the secret weapon of guys who’ve figured out summer style: breathable, low-maintenance, and shockingly versatile. Believe me, when you find the right pair, you’ll wonder how you ever sweated through July in jeans.More of Our Favorite Summer EssentialsBest Linen Pants for Men | Best Summer Pants | Best Shorts for Men | Best Swim Trunks | Best Cargo Shorts for Men | Best Jean Shorts for Men | Best Baggy Shorts | Best Sandals | Best Summer Shoes | Best Slides for Men | Best Slip-Ons | Best Tank Tops for Men | Best Board Shorts | Best T-Shirts for MenAs the Style and Reviews Editor for Men's Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.