I Tested Summer's 18 Best Linen Pants—Here's What Came Out on Top

Available in three colors, this pair of linen pants from sustainable brand Alex Mill features a drawstring waistband and a straight-leg fit. Designed to be worn either high or low on the waist, they’re a versatile pick made for dressing up for the office or wearing on the weekends. Designed alongside a matching button-down, they’re also a great pairing for a white tank or T-shirt.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 100 percent linen

What’s the Size Range?: Sizes XS through XL

Review for MC: These are, hands-down, the most comfortable linen pants on this list. Despite being made from 100 percent linen, they weren’t scratchy from the get-go, almost as if they’d been washed dozens of times before I put them on. I tested them in the navy blue colorway and wore them in both the office and the airport on a recent trip, and they were perfect in both situations. While wrinkling is a necessary evil when testing anything made from linen, I found that these weren’t as wrinkly as other options I tested. They earned top marks in performance, and I've worn them nearly a dozen times in just a short span of time.

These l00 percent linen pants from Caslon are available in three colors (black, white, and tan), feature a drawstring design at the waistband, and have three pockets. They have a wider leg and hit just above the foot. Priced well under $100, these pants have a lightweight fabrication and comfortable fit through the hips and legs.

What’s The Fabric Type?: 100 percent linen

What’s The Size Range?: Petite and regular sizes XXS through XXL

My Review: I loved how soft these pants are. I snagged them in a regular (non petite) size XS in the black colorway. They’re casual enough to be worn with a T-shirt, but I also wore them to a formal dinner with my family, and no one batted an eye. The leg length hits that sweet spot between the top of my foot and the bottom of my ankle. You can wear them with low heels or achieve a relaxed vibe with sneakers.

These 100 percent linen pants from Athleta feature a relaxed fit through the leg with a thick elasticated waistband. They’re machine-washable with a 100 percent linen fabrication. You can shop them in six colors. They’re inherently sporty, with a high rise at the waist, deep, wide pockets across the front, and a slit at the ankle for freedom of movement.

What’s The Fabric Type?: 100 percent linen

What’s The Size Range?: Sizes XXS through 3XL

Review for MC: I ordered this pair in a size extra small in the black colorway and found that they fit a little long in the leg on my 5’3" frame, with the hem hovering just above the floor. The slit at the cuff came up to a few inches above my ankle, giving them a bell-bottomed look that swished when I walked. I liked these because they’re perfect for on-the-go days thanks to the oversized, deep pockets and comfortable fit, but I don’t think they could be dressed up for the office as easily as others I tested. I found that these showed fewer wrinkles over the day than others on this list. A small design feature I loved on these was the rubber finishing on the drawstring instead of just a knot or an open seam—helping ensure they won’t fray in the wash.

The Aritzia Effortless Pants in the original crepe material is a viral crowd favorite, but did you know they also come in a linen fabrication? Made with the same easy fit and pleated detailing as the brand’s classic pant, the linen iteration comes in six colors ranging from pale white to an inky black hue and in three inseam lengths. They’re machine washable and have a zippered closure with a structured, pleated design at the waist.

What’s The Fabric Type?: 66 percent TENCEL™ Lyocell, 34 percent linen

What’s The Size Range?: Sizes 00 through 16 in three leg lengths.

Review for MC: I'm a longtime fan of the Aritzia Effortless Pants, so I was happy to see that they're now available in a linen fabric. They look (and feel!) much the same as the regular versions, but they have a much more breathable and lightweight fabric. They’re made from a linen blend, which means that they don’t crease as quickly as the other pairs on this list. In terms of sizing, I tested two options: The one I would typically wear and one size larger. I preferred the larger size, so I would recommend sizing up if you test these. They weren’t sheer, not scratchy, and soft to the touch.

If you’re petite, consider these pants with a 28-inch inseam from Reformation, a fashion insider's favorite brand. They’re made from light-as-air 100 percent linen fabric and come in four colors. The brand notes that you can clean them in the washing machine on the cold cycle, and they feature an easy drawstring design at the waist. If you’re taller and are looking for a similar look, consider the Olina pants in the longer length.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 100 percent linen

What’s the Size Range?: Petites sizing XS through XL

Review for MC: "I loved how these pants fit and felt on my skin. The 100 percent linen fabrication wasn’t uncomfortable at all, but it was a little stiff on my first wear. I found that these pants creased more easily than the other styles on this list. Despite being designed for petites, I didn’t notice that they ran small. I opted for my usual size and found that they sat a little lower on my waist but fit well through my leg. My biggest issue with these pants is that they don’t have pockets, so I would recommend them as a by-the-pool pair—one that I would pack on vacation and rely on for quick trips where I won’t need my phone or wallet. These were the only styles that I washed several times, and they got softer after each wash. I recommend washing them before styling for the first time for the best results."

I'm convinced that this viral pair of linen pants would work in just about any situation, from the office to a beachy vacation. They come in eight colors, ranging from bright white to cherry red, have a flattering high-rise, belt buckles, and an elasticated back for added comfort. They run true to size and feel soft from the first wash.

What’s The Fabric Type?: 100 percent linen.

What’s The Size Range?: Sizes XXXS through 3X in three leg lengths.

Review for MC: “I now understand the hype behind these pants from J.Crew. They are lightweight, not sheer in the slightest, and fit true-to-size. I tested the regular leg length in my usual size, and found that they hit just above my sneakers. The 100 percent linen fabric isn’t itchy at all, either. I would easily wear these to the office, given that they have an elevated feel with the belt loops and a zippered fly. They also strike a balance between comfort and polish with an elastic waistband at the back but a flat-seam one at the front.”

White and cream-colored linen pants are all fine and well, but it's nice to incorporate some color into this best-of rotation. Meet: Banana Republic's Linen Pull-On Ankle Pants. They come in this pretty olive green hue, which means they can work day or night and won't clash with white sneakers or heels. The 100 percent linen fabric wrinkles easily, but the fabric isn't stiff or uncomforable.

What’s The Fabric Type?: 100 percent certified European linen.

What’s The Size Range?: Sizes XXS through XXL in three leg lengths.

Review for MC: I normally tend to ignore terms like “Ankle Pant” in the title of the pants I try. I’m just over five feet tall, so I normally take the word “ankle” to mean “Swimming on the floor around my shoe,” since the average fit model is taller than I am. Imagine my shock, then, that this pair of Banana Republic pants did hit my ankle in the “Regular” inseam length! It’s a miracle. In terms of the fabric, I found them to be breathable, not itchy, and comfortable to wear, thanks to the elasticated waistband. The inclusion of pockets is also notable, as I find that pull-on style pants don’t always have them. They run true-to-size in my experience as well.

ALIGNE is the British brand that several members of the Marie Claire team are obsessed with, including me. Editor-in-Chief Nikki Oggunnaike raves constantly about its pieces, and I love its fitted blazer, so I'm nabbing this pair of white linen trousers ASAP.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 52 percent linen, 24 percent cotton organic , 24 percent viscose

What’s the Size Range?: UK sizes 4 through 22

Fans of Everlane’s summer basics will love this pair of linen pants. The “easy” in their name comes from the thick elastic waistband and straight fit. Four pockets and a 100 percent linen fabrication make them breathable for any occasion. You can shop them in a wide array of colors, including a trendy Kelly green, a pure white, a striped iteration, and a mid-toned brown.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 100 percent European Flax™ linen

What’s the Size Range?: Sizes XXS through XXL

Brown is every fashion girl's favorite color this summer, so naturally, Zara designed the perfect pair of linen pants in the hue as a part of its summer collection. Made from 100 percent linen and retailing for just under $100, they're a must-have if you love staying in tune with the latest color trends.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 100 percent linen

What’s the Size Range?: Sizes XS through XL

Gap's basics are next-level, so I fell in love with this pair of linen pants from the line. "Easy" is literally in the name, so you already know that they're a must-have if you're after relaxed summer style. You can shop them in eight colors and prints, but this off-white hue is my personal favorite.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 55 percent linen, 45 percent viscose.

What’s the Size Range?: Sizes XXS through XXL, in three leg lengths.

COS is one of those brands that always comes up whenever I ask a cool New Yorker what she's wearing. This pair from the label is basically the warm-weather version of your usual black trousers, thanks to the inclusion of linen in its makeup.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 80 percent TENCEL™ Lyocell, 20 percent linen

What’s the Size Range?: Sizes 2 through 14

Jennifer Lawrence once wore these pants in their crepe fabrication, so this linen pair immediately caught my eye. They're made with 52 percent silk for a light-as-air feel that is certifiably celebrity-approved. You can shop them in two colors (this off-white hue and a navy).

What’s the Fabric Type?: 52 perent silk, 48 percent linen

What’s the Size Range?: Sizes 0 through 12

TWP is one of those if-you-know-you-know brands I was introduced to at New York Fashion Week—but I'm obsessed with its offerings. Case in point: this pair of pleated linen-blend trousers. The addition of cotton in its makeup keeps wrinkles at bay and leaves you with a soft-feeling pair that will become a forever staple in your collection.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 70 percent cotton, 30 percent linen.

What’s the Size Range?: Sizes 24 through 31.

Chic shoppers agree: Ralph Lauren should be your go-to if you're after some seriously elegant vibes. These linen pants from the range are no exception. They come in three colors (navy, white, and black), and have a relaxed high-rise and wide-leg.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 100 percent linen

What’s the Size Range?: Size 00 through 18

Theory is a top brand to look out for when looking for linen pants because she says the elevated basics brand. This cropped pair is proof. Made from a blend of linen and recycled elastane for a hint of stretch, they’ll move with you throughout the day while maintaining their shape. Plus, they come in two office-friendly colors: navy and black.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 62 percent linen, 36 percent recycled pre-consumer viscose, 2 percent recycled pre-consumer elastane

What’s the Size Range?: Sizes 00 through 16

Great summer style doesn't have to be expensive, and this pair of under-$50 linen pants is proof. H&M's summer collection is full of breezy (and affordable) linen picks, so make this low-rise pair your go-to choice. It would look just as good styled over a white bikini as it would with a classic tee.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 100 percent linen

What’s the Size Range?: Sizes XS through XXL

This pair of white linen pants from the inclusive Universal Standard brand comes in sizes 4XS through 4XL. They're available in one of three fits and four colors. You can also opt for one of three matching tops: a longer button-down, a tie-front V-neck top, and a short-sleeved button-down tee for an instant outfit. The breathable linen fabric is complimented with a touch of stretch thanks to the inclusion of elastane for all-day comfort.

What’s the Fabric Type?: 55 percent linen, 42 percent rayon, 3 percent elastane

What’s the Size Range?: Sizes 00 through 40