Keep cool this spring with these airy styles. (Quince, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Reformation)
I love putting on a flowy dress, but when it comes to everyday wear during the spring and summer, I'm all about a pair of linen pants. They make me feel like I've stepped into a Nancy Meyers movie. They're not only versatile and stylish, but the "rich mom" staple is also so comfy! Plus, the lightweight fabric helps keep me cool, no matter how sunny it gets outside.
Maybe you're already a linen pant lover and have a few pairs in your closet (because really, you can never have too many, right?). Or perhaps you're just discovering the joys of these breezy bottoms and are thinking about adding a new piece to your spring wardrobe. Whatever the case, I've got your back. As someone always on the lookout for a new comfy pair, I reached out to a team of fashion stylists to find out which linen pants they can't live without. With their recommendations, I've put together a fantastic list of options for every budget.
When I polled the team of fashion stylists, three recommended this pair from Reformation — so I know which ones I'll be adding to my cart this season. "The drawstring, full-length leg of this style is all about off-duty ease," says stylist and founder of Style Made Simple, Allison Berlin. While the 100% linen bottoms come in classic solids like white, black and oatmeal, Allison says she is a fan of the stripe and check patterns because they add interest to a look. Fashion expert and stylist Tara West also loves the Olinas: "They're a popular choice for fashionable and breathable linen pants."
In addition to the drawstring waist, the bottoms feature an elastic waistband and ruching details for a comfortable and flattering fit. Sizes range from XXS to XL, and petite sizes are available too. Jamie Grimstad Huth, personal stylist and founder of Curated by Jamie — and the final of our three stylists to recommend these pants — says these linen bottoms are consistently a favorite with her clients due to their flattering fit. "They have a relaxed, straight-leg silhouette that works just as well with a tank and sandals as they do dressed up with a strappy heel."
I ordered these new beauties in white when they dropped last month and loved them so much I just snagged another pair in French blue and can't wait for them to come in. The drawstring waist helps customize the fit (and comes in handy after a meal!), but one of my favorite features of the white pair is that they're fully lined. I've worn them on sunny days without worrying that they're see-through.
What I appreciate most, though, is how versatile they are. Since it's still a bit chilly where I live, I've been pairing them with cozy sweaters and sneakers. But I'm excited to style them with a T-shirt and sandals or dress them up with a nice top and strappy heels once it warms up.
If you love a sleek wide-leg, Berlin recommends this "relaxed trouser-style linen pant because it can easily go from day to evening." She adds: "This is a hard-working style." Crafted from certified European flax linen, they have a hidden elastic waistband and handy utility pockets. The zip fly with hook-and-bar closure and real belt loops give them a polished look that sets them apart from typical pull-on linen pants.
They come in a wide range of sizes, from XXS to XXL, and you can choose from regular, petite and tall options. A friendly tip: The brand notes they run about a ½ size large, so if you're between sizes, size down.
These elastic-waist lovelies are breathable, durable, hypoallergenic and lightweight — you'll reach for them constantly. And they're eco-friendly on several levels. First, they're crafted from 100% European flax linen, which requires less water and fertilizer compared to traditional fabrics. The material is also certified free from any harmful substances by Standard 100 OEKO-TEX. Finally, they're produced in a factory certified by the Business Social Compliance Initiative, which focuses on improving working conditions in the supply chain. Translation? You can feel great about this purchase!
Berlin approves, saying the pair "has a very easy quality to it (and) the cropped wider leg is a great shape. These can go anywhere from the beach to running errands." With seven colors and three inseam lengths, you're sure to find a just-right fit. And who can resist that price?
"Culottes are having their moment," says Berlin. "This fashion-forward, wearable pair makes it easy to partake in the trend." Great for warm, sunny days, the lightweight pants have a relaxed, cropped fit that lets you stay cool and breezy. The elastic waistband allows you to move around freely, and they've got plenty of pockets to hold all your stuff.
Choose from blue or classic black and sizes 2 to 14. Want to nail the "rich mom" look? Snag a matching linen blouse from the brand for a polished, put-together vibe.
Fashion stylist Rebecca Kahane Pankow is a huge fan of these high-waisted pull-ons because they're so versatile — they can go from work to the beach with ease. "They're a great price for something you'll reach for all spring and summer," says Kahane Pankow.
A zip-fly and button closure bring a touch of sophistication, while the hidden elastic waistband ensures they're comfy all day long. They have roomy front pockets and come in three neutrals — this subtle nautical stripe, navy and cream — that make mixing and matching a breeze.
Fashion expert Tracy Shapoff tells us that fit and style are the most important things to look for, which is why she likes this pair so much. "The wide-leg feels a little more fashion-forward than the standard straight-leg pants," she says.
The low-rise, relaxed fit makes them perfect for a casual night out or an afternoon barbecue, and the elastic waistband and pull-on design ensure they're easy to slip on and off at the pool or beach. Another feature we like? The roomy side pockets. Machine-washable; choose from six neutral shades.
Shapoff has a tip for anyone looking for stylish bottoms: You don't always need to go for 100% linen. "A blend can help reduce shrinkage and make the linen softer to give a better drape and keep pieces from wrinkling as quickly." Blends can also lighten the load of fabric care; these are happily machine-washable. She especially loves this option from Gap. "The brand always has amazing linen-blend pants and at such affordable prices."
While the brand releases new styles yearly, Tracy says they're designed to be timeless so no need to upgrade every season. This particular pair comes in seven colors and sizes XXS to XXL, with options for regular, tall and petite fits.
Looking for a lightweight pair polished enough to wear to work? West recommends this ultra-flattering linen-blend style. "High-waisted linen pants are an excellent choice for the office, offering a versatile and stylish option that can seamlessly transition from day to night." The sleek Vince bottoms have a faux fly, pockets and real belt loops, so no one will suspect they are actually pull-ons.
"Their elevated waistline creates a flattering silhouette, making them suitable for both formal and casual settings," West says. "Pair them with a crisp blouse and heels for a polished office look, or with a fitted top and sandals for a chic evening appearance." Cost-wise, they are an investment, but pants like these will be in your wardrobe rotation for years and years.
Grimstad Huth is a fan of this size-inclusive pair, ranging from 00 to 24, with options for regular, petite and tall. She likes that they're stretchy, comfy and made of a linen blend, which "offers a bit more structure and durability," she says.
They're designed to be slimmer at the top and then kick out around the ankles, creating a flattering silhouette that hugs all the right places. "I love the cropped length — it makes them easy to style with sandals or heels," adds Grimstad Huth. "The subtle hit-above-the-ankle hem instantly elevates the whole look." Waistband loops let you add a belt, so they're office-appropriate.
"True to its name, these are all about comfort and ease," says Grimstad Huth. "I love the elastic waist and lightweight, breathable fabric. These are a great swap for loungewear in warmer months when you want to be casual but still pulled together," she tells us, adding that they're "one of the most affordable options that still feels elevated."
Made from 100% linen, these pants feature a mid-rise straight-leg silhouette that fits nicely at the hips and is easy to dress up and down. The pull-on elasticized waistband makes them incredibly comfortable, and they come with four roomy pockets — two on the sides and two on the back. You can pick from classic black or crisp white to match your vibe (and everything else in your closet).
If you're looking for a cozy linen pant and matching top combo, Kahane Pankow tells us, "Everyone and their mom needs this set from Frank & Eileen. It's made with washed linen, is not sheer and you can wear the set together or separately. It has the perfect amount of drape without feeling too oversized."
Both pieces are made from 100% linen for a relaxed and roomy fit that feels and looks luxurious. Wearing this duo will totally give you that "rich mom" on-vacation vibe. Go classic with timeless shades like white or navy or spice things up with fun colors like kelly green and eucalyptus.
