Summer is finally upon us, and here at Marie Claire, we all have one wardrobe hero in common that we always turn to during the heatwave: linen trousers.
Wide leg, high waist, low rise, cropped...we all have favourite go-to styles, which suit our different body shapes. So we thought we'd share them with you (and you can shop them below too) so you're guaranteed to find the perfect cut for you too.
We rated them based on sizing, fit, style and how easily they slotted into our existing wardrobes. Here are our honest thoughts, and if you're interested, you can shop our favourite white t-shirts and editor-approved jeans too.
Clementina Jackson, Fashion Editor
WNU’s tailored Rampling trousers are a cult insider favourite—and now that they come in linen, they’re fast becoming a summer dressing staple too. The high-waisted, wide-leg cut, double-pleated front, and mid-weight fabrication lends these linen trousers a more elevated feel, making them perfect for wear in smart work environments and elegant events. Given I don’t have either of these to endure, I’m pairing mine with a colourful vintage Hermès silk scarf tied into a top, sparkly flats and designer sunnies for chic holiday drinks and dinners.
Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
I live in linen trousers in the summer. They replace my jeans completely as soon as the weather gets warm. The majority in my wardrobe are tailored, which I have in black, white and navy, but I wanted something that worked for more casual outfits and I have finally found them. These loose-fitting Toast trousers are the most comfortable things I have ever popped my legs into. I adore the blue check, which keeps thing looking elevated. They work for the beach and weekend walks, just as well as they do with a smart shirt for an evening look. Now to find them in more colourways...
Sophie Cookson, eCommerce Analyst
The Arkitaip trousers were so comfy to put on with Belgian linen and felt really sleek in design. Plus, the subtle cargo pockets give a modern and distinctive feel. They have a straight-leg fit with a high-waisted function which I prefer. I wore them with a belt, but you could easily not wear a belt with it and see the beautiful mother of pearl button. They run small, (I'm a 12 and I fit the XL) so definitely size up.
Jadie Troy-Pryde, News Editor
I’ve only ever worn linen trousers on beachy holidays as I’ve never found a pair that look smart enough to wear day-to-day, and I’d usually opt for neutrals - but I really like these bright blue linen trousers from Topshop. They’re true to size and so comfy that they feel like loungewear, yet are instantly elevated when teamed with a square neck vest and blazer. They’re perfect for summer office days - light enough to keep me cool while simultaneously looking chic - and with the oncoming heatwave, they’re about to become a work uniform staple while I’m at MC HQ.
Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
Rise&Fall has become my go-to brand for quality basics over the last few months, so I knew these trousers wouldn't disappoint. They're extremely lightweight and roomy (essential in summer) with a stretchy waistband at the back for a comfortable fit. They're so easy to dress up thanks to the front pleats, and I love the added detail of the wide cuffs. I'm only about 5ft2 so they were a little long on me, but I really like the slightly oversized finish. They fit true to size if you're after a loose, low-rise fit, but it's worth sizing down if you prefer a high waisted look. I'll be throwing these on over my swimming costume with a pair of flip flops during the day and dressing up with kitten heels and a shirt for the evening.
Clementina Jackson, Fashion Editor
I’ve had these linen palazzos for more than a year now, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve worn them. Perfectly loose, breezy, lightweight, and featuring an elasticated waistband, they’re incredibly comfy and work just as well with a matching shirt during a city heatwave as they do paired with a swimsuit on holiday. The leg is quite long and I'm only 5ft6", so to avoid damaging the hem, I fold them over at the hips or up at the bottom for a more floor-skimming length.
Lottie Winter, Beauty Director
I love the versatility of linen — it’s just as effortless thrown on poolside as it is styled for workwear chic. When it comes to clean tailoring and flattering cuts, Jigsaw does it best. This pair is the ideal choice for summer office dressing: smart, bright, and breathable. Even better, there’s a matching jacket to complete the look.
Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
Being short, it's so hard to find linen trousers that are actually the right length on me—but Boden has done it. These wide leg trousers have a cropped cut that is the ideal inseam for petites, and I love the A-line silhouette they give to an outfit. They fit completely true to size with no digging in, and the high waist means they can be paired with any top. I've styled mine with a baggy shirt for maximum comfort and the navy hue means they look instantly polished.
