I Just Tried on H&M's Linen Collection—These 18 Pieces Looked and Felt So Expensive
I'm a fashion editor who has bought H&M's affordable linen for years. After testing so many pieces, this is what I'd recommend for summer 2026.
A H&M box big enough to fit myself inside it arrived on my doorstep the other day. Like a summer fever dream, it was full to the brim with linen. Linen dresses, linen trousers, linen shorts—you name it, I ordered it. All in the name of research—obviously—because this week I was tasked by Who What Wear to report on the best H&M linen buys to invest in for summer 2026, and I don't do things by halves. So, the entire H&M linen collection went in my basket for me to put to the test, and report back on the pieces that are actually worth your money.
I'm not just talking, "Oh yeah, this shirt's nice enough"—you can be certain I've only included picks below that I genuinely believe your summer wardrobe can really benefit from. Pieces that will elevate it, and make it look expensive (without you actually having to spend loads). I'm picky when it comes to high street buys, because I'm usually in the camp of 'spend a bit more on a lot less' to ensure your wardrobe stands up for years, not just seasons. But I'll admit, I've been shopping H&M linen for years and I do back the quality after pulling my favourites out year after year and putting them through their paces myself—especially when you invest a bit more in their premium selection linen which I highly recommend.
So, without further ado, keep scrolling to see the best H&M linen buys I tried on for summer 2026. I've added in styling and sizing tips but, for reference, I'm 5'2" and a size 10 in most retailers. My picks below are the most versatile pieces that looked and felt expensive, fit well and were easy to throw on and style whether for the beach or the city.
See and Shop My H&M Linen Try On:
1. Oversized Linen Shirt & Wide-Leg Trouser Co-Ord
Style Notes: From H&M's Premium Selection edit, this co-ord is a bestseller that comes back year after year, and I can see why. It's so versatile—because it's a two-piece it feels really polished with heels and jewellery for evening, or throw a swimsuit underneath to pad out to the pool on a beach holiday. Of course, both the shirt and the trousers are great worn individually as well. It's a linen blend with viscose, so it's breathable and light but with an expensive-looking silky drape to the fabric which doesn't crease as easily as 100% linen. There's currently four colours available—white, black, brown and beige, although they're all selling out quickly.
Size Notes: The set has a very oversized fit. I'm wearing a small in the top and trousers and they were still very loose on my petite (5'2") frame. However, I do think high street pieces look more editorial and expensive when they're oversized, hence why this made my edit. Scroll on to see my try the beige version as well...
Shop the Look
I don't know if there's a world in which a beige linen shirt and trousers co-rd isn't chic.
Shop the Look:
2. Brown Linen Halterneck Dress
Style Notes: Let me tell you, this Premium Selection dress is truly gorgeous—and I'm not a dress person at all. The 100% linen fabric feels thick, sturdy and subsequently it looks very expensive IRL. Perfect for summer weddings—especially for the minimalists among us. It's effortless with a heeled sandal but it equally pairs well with a flat like I've tried here, ideal for that relaxed holiday vibe.
Size Notes: I'm wearing a medium here, although since I don't have a big chest I could probably have gone for the small. It's nice that the halterneck (which has thick straps) allows for some level of support and adaptability as well.
Shop the Look
3. Linen Shirt & Shorts Co-Ord
Style Notes: While a linen co-ord is a pretty timeless buy, I was conscious that a short set might be feeling a little overdone by now. There are so many iterations around, that it can easily look quite cheap. However, I immediately took all of my doubts back after slipping on this thoughtfully designed, 100% linen two piece. The shirt quality is impressive (the set is part of the brand's Premium Selection). It's got such a fresh-feeling boxy fit, with vents on the sides of the hem and a beautifully wide camp collar that could easily pass for a much more expensive Faithfull, or perhaps With Nothing Underneath design. The shorts fit perfectly, too, and most importantly it was effortless to throw on, heatwave-proof and felt really polished worn together.
Size Notes: I'm wearing a size medium in the top and bottoms, so the pieces are true to size or you could size up for that more expensive boxy feel.
Shop the Look
4. Linen Beach Dress
Style Notes: I think I just hit the jackpot with this perfect beach dress. In fact, it's so good I packed it straight into my suitcase for a trip I'm taking next week. It's exactly what you want this kind of dress to be—especially when beating the heat is the incentive. Light and airy with a beautiful waft to it—the maxi length is elegant, yet the low back still manages to make it feels sexy. It's ideal for throwing over a swimsuit or dressing up for dinner on holiday. Just add a great tan, your favourite sandals and a basket bag.
Size Notes: I'm wearing a medium here, but I could have sized down to a small since it has a loose, oversized fit.
Shop the Look
5. Linen Suit
Style Notes: Not only does this suit look really expensive, it felt it too. With a nice crisp linen finish it's breezy enough to keep you cool in the office, but it still has enough weight to it so it doesn't crease easily or feel flimsy. Design details on the blazer like the curved lapel and belt all add to the polished effect. The trousers impressed me less so, because while the pleat-front design and linen fabric felt elevated, the fit and the tailoring has clearly been a little overlooked. However, as part of the set they do the job very well and I couldn't think of a better summer power outfit for work.
Size Notes: I'm wearing a medium blazer and a 10 in the trousers, with both feeling just oversized enough to look more expensive.
Shop the Look
6. Oversized Linen Shirt & Linen Bermuda Shorts
Style Notes: Both of these pieces caught my eye when scrolling through H&M's new linen collection, and I wasn't disappointed when I eventually tried them on. The bermuda style makes for an elevated take on shorts, perfect for summer workwear. These are lightweight but still smart, with well tailored pleat-fronts, pockets and expensive-looking buttons. Personally, I'd always pair with a heel, even a low one like these kitten heels to balance out the boyishness and proportions given my 5'2" height.
The Premium Selection shirt isn't just any old high street linen shirt either, with it's slightly cropped sleeves, wide cuffs, and slouchy oversized shape—not to mention that expensive shade of olive green.
Size Notes: The shorts I'm wearing are a 10, although I've had to pin them at the back so I'd suggest sizing down as they fasten high on the smaller part of the waist. The shirt is an XS, so take into consideration it's quite roomy.
Shop the Look
7. White Linen Shirt & Linen Wide-Leg Trousers
Style Notes: I love a classic neutral palette as much as the next person, but in summer a pop of red really lifts fresh white. This Premium shirt has a unique, almost pointelle, finish which sets it apart from the more basic styles on the market. And the trousers are H&M's bestselling style, back in stock for another year in this gorgeous red (although there's 11 other colours on offer too). They're ridiculously comfy, with an adjustable drawstring waist, but being made from a linen viscose mix, they fall with a smart, silky weight to them.
Size Notes: As you can see the white shirt is loose and fits big but, again, I personally think the slouchiness elevates it. Size down once or twice if you prefer a classic fit though, or I'd suggest considering the more traditional shirt below in the white version. For the trousers, I'd size up for that relaxed feel and to allow for any shrinkage which can offer occur with linen.
Shop the Look
8. Striped Linen Shirt & Tailored Linen Trousers
Style Notes: If you're looking for the ultimate linen shirt for an affordable price, you're in luck. This one is 100% linen, part of H&M's Premium Selection (meaning better quality and therefore better longevity) and it has a really classic fit—not too slim, not too oversized—making it perfect for tucking in and not feeling too bulky. It also comes in six timeless colours no less.
The trousers are another great tailored option, with a crisp and clean finish (although again, the finish on the tailoring is obviously not as premium as, say, COS).
Size Notes: I'm wearing a 10 in the trousers which fit well, and the shirt is a small which gives a classic fit. I'd suggest sizing up in the shirt if you're after more of a beach throw-on vibe, though.
Shop the Look
9. Drawstring Linen Trousers
Style Notes: Chocolate brown makes for a really polished alternative to black or white linen trousers, while still remaining classic. And I love the drawstring details on the sides which just set these trousers apart from the rest of the standard front-tie pairs on the market. Importantly, they don't seem to crease very easily from a brief stint of testing, and they come in a gorgeous butter yellow too.
Size Notes: I'm wearing a size small here, and they fit nicely true to size. If you want a more relaxed look on the leg then you could size up and still be able to adjust the waist with the drawstring.
Shop the Look
10. Puff-Sleeve Linen Blouse
Style Notes: How cute is this pretty white linen top? Another hero from the Premium Selection range, and I couldn't not include it. I just know I will wear this on repeat this summer. It's giving Dôen vibes for such an affordable price!
Size Notes: I'm wearing a Small and it fits true to size.
Shop the Look
