The sun has finally made its grand appearance and we're all thinking the same thing: How can we look polished when the high temperatures hit? It's a tale as old as time; we long for warmer days, but when they arrive it can feel like our wardrobes just aren't prepared.
Thankfully, there's one item that combines the sought-after cooling effects we're searching for as well as a considered put-togetherness that will suit work days, afternoons out and weekends alike: linen trousers. And as I like to go the extra mile, I've tried on a wide range of styles to find the very best on the high street.
I'm a big fan of high-low dressing (combining high-street items with investment pieces), so I headed to the high street to put linen trousers to the test. Over my many years of professional shopping, I've figured out the stores that always seem to get it right, and as linen trousers are a summer staple that comes back every year, I already had a good idea of where to head first. With summer collections dropping at some of our favourite stores, it was easy to get my hands on some of the best linen trousers around, and I found quite a mix of styles on offer. Arket has once again reissued its best-selling drawstring trousers, showing just how well it does great basics, whilst H&M has taken a foray into tailored styles alongside its relaxed offerings.
From COS, expect the brilliant eye for detail present in all its pieces, making for expensive-looking styles at high-street prices. These are the three brands I go back to year after year for great linen, but I decided to test out two others to see how they compared. Marks and Spencer is playing with colour, print and timeless silhouettes for summer 2024, and Zara is beckoning the sun with exaggerated silhouettes, comfortable elastic waistbands and sleek cuts.
Ready to explore the best linen trousers I found on the high street? Let's go.
ARKET
Style Notes: Arket is known for brilliant basics, and one piece that continues to sell out every year is its linen trousers. We've long sung the praises of the brand's drawstring styles, and for 2024 you'll also find contemporary wide-leg styles and tailored iterations.
SHOP ARKET LINEN TROUSERS:
This best-selling pair is back for another summer.
I also tried this pair, which features a simple elasticated waistband for comfort and ease.
I haven't stopped thinking about this deep blue shade.
H&M
Style Notes: Of course, old reliable H&M has fully entered summer mode and brought with it an array of standout linen styles at great prices. Whilst the relaxed pull-on trousers are a favourite amongst fashion people, I tried on a tailored style, and it's safe to say the high-street heavyweight excels at both.
SHOP H&M LINEN TROUSERS:
These will look the part from the boardroom to beachside dinners.
This pair comes in a wide range of colours and prints.
A chic addition to any wardrobe.
Marks and Spencer
Style Notes: M&S has become a store I always pop into when I'm walking past, simply because you can find some real gems. And on a recent shopping trip I stumbled across an array of fresh linen styles, including this cool striped co-ord. There's also a mix of interesting cuts from tapered to wide in a mix of vibrant and neutral shades.
SHOP M&S LINEN TROUSERS:
This pair is selling fast.
This elegant cut just might replace my beloved wide-leg styles.
Yes, there's also a matching blazer.
Shop the matching Pure Irish Linen Blazer (£99).
COS
Style Notes: If sleek tailoring with an airy twist is your cup of tea, COS' linen selection should be on your radar. From bold front-seaming to playful flares, COS brings a refined edge to this summer staple.
SHOP COS LINEN TROUSERS:
Simple yet so effective.
From the light beige shade to the flared cut, there's a lot to love about this pair.
Nothing says ease quite like a wide-leg drawstring pair.
Zara
Style Notes: Zara's summer collection has arrived, and of the many sun-ready pieces I'm already eyeing up, the linen has my full attention. With a mix of versatile neutrals and joyful shades along with seriously good silhouettes like an extra-bold palazzo style, Zara offers something for everyone this season.
SHOP ZARA LINEN TROUSERS:
These look quite tapered in the model shot but they actually fit more like a straight-leg pair when I tried them on.
The waistband gives the appearance of a tailored style at the front, with comfortable elastic at the back.
The side ties are such a nice detail.
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