Clothing > Shorts
The Best Men’s Linen Shorts for Summer Polish
Fighting back against the heat of spring and summer only starts with the proper tools – that is, if you think of your menswear wardrobe as both tools and stylish necessities. And the best linen shorts are a crucial tool for polished style in the summer heat.
More casual and more airy (by nature) than the best linen trousers, linen shorts for men are another alternative when chino fabric might be too heavy, and when some lounge shorts might be too casual.
- Functional fabric: The airy weave of linen is a huge bonus when the mercury rises – linen shorts should feel light as air while still looking polished.
- Spin the color wheel: The vibrant spring and summer season gives you a chance to bring some color back into your wardrobe – don’t be afraid to experiment slightly with linen shorts.
- The more you know: The best linen shorts are all the better with a proper fit: Look for an inseam length of 7 or 9 inches (or shorter) based on your height.
These days, many of your favorite men’s clothing brands use blends of linen and cotton to give linen shorts more shape and structure.
Once you’ve found the color, style and proper inseam length (a 7-inch inseam should work for a lot of guys), the next style moves are up to you. Stock up for summer with my picks for the best linen shorts for men.
In my experience, reliability and proper quality takes the cake when shopping for even highly specific seasonal picks like the best linen shorts. And for my money’s worth, Flint and Tinder delivers a top-notch pair. The fabric blends cotton and linen for breathability and durability, the 7-inch inseam is ideal, and the color selection is top-notch.
Flint and Tinder 365 Cotton Linen Shorts
The best linen shorts, like I mentioned earlier, aren’t always made solely out of linen. Because linen wrinkles easily, cotton is a wise choice that still provides lightweight comfort, and Flint and Tinder’s 365 Cotton-Linen Shorts take full advantage.
With a tailored cut and versatile color options, I’d pick up more than one pair.
Katin Isaiah Cotton Linen Local Shorts
While lounge shorts can sometimes prove overly casual, the use of linen (or cotton and linen) helps elevate them a bit.
In the case of Katin’s breezy Isaiah shorts, a drawstring waist delivers maximum comfort, while chambray delivers even cooler texture and style.
Top them with a polo shirt, and the elastic waistband disappears.
Alex Crane Bo Shorts
Sustainability and style go hand in hand at the best of times these days, and the best men’s linen shorts are no exception, particularly when made by Alex Crane.
This super-soft pair is made from natural French linen, then washed for softness. They come in a vast array of colors and sizes up to 3XL.
Todd Snyder Linen Beachcomber Shorts
A 7-inch or 9-inch inseam seems to work well for most guys, but if you fancy a shorter inseam to show off some skin – a trendy move nowadays– there’s hardly a better place to go for quality and a fashionable sensibility than Todd Snyder.
A drawcord waist and relaxed fit make these comfortable as can be.
Rhythm Classic Linen Jam Shorts
There’s perhaps no cooler fabric on the summer menswear market than linen, so when the time comes to outfit your favorite boardwalk-ready tee or tank top, turn to a pair like Rhythm’s Jam Shorts.
The elastic waist is supremely comfortable, the 7.5-inch inseam should hit the sweet spot and the price is more than fair.
J.Crew Pleated Linen Shorts
Don’t fear the “pleat” – once seen on overly baggy khaki pants, pleats (in this case, just one pleat) are now a cool design touch. They add a quick dash of style to classic linen shorts, making them ever so slightly dressy – try them with a knit sweater polo and casual loafers.
Billy Reid Linen Moore Shorts
Alabama-based Billy Reid knows a thing or two about keeping cool and stylish in the heat, and his Moore Linen Shorts prove that handily.
The garment-dyed linen looks broken-in and easygoing from the first wear, while the mid-rise is flattering and easy to dress up with an Oxford shirt and yes, those leather loafers.
Taylor Stitch Easy Shorts in Natural Linen
Taylor Stitch uses soft 100 percent linen to turn the lounge short into an upgraded style ideal for coastal vacations and backyard BBQs in equal measure.
They feature an elastic back waistband for comfort, and a business-in-the-front design for a more tailored look. And they’re a home run with a Taylor Stitch pocket tee or hemp polo.
WERD has been reader-supported since 2009. When you buy through a link on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. We do not accept compensation for reviews.
