The Ageless Anti-Jeans Trend That's All Over Zara, M&S and Net-a-Porter

Allow me to set the scene. It’s summer 2023 and you’re reclining in the sun, perhaps with a chilled rosé in one hand and a book in the other. What do you imagine yourself wearing? When I think of summer dressing, the first things that come to mind are tank tops and sundresses, maybe you think shorts and sandals, but the one thing that doesn’t appear in my vision is denim. Sure, jeans are the reliable, universal staple that just about everyone owns, but there are some scenarios when heavy denim just won’t cut it. 

As soon as the temperatures rise we need something, light, loose and airy, and if you aren’t wearing a dress and not a fan of skirts, you warm-weather trouser choices might seem limited, but there is a classic piece resurfacing that gives an entirely different garment its time in the limelight, and it’s one we don’t give enough credit–the linen trouser.

Think about it. Pulling on a zero-fuss, no-iron pair of trousers is the ultimate in laidback summer lounge dressing. Far from the dated connotations we might have once had, linen trousers are elegant, understated, and billowy in the way that all of the best seasonal outfits should be. You could be sailing around the Amalfi coast, reclining on Bondi beach, or even shopping in the city centre, and a linen trouser outfit would still have the same impact. Whether paired with a crisp shirt, a ribbed tank top, or an oversized tee, there’s nothing these trousers don’t go with, and influencers and editors alike are breathing new life into this formally shelved staple. Don’t believe me? Check the stores. Everyone from Net-A-Porter to Zara are investing heavily in linen trousers this year, and it’s no coincidence. This easy, breezy trouser is the lazy-girl hero we’ve been waiting for, and in order to help find the right pair for you, I’ve done a round up of the very best. Keep scrolling for 26 pairs of the best linen trousers to shop now, I promise you won’t regret it. 

Style Notes: The best accompaniment to a pair of linen trousers? Why, a linen shirt of course. Just add a pair of trainers for casual-cool edge. 

Style Notes: Just ask Lucy Williams, linen trousers make a chic cover up, so before you reach for a sarong, don’t forget to pack a pair in your suitcase. 

Style Notes: A neutral trouser is the perfect base for layering up tonal colours, and I love Liv’s elegant olive, sand and cocoa brown colour combination.

A classic pull-on pair. 

I love this khaki pair. Wear with tan sandals, a white vest top and raffia bag and you have yourself an easy summer ‘fit.

Just a hint of cargo detailing. 

This shade of brown is surprisingly versatile. 

Linen trousers don’t have to be plain white, just ask Vogue editor Julia Sarr Jamois. Her collaboration with Frame just made tie dye cool again. 

You just can’t go wrong with a stripe.

How to make linen look sharp. 

All these need is a white tee and chunky sandals.

I love these entire look. 

How good do these stripes look with a denim shirt?

Play with greys, blues and creams for a nod to the coastal grandmother trend.

Black trousers you can wear all year round. 

These are the most popular linen trousers on the M&S website. 

I love this styled with a knitted vest and trainers. Autumn ready!

Easy, breezy, beautiful.

I can never say no to a stripe.

The supersized silhouette is so chic. 

After we spotted these on Rochelle Hulmes, we haven’t stopped thinking about them. 

Try barrel trousers for the ultimate relaxed fit. 

The entire co-ord is magic. 

Pair with a white tank and simple sandals.

This pale pink pair have my full attention.

This gorgeous stone hue will go with every other shade in your wardrobe.

This fit is a great option for those wanting to steer away from a wide-leg.

What a set!

Add a tank top and flip flops for an easy and chic summer ‘fit.

Up Next: 34 Elevated Linen Buys to Suit Every Budget