12 Best Men’s Linen Shorts for Breezy, Low-Key Summer Style
Men’s linen shorts can be the coolest, most comfortable thing you wear all summer. Or they can make you look like you rolled out of bed and forgot to change. The difference is knowing what to look for.
Let me tell you something I saw last week.
I was walking through the farmer’s market when I saw him. Guy maybe my age, wearing what looked like pajama bottoms cut off at the knee. Wrinkled beyond belief, too big, hanging off him like a deflated balloon. I thought to myself, this is what people think when they hear linen shorts.
But here’s the thing. That guy had it all wrong.
If you ask me, linen shorts are the secret weapon of summer. They’re cool. Literally. That’s the point.
When it’s a thousand degrees outside and your thighs are threatening to stick to everything, you’ll be grateful for linen. Lightweight. Breathable. A little wrinkly, yes, but that’s part of the charm.
They aren’t gym shorts. Not cargo shorts from 2004. They’re for guys who want to stay cool and still look like they give a damn. But only if you’ve got the right ones, know how to wear them, and how to take care of them.
So I pulled together 12 linen shorts that look good, keep you cool, and get you through the hottest summer days.
Also included? How to style them and how to take care of linen so it doesn’t turn into a wrinkled mess.
Stay cool. Scroll through. Maybe your new favorite’s in here.
The 12 Best Linen Shorts for Men That Are Worth Your Money
Now let’s get to the fun part. Here are some of the best men’s linen shorts out there right now. These are the ones that caught my eye. The ones that have a little something extra that makes them stand out from the crowd.
1. Alex Crane Bo Shorts - The Everyday Summer Essential
Made with sustainably-grown French linen and washed with biodegradable softeners, these linen shorts are soft from the first wear. No breaking-in period where you feel like you’re wearing sandpaper.
Best for:
Casual summer days
- Men who want that effortless coastal vibe without looking sloppy
Minimalist wardrobes
Guys who care about sustainability but don’t want to sacrifice style
- Made from linen grown in Normandy, France that gets better with age
- Full-bodied linen that rarely requires ironing
- Slim fit without being snug, works with both streetwear and smarter looks
- Heat-regulating and antimicrobial properties
- Dyed with organic pigments
Lightweight and breathable
2. Madda Fella Truman Linen Short - The Island Classic
These linen shorts have a little bit of an old-school vibe, like something you’d wear on a sailboat in the Caribbean. Madda Fella is all about that island life, and you can see it in the relaxed fit and the attention to detail.
Best for:
- Vacations and resort wear
- Guys who prefer a more traditional cut
- Classic, preppy American style
- Guys who like a slightly longer inseam
Why I love it:
Made from the finest 100% Irish linen for exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking
10″ inseam provides comfortable coverage longer than most brands
Large palette of colors inspired by Key West surroundings
Perfect versatility – dress them up or down for any occasion
Side pockets and a back pocket with a button closure
3. Everlane The Linen Easy Short - Chill Comfort
Sometimes the simplest things are the best things. Everlane’s linen easy short proves that point. They took their bestselling Easy Short design and made it in linen, and it just works.
Best for:
- Men who want sustainable fashion without sacrificing style
- Anyone looking for shorts that transition easily from lounging to going out
- Guys who prefer brands with transparent pricing and ethical manufacturing
- Made from flax linen that creates less waste and has a reduced carbon impact compared to cotton
- Front slash pockets and back round-corner patch pocket provide practical storage
- 7″ inseam hits the sweet spot for most body types
- Straight fit that’s relaxed but not baggy
4. KOTN Cairo Linen Short - Clean and Conscious
KOTN makes a big deal about their Egyptian cotton, but their linen shorts are excellent too. The Cairo shorts feel substantial without being heavy.
Best for:
- Conscious consumers who care about sustainability
- Minimalist style
- Guys who want something different from the usual American brands
Why I love it:
- Ethically crafted in Portugal
- Easy pull-on style with elasticized waistband
- Made from 100% linen with beautiful grain that gets softer with each wash
- Relaxed fit that’s comfortable enough for lounging but stylish for going out
- Inspired by traditional garments from Egypt’s North Coast
5. Alex Mill Pull On Field Short - Rugged Linen Vibe
Alex Mill is known for their timeless, well-made clothes that you can wear forever. These linen pull on shorts are no exception. They look like you put thought into getting dressed, even though you literally just pulled them on and walked out the door.
Best for:
- Men who want to look polished without the hassle of belts and buttons
- Guys who need shorts that work for both errands and dinner
- Men who value East Coast prep style
- Guys who like a workwear or vintage feel
- OG-107 lovers
Why I love it:
- Made from natural 100% flax linen
- Patch pocket details inspired by vintage OG-107 military field pants
- Featuring an elasticated back waistband with an interior drawstring for extra comfort and easy dressing
- Perfect for summer with the breathable natural flax construction
- Utility-style pockets give them function beyond just looking good
- Pull-on design eliminates the need for belts while maintaining a tailored appearance
6. Todd Snyder 5" Linen Beachcomber Short - Short and Sharp
Todd Snyder makes clothes for the modern man who appreciates classic style. These shorts are the kind of thing you’d pack for a trip to the coast. The 5-inch inseam is a bold choice, but it’s a great one if you’re comfortable with it.
Best for:
- Guys who are confident in their style
- Men who want versatile shorts that work dressed up or down
- Guys who need something for vacation that also works back home
- Men who like the convenience of elastic waist with the look of traditional shorts
- Elastic waist with interior drawcord plus belt loops and zip fly – best of both worlds
- Made from a handsome linen fabric with a crisp handfeel
- Sits between casual and dressy for maximum versatility
- Fairly tailored fit that looks clean and intentional
- The one with cut-and-sewn embroidered stripes gives off a mid-century resort feel
7. Taylor Stitch The Après Short - Polished, but Chill
- Price: $65.80 (
$94.00) - Fabric: 55% linen, 45% organic cotton tweed
- Shop Now: Taylor Stitch The Après Short
Taylor Stitch named these the Après short, which means after, and I get it. They’re for after the work is done, when you want to look good without thinking about it.
Best for:
- Men who appreciate California casual style
Classic, workwear-inspired style
Guys who want something from a brand that cares about details
- limited-edition lovers. Once it’s gone, it’s gone
Why I love it:
- Garment washed for a broken-in feel straight out of the box
- 7″ inseam hits just above the knee — clean, not sloppy
- Elastic waist with drawcord and button fly for polished comfort
Tailored fit that sits between laid-back and put-together
- SF map-print pocketing — subtle detail that goes the extra mile
- Versatile enough for poolside, errands, or casual nights out
8. Proper Cloth Linen-Blend Drawstring Short - Luxe & Lightweight
Proper Cloth usually does custom dress shirts, so when they make linen drawstring shorts, you know the construction is going to be solid
Best for:
Men who want made-to-measure quality in casual wear
Elevated casual wear
Guys who appreciate great fit and quality
Why I love it:
- Cut from premium Italian fabric (thanks, Duca Visconti). Soft, subtly textured, and breathable in the heat
Tailored 7″ inseam hits just right without feeling too short or too long
- Elastic waistband with drawstring and zipper fly = comfort without sacrificing structure
- Refined enough for city dinners, relaxed enough for weekends
- Hidden side pockets, jetted rear pockets, faux horn button — all minimal, all intentional
9. Flint and Tinder 7" Cotton Linen Drawstring Short - Tough Linen
Price: $88.00
Fabric: 70% cotton, 30% linen
Flint and Tinder, a Huckberry brand, is all about making durable, American-made goods. These shorts are a great example of that
Best for:
- Guys who love rugged, well-made gear
Everyday wear
- Hot days when you still want to look put-together
Guys who like smart-casual shorts that hold up over time
Why I love it:
- Cut from a breathable cotton-linen blend that feels broken-in from day one
- Garment-dyed for rich color and that soft, lived-in look
- Elastic waistband with a drawstring makes it easy, but the tailored fit keeps it clean
- Pocket setup is on point — 2 front, 2 back, all functional without bulk
Light enough for hot weather, tough enough to last season after season
10. J.Crew 5.5" Pier short - The Crowd Favorite
J.Crew’s Pier shorts have been around forever for a reason. They’re the reliable option when you need linen blend pull on shorts that just work.
Best for:
- Guys who want a short that’s truly grab-and-go
- Everyday summer wear
- Fans of a tailored pull-on fit
- Men who want comfort without giving up structure
Why I love it:
- Button-front elastic waist with a hidden drawstring — looks sharp, feels effortless
- 5.5″ inseam hits that modern, flattering length without going too short
- Made from a breathable cotton-linen blend that gets softer with time
- Functional zip fly + solid construction makes it feel like a real short, not just loungewear
- Ethically made in a Fair Trade Certified facility
11. De Bonne Facture Lounge Straight-Leg Linen Shorts - The Parisian Lounge Look
Price: $380.00 (Mr Porter)
Fabric: 100% Belgian linen
De Bonne Facture is a French brand that is all about slow fashion and quality. These shorts are a splurge, but they’re the kind of piece you’ll have for years. The attention to detail and the quality of the fabric are unmatched.
Best for:
- Men who appreciate European cut and construction
- Guys who appreciate quiet luxury and effortless French style
- Luxury seekers who want a high-quality short
- Timeless, classic style
- Slow days, warm weather, and easy dressing
Why I love it:
- Made in Paris from 100% Belgian linen. Soft, breathable, and built to last
- Relaxed, straight-leg cut with a slightly low crotch for an easy drape
- Wide drawstring waistband blends into the fabric. No loud branding or contrast
- Subtle hook and zip fastening adds structure without sacrificing comfort
- Quiet, elevated, and distinctly French
12. Luca Faloni Bermuda Linen Shorts - Summer in Italy
Luca Faloni is an Italian brand that makes beautiful, high-end clothes. These linen shorts are a perfect example, with a tailored fit and a great, classic look. They’re the kind of shorts you can wear to a fancy dinner on a hot night and not feel underdressed.
Best for:
- Men who want Italian style and quality
- Guys who are looking for longer, more formal linen shorts
- Refined vacation looks
- Guys who appreciate tailored details in even their most casual pieces
- Men who appreciate fine fabrics and construction
- Hot dinner nights
Why I love it:
- Made in Northern Italy from 100% Italian linen
- Garment-dyed using the ‘tinto capo’ method for that perfect sun-faded finish
- Horn button and internal drawstring waistband strike the balance between polished and personal
- Pre-washed to prevent shrinkage
- Straight cut with clean lines and just the right amount of tailoring
- Built for beach days, long lunches, and casual elegance that doesn’t try too hard
FAQs About Men's Linen Shorts
1. What Makes Linen Shorts Actually Good?
100% linen shorts breathe like nothing else. Cotton tries, but linen is the king of staying cool when the sun’s beating down. It’s not just marketing talk. The loose weave lets air move through, and somehow linen gets softer every time you wash it.
But linen also wrinkles. That’s just the nature of the beast. The trick isn’t finding shorts that don’t wrinkle – it’s finding ones where the wrinkles look intentional, not sloppy.
If you really mind the wrinkles? Try linen-blend shorts.
2. How to Style Linen Shorts Without Looking Sloppy
How do I style linen shorts? This is where most guys go wrong. Remember that guy I mentioned at the beginning? Yeah, that.
For casual days, pair them with a simple t-shirt and canvas sneakers. The key is keeping everything else clean and simple. Let the linen be the relaxed element, not your entire outfit.
For dressier occasions, try a lightweight button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up, with leather loafers or clean white sneakers. White linen shorts work especially well for this look.
And honestly, I don’t like wearing linen shorts with a polo shirt. I don’t know why, but something about that combination gives off I’m lost and looking for the golf course vibe.
3. When is it appropriate to wear linen shorts?
Here’s the thing about linen shorts – they have their place and time. Beach vacation? Perfect. Backyard barbecue? Great choice. Wedding in the Hamptons? Absolutely.
Client meeting in your office? Probably not. Dinner at a steakhouse? Skip them.
Black linen shorts can dress up better than lighter colors, but there’s still a limit. Think of linen shorts as your warm-weather uniform for everything that’s not strictly business.
4. What Linen Shorts Are Good For?
What are linen shorts good for?
Everything summer throws at you, if you choose right.
Beach days when you want to look put-together in the beach bar afterward. Weekend farmers markets where you might run into your boss. Vacation dinners where the dress code says resort casual and you’re not sure what that means.
They’re good for feeling comfortable when it’s hot. They’re good for looking like you care without trying too hard. They’re good for that in-between time when summer’s just starting and you’re remembering why you love warm weather.
5. How do I care for linen shorts?
Wash them in cold water. Always. Hot water will shrink them and make them feel rough. Hang them to dry – the dryer is linen’s enemy.
Here’s the secret most guys don’t know: don’t iron linen shorts. That perfect pressed look fights against everything linen is supposed to be. A few wrinkles are part of the charm. Too many wrinkles means you need better-quality shorts, not more ironing.
Store them folded, not hung. Hanging stretches the fabric in weird ways.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it. A whole world of men’s linen shorts waiting for you. It can feel overwhelming, all the choices, all the things to think about. But here’s the thing. It’s not about finding the perfect short. It’s about finding the shorts that are perfect for you.
I keep coming back to those Alex Crane Bo Shorts. Something about the way they drape, the way they move, the way they look intentionally casual instead of accidentally sloppy. They’re the ones I’d reach for when I want to look like I know what I’m doing, even when I don’t.
Whatever you choose, remember this: Find the ones that work for your life, your style, your budget. Then stop thinking about it and go enjoy the weather.
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