Our Fashion Lead has found the five best, non-seethrough pairs of linen trousers for summer 2026
Linen trousers sound great in theory. In reality, finding a pair that doesn’t crease beyond recognition five minutes after leaving the house, or make you look like you’ve accidentally wandered out in pyjamas, is surprisingly difficult.
Add to the fact that I’m now six months pregnant, and the task of finding good summer trousers seems almost impossible. Every summer, I convince myself I need a pair for a ‘wealthy woman on holiday in the South of France’ look, and every summer I end up trying on styles that are either too stiff, too see-through or somehow both at once.
But when you do find a good pair, they become the backbone of your wardrobe for the next three months. They work with bikinis, blazers, oversized shirts, simple tank tops and even knitwear on cooler days. They’re the thing I throw on when jeans feel far too constricting, but when I still need to look somewhat put-together.
So, after trying on more linen trousers than I care to admit, these are the pairs I actually rated, from flattering striped styles to comfy drawstring pairs I’m already wearing on repeat.
Boden Kensington Linen Trousers
Shop them for £139
Tailored striped linen trousers with a polished wide-leg fit.
These were the chicest pair I tried on. The stripe gives a nice printed touch, while the high waist and wider leg create a really flattering shape. They have that slightly expensive, Riviera-inspired look that works perfectly with a white shirt or paired with a matching print for a co-ord effect. The linen itself also feels a bit heavier than cheaper styles, so they hang nicely rather than creasing immediately. No see-through trousers here.
M&S Linen-Rich Wide Leg Trousers
Shop them for £28
Easy pull-on trousers with a soft linen blend finish.
M&S always seems to nail those wardrobe basics you end up living in, and these are exactly that. The linen blend means they don’t crease quite as dramatically as pure linen, and the drawstring waist makes them feel comfortable straight away. These are so popular that they now come in several colours, and I personally own about four of them. Extra points go to M&S for having length options to suit petite and tall girls. As someone who is taller at 5ft8, it’s so nice to choose a length that reaches the ground, rather than stops short at my ankles.
Nobody’s Child Linen-Blend Drawstring Trousers
Shop them for £65
Relaxed black linen trousers with a slightly smarter feel.
If beige linen isn’t your thing, these are a great alternative. The black colour means you can wear these as work trousers, and they work just as well for evenings or office days as they do casually. The fit is relaxed without looking oversized, and you can shop them in white as well. I own both shades and the white pair are my most-worn holiday trouser. I absolutely adore them with a bikini underneath. Plus, even the white shade isn’t see-through.
FatFace Arie Linen Trousers
Shop them for £69
Relaxed wide-leg linen trousers designed for everyday wear.
I actually bought these last summer and I was so excited to dig them out of my summer box the other week when I noticed the weather getting warmer. The fit is looser and more relaxed than some of the others I tried, but they still look put together rather than sloppy. I especially liked them styled casually with a knit draped over the shoulders and simple sandals. These are my go-to airport trousers, as well.
Urban Outfitters Out From Under Stripe Trousers
Shop them for £39
Relaxed striped cotton trousers with a lightweight, beachy feel.
These feel very much like the cool-girl version of summer trousers. The relaxed fit and tie waist give them a laid-back holiday look that’s everywhere right now, but they’re still surprisingly flattering on. They sit slightly lower on the waist than the others I tried, which makes them feel a bit more fashion-y, and the soft fabric keeps them really comfortable in hot weather. I was worried the multi-print would make me look a bit like I was a circus performer, but styled with a crisp white shirt, I get plenty of compliments on them.
