Light, breathable, and chic as they come, linen shorts are going to be everywhere this summer. Shop GQ's edit of the best here
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Linen is gaining big ground in the fashion industry. Though not a new fabrication, a recent report studying 200 million data points found that a rather surprising 64 per cent of brands only used linen for the first time in 2020 – Dior, Prada, Fendi and Louis Vuitton included – while linen was incorporated in 102 per cent more runways in the last spring/summer season.
How does that translate to what we're wearing? This year we've seen exponential demand for the fabric in linen suiting, shirts and trousers, and as we move further into the summer months, linen shorts are sure to become a mainstay of menswear. Linen being slightly less structural than pure cotton, used in shorts it can provide a more louche look, while being exponentially more breathable on humid days. This breeziness is often amped up by elasticated waists and drawstring ties, but that's not to say the rails are lacking in more tailored, pleated options for smarter occasions, too.
Whatever your preference, one thing is clear – linen shorts are going to be everywhere this summer. From the cargo-printed styles of Liam Gallagher's Nigel Cabourn collab to chic, embroidered styles by Harago, shop our edit of the best linen shorts of the season.
What are GQ's best linen shorts for men?
You'll find all the linen shorts worth your consideration in the gallery below, but first, here's what our editors are wearing this season:
- Best overall linen shorts: Arket, £47, arket.com
- Best budget linen shorts: Marks & Spencer, £28, marksandspencer.com
- Best designer linen shorts: Gucci, £800, mrporter.com
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1/11Best overall linen shorts: Arket
- Shape: Loose-leg
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Black, beige, khaki (+1 more)
When in doubt, you can't go wrong with a pair of black shorts: particularly those which are designed with elegance in mind. Enter Arket's latest offering. Crafted from a lightweight linen weave, this loose-leg style is fitted with an elasticated drawstring waist, making for the most comfortable fit that you could ask for. Added bonus that they're majorly budget-friendly, too. £47. At arket.com
2/11Best designer linen shorts: Gucci
- Shape: Wide-leg
- Sizes: 44-54
- Colours: Beige
You can’t go wrong with a luxury style, especially when it’s provided by Gucci. Brought to life through the Italian house’s most acclaimed design code – the GG supreme monogram – this pair of linen shorts are ideal for casual summer excursions thanks to their elasticated waistband and wide-leg profile. We suggest pairing them with a simple white layer on top to keep the eyes on the (printed) prize. £800. At mrporter.com
3/11Best budget linen shorts: Marks & Spencer
- Shape: Relaxed-leg
- Sizes: S-2XL
- Colours: Beige
Ever the experts of affordable menswear essentials which don't sacrifice on style, Marks & Spencer is a brilliant destination to source a pair of linen shorts. Our favourite from the current offerings? This striped style. Featuring the streamlined print down their relaxed frame, they're unlined for extra breathability and feature a series of pockets around the side and back. Your suitcase will thank us later. £28. At marksandspencer.com
4/11Pleasing
- Shape: Straight-leg
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: Cream
If Harry Styles approves, so do we. Fresh to the musician’s ultra-hyped brand, Pleasing, this cream pair of shorts are crafted from a burst linen and cotton-blend – topped with a drawstring waistband for maximum comfort and detailed with a seasonally-apt appliqué at the right hand corner. The perfect pair to match your style to summer vacations, be sure to check out the matching shirt for a fully sun-kissed silhouette. £150. At selfridges.com
5/11Cos
- Shape: Loose-leg
- Sizes: 44-54
- Colours: Black, red
Simple, stark and sold at a price which won’t break the bank, Cos’ new black linen shorts are the kind of style which will see you through the years ahead. Designed for an easy-going fit, their hook-and-bar closure is enhanced by an internal drawcord to grant a precise fit for any shape, and they come complete with pockets at the sides and around the back. £75. At cos.com
6/11Anderson & Sheppard
- Shape: Straight-leg
- Sizes: 30-38
- Colours: Cream, navy
Searching for a pair of linen shorts with a more sartorially-inclined structure? Allow us to introduce this latest style by Anderson & Sheppard. A product of the Savile Row tailor’s ready-to-wear range, they’re fused with thoughtfully crafted details to bring the sharpest stance to your lower half: from the double pleats at the front to the gold-toned buckle fastenings at the sides of their wide waistband. Instant dapperness ensured. £385. At mrporter.com
7/11Percival
- Shape: Loose-leg
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colours: Rust, khaki, navy
Linen is a favourite fabric for Percival, the London-based brand which serves sophisticated menswear styles with quality and comfort at the core. For Spring/Summer 2024, its linen shorts offering comes in a rusty red cut with a slightly wide fit to fall just above the knee and detailed with pleats for a tailored finishing touch. If you’re interested in embracing this bold shade in full, good news: there’s a deconstructed blazer to match. £109. At percivalclo.com
8/11Brunello Cucinelli
- Shape: Straight-leg
- Sizes: 44-60
- Colours: White, beige
A spring/summer choice for the ages, Brunello Cucinelli's linen shorts are set apart by their bermuda shape and flattering front pleats. Reflecting the Italian designer's flair for nonchalance, they're made in Italy from a lightweight take on the texture and fasten with a stunning tortoiseshell button. If you’re looking to invest in timeless quality, rest assured that they're totally worth the price. £490. At mrporter.com
9/11Portuguese Flannel
- Shape: Straight-leg
- Sizes: XS-XXL
- Colours: White
To those unafraid of making a statement through the linen shorts of choice, a striking print is the way to do it, which is where Portuguese Flannel comes in. Exclusive to Mr Porter, this latest drawstring design is embroidered with a purple floral motif reflecting the brand’s flair for meticulously hand-crafted garments. Elegant and eye-catching at once, they’ll draw only the right kind of attention upon wear. £160. At mrporter.com
10/11Dries Van Noten
- Shape: Straight-leg
- Sizes: S-XL
- Colours: Navy
Designed from a linen and viscose blend, Dries Van Noten's latest linen shorts are as simple and effective as it gets. Clad in a classic navy shade, they promise to mould perfectly to your shape through their adjustable waist and ensure a sharp style stance through their non-stretch fabrication. £445. At mrporter.com
11/11Polo Ralph Lauren
- Shape: Straight-leg
- Sizes: 30-38
- Colours: Beige
Bringing its signature preppy verve to the style, Polo Ralph Lauren's linen shorts take on all the trappings of a trad pair of chinos whilst benefitting from a premium, breathable linen material. When it comes to styling, almost nothing is out of bounds thanks to the pair's versatile beige hue, but we'd pick a collegiate-inspired polo to tie in the spirit of the brand.
£140£70. At mrporter.comNOW READ:
The best men’s sandals for laid-back summer style
