5 Best Linen Shorts For Men: Smooth, Light & Stylish in 2024

When it comes to menswear, it often feels like you have to sacrifice style for comfort or vice versa. The end result is always the same: you don’t shine half as brightly as you would with the right outfit. Thankfully, the best linen shorts for men offer guys the best of both worlds.

The day I discovered linen was the day my entire outlook on fashion changed. On top of looking spectacular, linen can get you through the hottest July afternoon without so much as a drop of sweat. Once you go linen, I guarantee that you won’t be looking back.

Don’t think I’ll be hoarding my know-how for myself, either. I’ve put together a list of the best shorts I could find in this category, and I’m convinced that you’ll like them. These will have people of all fashion sensibilities turning their heads at any summer party or outdoor event.

With all that said, let’s dive into the best linen shorts for men.

Key Takeaways

Who knew there were so many men’s linen shorts out there? Just kidding – I did. And I’m pretty sure I got through most of them after hours and hours of research.

For me, Tommy Hilfiger’s Lightweight Chinos are the best linen shorts for men. You’re getting some unmatched comfort for your money, not to mention some solid stretch and half a dozen pockets.

If you want something more casual or you’re just taller than most, Sailwind’s Linen Shorts are an amazing pick. The blend of materials is extremely breathable, and the 11-inch inseam looks great on a longer pair of legs.

Why they’re great: I wouldn’t want to live in a world without brands like Hilfiger, and it’s thanks to products like this. As if the linen wasn’t comfy enough, you also have rayon for added softness and that always-welcome spandex stretch. Of course, there’s even the iconic logo in the back as the cherry on top.

Who are these for? These are the definition of a casual pair of shorts, but they have an air of pedigree to them, too. Another thing that’s great about these is that they have a whopping six pockets, including two flap pockets for added security. All of that elevates them into the stratosphere of the best linen shorts for men.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: It’s worth mentioning that there’s no actual zipper on these, meaning that the fly area is sewn together. This is more of an aesthetic thing, though, and it doesn’t make me love them any less.

Material: 53% linen, 45% rayon, 2% spandex | Sizes Available: S–XXL | Colors Available: 4 | Inseam: 9 inches | Care: Machine wash

Why they’re great: As far as budget shorts go, these might be some of the most versatile ones you can find. The blend of cotton and linen is a tried-and-true classic in terms of comfort, and you can even choose between a five or seven-inch inseam.

Who are these for? I’m a big fan of the minimalist “logo” on these – it takes everything that’s casual about them and spruces it up with a dash of sophistication. Also, with how affordable they are, you can stock up on a bunch of different colors and style accordingly.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Since they’re mostly cotton, these are a smidge less lineny to the touch than our other picks. That said, with how light they are, you can definitely tell the difference from a full-on cotton pair.

Material: 80% cotton, 20% linen | Sizes Available: S–3XL | Colors Available: 13 (5 inches); 19 (7 inches) | Inseam: 5 or 7 inches | Care: Machine wash

Why they’re great: Combining the best elements of linen, elastane, and viscose, these Cubavera shorts are well worth the splurge. In terms of the range of motion, these are up there with a pair of silk pajamas, except that you can wear them any place where shorts are appropriate.

Who are these for? Minimalist yet elegant, these are some of the most versatile shorts on today’s market. Although they work great with tees, I’d say that an elegant shirt makes for an even better match. As for shoes, the only limit is your imagination. All of that versatility makes them some of the best linen shorts for men.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you go for the white ones, then keep in mind that the material is thin and slightly see-through. This is nothing out of the ordinary for thin shorts, so you can either go for a different color or pick your underwear accordingly.

Material: 55% linen, 43% viscose, 2% elastane | Sizes Available: XS–XL | Colors Available: 4 | Inseam: 9 inches | Care: Machine wash

Why they’re great: Talk about a summer staple of a pick. These Janmid shorts combine an ultra-cushy linen and fabric build with three reliable pockets and a generous waistband to great effect. For what it’s worth, it also has my favorite shade of navy on these kinds of shorts. Super easy to combine with white shirts and tees.

Who are these for? These are some of the best linen shorts for men. The unique thing about these shorts is the inseam variance with different sizes. If you like shorts that end just above the knees, then you can expect to get that no matter the size you order.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: It’s a minor nitpick, but I can’t help but wish for another back pocket here. Not that the other three don’t get the job done, though.

Material: 55% cotton, 45% linen | Sizes Available: XS–3XL | Colors Available: 10 | Inseam: 8–9.5 inches | Care: Machine wash

Why they’re great: Endlessly comfortable and gentle on your skin, Sailwind shorts can get you through a boiling summer without a hitch. Whether you’re at the beach or firing up a barbecue in your backyard, these cotton-linen shorts are the perfect companion.

The moisture-wicking technology is up there with some of the best too, so goodbye, sweat.

Who are these for? Although they’d look good on most anyone, I’d say that these work best on tall guys. The 11-inch inseam is ideal if you’re six foot or above, doubly so if you couple them with a colorful shirt and a low-top pair of shoes.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you’re an average-sized dude looking for short shorts, then this might not be the pair for you. Still, if ever there was a pair that’s worth oversizing for, it’s this one. I mean, just look at those colors.

Material: 60% cotton, 35% linen, 5% other fibers | Sizes Available: XS–3XL | Colors Available: 13 | Inseam: 11 inches | Care: Machine wash

Buying Considerations for the Best Linen Shorts for Men

Style

Whether it’s linen on any other material, it’s important for your shorts to match the setting. If you plan to do sports, then it couldn’t hurt to go for running shorts for added moisture-wicking. On the other hand, short shorts can make for amazing sleepwear if the weather is especially warm.

Color

Linen is a very summery material, and the color should reflect that. White, beige, khaki, and gray tend to be the best options because they go well with just about anything. If you’re feeling bold, then you can go olive or red to match your more tropical clothes. The best linen shorts for men will come in all of these colors.

Size

Besides the size, it’s important to consider the inseam length when it comes to shorts. It can range anywhere from five to eleven inches, and you should calibrate your choice based on your height. In general, you’ll want your shorts to run just above your knees.

How We Chose

The fashion industry is a beast and a half, and a lot of it is built on deceptive marketing. Brands have to offer a lot to stay afloat nowadays, and unfortunately, that often means a lot of empty promises to buyers. In putting together our list of the best linen shorts for men, we made sure to look into companies’ history and overall customer satisfaction.

Company reputation: Does the company have a series of successful products? If they do, it lets us know that they have a history of putting out the right kind of stuff.

Customer reviews: How do users rate the product? The better the feedback from actual buyers, the more likely we are to recommend it.

Price: Is the price consistent with what the product has to offer? We try to recommend picks whose pricing makes sense for the quality.

Transparency: Does the company communicate its manufacturing process openly? After all, we like to recommend products made of ethically sourced ingredients and materials whenever possible.

Why Trust Us? 

Andrej Paskalov has been into fashion for as long as he’s been alive, and his work with FashionBeans is evidence of that. From short shorts to men’s jeans, he’s covered every segment of the legwear game and then some.

Trust Andrej to guide you through the selection of men’s linen shorts with the same level of dedication and attention to detail that has characterized his previous work. His picks are designed to ensure that you feel confident and comfortable, whether you’re at the beach or navigating the urban summer heat.

Final Verdict 

And those were the best linen shorts for men. In our opinion, Tommy Hilfiger’s Chino Shorts are the best, thanks to their amazing comfort, generous stretch, and six handy pockets.