5 Days, 5 Ways: How to Wear Linen Shorts (Updated!)

lightweight, don't wait

By Gabi Meyers | Last Updated: Jun 22 2020

Summer sure came up quick this year, didn’t it? It officially kicked off on Saturday, but I think all those months of, y’know, not leaving our homes meant the warm weather really took us by surprise. It did for me, anyway. So, to celebrate, it’s time to jump right into getting your summer style game in order. Let’s talk how to wear linen shorts five different ways.

Why wear linen shorts?

Yes, cotton chino shorts are right there. And I’ll be honest; I’m not even mad at the return of jorts in the year of our Lord 2020.

But linen! You can’t go wrong when the heat is H O T.

Linen shorts are among the lightest, most summer-y bottoms in your closet. You guys are no strangers to this wunderkin of a natural fiber that just exudes ease…you can wear literally linen anything (like say, a linen suit!) and feel great in 100ºF weather.

That said, if you want to keep the wrinkles to a minimum while keeping easy breeziness at its max, opt for a linen-cotton blend.

Below, how to wear linen shorts five ways this summer:

club monaco Slim-Fit Houndstooth Slub Linen Shorts

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I chose these bad boys from Club Monaco to style. They’re cut from lightweight slub linen and woven in a stylish houndstooth check. The slim fit ensures a clean, tailored look all summer long. (Editor’s note: The exact style is no longer available, but this pair is super-similar!)

MONDAY

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shirt: 1901 | shoes: Cole Haan | belt: Shinola

SG Says: Wear your linen shorts with a plaid shirt and some sporty dress shoes for a Zoom call you want to feel extra-polished for.

TUESDAY

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cardigan: Rag & Bone | popover: Club Monaco

SG Says: Give your shorts a rakish gentleman vibe with a shawl collar cardigan.

Personally, I’m obsessed with the Rag & Bone number above, but it’s…not cheap. So here’s a less-expensive style from Banana Republic. Pair it with a tone-on-tone popover that complements the shorts.