Whenever I discuss how to wear linen pants, I often get pushback: “Yeah, but linen wrinkles.”
And while that’s certainly true, that doesn’t mean you should shy away from this fabulous, breezy fabric—especially in the warmer months. Today, my crew is sharing how to wear linen pants in real-life ways that are stylish, practical, and yes, comfortable!
Quote of the day: “When momentum is on your side, people focus on your strengths and forgive your weaknesses. When momentum stops, they scrutinize the whole thing.” Packy McCormick
And here’s a little secret before we get started: not all linen pants are created equally, and that makes a big difference.
But the biggest tip in ONE WORD about how to stop worrying about the wrinkles when considering how to wear linen pants is “Mindset.”
Of course, I have other tips along the way that may help, as shown with our examples. But once we start embracing the natural aspects of linen, our bodies, and the world around us, we will be happier and freer.
Related posts: Linen options in the summer
What to wear in the desert
Why Linen Pants Deserve a Place in Your Closet
First things first—why even bother with linen pants if they’re known for wrinkling the moment you sit down?
Truthfully, I wasn’t a huge fan when I lived in Denver. But then again, our summer temperatures didn’t get up over 100 degrees much either.
Insider tip: I’ve also learned that linen is one of the most sustainable materials. For example, even though cotton is a natural material, it uses a lot of water in its production.
Because linen pants are cool, breathable, and can be just as chic as they are casual, they are a perfect
alternative to jeans or slacks in the summer. With the variety of cuts, colors, and blends available today, there’s something for everyone.
And if you’ve ever tried them, you know this already: linen just feels good. It’s almost like they put you in a vaca mood when you slip them on.
Wrinkle worry is so old-fashioned, so let the style show begin.
Tip #1: Linen Pants Don’t Have to Be 100% Linen-Lesley
This might be the most important thing to know about how to wear linen pants in a way that feels modern and manageable: look for blends.
Many brands now combine linen with cotton, rayon, viscose, or Tencel, which helps cut down on the wrinkles while still offering the breathability we all love. These blends also tend to drape better, hold their shape throughout the day, and even offer a touch of stretch in some cases.
If you’ve tried linen pants before and thought “These just aren’t for me,” it could be that you were wearing a stiff, pure linen pair that didn’t feel forgiving or flattering. Give them another go—but this time, look for a linen blend.
Lesley also incorporated other elements to make the outfit stylish, while not concentrating on the wrinkle factor.
-A modern and fabulous “vest”. This is something all the young girls are wearing, and it takes the basic white linen pants up 10 notches.
-The vest is also a great proportion for the pants (#3) because it’s shorter and fitted.
-All eyes on that amazing purse (#4).
Details:
-Brava for Lesley adding in a different color with her purse. Sure, there’s yellow in it like the jewelry and sneakers, but the red really pops and is amazing.
-Adding in a “trendy” piece (like this vest with ties) can transform an entire outfit. Don’t think that only the young girls can wear a vest like this. Obviously, you can pull it tight together so you don’t see flesh.
Tip #2: Embrace the Wrinkles (PLUS Print Linen)-Jodie
Now, let’s talk about the mindset change. Embracing wrinkles.
What if you flip the perspective and consider the wrinkles as part of their charm?
Insider analysis: Ever look at a newborn and talk about how cute his chubby thighs are? Why don’t we think the same about our chubby thighs? We should.
Thus, the same holds true with linen. Linen wrinkles. And once we love that aspect of them, we can forgo the worry about ironing and keeping them smooth.
Smooth is overrated. Let’s give a standing ovation for texture.
So I say—embrace it. And if it still bugs you? Try a printed pair like Valerie’s and mine. The print disguises the creases better than solids. Think florals, stripes, or even a light texture woven into the fabric.
Another idea? Go for darker colors. A navy or olive pair of linen pants won’t show wrinkles nearly as much as other colors.
This idea is not much different than colors to wear to hide sweat stains.
Details:
-These pants are paper bag waist style and have been showcased years ago. They have waist ties attached (you can see them in the original article), but I just tucked them inside the pants this time.
-I placed a brooch on each side of my collar instead of the pockets of my vest.
-We were going on a walking tour that day, so I included the comfiest shoes ever-reviewed here.
Tip #3: Don’t Forget to Balance the Proportions- Valerie
One reason people shy away from linen pants is that they can sometimes look shapeless—but it all comes down to how you style them.
I like to think of these ideas as guidelines…NOT rules:
- If you’re wearing a wide-leg pair, try a more fitted or structured top. This can mean a tucked-in tee, a belted shirt, or even a cropped jacket.
- For tapered or straight-leg linen pants, a flowier top can be glam.
- Valerie shows how a longer topper can work with a wider pair of pants because of its open detail, so it’s not as overwhelming.
Details:
-Valerie wore this same top years ago without the belt. The topper is all one piece, but she used the belt and cardigan pins to pull up the underlayer so it’s shorter than the outer layers. This changes the proportions wonderfully.
-Notice the brooch on the crochet purse. Sure, we always see a scarf used to decorate purses, but brooches are just as fabulous on these types of purses.
-Valerie just found these sequin espadrilles while thrifting. They look white but have sparkle.
Tip #4: Add the Right Accessories- Charlotte
Charlotte wore a handmade green ruffled scarf to pull the eye up to her face instead of focusing on the proportions or the linen pants.
Sometimes linen pants can feel a little “plain” on their own. Or if you tend to style a top and bottom that are a 50/50 proportion, accessories can change the focal point.
Details:
-This silk scarf is handmade by my mom. She made one very similar for her aunt years ago and had enough material remaining to make one for herself.
-The jade jewelry she is wearing is a souvenir from her trip to China years ago.
Another tip (as shown with Jodie’s, Valerie’s, and Charlotte’s outfits) is to pair a top that is a different material and doesn’t wrinkle. Mixing textures this way is modern, plus the top is smooth.
Final Thoughts on How to Wear Linen Pants
So here’s the real takeaway, my friends: don’t let the wrinkle factor keep you from experiencing the comfort and chicness of linen pants.
With today’s options—from blended fabrics to printed styles—you can find a pair that suits your body, your lifestyle, and your wardrobe. The four of us each wore our linen pants in very different ways, but every look felt intentional and fresh.
Whether you’re running errands, heading out with the girls, or simply enjoying a sunny day, linen pants can be the star of the show—or the best supporting actress in your outfit.
And if someone does notice a wrinkle? Just smile and say, “It’s charming, isn’t it?”
I really enjoy putting together my daily emails as I consider my emails an extension of my blog that is chocked full of positive inspiration that one friend calls a “Variety Show.”
Included are articles, videos, and posts that strike my fancy, and since I have no siblings to share with, I share them with you.
My Goal
Thank you for visiting my space on the internet. I like to showcase how it’s never too late to look great for women of any age, size, or working with any kind of budget.
I feel I’m here to help move beyond the fashion rules of yesterday and evolve. Style and clothes are made to give you joy. Not cause us stress because we are worried about what others think.
My hope is that you get ideas and inspiration from my crew. It’s not about copying what we wear, but about using what you already have and updating items along the way.
Most of all, it’s getting us to think differently and dare I say, have fun.
Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
It’s not just about me on this blog, but also my mother and friends. We get to showcase not only different decades of life but also different body shapes and unique personal styles.
