I Tried On So Many Linen Trousers—These Pairs From H&M, Arket and COS Stood Out

The sun has finally made its grand appearance, and we're all thinking the same thing: How can we look polished when the warmer temperatures hit? It's a tale as old as time; we long for warmer days, but when they arrive, it can feel like our wardrobes just aren't prepared.

Thankfully, there's one item that combines the sought-after cooling effects we're searching for as well as a considered put-togetherness that will suit work days, afternoons out and weekends alike: linen trousers. And as I like to go the extra mile, I've tried on a wide range of styles to find the very best on the high street.

I'm a big fan of high-low dressing (combining high-street items with investment pieces), so I headed to the high street to put linen trousers to the test. Over my many years of professional shopping, I've figured out the stores that always seem to get it right, and as linen trousers are a summer staple that comes back every year, I already had a good idea of where to head first. Turns out, it was easy to get my hands on some of the best linen trousers around, and I found quite a mix of styles on offer. Arket has once again reissued its best-selling drawstring trousers, showing just how well it does great basics, whilst H&M has taken a foray into tailored styles alongside its relaxed offerings.

From COS, expect the brilliant eye for detail present in all its pieces, making for expensive-looking styles at high-street prices. These are the three brands I go back to year after year for great linen, but I decided to test out two others to see how they compared. This year, Zara is beckoning the sun with exaggerated silhouettes, comfortable elastic waistbands and sleek cuts.

Ready to explore the best linen trousers I found on the high street? Let's go.

1. ARKET

Style Notes: Arket is known for brilliant basics, and one piece that continues to sell out every year is its linen trousers. We've long sung the praises of the brand's drawstring styles, and for 2025 you'll also find contemporary wide-leg styles and tailored iterations.

SHOP ARKET LINEN TROUSERS:

2. H&M

Style Notes: Of course, old reliable H&M has fully entered summer mode and brought with it an array of standout linen styles at great prices. Whilst the relaxed pull-on trousers are a favourite amongst fashion people, I tried on a tailored style, and it's safe to say the high-street heavyweight excels at both.

SHOP H&M LINEN TROUSERS:

3. COS

Style Notes: If sleek tailoring with an airy twist is your cup of tea, COS' linen selection should be on your radar. From bold front-seaming to playful flares, COS brings a refined edge to this spring and summer staple.

SHOP COS LINEN TROUSERS:

4. Zara

Style Notes: Zara's spring and summer collection has arrived, and of the many sun-ready pieces I'm already eyeing up, the linen has my full attention. With a mix of versatile neutrals and joyful shades along with seriously good silhouettes like an extra-bold palazzo style, Zara offers something for everyone this season.

SHOP ZARA LINEN TROUSERS:

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.