Levi’s New Linen Jeans Are a No-Brainer for Summer

Sure, denim is a year-round staple. Jeans in the summer are, sartorially, perfect. But if you’re spending any time outside, they’re not especially practical. I’d be lying if I said I had found a pair comfortable enough for hot and humid days. That is until this most recent Linen+ Denim collection from Levi’s. Not to spoil the story, but adding some linen to the equation has been nothing short of revolutionary.

I love a white jean for that Hamptons-ready vibe—and, of course, there’s nothing better than the all-time classic combo of blue jeans and a white T-shirt for a casual rooftop barbecue. But denim is a heavy fabric, and it gets hot. Sure, I could wear shorts, but sometimes they’re too casual. In that case, I could opt for a pair of chinos, but I don’t necessarily want to feel like I’m at work when I’m trying to kick it with my friends on the weekend. So what’s a guy to do?

Shop Levi’s new linen jeans, that’s what. The weaves provide the lightness and breathability of linen with the denim’s structure and durability. The split varies by product, but most of the collection follows an 80/20 composition of cotton/linen to get this.

I was lucky enough to try the entire seven-piece men’s collection, and let me be the first to tell you that this is the denim you want for warm weather. If you’re skeptical about changing up your go-to jeans, I get it. But chances are you’re wearing some 501’s anyway. Just get them in a lighter weave. That’s why I’m so into this collection. Fan-favorite cuts in a lighter, summer-ready fabric. Let’s get into it.

505 Regular Fit

Take, for instance, the 505’s. They provide a welcome snug fit on my backside through the upper thighs while offering that same versatile straight leg. But the medium-wash pair that I tried is softer, lighter, and almost cool to the touch. These got traction when I posted a mirror pic to my Instagram Stories, so consider them the compliment getters of the collection.

Levi’s 505 Regular Fit Linen+ Denim Jeans

555 Relaxed Straight

The 555’s offer an even airier fit while still allowing for some shape in the rear. I tried this pair in the white wash, which made me excited to continue my experimentation with wider-legged pants as a recovering skinny-jeans wearer. They’re going to be a great option this summer when I need something more structured than a linen pant but less rigid than denim. Pair these with a fitted tee or polo and you’ll be ready to go until September.

Levi’s 555 Relaxed Straight Linen+ Denim Jeans

568 Loose

Looking to go even looser with your fit? You’ll want the 568’s. While they’re not my favorite cut—as I said, I prefer something with a bit of a closer fit—these are perfect if you’re into a baggier, skater-inspired ’90s silhouette without the heaviness. Pro tip: Go for a little extra length in the leg if you want a slouchier look around the ankles.

Levi’s 568 Loose Linen+ Denim Jeans

511 Slim Fit

The 511’s are pretty close to a skinny jean with a smidge of extra breathing room. I would’ve sized up in the leg a size or two, but if you love the fitted look and want to avoid the sweatiness of classic denim or the massive stretch of performance chinos, these are for you.

Levi’s 511 Slim Fit Linen+ Denim Jeans

502 Taper Fit

The 502’s exist at a happy medium between the 505’s and the 511’s. Personally, this is my optimal fit of jeans: fitted around the butt and thighs, just loose enough along the rest of the leg, and tapered at the bottom for a sharp look. Because the 502’s definitely hug the thighs, the 81/18 cotton/linen fabric (this pair has 1 percent elastane for comfort) offers a cooling fabric that kept me comfortable during a recent 80 degree Saturday spent walking around New York City.

Levi’s 502 Taper Fit Linen+ Denim Jeans

468 Stay Loose Shorts

In addition to five styles of jeans, the collection also offers up the 468 Stay Loose Shorts, which are pretty stellar. As someone who favors a shorter five- to seven-inch inseam on a pair of shorts, I was a little worried that these would feel too loose or baggy for my liking. Turns out I didn’t have much to worry about. I ordered these in my usual waist size, and they fit snug around the waist and were just loose enough everywhere else—hitting a couple inches above the knee. Opt for the white wash like I did if you want something that looks beach ready versus a grungy skater look.

Levi’s Levi’s 468 Stay Loose 9

Relaxed-Fit Trucker Jacket

Finally, there’s the Relaxed-Fit Trucker. This piece wears super light, with the airy fabric suiting the jacket’s relaxed fit. The shoulders are a bit slouchier than you may expect, but that’s ideal for layering. After all, some of the best warm-weather jackets are ones you can cram in your carry-on. If you’re going somewhere with cooler nights and need something to throw on for an al fresco dinner, this one is the perfect candidate.

Levi’s Levi’s Relaxed Fit Linen+ Denim Trucker Jacket

Final Thoughts

I’m always going to default to Levi’s when I’m in the market for new jeans—and now even more so with the brand’s new Linen+ Denim collection. These pieces fit in perfectly with my existing wardrobe, remaining in line with my yearlong denim preferences while also providing a more lightweight, more breathable, and softer feel for the summer months. Win-win.

SHOP THE LEVI’S LINEN+ DENIM COLLECTION