The Best Linen Shorts Cut Your AC Bill in Half

Best Upgrade Linen Shorts: Alex Mill Daniel Pleated Linen Shorts

If you want an elevated, upgraded pair of linen shorts, the fabric should be a noticeable step up and Alex Mill’s Daniel shorts deliver in that department. The linen is undoubtedly more substantial, has that characteristic sheen and, perhaps counterintuitively, rumples more than it wrinkles which is a sign of a better linen. Natural corozo nut buttons and French seams let you know that the higher quality doesn’t end with the fabric, too. We love the relaxed silhouette and double pleats, but we have two concerns.The first is that the wider belt loops might be off-putting to some (though we think that’s the charm). The other is that we think Alex Mill is phasing them out. The upside to that is that they’re on a massive discount, so you’d better act fast.

Best Linen Shorts for Most Occasions: Alex Crane Bo Shorts

Just because gym shorts are technically “casual shorts” doesn’t mean you should wear them as part of your day-to-day fits. Now, linen shorts are inherently casual, but if you don’t need your shorts to pass muster at a fancy establishment, Alex Crane’s Bo shorts are the perfect everyday linen shorts. These drawstring-waist joints are a no-frills option that does away with any extraneous details like pleats, extra pockets. They’re made of 100% French linen which has an incredible drape and lightness. They hit right at the mid-thigh and are relaxed without veering into Y2K baggy territory, so they’re right at home with a tee or a button-up in equal measure. Oh, and they come in just about every shade imaginable, which means you can find something that works with your personal style.

Best Linen Shorts for Vacation: Todd Snyder Linen Beachcomber Shorts

Holidays are meant for relaxing, not worrying, and rather than packing eight different pants for every possible situation, it’s a whole lot less stressful to bring a pair of shorts that can do as much as possible. Todd Snyder’s all linen Beachcomber shorts are the platonic ideal of a vacation short. The elastic waist let’s you know they’re made for bumming out on a beach, the belt loops let you dress them up should you need to fit in at a nice restaurant, and the luxe linen has more structure than other linens meaning they’ll actually wrinkle less. Rarely has a garment embodied the beach to bar lifestyle as well as this one does.

Best Linen Shorts for Y2K Cosplay: Stone Island Diagonal Linen Cargo Shorts

If the whole idea of linen shorts feels a little too “boy band on the beach”, cargo shorts will change your mind. They feel sportier, hipper, and a little more down to earth than the usual vacation-ready linen shorts. And who better do make a linen cargo short than the sportswear legends at Stone Island? The British label’s cargo shorts are made from a thicker, “diagonal twill” linen, Stone Island’s Ghost cargo shorts manage to take a rustic, old-world fabric and make them feel sporty. With sleek cargo pockets at the side, a clean welt pocket at the rear, and an easy elastic waistband, these drawstring shorts can pack in your keys, wallet, and many vices in one sleek package.

More Linen Shorts We Love

How We Test and Review Products

Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.

Our staffers aren’t able to try on every single piece of clothing you read about on GQ.com (fashion moves fast these days), but we have an intimate knowledge of each brand’s strengths and know the hallmarks of quality clothing—from materials and sourcing, to craftsmanship, to sustainability efforts that aren’t just greenwashing. GQ Recommends heavily emphasizes our own editorial experience with those brands, how they make their clothes, and how those clothes have been reviewed by customers. Bottom line: GQ wouldn’t tell you to wear it if we wouldn’t.

How We Make These Picks

We make every effort to cast as wide of a net as possible, with an eye on identifying the best options across three key categories: quality, fit, and price.