I’m ridiculously particular when it comes to the best linen pants for women. I only own one other pair (from three years ago) but now I’ve found my new favorite and they are only $79!
Sweater (S) | Pants (6 reg) | Sandals (8) | Bag
Best Linen Pants for Women
Why So Challenging?
Left: Sweater (S) | Pants (6 reg) | Sandals (8) | Bag
Every spring I set out to find the perfect pair of linen pants. I never love any of them.
The only other pair I own are from an Australian company Aura the Label (see my article here)…but shopping overseas definitely has its challenges.
My criteria:
- Must be 100% linen. I just do NOT like linen-blend fabrics most of the time. They usually feel cheap and rough. And not all 100% linen fabrics are created equal, either!
- Light colors must have pockets so that underwear doesn’t show. Enough said!
- I have to love the fit.
I’ve tried Athleta’s linen pants many years past, but they never felt right (I can’t remember exactly why) but this year’s offerings have definitely changed. I tried the white pair of Athleta Retreat Linen Wide Leg Pants in store, and the angels sang. They are perfect. So perfect, in fact, that I may even need a second color!
Best Linen Pants for Women
Why I Love Them
Sweater (S) | Pants (6 reg) | Sandals (8) | Bag
The Athleta Retreat Linen Wide Leg Pants are indeed 100% linen, they have back and front pockets, so when I wear nude underwear, you see nothing (IMHO). And the fit is absolute perfection.
Oh, and did I mention the slit at the inside of the hem? One of my complaints about linen pants is that because linen can be a bit stiff, if they are not the absolute perfect length, they can bunch at the ankle. But in this case, the slit allows them to flow so nicely! And this material isn’t at all stiff, but rather soft and flowy.
Oh, and they are a machine-washable fabric with a relaxed fit. Let’s face it, white summer pants must be washable.
The front pockets are also VERY functional (and have zippers if you want to keep something secure).
Best Linen Pants for Women
Fit & Sizing
Sweater (S) | Pants (6 reg) | Sandals (8) | Bag
I, of course, adore wide leg, and these fit me like a dream. There is zero tugging in the crotch area, the waist is not too high (maybe even more mid rise?) and shock of shock, they are the absolute perfect length on me without hemming (which is RARE).
Part of this is because Athleta offers them in Regular, Tall, and Petite. In this case, I am a perfect Regular size 6. My store doesn’t carry Tall or Petite in store, but your experience may vary!
My stats: 140 lbs, 5’7″ with a long torso and not-so-long legs. I often wear 27 (sometimes 26) jeans, and 6/Small in pants. Some of the reviews suggest they run large, but that’s not my experience. I tried the 4 initially, but they were a little too fitted for my taste. I want my linen to be loose enough for comfort but not so much that I’m swimming in them.
Best Linen Pants for Women
4 Perfect Colors
I love the variety which suits all the different skin tones. If you haven’t read my article on Color Guru Analysis for best colors, this is the time to consider!
My only complaint with these colors is they don’t have them in light beige! That’s the one color I would really love to own next!
Shop all the colors and sizes here, available only at Athleta!
Best Linen Pants for Women
Final Thoughts
I only wear linen four months of the year, so I don’t LOVE paying a ton of money for them, but I do also want them to be cute, comfortable, and last at least a few seasons. For the best linen pants for women, these definitely fit the bill.
At only $79, I was worried the quality wouldn’t be as good, but the reality is, Athleta often has fabulous pieces for better than normal prices. I’m usually impressed with Athleta and this reminds me to shop there more often!
I highly recommend these pants (I’m seriously in love with them), and they always get a lot of compliments
If you try them, please let me know if you love them as much as I do!
x Tammy
Related Articles:
Aura The Label Clothing Review
Able Clothing Review
How to Feel Confident In Your Clothes
A Few Fun Facts About Tammy
Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe List for Summer
Science Says Linen Is the Coolest Summer Fabric (Vogue)
