How to recognise it
An elastic waist with a drawstring, wide, softly falling legs and a mid-thigh length. Linen creases, and that is part of its charm.
Where it comes from
Linen is one of the oldest fabrics, known since ancient Egypt. Linen shorts became popular as the summer wear of Mediterranean resorts.
Who and when it suits
The coolest shorts for a hot summer: for holidays, the beach, the garden and town. They pair with a linen shirt for a matching set.
Variations and look-alikes
Linen shorts come with elastic and a drawstring, with a zip and buttons, tailored with pleats, with wide hems, short or to the knee, in natural or bright colours, in linen mixed with cotton or viscose. They differ from paperbag shorts in a plain waist, and from sports shorts in fabric.
How to style it
- A set with a linen shirt.
- Wash at 30–40 °C.
- Iron while damp.
- With sandals or espadrilles.
Similar styles
Frequently asked
01Do linen shorts shrink?
Linen can shrink 3–5 % on first wash, so wash it cool.
02How do you avoid linen creases?
You cannot entirely; hang them to dry and iron while damp.
03Do linen shorts suit men?
Yes, with a linen shirt and moccasins they are classic resort wear.
04How do linen shorts differ from paperbag shorts?
Linen shorts have a plain elastic waist; paperbag shorts have a ruffle above the waist and a belt.