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Have you noticed the popularity of linen shorts this summer? Are you wondering how to wear (and style) linen shorts?
A pair of linen shorts is an excellent choice for wearing in hot weather! Because they are a lightweight material they breathe well and help you stay cool!
I grabbed these pink linen shorts on Jane.com a few weeks ago. I love how they work in endless ways – like paired with this graphic tee + baseball cap + pair of sandals!
I was excited to find 5 inch linen shorts, because most are too short for my taste. (The listing doesn’t give the inseam length, so 5 inches is my educated guess.😉)
These longer shorts are still stylish while giving me the more modest look I am going for (and not being quite as long as bermuda shorts.)
You can find linen shorts in most neutral colors as well as trending vibrant colors and even patterns like stripes!
Here’s a few suggestions from some of our favorite websites: Old Navy, Jane.com, and Amazon.
But I do have mixed feelings about this style.
So here goes a few thoughts and tips on how to wear linen shorts…
3 Negatives of Linen Shorts
- They shrink in the dryer… so if you’re not careful you can easily ruin your pair. (I ruined my first pair!)
- The draw strings in the front and flowy style make them less versatile (in contrast to a fitted pair of jean shorts for example).
- They don’t have structure. My mom-body loves support these days. I almost feel like I want to wear shapewear underneath to feel the support, but no one wants the extra layers in summer.️
3 Positives of Linen Shorts
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- They’re comfortable and cool… they feel like jammies and being linen they’re light and fresh.
- You’ll look on trend wearing them.
- They offer a nice alternative look to the usual chino or denim shorts most of us own.
Tips for Wearing Linen Shorts + 3 Outfit Ideas
Tip #1: Always do either a full tuck or a front tuck with your shirts when wearing linen shorts
Especially if wearing something flowy on top. Here’s a tutorial on how to achieve the perfect, comfy front tuck (that doesn’t highlight the mom pooch).
Look at the difference when I wear the shorts up high and tuck my tops in.
In this first outfit, I wore a simple white tee with my linen shorts. You can see how shapeless my outfit is in the first picture is and how much more flattering it is in the second picture with the partial tuck! This is the perfect daily wear outfit for me.
In this second outfit, I paired this loose top with a baseball cap for a casual look. To complete this casual summer style, I’d put on a pair of white sneakers before I headed out of the house.
The only reason this outfit works is because I tucked the tee. Baggy + baggy is a no-go otherwise! You have to add some definition.
In my third outfit, I paired a black tank top with these comfy shorts.
You can see how tucking the tank and adding a necklace gave my body shape and pulled together this comfortable, yet chic outfit. A bodysuit would work great for this as well!
Tip #2: Wear Linen Shorts with Structured Pieces
One of the best style tips for keeping your outfits frump-free is to make sure your outfit is balanced. This can be done two ways!
#1: One Looser Piece + One Fitted Piece
I.e. loose tee + fitted shorts or pants. Or a slim fit tee + relaxed fit shorts.
Like I briefly mentioned above, two baggy pieces will make you feel frumpy and does not give your outfit a put together look.
This is a MUST DO tip for all outfits in my opinion!
Body suits are another option to achieve that perfect full tuck with no bunching.
#2: Structured Fabrics and Textures
Because linen is a loose, soft looking fabric wearing it with other soft fabrics can enhance any feeling of frumpy you might have.
Adding a structured piece like a jean jacket which also has a harder texture can help!
Even accessories, like adding a chunky necklace or pendant or fun dangly earrings can make a difference!
In my outfit below, I did a full tuck on the tank and added a denim jacket.
For going out you could add a pair of slide sandals, a simple necklace or hoop earrings and you are ready for many difference occasions – like a date night or family outings!
Tip #3: Don’t put them in the dryer!
They WILL SHRINK. Wash in cold cycle and hang or lay flat to dry.
I don’t usually buy pieces that need special washing instructions, but I think it’s worth it for this pair of linen shorts.😍
Linen can also wrinkle easily, which may have kept you from buying linen shorts or pants in the past.
Just know that not all linen is created equal and a better quality linen will hold up better than a cheap pair.
I thought I had more tips, but honestly the main thing is to make sure your overall look has some definition when wearing linen shorts.
Do you think you’ll grab a pair this summer or do you already have some?
Click here to leave your response.
I can’t resist a photo opportunity with a willing participant.😉
