17-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Daily Mirror
I tried Next linen trousers and they are the one item to wear this summer
Linen is the go-to fabric for many during the summer months, offering a perfect blend of style and comfort. This year, the linen trend shows no signs of slowing down, with the focus on effortlessly elevating everyday looks.
There's a plethora of options available on the high street, but high-quality linen can come with a hefty price tag due to the labour-intensive process of harvesting and processing the material, and it's often seen as "rich people's clothing".
However, I've found an option that's not only comfortable for repeated wears but also easy on the wallet.
The Next Natural 100% Linen Premium Wide Leg Trousers, retailing at €65, are designed in a flattering wide-leg silhouette and feature an elastic waistband with pockets. Shoppers can opt for a coordinated look with the matching blouse, priced at €40.50.
However, the Boho Tie Top isn't my preferred style for city living, so I opted for the Belle Linen Shirt from Reiss (€140) instead. Rather than a stark white shade, I find the trousers in a natural colour more appealing.
The cream/beige hue closely matches my skin tone, making it an ideal camouflage to conceal underwear. For those who don't want their underwear visible under sunlight, black could be another option.
But remember, light-coloured clothing reflects light and absorbs less heat, so Next's Khaki alternative might just tick all the boxes.
Over the weekend, I donned my Next linen trousers for a sunny day trip to Brighton. The trousers allowed me to enjoy the sea breeze without having to resort to shorts or risk a wardrobe mishap with a skirt.
However, being 5'3", I found the trousers slightly too long and ended up tripping over them on the beach. This embarrassing incident served as a reminder that I need to take an inch off the trouser hems. Despite this, my friends showered compliments on the linen piece, saying: "It looks so good on you, it's soft and light to touch, goes well with your blue linen shirt."
Another friend suggested: "You can also wear it over your bikini on holiday and I like that it's not see-through." The trousers also feature generously sized pockets that easily accommodate my iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the elasticated waistband creates a naturally cinched waist effect without the need for a tie belt.
Boden's Westbourne Linen Trousers, priced at €140 or 15% off with code G2R6, are more formal and ideal for a smart casual look. They feature a button fastening at the centre front with a zipped fly.
Over 50 shoppers are currently eyeing this piece online, according to the website, and it is available in petite, regular and long lengths. Omnes' Ramela Elasticated Waist Linen Trouser in White, priced at €92.95, is a straight leg style made from responsibly sourced cotton-linen.
