I’ve never been one for linen trousers. Perhaps it's because, at 5'10, they're rarely long enough, or because I've yet to find a pair that truly flatters. Either way, the summer staple has remained firmly exiled from my warm-weather wardrobe.
Yet, London’s Gen Z crowd continues to fly the flag for the breezy bottoms, whether mapping the city streets or jetting off for a European summer abroad. White renditions are ubiquitous on the King’s Road and pepper the departures area of Heathrow, often paired with a plain tank top, Adidas Sambas, and a radiant set of fresh highlights.
Having an aversion to said silhouette is a struggle when the heat is unrelenting. Linen has long reigned as summer's fabric of choice, celebrated for its natural breathability. The centuries-old textile draws heat away from the body while reflecting the sun's rays, making it one of the coolest options for warm-weather dressing - and trousers are often the go-to choice for those required to be in the office.
Thankfully, a new cut is emerging from the sweat-wicking trend cycle. Linen skirts boast all the aforementioned properties of their two-legged counterparts, while remaining a modest, elegant option for ample summer frolicking.
© Sassy SquidOften cut to a practical, midi length (mini and maxi styles are also available for those who opt against knee-grazers), linen skirts have been adopted by designers spanning Fendi to Coperni, in addition to sustainable It-girl labels - Faithfull, Minka Dink and Sassy Squid to name a few.
Destined for the beach, bar and Battersea Park, linen skirts are set to usurp their non-identical trouser twin as the ultimate cool-girl hero piece this summer. Shop our favourites below.
Linen skirts to shop now SS26:
Belted Pleated Linen Midi Skirt
Cos
Pleated and polished for effortless everyday styling, Cos' affordable midi skirt is a no-brainer for summers spent in the city.
Linen Rich 90s Length Skirt
Topshop
Taking inspiration from the sleek minimalism of the Nineties, Topshop's midi skirt is a lesson in low-effort, high-impact dressing.
Clara Skirt
With Nothing Underneath
Crafted from 100 per cent linen, With Nothing Underneath's crisp white midi skirt is a true hero staple - sophisticated and versatile in equal measure.
Bowie Wrap Skirt
Posse
Peppered in polka dots and complete with a sleek wrap silhouette, Posse's adorable yellow-chocolate skirt is destined for elegant city strolls.
Martina Skirt
Faithfull
Stripes are dominating the trend cycle for summer and Faithfull is brimming with rainbow-hued linen gems. We love this breezy skirt that comes with a coordinating strapless top.
Tóxo Squid Maxi Skirt
Sassy Squid
Made from lightweight, pure linen, Sassy Squid's Tóxo Squid Maxi Skirt is a highly packable option for sun-drunk getaways this summer.
Linen Maxi Skirt
Sir
Handmade in Turkey, Sir's zesty lime-hued linen skirt boasts a sleek, ankle-skimming cut and a radiant colourway that's set to turn heads.
Lyra Skirt
Minka Dink
A charming A-line rendition hailing from Minka Dink, the Lyra Midi Skirt features a practical knee-grazing silhouette and a low-slung waistband for a touch of Y2K flair.
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