These Are My All-time Favorite White Linen Pants for Hot, Humid Destinations — Plus, 13 More Options From $27

I’m a frequent traveler who’s typically pretty chill about packing — I might start an hour before I plan to head to the airport and figure if I forget anything, I can just buy what I need at my destination. But last summer, when I was tasked with picking out what I’d wear for a whirlwind press trip to Southeast Asia (spending four nights in Phuket, Thailand, one night in Bangkok, and two nights near Ubud in Bali, Indonesia), I definitely felt more pressure to really get it right. There were seemingly endless plane rides ahead, some fancy dinners, and much exploring to be done, with little down time to pick up new outfits. Also, it was June and 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Thailand. Truly breathable clothing was essential, to say the least. 

All of this leads me to the summer travel wardrobe staple that has saved me whenever I’m faced with these more crucial packing moments: the Angie Crop Wide Leg Pant from Splendid. These high-waisted, comfy drawstring white linen pants (which you can get at Nordstrom) come with me on all of my warm-weather trips, and they were especially clutch during my travels across Southeast Asia. They’re incredibly light and airy, and somehow didn’t hold onto any sweat smells even after being worn at least five times throughout my trip. Made from 73 percent lyocell and 27 percent linen, they withstand creasing more than purely linen pants (always a plus while traveling).

Splendid Angie Crop Wide Leg Pant

During my trip, my group stayed at Banyan Tree Veya in Phuket, Banyan Tree Bangkok, and Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape in Bali. These resorts — and the people working and staying there — are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, so I wanted to look nice enough to fit in. In other words, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, where I planned to take about 3 million photos, so selecting solid, workhorse pieces that were easy to mix and match, dress up or down, and could keep me cool, was key. I’m also a staunch carry-on-only gal, so I have a high standard for what makes it in my small suitcase. These pants fit the bill. They’re classic and stylish, which meant I could use them on tourist outings in Phuket spent walking through steamy markets and sight-seeing on tuk-tuks, and to upscale lagoon-boat-ride dinners. For daytime, I’d style them with sandals, a one-shoulder tank, and a scarf (for coverage at temples), and at night, I’d pair them with chunky wedges, a colorful halter top, a woven belt, and a matching linen button-down. The slightly cropped length is great for shorter people like me (I’m 5’4”), who often deal with dragging hems.

Linen basics certainly aren’t anything new, but as any tropical traveler knows, finding the perfect pair of “Big Pants,” aka flowy but flattering, wrinkle-resistant, and not see-through bottoms you can wear with anything, is no small task. After sweating my way around Thailand and Bali in the heat and humidity, trying to look hot without feeling it, I’m confident that these are the ones you buy to end your search for good. 

Everything I have from Splendid, which was founded with the goal of creating the ultimate comfy T-shirt (something I can definitely get behind!), has really impressed me when it comes to quality, has lasted through years of regular wear, and is totally worth the investment. They have a plethora of versatile and durable basics that make them a great brand to peruse for solid travel items — I have these pants in white and black, and I want to get even more. 

Better than all the benefits of the fabric blend, style, and construction of these pants was the way they made me feel. Big Pants are a lifestyle. When you have them on, you just feel free, like you should be dancing near a palm tree, drinking out of a coconut, or swaying in a hammock. Buahan, the adults-only Banyan Tree resort in Bali that’s made up of 16 private villas tucked into a jungle hillside (there are no walls separating you from nature, only curtains), is frankly the most stunning destination I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting, but it’s not a place you really dress up. It’s sexy and relaxed, and in these pants, paired with a patterned scarf tied up as a top, I felt comfortable with and appreciative of my body, and I melted right into the sensual vibe. Certain clothes can get you into vacation mode mentally, help you transition into the laid-back version of yourself more easily. For me, these pants have that power. Whether I was trekking to the Tjampuhan Waterfall, exploring rice paddies filled with fireflies, or touring Taro, one of the oldest villages in Bali, and enjoying some jamu and laklak, this pant was my trusted companion. 

If you’re feeling inspired to stock up on some breezy linen pants for your upcoming summer trips, the ones below are other gorgeous options I’ve been eyeing, in all kinds of styles and colors, and at various price points. May you be kicking back in Big Pants soon!   

Abercrombie Women’s Linen-Blend Pull-On Pant

These minimalist, linen-viscose blend pants are totally effortless. They’re lined and have a hidden drawcord for more adjustability. Reviewers love ’em and say they’re “not see-through at all” — a major feat for any white pants.

Athleta Women’s Retreat Wide Leg Linen Pant

Athleta makes some of my all-time favorite workout leggings and bras, so I trust that these 100 percent linen pants have a comfortable and flattering fit. This pair stands out thanks to its split hem and zippered front pockets. 

Quince Women’s 100% European Linen Pants

These mid-rise, ankle-cropped pants also feature sustainable linen sourced from Europe for a great price (which Quince is known for). If you’re dipping your toe (er, leg) into the 100 percent linen pants world for the first time, these laid-back, affordable capris are a great place to start.

Madewell Women’s Harlow Wide-Leg Pant in 100% Linen

I’m obsessed with the blue and white striped pattern on these Madewell trousers (the distant surplus color is equally as gorgeous). They’re a more tailored option, with belt loops, subtle pleats, and buttoned back pockets, but the wide leg and light fabric keeps them breezy. Wear them with the matching Scoop Neck Crop Tank and you have yourself the ultimate flattering vacation dinner outfit. 

Everlane Women’s Linen Easy Pant

These 100 percent linen trousers, with their pull-on waistband and sleek, straight-leg fit, are the definition of casual chic — perfect for dressing up or down. They’re full length without pooling on the ground, and I love that they can be paired with the Linen High-Neck Tank to make a matching set, so you can devote exactly zero energy to putting a cute, breathable outfit together when you’re on vacation. Also cool: The fabric is made from flax fibers that are cultivated according to the European Confederation of Flax and Hemp, which means they’re sourced from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands via a more sustainable, environmentally friendly operation. 

Utcoco Women’s Cotton Linen Drawstring High Waisted Pants

These wide-leg, drawstring pants — made from an 80/20 linen-cotton blend — are the perfect loose-fitting, lightweight bottoms for tourist-ing around coastal towns and hanging out at the beach (particularly in this soothing sage green color). I’d pair them with a white tied-up T-shirt or a bikini top and a breezy, open button-down. 

Anrabess Women’s Linen Pants

These super high-waisted, slightly cropped, flowy drawstring pants (made from 30 percent linen and 70 percent rayon), look like the pants you need when you’re planning to eat a bunch of delicious, new-to-you foods at three different restaurants in one day and may end up just a wee bit bloated. They look extremely comfortable, flattering, and easy; the ruffled waist is a cute detail, too. 

Athleta Women’s Retreat Linen Jogger

Made with 100 percent linen, these jogger-style pants (with the same zippered front pockets as the wide-leg pair from Athleta) would look cute with tennis shoes, chunky sandals, or even wedges. If you love sweats with cuffed ankles, these are an elevated (and airier) swap that will still feel comfortable on vacay. 

Anrabess Women’s Linen Palazzo Pants 

Seemingly designed specifically for lounging on a pool chaise in the tropics, these 70 percent rayon, 30 percent linen pants are begging to be packed for your next trip. The thick, smocked waistband looks extremely stretchy and comfortable, and I love the extensive range of colors. The only downside: The care instructions recommend dry cleaning only.

Iximo Women’s Tapered Pants 

If you’re looking for a tapered pant that leans more trouser than jogger, this is it. The 100 percent linen bottoms have a slim fit, and a unique waistband with a drawstring in front and elastic scrunch in the back. One note: Care instructions call for hand washing only. 

Madewell Women’s Pull-On Straight Crop Pant

Something about this sky baby blue pant and button-down combo screams breezy, sun-soaked getaway. The pants are made from a linen-viscose blend (using a viscose that takes less resources to produce), and the crop and pin tucks help strike that balance between tailored and relaxed. 

J.Crew Women’s Soleil Pant in Linen

This is just a perfect, classic pair of 100 percent linen drawstring pants that could honestly become a wardrobe staple outside of travel. I appreciate the bright, vacation-worthy color options, and the wide size and height ranges. 

BDG Urban Outfitters Women’s Cocoon Cotton & Linen Cargo Pants

Sneakers or sandals would look great with these cool cargo pants made of 65 percent cotton and 35 percent linen. The baggy, low-rise style would be cute with a fun crop top, too, and the denim-all-day girlies can get a similar vibe with these when it’s simply too hot and muggy for jeans. 

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