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GQ Recommends
Summer never stood a chance.
By Gerald Ortiz
When summer's really doing its thing and the temperature's are cranked to a broil, the right pair of linen shorts will be the only layer keeping you from completely melting away. Wearing any pair of billowy bottoms should feel like cracking open a window and letting the breeze waft through. But linen shorts are more like a walk-in fridge for your thighs, an A/C-chilled microclimate that offers some much-needed respite from those brutal July days. If the linen shorts you're picturing right now resemble grain sack with pockets, we get it. But the supremely chill versions we're talking about here have evolved beyond their stale origins. Nowadays, they come in more shades than barley and with the type of wild-style prints and embellishments that'll help you thrive—not just survive—the swelter. Whether you're after a certified short-short, a baggy-ass cargo short, or a neon-soaked Bermuda short, there's a silhouette worthy of a spot in your rotation. These are our favorites.
All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
2/23
La Paz Pestana linen drawstring shorts
Toss on a patterned camp shirt and classic white sneakers and you'll immediately find yourself in the 90th percentile for summer style.
3/23
Kiko Kostadinov: Kreuk shorts
We aren't saying that the five-inch inseam is dead, but we are saying that super long shorts are thriving right now.
4/23
Banana Republic BR ARCHIVES linen-cotton Explorer short
If you haven't heard, Gurkha shorts are flying off the shelves. This heritage-inspired version from the now-cool Banana Republic is about as perfect as it gets.
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5/23
Rhythm classic linen Jam short
Hard to find a better linen short for the price—even harder to resist buying more than one color.
6/23
Abercrombie 6-inch linen-blend pull-on short
Sometimes, the freshest way to enliven a classic is by adding some old-world charm.
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8/23
Todd Snyder 7" Italian linen beach short
If Patagonia Baggies were made of linen, this is what they'd look like.
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9/23
Everlane linen easy short
Camp-collar shirts aren't the only way to add some pattern to your summer fits.
10/23
Uniqlo linen blend shorts
Down with the cooling properties of linen but not so much its wrinkly nature? Blends like this combine the old-world fiber with the softness and structure of other fabrics to help you avoid undue time with a steamer.
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11/23
COS elasticated linen shorts
Further proof that olive green really is a neutral—and that it pairs with every palette as easily as blue or black.
12/23
Zeus + Dione pleated linen shorts
If there was ever a reason to go full Diddy in his element, these voluminous vanilla-white shorts are it.
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13/23
Stoffa drawstring short
We've crunched the numbers and consulted the specialists: these are the hottest pair of short shorts you can get your legs into.
14/23
Marni x No Vacancy Inn linen-blend drawstring shorts
These may as well say ‘OOO’ right on the ass because there's no way you'll be doing any work in 'em.
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15/23
Buck Mason loomed linen fatigue short
For the folks who refuse to wear anything but black, even in the depths of summer.
16/23
Another Aspect Another 3.0 shorts
A blue striped button-up and khakis is an infallible combo, but the same is true if you flip the pairing, too. Wear these striped khaki shorts with a solid blue button-up and you've got an IG-worthy summer look, guaranteed.
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17/23
C.P. Company linen-blend cargo shorts
The perfect vessel for carrying your favorite summer snacks.
18/23
Rick Owens drawstring linen-blend cargo shorts
Because even the goth-king of fashion gets a little too hot in summer.
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19/23
Taylor Stitch Morse linen short
Whew, now you don't have to resort to cutting off your chinos—Taylor Stitch makes 'em in shorts!
20/23
NVRFRGT studded shorts
All the badass energy of body piercings without the pain and permanence.
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21/23
Alex Mill pull on shorts
Introduce these to a boxy tee, gnarly slip-ons, and a funky hat for a slightly crunchy, extremely cool ensemble.
22/23
De Petrillo straight-leg pleated linen Bermuda shorts
With a slightly rumpled button-up and huarache sandals, De Petrillo's dressed up linen shorts feel right up Chris Pine's alley..
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23/23
Solitude Studios 'Shorts on Shorts' shorts
Solitude Studios' very meta shorts will break people's brains, and make you a sartorial sage in the process.
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