These are the best trousers and chinos for summer 2021

From Ralph Lauren’s classic chinos to a pair of lightweight linen trousers from Sunspel, these are the best options for summer style

Summer is for shorts, right? Wrong. In this post-pandemic world of wildly diverging dress codes, summer is for trousers, chinos, sweatpants, swimming trunks and shorts. It’s a fashion free-for-all — with the modern man caught up in an everyday struggle of what to wear and when to wear it.

So, to simplify your summer trouser troubles, we’ve rounded up an edit of the eight finest pairs currently on the market. From Ralph Lauren’s classic chinos to a pair of lightweight linen trousers from Sunspel, these are the best all-weather, all-occasion options for long-legged summer style…

For a comfortable, casual pair, Sunspel’s lightweight linen trousers

Let’s begin as we mean to go on; comfortably. Cut from a lightweight French cotton-linen blend and with a slightly looser, casual fit, these could be the perfect summer trousers. And the suitably continental pièce de résistance? That drawstring waist — poised and prepared for even the longest of summer lunches.

Sunspel Cotton Linen Drawstring Trousers

Sunspel Cotton Linen Drawstring Trousers

£155.00

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For a slightly less summery feel, Thom Sweeney’s brushed cotton trousers

But the British weather, as we’re all too aware, never stays sunny for long. That’s why it pays to pack a pair of less summery strides — such as these brushed cotton trousers from Thom Sweeney. With a soft, smooth handle, they feature a contemporary fit, flat front and side-adjusters for peak smartness — whatever the weather.

Thom Sweeney Brushed Cotton Trousers

Thom Sweeney Brushed Cotton Trousers

£395.00

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For work-from-home finesse, New & Lingwood’s hardy pair

These mid-blue trousers from British fashion bastion New & Lingwood may look dashing and delicate; but the crisply creased sports flannel trousers features a nano-coating that repels water, oil and dirt. That means they’re ideal for the work-from-home arena — hardy, handsome and exceedingly capable.

New & Lingwood Sports Pleat Trousers

New & Lingwood Sports Pleat Trousers

£195.00

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For smart travel and a bit of stretch, Mr Marvis’ ‘The Easies’

Mr Marvis, in recent years, has mastered the smart, stretchy trouser. These, ‘The Easies’, do what they say on the sustainable knitted fabric legs — using a blend of organic cotton, polyamide and elastane. Perfect for travelling and comfortable at home, these wrinkle-resistant trousers are a smart spin on sweatpants.

Mr Marvis ‘The Easies’

Mr Marvis ‘The Easies’

£99.00

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For a comfortable classic, Sir Plus’ Drawstring Trousers

The casual drawstring may add a little more 21st century style, but these navy trousers from Sir Plus are cut to a classic silhouette — straight of leg and with slanted side pockets for a fluid finish. Created using almost an equal split of cotton and linen, they’re the perfect mix of practicality and panache.

Sir Plus Cotton Linen Drawstring Trousers

Sir Plus Cotton Linen Drawstring Trousers

£155.00

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For light, bright versatility, Connolly’s cotton trousers

If you’re looking to broaden your outfit opportunities, you’ll need a plain pair of trousers. But don’t make the mistake of conflating ‘plain’ with ‘boring’. These twill trousers from Connolly are functional, elegant and durable — with a gentle taper, countless pairing opportunities and endless everyday appeal.

Connolly Cotton Twill Trousers

Connolly Cotton Twill Trousers

£310.00

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For a pair of nautical-influenced strides, Hemingsworth’s twill trousers

They’d look good with boat shoes, wouldn’t they? And that’s because Hemingsworth — a brand with an anchor for its logo — has made plain-sailing of summer dressing. Tailored slim, with double mother-of-pearl buttons and a highly innovative six-piece adjustable waistband, these maritime blue trousers are ideal for a coastal escape.

Hemingsworth ‘Cruiser’ Brushed Twill Trousers

Hemingsworth ‘Cruiser’ Brushed Twill Trousers

£240.00

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For a luxury take on traditional chinos, look to Ralph Lauren

In Italian stretch cotton, these pricey trousers are a decadent take on traditional chinos. They’ve got the classic natural colour. They’ve got the sophisticated slim fit. They’ve got buttoned pockets and belt loops. But they’ve also got a sumptuous cotton construction — and that trusted Ralph Lauren name.

Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Stretch Chino

Ralph Lauren Slim Fit Stretch Chino

£380.00

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Want more heatwave-ready trousers? These lightweight summer trousers are perfect for warmer weather…

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