I've got $30, $50, and $80 linen pants to compare for you guys as a shorter guy.
This is a follow-up to a video in which I recommended pull on linen pants as a great building block for summery vacation outfits.
@mikemonnette Trying on linen pull on pants from 3 mass market retailers at low, medium, and high price points. One other thing to note - if you're going to get any of these in a light color I'd definitely recommend wearing white underwear because in full sun the pants will all be a bit see through. #mensstyle #mensstyleguide #linenpants #menslinenpants #summeroutfit #summeroutfitinspo ♬ FEEL THE GROOVE - Queens Road, Fabian Graetz
After trying on all 3, here are my thoughts.
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First at the Low price point: the Linen Straight Trousers from Target for $30
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These have the Least linen at only 10% so these are definitely the least breathable, but the tradeoff is that they'll be also be the most wrinkle resistant.
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they have a nice visual texture
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and If you're between sizes I'd recommend sizing up as there's no stretch.
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Next at the Mid price point: the Linen Blend Relaxed Pants from Uniqlo for $50
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35% linen so quite a bit more breathable than the pair from target
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they have a Functional fly, elastic in the back, and a drawcord which is really nice combo of features.
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They also have a little bit of stretch which is nice
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Last at the high Price point: the Linen Blend Pull-on Pant from Abercrombie for $80
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They Offer a short length in some colors which is nice for me at 5'8" so it saves the need to be hemmed, and also have a long option as well if you're taller.
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These are 21% linen and like the pair from uniqlo also have a bit of stretch.
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I really like the fit on these and also like the crease that comes ironed in, although I'm not sure if that will last after a wash
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The included zipper pocket is nice, but not sure if that's worth the extra $30 over the uniqlo
All 3 pairs have welt pockets on the back which is a little surprising given that they're pull-on and linen, I'd have expected a patch pocket as that's generally considered more informal and relaxed, but it does mean you'll have less of a bulge if you're keeping your phone or wallet in your back pocket.
In summary, All 3 of these are good options. If you're buying these for a special event to wear once, the target pair will totally get the job done.
If forced to pick one I think the Uniqlo option is probably what I'd go with. It has a nice goldilocks price in the middle, a functional fly, they'll hem them to your desired length, and they have the most linen which makes them more breathable, but are still a blend so you won't look like a ball of wrinkles within the first hour of wear.
Also I'd definitely recommend getting some white underwear if you're gonna get any of these in a light color as they'd all be see through in full sun.