Linen Outfits For Plus Size: Styling Tips & Advice | Plus Size Linen Outfit Ideas
Loving linen clothing but wondering if it’s the right choice for plus-size women? Worry no more! In this article, we will walk you through choosing the right plus-size outfits made from linen.
Linen clothing is a must-have in any woman’s wardrobe. It’s one of the most lightweight and breathable fabrics, keeping you comfy and cool in the hotter months while still being perfect for layering with other fabrics, like sweaters, during cold weather. The best part? Linen is made from the flax plant, which requires minimal inputs (water, pesticides, fertilisers) to grow. Wearing linen clothing makes you feel good and do good for Mother Earth.
Read on to find out how you can create a plus-size linen wardrobe with your favourite styles, such as dresses, tops, bottoms, skirts, scarves, blouses, and more.
Choosing the right linen pants for your figure
There are different plus size linen pants. The best advice is to know your body and pick the linen pants that compliment your shape. If a pair doesn’t fit well, consider changing to another pant type. Below we have specific advice for you:
Wide-leg vs. straight-leg linen pants
Wide-leg linen pants are stylish, and it’s not exaggerating to say all women love these pants. They’re versatile and also look very flattering on a woman with a curvy figure. A pair of wide-leg linen pants doesn’t limit your movements, which makes them easier to wear and style. You’ll feel so comfortable wearing them.
Straight-leg linen pants are another good option. These pants provide a balanced silhouette that also helps elongate the legs. However, it’s essential to choose a pair that fits well and is comfortable. Too tight can appear unflattering, while too loose can add bulk and make you look frumpy.
Full-length, ⅞ cropped or ankle-length
Choose the right length for your linen pants, depending on your height. This is key because the length can affect your frame proportions. For example, when you’re already short, cropped pants can shorten your body while linen pants that end right at the ankle can help make you look taller.
Meanwhile, full-length linen pants are perfect when you want to feel polished and professional or just want a bit more movement. Plus, they work great with heels or platforms.
Elastic waist vs. drawstring
Women's linen pants with elastic waist and drawstring provide a customisable, comfortable fit that moves with your body. The adjustable waist accommodates body fluctuations from bloating and weight changes, while the drawstring allows you to tighten or loosen to find your perfect fit.
Easy to put on and take off. No need to deal with buttons or zippers. Not to mention you can choose from many stylish options such as wide palazzo pants, cropped or ankle-length styles, and various colours to suit your fashion sense.
Mid-waist vs. high-waist
Curvy women tend to have a thicker belly area. Hence, we’d recommend going for high-waist linen pants instead of mid-waist ones. It’s because high-waisted pants visually create the appearance of taller and slimmer legs. And since the waistband goes above your belly button, it perfectly hugs the midsection and conceals any possible bulges.
Do high-waisted pants make you look skinnier?
Yes. High-waisted linen pants hold in your belly area; hence, it helps make your legs longer while creating a smooth line from waist to hips.
Selecting the colour that suits the style
When it comes to colours for linen clothes, you can play around with earth tones, bold hues, or pastels, depending on your preferences. We offer a wide range of linen pants in different shades, making it easier for you to choose what you want.
For example, our signature Sadhu French Linen Wide Leg Pants come in seven classic neutral and earthy colours, including charcoal, cinnamon, flax, tahiti blue, sand, white, and dusty pink. This piece offers a relaxed, billowy silhouette with an elasticated waistband and is available in regular and tall lengths.
If you want a different style, you can try the Malibu Linen Pants in flax or slate blue colours. These pants have a tapered silhouette with a relaxed fit that narrows gently towards the ankle. Other features like panel pockets, patch pockets at back, and loose elasticated cuffs add both practicality and elegance to your look, making it a piece of clothing women love.
Choosing the right tops to suit the look
Here are three ways to find the right top for your plus size linen pants.
Flowy tunics for coverage
Plus-size tunics can be worn as a shirt or a dress. Here’s a simple guide to choosing tunics:
If you’re petite, avoid long or oversized tunics as they can make you look shorter.
For apple shapes, go for V-necks, off-the-shoulder, or split-neck styles.
Pear shapes should try tunics with side vents and wide necklines to highlight the shoulders.
Choose tunics that fall above or below your widest area for a balanced look.
Rectangular shapes can benefit from button-downs or belted styles to create a defined waist.
Hourglass figures shine in slightly fitted tunics or those with belts to enhance curves.
Cropped blouses or tucked-in tops to emphasise the waist.
To tuck or not to tuck? The answer is it depends.
If tucking isn’t your style and you prefer a more relaxed look, pair your linen pants with cropped blouses or tops with shorter lengths. This set creates a definition at the waist and balances the proportions of your wide-leg linen pants.
If you love tucking, then go for it. Tucking works beautifully with flowy blouses, fitted T-shirts, or lightweight sweaters of different sizes. Try full tuck or half-tuck depending on your style.
Button-downs for structure
A button-down shirt can add structure to linen sets and style to loose-fitting, high-waisted, plus-size linen pants. You can tie the shirt at the bottom to define your waist and create a playful look. If your pants don’t have a ruffled waistband, you can leave the shirt untucked.
Choosing the right footwear for linen clothes
Sandals for the summer
A simple tank top tucked in wide-leg linen pants and dressed down with sandals is a perfect summer outfit for plus-size women. Go with either minimalist leather slides, strappy flat sandals, or platform sandals, whichever feels most comfortable for you.
Wedges or heels for added length
High heels are a great choice with your linen pants if you’re a petite plus-size woman. They add height and create a longer, leaner silhouette. Style your heels with cropped linen pants to showcase your ankles and enhance the elongating effect.
Basic canvas shoes for casual looks
A pair of canvas shoes keeps your look relaxed while providing comfort for everyday wear. Choose pants with a length that hits right at or slightly above your shoes to create a clean silhouette. Classic white or neutral-coloured canvas sneakers work well with both cropped and full-length styles.
Adding layers to linen clothing
With smart layering, you can create different looks for your linen outfits to make your day to night transitions seamless. For example, you can pair wide-leg linen pants with a tucked-in blouse and layer it with a tailored linen blazer. Or style a loose linen tunic with straight-leg linen pants and top it off with an open-front linen coat. Wear this outfit with canvas sneakers or flat sandals.
Accessories
Accessories such as jewellery, bags, hats, and belts can add character to your style. Here are some tips for you:
Leather belts to cinch the waist and create shape
Use leather belts to cinch your waist and create a definition. Choose neutral tones for versability or bold hues to make a statement.
Statement jewellery to draw attention
Chunky necklaces or bold earrings can add a touch of elegance to the natural simplicity of linen. Choose pieces that complement your skin and outfit colours.
Bags
Tote bags, crossbody pouches, or handbags can be paired with linen outfits. Go with neutral colours like tan, white, or charcoal to complement linen.
Hats
Choose the hats you want, but we recommend going with wide-brim straw hats if you want to create an effortless summer linen outfit. For cooler days, wool fedoras or berets pair well with linen blazers and coats.
Linen pants outfit ideas for different body shapes
Apple
Try high-waisted straight-leg linen pants with a flowy V-neck blouse. Add a tailored blazer if you want. Alternatively, wear wide-leg linen pants with a tunic-length wrap top that ties at the side.
Pear
For a pear-shaped figure, you can draw attention to your upper body and shoulders with wider necklines or fitted tops. Complete your outfit with statement jewellery and sandals.
Hourglass
An hourglass figure means your shoulders and hips are about the same size, with a smaller waist. You’ll look great in wide-leg pants with a fitted button-down shirt tucked in or cropped pants with a wrap blouse.
Rectangle
A rectangle body shape has a straight or athletic body type. Hence, you can wear your wide-leg linen pants with a peplum top and belt or pair your pants with a tucked-in blouse and a longline vest to define your waist.
Inverted triangle
The inverted triangle is the opposite of a pear shape. It typically looks great in bold colours and patterns. To enhance the look of your inverted triangle figure, try styling loose-fitting linen pants with a fitted tank and a cropped linen jacket or pairing them with a scoop-neck tee and a lightweight, unbuttoned cardigan.
Creating a capsule wardrobe with linen pants for plus size women
Below are some ideas to build your capsule wardrobe around linen pants, including tops, layers, and shoe options. You’ll also learn styling tips for plus-size women and day-to-night outfit transformations.
Styling linen pants for plus size petites
Wear a pair of high-waisted linen pants in blue or charcoal and V-neck tops, and finish with low heels in a nude tone. Keep accessories minimal to avoid overpowering your petite frame.
Day-to-night plus size linen pants outfit ideas
For daytime, you can wear a classic white t-shirt flighty fitted or tucked in with linen pants in beige colour and white sneakers. At night, swap your t-shirt with a silk camisole in a bold colour and layer it with a structured cardigan.
Another option is to pair a button-down shirt with charcoal high-waisted linen pants, loafers, and a structured tote for a day out. At night, switch the shirt to a blouse and change the tote to a clutch.
How to style linen pants plus size outfits for different occasions?
Here are how to style plus-size linen pants for different occasions, including casual days, work settings, summer outings, and during winter.
Style linen pants for casual days
Wear a short-sleeve white t-shirt, tucked or half-tucked in the front into your line pants in flax colour. Complete the look with simple sandals and a crossbody bag.
Alternatively, wear your pants with a V-neck blouse, and low block-heel sandals and change the crossbody bags to a tote bag. If the blouse is longer, tuck it in to define your waist.
Style linen pants for work
For work, you want to create a professional look. Hence, we recommend styling a button-down cotton shirt with your linen pants in dark colours like charcoal. Add a structured blazer, finish with low heels, and accessories with simple stud earrings.
Alternatively, switch your blazer with a cropped jacket and change your accessories to a handbag or structured purse.
Style linen pants for summer
You can try several ways to style your summer linen outfits. Be creative according to your preferences. For example, you can wear a sleeveless blouse with off-white elastic linen pants, flat sandals, and a wicker bag.
Change your blouse or pants in fun colours like dusty pink to create different looks.
Style linen pants for winter
Linen clothing is best for summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear it in winter. You can make linen work in colder months by focusing on heavier layers and warmer textures. For example, wear your pants with a crew-neck knit sweater as a base layer, layered with a chunky cardigan. Finish with ankle boots and a knit scarf in a contrasting colour.
Or trade the cardigan with a tailored blazer and accessories with bold earrings to enhance your look.
Linen is a timeless, versatile fabric that celebrates comfort, style, and confidence for every woman, regardless of shape and size. We hope that with the above tips, you can create effortless chic linen outfits for any occasion.
Explore our linen collection to find pieces that make you look and feel amazing. We offer a wide range of linen pants, tops, and dresses in multiple earthy colours. Shop now!
Style white linen pants
Want to learn more tips on styling white linen pants? Read more in this dedicated article to discover what to wear with white linen pants , with Nomad styling tips for every occasion.
