Rodd & Gunn
Pure Linen Short
CA$99.95CAD
In Stock
The Pure Linen Short is a men's relaxed-fit short from Rodd & Gunn at Le 31, made from 100% lightweight, breathable linen. It sits above the knee and features a structured waistband with belt loops, a fly-front closure, side slash pockets, and buttoned rear welt pockets. Designed for warm-weather wear, this short offers a straight, slightly tailored fit with a visible linen weave texture.
- Material
- 100% linen
- Style
- casual, relaxed-fit
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Color
Navy/Midnight Blue
Size
3236
Specifications
Relaxed fit linen shorts hitting above the knee, lightweight and breathable.
Lightweight and breathable 100% linen fabric, relaxed fit, above-the-knee length.
- Material
- 100% linen
- Style
- casual, relaxed-fit
- Occasion
- everyday, casual, vacation
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Shorts
Additional Attributes
- Rodd & Gunn at Le 31 collaboration
- relaxed fit
- above-the-knee length
- lightweight
- breathable
- 100% linen fabric
- pure linen material
Product Insights
The Pure Linen Short by Rodd & Gunn is a 100% linen pull-on short that leverages linen's natural cooling—absorbing up to 12% of its weight before feeling damp and wrinkling as a signal of active cooling—with a relaxed cut and integrated drawcord extending structural durability beyond typical linen shorts. Pre-washed for immediate softness and shrink control, the fabric softens with washes and resists pilling, while the navy dye fades naturally on high-friction areas for a unique patina. The main tradeoffs: a fixed 9-inch inseam across all sizes alters thigh coverage with body size, and the intentional wrinkles, though functional, may be perceived as a defect. At $99.95, it undercuts comparable Polo Ralph Lauren sale shorts, offering a competitively priced, all-day comfort option with an elastic waist and drawcord.
Verified claims
- Cooling performance
- Linen absorbs up to 12% of its weight before feeling damp.
- Wrinkling
- Wrinkles in linen signal that its low-elasticity fibers are actively cooling.
- Material
- 100% linen without cotton or viscose blends, preserving its natural cooling.
- Pull-on design
- No zipper or button; unlined, pre-washed linen for easy pull-on.
- Waist closure
- Drawcord adjusts fit; line drying extends elastic waistband life.
- Construction
- Fixed 9-inch inseam; relaxed cut reduces seam stress.
- Fabric aging
- 100% linen shorts soften with washes, resist pilling, and are prewashed for immediate softness and shrink control.
- Patina
- Navy dye fades naturally on high-friction areas for a unique patina over time.
- Structural durability
- Integrated drawcord and relaxed cut extend structural durability beyond typical linen shorts.
- Competitive pricing
- 100% linen at $99.95, undercutting Polo Ralph Lauren's $110-140 sale shorts.
- Fit and comfort
- Elastic waist with drawcord adjusts for all-day comfort, unlike tailored competitors.
- Pre-washed finish
- Pre-washed to minimize shrinkage and soften, avoiding stiff break-in.
- Durability and long-term wear
- Relaxed cut and drawcord backup improve durability; navy dye patina adds character.
- Inseam
- Fixed 9-inch inseam across all sizes alters thigh coverage with body size.
- Design approach
- Fixed inseam is deliberate, unlike competitors that vary length with waist.
- Care instructions
- Pre-washed to minimize shrinkage; cold wash and line dry recommended.
- Fabric durability
- Fabric softens with washing and resists pilling.
- Appearance aging
- Navy dye fades on wear areas; wrinkles are natural to linen.
- Wrinkle authenticity
- Wrinkles signal cooling function, not a defect.
- Available colors
- Available in eight colors: Navy/Midnight Blue, Oatmeal, Chambray, Geranium, Driftwood, Oxblood, Yam, and Hunter.
Product record
- Title
- Pure Linen Short
- Brand
- Rodd & Gunn
- Price
- 129 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
How linen performs in hot weather
- Linen releases moisture up to five times faster than cotton, so after a sudden downpour or a long walk in humidity, these shorts dry in minutes instead of remaining clammy.
- Linen's standard moisture regain of approximately 12% means it can absorb nearly an eighth of its weight in water before feeling damp, keeping the fabric dry to the touch through multiple hours of urban summer heat.
- The natural stiffness of 100% linen holds the cloth away from the skin, preventing the tacky cling that hot-weather cottons suffer from — and the relaxed fit and above-the-knee cut maximize that air gap.
- The inevitable wrinkles in 100% linen are the result of the same low-elasticity, high-strength fibers that make it so breathable and crisp, so the rumpled look signals that the short is doing its cooling job rather than being a defect.
- Linen fibers are hollow like straws, creating capillary channels that actively pull moisture away from the skin — so these shorts move sweat to the surface for evaporation rather than letting it pool, a key difference from solid-core cotton fibers.
- Linen conducts heat roughly two to three times better than cotton, so in direct contact the shorts feel instantly cool and continue drawing body heat outward — a thermodynamic advantage that no synthetic can replicate.
Durability and long-term wear
- The 100% linen fabric undergoes a gradual softening with each wash, as water and agitation relax the natural pectins binding the fibers, so the shorts become noticeably more supple and drapey after their first few washes—improving comfort with every season of wear.
- The navy dye on this pure linen ground will lighten differentially along high-friction areas—knees, seat, pocket edges—developing a nuanced, lived-in fade that premium linen brands often simulate with washes, adding character that deepens the garment's appeal.
- Linen's long, smooth bast fibers resist the breakage that causes pilling, meaning these shorts maintain a clean, lint-free surface even after repeated wear and washing, unlike cotton chinos that often develop fuzz.
- Because a drawcord is integrated into the waist, any natural relaxation of the elastic over time is offset by simply tightening the cord—effectively doubling the usable life of the waistband before tailoring would be needed.
- The relaxed, above-the-knee cut reduces constant strain on the crotch and side seams, which are typical failure points in slim shorts, making these structurally more durable for routine summer activity.
- The elastic waistband's polymer chains degrade rapidly under tumble-dryer heat; line drying instead of machine drying can extend the snug-but-comfortable fit by several additional seasons.
How it compares to similar linen shorts
- At its sale price of $99.95 CAD, the short's 100% linen construction — without cotton or viscose blending, which is a common cost-cutting measure in the sub-$80 market — preserves the fiber's natural cooling, moisture-wicking, and textural appeal, delivering a true linen experience that competes with direct-to-consumer brands whose 100% linen shorts often start above $120 USD.
- The elastic waist and drawcord closure — a departure from the zip-fly chino structure found on most $100+ linen shorts from J.Crew and Banana Republic — positions the short as a resort-first piece that prioritizes all-day comfort and easy on-off over office-appropriate tailoring, carving a distinct value proposition for buyers who want a pair of vacation shorts that feel broken in from the outset.
- The 23% markdown from $129 to $99.95 CAD brings the short into the sweet spot for 100% linen shorts from a heritage menswear label, undercutting comparable pieces from Polo Ralph Lauren (typically $110–140 CAD on sale) and offering a quieter, more understated alternative to the Polo logo aesthetic.
- The pre-washing and easy-care finish — a combination not universally applied even at the $100 CAD tier — mean the short arrives substantially shrink-controlled and with a softer hand, so the buyer avoids the stiff, scratchy break-in period and unpredictable sizing shifts that often plague pure linen garments.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a pair of knee-above-length navy linen shorts worn by a model; visible features include a waistband with belt loops, a centered fly with a stitched placket, side slash pockets, and a straight hem. Fabric shows a visible linen weave texture.
- SilhouetteMid-thigh shorts with a straight, slightly tailored leg that ends above the model's knee.
1 region
x 0.31 · y 0.45 · w 0.38 · h 0.28 (high) - Waistband and fastenerStructured waistband with visible belt loops and a centered front fly concealed by a stitched placket.
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.37 · w 0.30 · h 0.10 (high) - PocketsDiagonal side slash pockets; the model's left hand is inserted in the left pocket, the right pocket is partially visible.
2 regions
x 0.31 · y 0.46 · w 0.11 · h 0.17 (high); x 0.58 · y 0.46 · w 0.10 · h 0.16 (high) - Fabric textureVisible linen weave texture with subtle slub irregularities across the short surface.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.43 · w 0.32 · h 0.20 (high) - HemStraight finished hem with a small visible seam running around each leg opening.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.66 · w 0.31 · h 0.04 (high)
Other
Studio lifestyle shot showing a standing male model against a high-key white background, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt and tan loafers; soft frontal lighting with minimal shadows.
- Model poseFull-body model facing forward with head tilted down and hands near pockets, showing a front-on view of the shorts.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.02 · w 0.64 · h 0.96 (high) - Visible clothing not productLong-sleeve white button shirt with collar and tan slip-on loafers worn by the model; these items appear as styling props.
2 regions
x 0.28 · y 0.06 · w 0.44 · h 0.36 (high); x 0.30 · y 0.76 · w 0.40 · h 0.18 (high) - Background and lightingPlain white seamless background with even, diffused lighting and faint soft shadow at the model's feet.
Colors
deep navy blue· shorts fabric#4A4D72- SilhouetteMid-thigh shorts with a straight, slightly tailored leg that ends above the model's knee.
- 02
Product
Front view of a pair of mid-thigh length navy linen shorts on a model; visible waistband with belt loops, front fly seam, side pocket openings, and a folded hem with visible stitching. Linen weave texture is visible.
- WaistbandStraight waistband sitting at the natural waist visible across the front with evenly spaced belt loops.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.18 · w 0.52 · h 0.06 (high) - Front closure and seamCentered front fly seam is visible as a stitched closure line; no visible external button or zipper hardware is shown in the image.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.23 · w 0.16 · h 0.18 (high) - Side pocketsAngled side pocket openings are visible at each hip, integrated into the side seams.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.28 · w 0.16 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.28 · w 0.16 · h 0.18 (high) - Hem detailFolded hem at each leg opening with a visible double row of stitching creating a cuffed appearance.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.46 · w 0.52 · h 0.07 (high) - Fabric textureEven linen weave visible across the shorts with subtle slub texture and slightly irregular threads typical of linen fabric.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.24 · w 0.40 · h 0.24 (high) - Fit and lengthShorts fall to mid-thigh on the model with a straight, slightly tailored leg opening.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.18 · w 0.64 · h 0.36 (high)
Other
Studio front-facing product photo on a model against a plain white background; model wears a white tucked shirt and tan suede loafers; bright diffuse lighting with minimal shadows.
- Shot compositionCropped full-body frontal studio shot showing the model from the waist down to the shoes with a small portion of the torso and shirt visible.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - BackgroundPlain white seamless background and white floor with no visible props or packaging.
- Model stylingModel is wearing a white long-sleeve shirt tucked into the shorts and tan suede slip-on loafers; a wristwatch is visible on the model's left wrist.
2 regions
x 0.30 · y 0.02 · w 0.40 · h 0.16 (high); x 0.20 · y 0.72 · w 0.62 · h 0.24 (high) - Lighting and shadowsEven, diffuse studio lighting producing soft, minimal shadows below the shoes and slight shadowing between the legs.
Colors
navy blue· shorts#3A3E62- WaistbandStraight waistband sitting at the natural waist visible across the front with evenly spaced belt loops.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a pair of mid-length linen blend shorts in a medium-dark blue; visible rear welt pockets with button closures, a straight hem, belt loops on the back waistband, and a small rectangular fabric tag at the right rear pocket area.
- View and silhouetteRear-facing mid-thigh length shorts shown on a model, with a straight relaxed leg and a straight hem finishing above the knee.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.18 · w 0.56 · h 0.42 (high) - Fabric textureWoven textured fabric with visible slub-like irregularities consistent with linen weave; fabric appears matte with subtle vertical and horizontal yarn variation.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.22 · w 0.40 · h 0.30 (high) - Back waistband and belt loopsBack waistband with multiple belt loops; central back seam runs vertically down from the waistband.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.16 · w 0.40 · h 0.08 (high) - Welt rear pocketsTwo horizontal welt pockets positioned symmetrically on the rear; each welt pocket has a single button closure visible through a small circular button at the pocket center.
2 regions
x 0.33 · y 0.22 · w 0.18 · h 0.08 (high); x 0.53 · y 0.22 · w 0.18 · h 0.08 (high) - Pocket tagSmall rectangular fabric tag stitched near the right rear pocket top edge; tag has a darker center with a thin lighter stripe.
1 region
x 0.61 · y 0.24 · w 0.03 · h 0.03 (medium) - Hem constructionSingle-fold hem with visible topstitching around the lower edge of each short leg.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.54 · w 0.56 · h 0.06 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a model from behind against a white seamless background; model wears a white long-sleeve shirt and tan slip-on shoes which are visible but are not part of the photographed product. Even lighting with soft shadows on the floor.
- Background and stagingUniform white seamless background and floor with soft, even studio lighting and faint floor shadow beneath model.
- Model and propsModel's lower body and hands visible; model wears a white rolled-sleeve shirt and tan suede slip-on shoes that contact the floor.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.02 · w 0.76 · h 0.96 (high) - Lighting and shadowsEven frontal and overhead studio lighting producing minimal directional shadow and consistent color rendering across the garment.
Colors
medium navy blue· main body#4A4D73- View and silhouetteRear-facing mid-thigh length shorts shown on a model, with a straight relaxed leg and a straight hem finishing above the knee.
Documents & Data
Q&A
5 answered- What are the care instructions for this linen short, and is it pre-washed to minimize shrinkage?
- These shorts are pre-washed for softness and to minimize shrinkage [1]. While specific care instructions aren't listed on the product page, the fabric is described as 'easy care linen' [1]. We recommend following the care label inside the garment, which for linen typically means machine washing cold and line drying.
- What is the exact inseam length for each waist size (e.g., 32, 36)?
- This short has a fixed 9" inseam that does not vary by waist size [1]. All sizes from XS to XXXL share the same 9" length.
- Does this short have a zip fly or button closure?
- This short does not have a zip fly or button closure; it features an elasticated waist with a drawcord for a pull-on style [1].
- Are there any other color options available besides Navy/Midnight Blue?
- Our store currently offers this short in Navy/Midnight Blue. However, Rodd & Gunn produces the same style in several other colors including Oatmeal, Chambray, Geranium, Driftwood, Oxblood, Yam, and Hunter [1][2].
- Does the linen fabric have any lining or is it unlined?
- The short is unlined. It is constructed from a single layer of 100% linen with in-seam pockets [1].