Lightweight, breathable, and effortlessly cool, linen is the go-to fabric for warm-weather days and balmy nights. Its naturally airy weave allows heat to escape while catching every passing breeze to keep you cool amid scorching heat and rising temps.
Beyond its wearability, the material’s easygoing, slightly crumpled texture only improves with each wear, giving every outfit a relaxed, lived-in feel. It’s also one of the most travel-friendly fabrics around thanks to how light it is, making it easy to stuff into a suitcase without adding much weight. And while it’s not inherently wrinkle-resistant, that’s part of its charm—the casual creases only add to linen’s laid-back appeal.
Whether you’re jetting off on a beach escape, strolling through a sun-soaked city, or savoring slow weekends at home, the best linen essentials are the kinds of pieces you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again Ahead, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite feel-good linen staples worth adding to your warm-weather wardrobe, conveniently broken down by category.
FAQ:
Why is linen clothing ideal for summer?
As previously mentioned, linen is perfect for summer weather thanks to its lightweight and breathable properties. This, coupled with its naturally cooling, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying qualities makes it a no-brainer for staying comfortable during hot summer days.
How should you wash and dry linen clothing?
While specifics may vary depending on the item—be sure to check the instructions on the label—linen is generally machine washable. Since it’s a delicate fabric, using a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water is best. Hand-washing is also a safe option. To maintain the fabric’s shape and texture, air-drying is recommended; however, if you’re in a hurry, you can toss your linen items in the dryer on a low heat setting.
What should you look for when shopping for linen clothing?
Be mindful of the distinction between linen blends and 100% linen. The latter is lighter and more breathable, while the former may offer additional softness and wrinkle resistance, depending on the materials blended with it (i.e. cotton or silk).
The linen button-down
When it comes to the most-worn linen clothing for women, button-downs are at the top of the list. They’re great for layering over your favorite tops and dresses, or simply wearing solo with a pair of matching pants, shorts, or skirts, depending on the look you’re going for. This timeless wardrobe staple boasts a distinctly relaxed and laid-back style, and what’s especially great is that it pairs perfectly with almost anything. Whether you prefer them solid or striped, oversized or classic, we’ve rounded up our top picks below.
The linen pant
Nothing screams summer like a pair of breezy linen pants, which can easily take you from the beach to the bar—especially if you swap the flip-flops for a pair of heels or sandals. (Bonus points if you choose to zhuzh up the outfit with accessories like chunky jewels or a cute clutch.) For an even more laid-back look, consider a pair of elastic waist joggers made with 100% linen—which are just as comfy as a pair of sweats, though they’re more polished and cooler—both figuratively and literally—due to the fabric’s breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
The linen short
While there’s plenty to love about classic jean shorts, they’re not exactly the most comfortable or breathable option for summertime. Linen shorts naturally step in as a popular alternative thanks to their lightweight feel and range of styles and silhouettes, making them easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. A classic high-waisted pair is ideal for lounging, while the mid-rise option from Athleta clocks in at under $50 and comes in seven hues, including an on-trend bright yellow and vibrant pink.
The linen skirt
The selection of linen skirts below is best described as stylish, airy, and effortlessly comfy. A straight-silhouetted mini offers a more tailored, put together look, and we’re especially partial to the below pick from Banana Republic, which comes complete with a removable belt and covered buckle. For everyday wear, consider a classic mid-length skirt that’s easy to pair with a solid or patterned crop top or an oversized button-down—even better if it’s also linen. We also love the beachy-chic sarong-style skirt from Mango, which stands out with its fun waist knot detail, while Jenni Kayne’s pretty pleated number has a subtle, vintage-inspired look and feel.
The linen top
A quintessential summer staple, the best linen tops will keep you cool all season long. Our top picks include everything from a feminine babydoll camisole that can be easily layered with a denim jacket to a flouncy, gingham-patterned blouse (best styled with leggings, jeans, or bike shorts for a day of sightseeing or lounging in the airport), to a classic shirt dress that can pull double-duty as a cover-up or chic mini dress for a fun night out. We’ve also got you covered with not one but two cropped options to beat the heat: a high-neck one with a classic crew neck from Everlane and a short-sleeve button-down complete with a preppy pointed collar from Banana Republic.
The linen dress
Whether you’re headed to the beach, the airport lounge, or the bar, a great linen dress is breezy and versatile. You’ll find them in various lengths (from maxi to midi to mini) and colors and patterns, with options ranging from crisp whites to fun florals and nautical-inspired pinstripes. Some styles also have fun features like on-trend square necklines and frilly ruffles. Ahead, a few of our favorite featherweight, breezy linen dresses from brands like Everlane, Reformation, J.Crew, Quince, and Veronica Beard.
The linen jacket
Do yourself a favor this season by ditching your favorite overworn sweatshirt (you know the one) in favor of something more lightweight, such as one of these linen jackets. These summertime staples are ideal for layering under your favorite tee or tank and can be worn both during the day and at night; size up for a looser, slightly oversized fit.
Linen blazers, meanwhile, offer a more preppy look, making them a must-have for business travel, especially in the scorching heat. For a less formal ’fit, look no further than our favorite button-front linen jacket from Michael Stars, which hits right below the waist and comes in a handful of hues like hot pink and bright green for a fun pop of color. A linen vest is another excellent choice for warm-weather layering—perfect worn on its own with tailored shorts or paired with relaxed, wide-leg trousers (or linen pants!) for an effortlessly cool look.
The linen accessories
Thanks to its durability and featherweight feel, it’s no surprise that linen makes an excellent fabric for wearable accessories like baseball caps that won’t weigh you (or, more specifically, your head) down, summery tote bags, and lightweight scarves. The latter—especially the airy linen scarf from Eileen Fisher that’s shown below—are great for breezy nights on the beach since they can be easily draped around your shoulders or, when not in use, simply stowed away in your aforementioned linen tote bag.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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