Linen has a strong reputation as the most suitable summer fabric. Yet, if you are still wondering if linen is good for summer, the answer is yes! It is indeed an excellent choice. In this article, we'll explore the numerous benefits of linen and offer advice on how to wear linen to look and feel your best. Read further, and let’s make your summer wardrobe more efficient. 

Why Linen is the Best Fabric for Summer 

Breathable 

Linen fabric is naturally breathable due to its weave and the properties of the flax plant. This natural breathability allows air to flow between the fibers, keeping you cooler in hot weather when wearing linen clothing. Additionally, the fabric drapes away from your body rather than clinging, further contributing to its cooling effect. Linen is the perfect choice if you suffer from overheating or need to stay cool at work or during outings.

Hypoallergenic and Antibacterial 

Are you aware that linen naturally possesses anti-bacterial properties? This makes it an excellent choice for clothing that won't cause itching. Some individuals may have allergies to certain fabrics, leading to rashes and uncomfortable breakouts. In some cases, specific fabrics can exacerbate existing skin conditions and worsen the symptoms. In contrast, linen is hypoallergenic, so you can rest assured that your skin won’t be affected.

Sustainable

Linen is made from the flax plant and is considered more environmentally friendly than other textiles. Flax requires less water and energy to cultivate, making linen a sustainable choice for clothing and other textile products.

Heat Conductive and Reflective

It can naturally transfer heat, allowing the heat from your body to escape and keeping you cool. Linen fabric is estimated to be five times better at conducting heat than wool and eighteen times better than silk. But not only does linen draw heat away from the body, but it also reflects it. This means your linen clothes can keep you comfortable in the summer without wearing bulky layers, as they provide shade and help you stay cool.

Moisture-Wicking

Wearing linen clothing, such as a linen dress or linen pants, helps keep your body free from moisture. Linen fabric is very good at absorbing sweat from your skin and can absorb as much as 1/5 of its weight before feeling damp. Not only does linen absorb moisture, but it also quickly releases it into the air. This means that even though your linen shirt may absorb a lot of sweat, it's unlikely to feel damp because water evaporates from linen pretty quickly.

Rules About Wearing Linen 

Can you wear linen in the evening 

Linen is not only comfortable but also maintains an air of sophistication, making it an excellent choice for evening wear. In upscale Mediterranean or Caribbean resorts, a linen shirt is often the preferred attire for early evening gatherings or slightly more formal occasions.

Does linen shrink

Linen may shrink if it is not washed correctly. The key is to carefully read the label on the garment and follow the instructions. Always choose a lower wash temperature, ideally below 40 degrees. Linen may experience a maximum of 4% shrinkage after the first wash, but high-quality linens are often pre-washed, so there's usually no need to worry about this.

Does linen crease 

The same properties that make linen attractive in hot weather also cause it to wrinkle. While fine cotton and silk cling to the body, linen's stiffness allows air circulation. However, this rigidity also means linen easily creases and folds like paper, unlike softer fabrics that drape and bounce back.

Can a linen dress be worn to formal events

A well-fitted linen suit or a stylish linen dress can be a great choice for formal occasions, especially in warmer climates. To enhance your linen outfit, pair it with elegant jewelry, a clutch, and a nice pair of heels.

What fabrics go well with linen 

Cotton, silk, viscose, denim, and satin are some fabrics that complement linen well. Mixing textures will not only upgrade your style but also help you handle the changing weather conditions.

How to Style Linen in the Summer

And here’s the most exciting part—incorporating linen into stunning looks and styling them for everyday wear. We’ll show you how to combine different linen pieces and provide you with some creative fabric mixtures.

Linen Mix with Cotton Top 

Our preferred choice for everyday wear is a combination of straight linen trousers, a long-sleeve linen shirt, and a logo-embroidered ribbed top. Cropped trousers in a light beige color are essential for a summer wardrobe because of their versatility and chic style. The white shirt is another basic piece that you should have for your summer outings. You can wear it buttoned and tucked in or unbuttoned and left untucked over the tank top.

Linen Maxi Dress

The linen maxi dress possesses a remarkable texture that embodies effortless style. The gentle wrinkles in the linen contribute to its charm, exuding a laid-back and casual vibe. When it comes to styling a linen dress, the options are limitless. Create a relaxed beachside look by pairing it with flat sandals and a wide-brimmed hat. To achieve a more refined ensemble, accentuate the waist with a belt and pair it with wedges or heels. Embrace a summer-ready outfit by accessorizing with natural materials like straw or wicker for a cohesive look.

To Tuck or Not to Tuck 

Sometimes, letting your shirt hang loose over your shorts for a relaxed, laid-back vibe is perfectly okay. The Long-sleeve garment-dyed linen shirt is an ideal choice for this. Pair it with Elasticated-waistband linen shorts for an easy, casual look, or team it with your favorite jeans for a versatile everyday outfit.

Perfect Blue

The color blue is known for its versatility and practicality, so if you're looking for a reliable everyday outfit, consider pairing the blue long-sleeve embroidered linen shirt with the denim Relaxed-fit shorts Ayla from the latest collection by Citizens of Humanity. This combination provides an effortless choice for casual activities like running errands, meeting up with friends, or taking a leisurely stroll with your pet. To complete the look, team this outfit with comfy sneakers or sandals and make the most of your day!

Street Chic 

In this ensemble, we aimed to blend different textures—linen, silk, and denim. We started with a delicate vanilla white Linen strap top and added the A-lined silk skirt, completing the look with the Oversized vintage denim jacket Wayne. The layered style makes this outfit suitable for any daytime occasion, from midday to late evening. For footwear, you can glam up the look with a pair of elegant heels or go for a street-style vibe with sneakers.

Pure White

Cotton and linen make the perfect combination for summer, offering breathability and a stylish texture that shines in a monochromatic look. The white Linen buttoned skirt and the white Rouched cotton blouse create a unique blend of breathable and stylish summer attire. Both pieces have a relaxed fit and a light-reflecting hue to help you stay cool in the summer heat. Pair this outfit with minimalist sneakers like those from Ghoud, or elevate your look with artisanal sandals from Hereu.

Greek Aesthetic 

Nothing beats wearing a breezy white tunic for a leisurely stroll on the beach with your loved ones. Our Linen tie-waist tunic is perfect for such occasions, offering both comfort and a touch of Greek summer ambiance. Simply throw it over your swimsuit and enjoy the freedom of movement it provides. Plus, you can easily incorporate this piece into your everyday city style by pairing it with sandals and a denim jacket.

Formal Event

Many women often wonder if they can wear linen clothing to a formal event and, if so, what they should wear. A perfect option for a formal event could be a well-tailored suit—for example, the Classic linen blazer paired with the Linen wide suit trousers in a neutral oat hue. This suit has a relaxed fit to keep you cool in the summer heat, and its light shade can also reflect sunlight. You can pair this suit with loafers or sleek heels and add a stylish bag to elevate the overall look.

Don’t Forget to Accessorize 

When it comes to accessories, linen clothing matches well with almost anything, but it's essential to consider the overall style of your outfit. If you're aiming for an elegant look, consider the Plaited-handle crossbody bag Bombon Raffia. If you prefer minimalistic and practical pieces, take a look at the Square-flat crossbody bag Terra Canvas. For a more spacious option, opt for the Leather-trimmed tote bag Calella Raffia. To bring a laid-back, summery feel to your linen outfit, consider adding the Straw tote bag Cabas M. However, bags are only one of the ways to accessorize your look. For a chic touch, go for a stylish Silk scarf or cinch your silhouette with a Slim leather belt Geometia. For a street-style vibe, try the Adjustable logo-embroidered cap Hent LT. And remember to have fun with your wardrobe!