Why we Love Linen Outfits for Summer
Whether you're channeling your inner coastal grandma in oversized linen as an ode to Diane Keaton or leaning towards Italian Riviera like Gwyneth Paltrow’s character from The Talented Mr. Ripley or heck - a tailored linen suit like Don Johnson in Miami Vice - linen is a quintessential summer fabric. Why is linen the best material to wear all summer long, you ask? It’s durable, breathable and there’s nothing chicer than a matching linen set, as you’ll see below.
Linen Outfits all day everyday
Why Linen is the Best Summer Fabric:
Breathability:
Linen is made from flax fibers which are naturally hollow and thicker than cotton. This structure helps keep the weave loose enough so air can flow freely through instead of getting trapped, keeping you cool.
Moisture Wicking:
Linen is absorbent and quick drying so it can handle perspiration on super hot days.
Heat Conductivity
Linen conducts heat away from your body - acting like your own personal heat traffic controller. While it conducts heat away from your body, you can cool down. Studies show that people wearing linen end up perspiring less than those wearing synthetic material in identical temperatures.
Effortless Aesthetic
While some worry about wrinkles, we feel this is just a natural #nofilter way to be and we embrace these creases as a laid back relaxed look. Summer should be about quality time with others, getting outside and having genuine experiences - less about high maintenance endeavors. Linen outfits transition easily from day to night and relaxes with you as you move through your day, cool as a cucumber.
Durability and Sustainability
Linen is a strong natural fiber and unlike synthetic fibers which age and break down over time, linen ages gracefully. Softening up and becoming more comfortable with every single wash. Also worth noting - flax requires less water and fewer pesticides to grow than cotton, making it a no brainer go-to summer fabric.
Without further adieu, here are the best linen outfits for the summer that we’ll be living in, no matter where we are or what movie character we’re channeling.
Best Linen Outfits & Sets
A Sexy Linen Set from Frame
For an easy outfit that requires no brain power, the linen set is your best friend. Frame knows you don’t want to spend time standing in front of your closet thinking about how you have nothing to wear. Frame has your best interests at heart with this set: The Linen Button Cami and Linen Lounge Pant. The Linen Button Cami comes in a natural Flax colour. A minimal thin strap cami cut from lightweight linen and a button-front detail that opens to a subtle split hem. Clean lines and an effortless drape define the silhouette. The Linen Lounge Pant comes in matching flax, drapes with fluid ease and elegance, finished with a thin drawstring waist. This set will take you from day to night with ease and with comfort. Wear with flats or with heels; this is a truly versatile set and we love its linen, extremely durable, breathable and chic above all else.
Linen for Humanity
If it wasn’t obvious, we love set dressing for its ease and approachable way to get ready. Leave it to Citizens of Humanity to give us a linen ensemble that oozes relaxed confidence in rich colours True Navy, Chocolate and Pale Stone. Wear the top partially tucked in or out, buttoned down just enough to see some skin. If you feel too bare, the Isabel Tank is our go to as a base layer. Don’t shy away from a long necklace if you need to dress the look up.
On Set
If a vacation is on your horizon - you need an outfit to keep you cool for during a heatwave and packs easily. Another key element of vacation dressing is versatility. Packing an outfit that is versatile enough to wear during the day, strolling through quaint cobblestoned markets and can go the distance with you at night to dinner and the discotech, is the gold standard when travelling. Look no further than the Camille Tank Top and Yves Pant by Eliza Faulkner, available in Natural / Cream and Black. The Camille Tank is made from 100% linen. It has adjustable straps, a bow tie neckline, and gathers under the bust for the billowy fit you'll need to brave the heatwaves. The Yves Pant is a high-waisted barrel trouser made of 100% linen making it breathable and comfortable. It has an easy elastic waistband at the back and deep pockets (because we know you’ll use them). Fitted at the waist, relaxed through the leg: the silhouette flatters without trying too hard.
Best Linen Maxi Dresses
Another non-negotiable of ours when travelling, whether its a local trip or a far flung destination, is a maxi dress. You simply can't go wrong packing a maxi dress for vacation. Nothing says 'chic and relaxed' more than floating over a patio in a floor skimming dress. The Ivy Maxi Dress from Eliza Faulkner comes in Natural which is the best neutral as an alternative to black and white. If a pop of colour is something you're after, the Ivy Maxi is available in the freshest green. It's as if mother nature blended up a green goddess smoothie and then made a dress out of it. Wear the Green or Natural Ivy Maxi with delicate gold jewelry and strappy sandals (flats or heels) for a laid back luxe look. We've got our eyes on the Intentionally Blank Anca Heel, available in Tan, Cream and Black. If flats are more your speed, the Tkees Colette flip-flops are an elevated take on a flip-flop and would pair effortlessly with any of the linen looks featured here.
The Laura Linen Dress from Staud in Blue Haze is a dressier take on a Linen Maxi dress that can be worn to dinner or even to an event such as a wedding. We see this paired with The Intentionally Blank Anca Block heels or the Tkees Lily Glitters in Gleam or Pink Pearl.
Linen Care Guide
Linen is celebrated for its longevity and organic grace. While it holds a reputation for high maintenance, caring for it is remarkably straightforward. In fact, linen thrives with simple, gentle laundering, softening and gaining beautiful character
with every single cycle.
| Care | Washing & Instructions | Tips & Tricks |
|
Washing |
Machine wash on a gentle, cool, or lukewarm cycle with similar colors. Use a mild liquid detergent and avoid overcrowding the machine, which can twist the fibers. Hand washing is also excellent for lightweight shirts. |
Skip Fabric Softener: Linen softens naturally over time. Chemicals in artificial softeners coat the fibers, actually reducing their natural breathability. |
|
Drying |
Air drying is highly recommended. Lay items flat or hang on wooden hangers to minimize harsh lines. If using a machine, tumble dry on low heat for 5–10 minutes just to relax the fibers, then remove while still damp. |
Avoid High Heat: Over-drying on high heat cooks the natural flax fibers, making them brittle and prone to breaking or shrinking. |
| Ironing & Steaming | Embrace the natural, relaxed drape of linen creases. However, if a crisp finish is desired, iron the garment while it is still damp using a high heat/linen setting on the reverse side. A steamer works beautifully for quick touch-ups. |
Iron Damp: Trying to iron bone-dry linen is frustrating and ineffective. Always mist the fabric with clean water first. |
| Stain Removal | Attend to spills immediately by blotting with cold water and a gentle spot remover. Never use chlorine bleach, as it will instantly yellow and permanently weaken the premium linen yarns. |
Natural Lifesaver: Club soda and baking soda paste work wonders on fresh oil or wine stains without ruining the fabric color. |
| Storing | Store garments in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Avoid plastic storage bins or bags, which lock in humidity and invite mildew. Hang shirts and trousers on padded or wide wooden hangers. |
Breathe Free: Linen is an organic, breathing material. Always opt for linen or cotton garment bags if putting pieces away seasonally. |
The Golden Rule of Linen: Never wring out linen aggressively before drying. Gently press out excess water, give the garment a firm shake to smooth out major distortions, and let it air dry naturally.
If you're on the road and your linen outift is wrinkled, hang it in the bathroom while you shower and the steam will relax the material so it's ready when you are.
For laundry care, check out our selection of Dedcool detergents. Made for clothes, sheets, intimates, delicates, and life, the 100% biodegradable, environmentally-conscious Dedtergent offers 60 washes, and can be used in the machine or for hand washing your items.