Hot days are here! Time to pull out your linen clothing and box up the rest til fall. Unless, of course, you enjoy melting. If you don’t already have this cool, breathable, durable material in your closet, there are many exciting, stylish pieces to shop from Everlane, Anthropologie, J.Crew, Madewell and other favorites. In a moment we’ll share our 13 picks (including several items I’ve tried and love), but first, why linen?
Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Long Vest
Madewell Linen V-Neck Sweater
Eileen Fisher Classic Collar Linen Button-Up Shirt
The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants by Maeve: Linen Edition
Everlane The Wide-Leg Pant in Stretch Linen
“Always pick linen over any other materials,” says Preeti Arya, assistant professor of textile development and marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology, citing many reasons. For starters, “Since linen (flax) is primarily made of cellulose, it is very breathable and keeps the wearer cool in summer if worn in the right weight.”
Now, 100% linen is an excellent choice, but if you spy other materials on the label, such as cotton, rayon or viscose, that’s still cool, so to speak. “When it is blended with other cellulose-based materials…, it still is very comfortable to wear in hot climates,” Arya explains.
Expect some wrinkling — it’s part of the look, and the payoff is worth it. “Linen wrinkles, but it also has a drape like no other natural cellulosic material,” she adds. “It has luster because of long fibers, which makes the garment and the wearer look rich and elite. Linen is a durable and compostable material and is very sustainable. Mummies in the past were wrapped in linen, and it has survived all these years without getting damaged.”
If it’s good enough for mummies, it’s good enough for us. Besides, linen designs have come a long way in the past 3,500 years. Just have a look:
Best women’s linen clothing to shop now
Nordstrom
Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Long Vest
Need a polished look this season? Vests are in for women, with a layer below or without. This midweight, 100% linen pick from Eileen Fisher strikes the right balance between feminine and buttoned-up. A good choice for the office or any semi-dressy springtime occasion. See all four colors in sizes XX-Small to X-Large.
$148 at Nordstrom
Madewell
Madewell Linen V-Neck Sweater
You don’t need to bare your arms to be cool. Case in point: this 100% linen sweater. The nautical strip feels fresh and fun, or go with a soft, solid hue (Steel Blue and Beach Sand). It’s available in sizes XX-Small to 3X.
Want more? Madewell has a whole section devoted to linen!
$110 at Madewell
Nordstrom
Eileen Fisher Classic Collar Linen Button-Up Shirt
If you avoid tucking in shirts come spring (I’m guilty), this top’s for you. It’s soft and lightweight, with a boxy cut that skims curves beautifully and an elegant half-sleeve. It comes in sizes X-Small to X-Large; just note that Eileen Fisher tends to run a wee bit large.
$178 at Nordstrom
Anthropologie
The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants by Maeve: Linen Edition
The Colette is one of Anthropologie’s most popular pant styles, and a longtime personal fave. I was thrilled to nab my third pair last week — this time in a linen blend. Hooray for breathable bottoms! The spectrum of colors includes 11 neutrals, pastels and brights. I adore my pair in this fresh green, but I’m also eyeing the Tomato Juice.
One of the 1,000+ five-star fans called it “a staple in my warm-weather wardrobe … for staying cool on hot days without sacrificing style”
$138 at Anthropologie
Everlane
Everlane The Wide-Leg Pant in Stretch Linen
Pants can be subjective, but I’m crowning these as Trousers of the Year. They are lightweight, chic, surprisingly comfortable (even when seated) and they make legs look extra long, with the high waist and vertical stripes. Plus, you can’t see through them one bit. See all six colors.
“Lyrical,” gushed one fan. “These pants drape well and are a pleasure to wear. … OK for more formal and less formal situations.”
$148 at Everlane
Quince
Quince European Linen Button Front Dress
Neat and sweet, this affordable 100% linen shirtdress is equally great for the office or Sunday brunch. It features pockets and a removable waist tie and comes in a whopping 15 colors and patterns!
$60 at Quince
Z Supply
Z Supply Brise Linen Midi Shirt Dress
For a breezier, lighter, longer, softer linen shirtdress, consider this dreamy piece from woman-led brand Z Supply (my go-to for fashionable, comfortable clothing). It’s modest yet sexy, with a deep V and a shirttail hem that allows a glimpse of leg on the sides. It comes in black and white in sizes XS to XL.
$139 at Z Supply
J.Crew
J.Crew 6-Inch Harbor Short in Linen
Give your gams a little sun! This 100% linen J.Crew favorite has a generous fit without being baggy and covers up the jiggles nicely. It features two pockets and a zipper fly in the front and two button pockets in the rear. With eight color options in sizes XXX-Small to 3X, there’s a pair for everyone.
$80 at J.Crew
Quince
Quince European Linen Maxi Skirt
Catch a breeze with a long, flowy skirt. I’ve tried this maxi, and the high waist and left leg slit do flatter the figure, It’s the kind of skirt that makes me want to dance, and I can’t keep my hands out of the generous yet somehow hidden pockets. I’m partial to pairing this with a tank and tennies, but it can be dressed up as well. The thick waistband is a bit stiff, but I’m hoping it softens after a few washes.
$40 at Quince
Everlane
The Oversized Blazer in Stretch Linen
Yes, you can wear a blazer year-round. And you finally have permission to mix shades of white. This casual yet sharp boyfriend-style linen jacket will keep you happy in overly air-conditioned spaces and beyond. It’s available in four colors, sizes 00 to 16.
Everlane’s Linen Shop has so many options for women and men in store.
$188 at Everlane
Anthropologie
By Anthropologie Short-Sleeve Collared Linen Romper
So airy and light! I initially selected this romper as a pool coverup, then it became my house outfit and now, it’s my everything. Wear it on dog walks, to the park, even cinch it with a belt for a day out on the town.
$98 at Anthropologie
Best men’s linen clothing to shop now
Banana Republic
Banana Republic Slim-Fit Linen Shirt
Slim, trim and made just for him, this new 100% Euro linen pick is stylish and lets him wear long sleeves in the summer. The color selection is vast with 17 colors, and it’s available in XS to XXL in regular and tall sizes.
$95 at Banana Republic
Perry Ellis
Perry Ellis Men’s 100% Linen Drawstring Pants
Men’s linen pants can look frumpy, bunchy and crunchy. Not these. The clean cut trouser has a single button closure with an unfussy drawstring. They’re lightweight and great for travel. Choose from three colors in a range of sizes.
$63 at Amazon
$63 at Macy’s
If you have any questions about linen clothing — or you just wanna chat about your favorite products you think we should check out — send us an email at shopping.editors@aol.com and we’ll write you back!
