The Linen Guide
Your ultimate guide to styling, caring for and wearing linen all summer like an expert.
There are fabrics, and then there’s linen. The summer favourite is having more than a moment. Seen across the runways and resort wardrobes alike, linen has cemented its status as the fabric of choice for those chasing ease and elegance. And it's easy to see why. Linen breathes when the weather doesn’t. Its moisture-wicking fibres, relaxed drape, and tactile charm make it the fabric of choice for rising temperatures.
It’s the foundation of a heatwave-proof wardrobe. Worn by the likes of Kendall Jenner in tailored neutrals and Paul Mescal in signature short sets, linen has proven its place as both fashion-forward and unfussy. From long lunches to late flights, resort dressing to city layering, linen does the heavy lifting while looking like the easiest thing in your wardrobe.
Written By: Melisa Rustemova - Published: 01.08.25
The Linen Wardrobe: What to Buy
When it comes to summer dressing, linen leads. From runway tailoring to holiday-ready layers, it’s the one fabric that balances polish and practicality with ease. These are the pieces to invest in now—and how to wear them well.
The Linen Shirt
Relaxed, refined and endlessly wearable, the linen shirt remains a cornerstone of modern summer dressing. Oversized styles worn open over a bikini feel effortless poolside, while crisp, tailored versions tucked into a high-waisted short or slouchy trouser elevate daywear without trying too hard. For evening, layer one under a structured blazer or knot it at the waist over a silk slip for an easy, undone polish. Zendaya’s head-to-to-toe Bottega linen look redefined understated glamour, while Harry Styles’ soft lilac shirt and tailored trouser combo proved just how versatile and genderless this piece can be.
Linen Trousers and Shorts
Whether floor-skimming or thigh-grazing, linen trousers and shorts are built for ease, heat and movement. Wide-leg trousers in bone or sand pair beautifully with a tucked-in tank or bandeau and leather sandals. Pleated styles nod to minimalist tailoring—wear them with a boxy cropped blazer or waistcoat for a clean summer silhouette. For casual days, drawstring shorts styled with a coordinating shirt strike the perfect balance between nonchalant and chic. Paul Mescal championed the pleated linen short on the red carpet, and Hailey Bieber’s tonal linen sets have become her signature warm-weather uniform.
The Linen Dress
Few garments rival the effortlessness of a linen dress. Whether you go for a minimalist slip or a voluminous midi with puffed sleeves, linen offers shape without stiffness. A black or ivory slip dress worn with gold jewellery and strappy flats is perfect for city days, while a tiered silhouette with statement sleeves brings impact to weddings and sunset dinners alike.
Kendall Jenner stepped out in a sleek white column dress, proving that linen can do understated drama, while Ralph Lauren’s sculptural styles remain the gold standard for elevated summer dressing. Add a raffia bag and barely-there sandals for a holiday-ready finish, or throw on a linen blazer and heels to make it work after dark. Accessories from Coach or Longchamp add the perfect touch of luxury.
Linen Blazers and Co-ords
Tailoring has found its ease again, and linen is leading the way. A soft-shouldered blazer worn over a fitted tank and matching shorts brings polish with none of the fuss. A co-ord set—belted jacket and wide-leg trousers—offers a head-to-toe look with minimal styling required. Go tonal with matching accessories or contrast with a colour-pop bag or sculptural heel. Timothée Chalamet’s take on boxy beige co-ords showed how fresh tailoring can feel in linen.
The Unexpected Linen
This season’s most interesting pieces go beyond the expected. Linen jumpsuits deliver instant polish—layer over a bandeau or wear alone with a belt and slides. Waistcoats work solo with tailored trousers for an elegant, fashion-first take on summer suiting. And when it comes to accessories, think tactile: woven linen totes and espadrilles for texture that complements, not competes.
Gigi Hadid gave linen utility a runway-worthy twist in a khaki jumpsuit, while Bella Hadid has made the waistcoat-and-trouser combo her summer staple. Even Kate Middleton has embraced linen-soled espadrilles for high-summer events—proof that practicality and polish can coexist. For footwear, brands Vans and Converse offer elevated yet functional options to complement linen pieces.
How to style Linen: From Day to Night
Linen may be the fabric of summer, but its true power lies in the styling. Breathable and uncomplicated on its own, it transforms when paired with contrasting textures and elevated accessories. Here's how to wear it beyond the beach towel.
Start with contrast: Lean into linen’s relaxed, matte finish by pairing it with high-shine textures. Add a structured leather belt to cinch a loose-fit dress, or finish a linen trouser look with a boxy cotton poplin shirt for polish. Gold jewellery—chunky hoops, layered chains, sculptural cuffs—adds warmth and richness to neutral tones, while raffia or canvas accessories keep things grounded.
Mix your fabrics: A linen blazer layered over a silk slip dress feels instantly elevated. For daytime, pair a linen shirt with vintage denim and sleek loafers; for night, swap in strappy heels and a red lip. Try soft linen trousers with a crisp cotton tank or sharp corset top for a high-low effect.
Think layers: For those in-between days, throw a cotton trench over a linen jumpsuit or layer a fine-knit crewneck over a linen dress for subtle contrast. A denim jacket over a co-ord adds structure without bulk. When temperatures drop, reach for ankle boots or leather sliders to toughen up the softness.
How to Wash Linen
Linen is made to be lived in, and that means a little texture, a little wrinkle, adds to its endless charm. But to keep your linen looking fresh and fabulous, a few care secrets go a long way.
Wash in cold or cool water—ideally below 30°C—with a gentle detergent to maintain softness and reduce shrinkage. This is about preserving the feel, the drape, the finish.
Forget the tumble dryer. Let it air dry naturally—on a hanger or flat surface. The lived-in look? Own it. Those creases are style, not flaws.
Need it sharper? Linen can be ironed but do so with a medium-heat while the fabric is damp, Press inside out for a clean finish, or skip the iron and embrace the creases — linen wears it well. A linen spray or steamer will handle the rest.
As for storage, hang anything structured. Fold softer pieces. And don’t crowd it. Linen needs space to breathe—and so do you. And to answer the age old question, does linen stretch? Not really. Linen holds its shape and doesn’t stretch, though it softens with wear. Want more give? Go for a blend.
Why Linen Belongs in Every Wardrobe
Linen isn’t just a summer trend—it’s a wardrobe essential with staying power. Its effortless elegance, breathable comfort, and relaxed texture make it the perfect partner for modern dressing. From weekend escapes to everyday city looks, it adapts with ease and only gets better with time. Investing in linen means choosing pieces that soften, evolve, and elevate with every wear. For style that feels as good as it looks, linen delivers—season after season.
FAQs
Should linen shirts be 100% linen?
While 100% linen shirts offer the authentic crispness and breathability this fabric is celebrated for, buying blends with cotton or viscose can add softness and reduce wrinkling. It ultimately depends on your preference for texture and maintenance, but 100% linen delivers the classic lightweight feel perfect for warmer days.
Are linen shirts worth it?
Absolutely. Linen shirts are a game-changer in hot weather, they help you stay cool and collected even on the stickiest summer days. If you’re someone who runs warm or dreads sweating through your clothes, linen is your go-to. Add to that its relaxed elegance and timeless appeal, and you’ve got a piece that works hard and wears well all season long.
Should you size up when buying linen shirts?
Since linen naturally creases and has minimal stretch, opting for your usual size is generally best. However, if you prefer a looser, more relaxed fit to enhance airflow and comfort, sizing up can work well.
What footwear to wear with linen shorts?
Linen shorts pair beautifully with espadrilles, loafers, or minimalist sandals. For a smart-casual take, leather slip-ons or crisp white trainers can balance the laid-back nature of linen.
What temperature should I wear linen at?
Linen shines in temperatures from about 20°C (68°F) upwards. Its breathability and moisture-wicking qualities make it ideal for warm spring and summer days when staying cool is key.
What is the rule of wearing linen?
Keep it simple and light. Linen is best styled in natural tones and relaxed silhouettes to highlight its effortless, breathable qualities. Avoid over-layering to let the fabric do the work.
Is linen better than cotton?
Depends what you’re after. Linen’s cooler, breezier, and naturally textured, perfect for heat and humidity. Cotton’s softer and smoother, with more structure and stretch.