When it’s so hot out you can barely breathe, there’s only one fabric that promises relief. Enter linen.
Linen clothing has always been the undeniable ruler of summer and it’s not just for Florida retirees anymore. If you've ever worn the fabric in the summer, you’ve probably noticed that you don't sweat as profusely. Well, that’s no coincidence.
Linen has that effect because it allows air to circulate more efficiently than other fabrics. The people of St. Barths can probably attest to this.
Besides minor wrinkling, which linen is prone to do, it’s a pretty ideal fabric to spend the summer months in. Cooling properties aside, another great thing about linen is that you can find it in almost all types of clothing from your casual Sunday shorts to boardroom level suiting.
Despite what it sounds like, sweating buckets is never hot. Check out our style picks in our summer fabric of choice and stay cool all summer long.
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Linen Pieces For Summer
The black piping on this linen jacket by Zara creates a polished and professional look.
LOFT Crochet Trim Linen Shorts, $61.39
LOFT’s crochet trim linen shorts will add a bit of boho to any outfit, all while keeping the air circulating around your lower half.
Club Monaco Reid Pant, $198.50
Club Monaco’s versatile Reid Pant will easily take you from work to weekend. Simply dress it up with a pair of heels for the office or flip flops for a casual stroll.
Flutter Sleeve Linen Dress, $76.23
If you’re looking for something ultra feminine, this blush coloured flutter sleeve dress will do the job.
Nothing says summertime more than nautical clothing. Well actually, linen does. Ralph Lauren’s Split Neck Linen Top incorporates the best of both worlds.
For a stylish office appropriate outfit, wear Theory’s Andraya Linen Dress cinched with a belt and paired with your favourite professional pumps.
Summer just wouldn’t be summer without a maxi dress. Tommy Bahama, well known for their stylish summer attire, offers a colourful medallion maxi dress in linen to keep you ultra chill when humidity hits.
For those warm summer showers, Brooks Brothers has a solution in the form of this adorable water-repellent linen cape.
Joe Fresh Linen Pump, $89
We can’t confirm that linen pumps will breathe better but the fabric does lend a nice texture to the classic black pump. In fact, it's a cool departure from leather, which isn’t ideal for hot sticky weather.
Summer is all about simplicity. Forget layering, coats, socks and nylons: a simple linen skirt like this one from Joe Fresh, paired with a white tank top is effortlessly stylish.
The inset pleats of this breezy linen dress from BB Dakota creates volume in the skirt. The extra bit of drama makes it perfect for a ladies' night out.
Super stylist Rachel Zoe offers this chic linen vest featuring a pointed hem and four welt pockets on the front. Paired with a great pair of white linen trousers, you’ll look nothing short of couture.
If you’re on the hunt for something less than basic, you’ve found it here. Anna Sui’s Spring ‘14 runway show was all about boho-luxe and her embroidered linen jumpsuit perfectly embodies the look she was going for.
Put away your wool blazer and replace it with this summer-ready schoolboy blazer by J.Crew. It’s perfect for the office and features bespoke details like ticket pockets and a notched lapel.
Kain Label takes the basic t-shirt and makes wearing tees even cooler by making it in a breathable airy linen.