By Lindsay Tapscott
Linen has been a sought-after fabric for thousands upon thousands of years––the Ancient Egyptians actually used to use it as a form of currency and once upon a time it was considered one of the most luxurious fabrics to wear by those in high society. Today, though, it’s everywhere, showing up across our daily lives from our bedsheets to our clothing. And lucky us: it’s one of our favourite fabrics for spring and summer as it’s breathable, it flatters every figure, and it keeps you looking chic while keeping you cool and comfortable. Not to mention that its wrinkled look gives you that effortlessly laid-back summer vibe we strive to achieve every day.
What Is Linen?
Harvested from the stalk flax plant, which grows in cool climates and is strong enough to keep away harmful things like insects and drought, linen is the most comfortable material for warmer months because of its high moisture-wicking properties and somewhat stiff feel (meaning it absorbs sweat and creates a cool space between it and your skin). It’s also incredible durable––it’s considered one of the world’s strongest natural fibres, which means your linen clothing can last you for years without losing their shape or falling apart. In fact, the more you wash linen, the softer against your skin it becomes.
How To Wear Your Linen
There are so many ways to wear linen, too. Dress it up for a party or down for the weekend––you’ll look chic and put-together all the same. One of our favourite wear-anywhere pieces right now is our Linen Dolman T-shirt Dress, available in soft chambray blue, classic navy, or our new watermark print. Done in a boxier fit that tapers at the knee and featuring a flattering boat neckline and convenient side inseam pockets, you can pair it with heels and jewellery for a work event or throw on some sandals for a casual day look. Or, if separates is more your thing, we can’t wax poetic enough about how simple and sophisticated it is to slip into head-to-toe linen: we love our Linen V-Neck Tank Top paired with our Linen Wide-Leg Crop Pant for a loose and relaxed outfit that still feels extremely chic. We suggest trying them in matching soft chambray blue for a look that feels subdued yet standout, but they’re also available in navy, watermark print and bright, clean white. If you prefer something sleeved to sleeveless, opt for our Linen Dolman Top for a length that’s longer but still perfect for hotter days, or try our Linen Mandarin Collar Tunic and wear the sleeves long or rolled to the elbow depending on the temperature.
Caring For Your Linen Clothing
Have we mentioned yet how easy it is to care for linen? Simply wash it in the machine in cold water and hang-dry. It should last you for years if you care for it properly (just don’t wash it with bleach or whiteners as they can weaken the fabric’s fibers). It’s also hypoallergenic because of its breathability, and it’s environmentally friendly. The way in which flax is cultivated is one of the most sustainable in the world––more sustainable than cotton––and linen is both recyclable and biodegradable, which means less textile waste, one of the current major contributors to the environmental crisis.
Shop Linen Online at Our Women’s Fashion Store
So, we ask you: what’s not to love about linen? In our humble opinion, all of the above factors make choosing an outfit this spring and summer an easy and effortless task. And the clincher? There’s no doubt you’ll look great doing it.
