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Lightweight, breathable and inherently chic, nothing embodies summer style like linen. The hot weather staple can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, standing the test of time thanks to its comfort, versatility and elegance. The natural flax-based fabric also weaves well into sustainability narratives: it is biodegradable and requires less water to produce than cotton or wool.
Linen brings a practical touch to timeless summer style. It is highly absorbent, making it ideal for hot and humid climes, while also being long-lasting, becoming softer and more lustrous with wear. The only argument against linen? It creases easily. While designers now offer a range of cotton- or silk-linen blends to add structure and avoid creasing, the nonchalant rumples on a pure linen shirt or trousers add to their charm, giving you an effortlessly lived-in look.
For SS24, linen took centre stage on numerous runways, including at Victoria Beckham, where baggy pleated trousers abounded, and Zegna, which showcased tailored linen separates in an array of earthy neutrals and pale pastels.
How to care for linen
Linen pieces can last you a lifetime when properly looked after. Always check the care instructions on the label before washing, but often, it’s best to wash linen on your machine’s gentle cycle. Avoid washing in cold or very hot water to avoid shrinkage and make sure to air dry linen pieces flat if possible. When it comes to ironing, dampen clothing first or, for more delicate linen, lay a damp cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric.
From easy, breezy shirts and dresses to unstructured suits perfect for formal events, if you’re ready to glide through summer in linen, here are our favourite new season pieces for men and women.
The best linen clothing for women
Whether you’re exploring the Greek islands, heading to brunch with friends, strolling through one of London's food markets or just trying to get through the workday during a heatwave, linen staples will be the star of your summer wardrobe.
Look to British brands With Nothing Underneath and Aexae for linen shirts perfect for throwing over a tank top at work or a bikini on the beach. Breezy linen dresses are a great one-and-done option. Ralph Lauren’s striped linen shirtdress makes for polished workwear while Zimmermann offers an array of floral-printed linen dresses – stock up on enough for every day of your holiday.
For more formal occasions, invest in linen tailoring. Toteme and Reiss offer linen-blend blazers that’ll keep you cool while staying crease-free.
The best linen clothing for men
If an aversion to creasing has been keeping you away from linen, you’re missing out. The best linen menswear spans casual shirts and shorts to tailored summer suits - all of which promise to keep you cool, calm and collected as temperatures rise.
Embrace linen’s laid back vibe with Etro’s beige linen shirt. Elsewhere, Mr P’s bright blended iteration is a great office option. Oliver Spencer and Ralph Lauren make easy work of packing your holiday suitcase with colourful, striped linen shorts. Pair with loafers for a polished look or boat shoes if you’re heading to sunny shores. Paul Smith, meanwhile, offers a formal linen suit perfect for weddings while Desmond & Dempsey’s casual patterned pyjama set will keep you feeling and looking cool on balmy summer evenings.
The best linen clothing for children
Linen clothing for children is a godsend for chic parents in the summer. From preppy sets to frilly dresses, a whole host of childrenswear brands are offering contemporary linen clothing both you and your child will adore.
Frothy linen dresses are a safe bet for everything from family dinners to birthday parties. French brand Tartine et Chocolat has a variety of embroidered styles while Stella McCartney’s linen-cotton blend styles will stay proper no matter how rowdy playtime gets. For more relaxed events, skip the dresses and style your mini-me in Chloé’s linen tie-waist shorts with a frilly shirt and ballet flats.
Little boys can cut a smart figure in a linen shirt – Ralph Lauren and La Coqueta have great options. Elsewhere, Brunello Cucinelli’s linen suit will be a go-to if your littles ones are joining you on the wedding circuit this summer.
Read more: What to wear to a wedding: The ultimate guest dressing guide for men
