It’s getting to be that time! With spring breaks, trips to warmer destinations, and summer on the horizon we are on the hunt for clothing that can keep us cool. Linen is the perfect material for hot days with its cooling and moisture-wicking properties.
We have an upcoming trip to a hot/humid climate so we’ve have been doing lots of linen research for you and have tried on a ton of pieces! Linen is a go-to for those who want to brave the heat with style! Some other things about linen you may not know are that it:
- Provides excellent hygroscopicity, which helps drain the water from the skin’s surface and allows optimal body temperature.
- Acts as a barrier against UV rays.
- Is hypoallergenic and naturally anti-bacterial.
- Is highly breathable.
- Absorbs moisture and dries relatively quickly,
- Is a sustainable choice.
Linen is also more durable than cotton so it’s extremely long-lasting. If you take proper care of your linen, it can last for years and years!
Note: Do NOT worry about linen wrinkling. Linen wrinkles – it’s part of the charm. As Maria Bogner (founder of Bogner ski clothing) told Chrissie many years ago, “If it’s not wrinkled, how will people know it’s linen!?’
With all that new info in mind, we’ve put together a FabList for you of our favorite linen pieces for Spring/Summer 2025.
Shirts:
This one from J. Crew is a perfect summer top!
Long sleeve linen shirt: This top is a staple – it pairs well with linen pants, white jeans, or as a bathing suit cover-up.
This oversized shirt from the Gap comes in lots of fun colors (12 solid and striped options) to brighten up any outfit! Consider sizing down for a less oversized look. Chrissie got the white (sized down) to go with everything.
Old Navy has linen shirts in solids, stripes and even a fun flower pattern.
Dresses/Skirts:
This fun print dress will take you right through summer in style!
This Boden linen shirt dress is a classic that will be in your closet for a long time! And this one from Garnet Hill is perfect for summer lunches and dinners.
J. Crew always has a strong linen showing and this is another perfect shirtdress for the season. If you’re looking for something more flowy, this linen maxi is a great choice.
This Day Tripper dress from Everlane in a little gingham print, or in a solid, is a great add.
Chrissie got this Tommy Bahama dress for her upcoming trip and while sleeveless can be tricky these days for some of us, the cut on this one is just so good and flattering! Comes in blue, pink or black.
Chrissie has this Gap skirt in black from last year (wore it a ton traveling last summer) and got it in beige this year – it’s a great weight linen, hangs well and is easy to wear with a tee or a linen top. The white is lined (to keep from being too sheer), and the others are not.
Pants & Shorts:
Our favorite Anthro Collette pant is available in linen and in such perky colors!
Wide leg linen pants: These are a classic casual linen pant, also available in a tapered leg if that’s more your style.
The Gap has a good linen game this season! These mid-rise barrel pants are baggy, but given the cut they look modern/cool and are so comfy! They are great for shorter torso people who don’t want a high-rise pant – they hit just right/are not too high. These are the ones Chrissie is most excited about! (They are currently low on stock so check back for them as they are worth waiting for!).
Uniqlo has linen trouser pants that are a great weight and fit.
If you’re looking for a coord, this set from Eileen Fisher is a great option:
Rag & Bone has some great linen pieces this season, especially these drawstring pants.
Tommy Bahama always has great drawstring linen pants available in a few colors.
Old Navy’s linen pants are also a great weight. Size down. Chrissie got these for her upcoming trip, in white!
If you’re looking for a more tailored pant, this one from J. Crew fits the bill!
Rag & Bone has these great long and wide linen shorts!
And if you are wanting a bit shorter shorts, Quince has these draw-string shorts available in 10 colors for under $30.
