There's a reason we start seeing linen clothing popping up in ads as soon as summer is upon us. Or, to be more accurate, about three primary reasons that all lead to the same thing: Linen is an exceptionally cool fabric. And we're not talking about how hip it is — although there are some chic garments in this list. We mean that it is literally, amazingly, remarkably cooling in the hot summer weather, which makes it perfect for anyone who lives in a climate that gets sticky-hot.
Linen is made from the flax plant, the same way cotton comes from, well, the cotton plant. Flax fibers are thicker than cotton and tend to be quite long, and this is one of the reasons why it makes such a great summertime fabric.
We won't get too scientific here, but the basic breakdown as to why linen is special is this: The weave of linen creates more airflow, the fabric is stiffer than cotton (though soft) and won't cling to the skin, and it can absorb a ton of moisture before it starts feeling wet or sticky. It's also great at heat conductivity — far better than wool or silk — so that helps keep us feeling cool in the summer, too. Neat, right?
So if we choose all-linen dresses, we can expect to stay as cool as possible in the summer. If we choose dresses that are a linen-cotton mix, they'll be cool but not as naturally sweat-wicking. And if we choose dresses in linen mixed with rayon, which is a fabric that's great for keeping wrinkles at bay but is still a breathable fabric, we can expect the linen to help with cooling a bit, but not too much. If you'll be pregnant this summer, check out some maternity pieces. For those who will still be hot, even in a linen dress, try some wacky ways to stay cool. And for our mamas, they'll still need some handy summer hacks to stay sane while the kids are out of school.
The Linen Shirt Dress
This is a 100% linen dress that can absolutely be worn anywhere, from running to the store to heading to the office or going out for a summer dinner. Dress it up or down, it'll look neatly polished, no matter what.
The Linen Shirt Dress ($78, Everlane)
Women's Sleeveless V-Neck Asymmetrical Button Detail Dress
So breezy and cute! This is a great date night dress, and at a price that won't break the bank. Made of 45% rayon and 55% linen, it won't be quite as breathable as some other pieces, but we think the summery cuteness factor will be well worth it.
Women's Easy Linen Tank Dress – A New Day ($20, Target)
Women's Plus Size Short Sleeve Boat Neck Tie Waist Midi Dress
We absolutely adore this retro-inspired dress that glams up easily with a pair of heels and some statement earrings, or gets casual with sandals and simple jewelry. Made of 55% breathable linen and 45%, well, not-very-breathable rayon, it won't be the absolutely coolest-feeling item in the closet, but it'll be close.
Women's Plus Size Short Sleeve Boat Neck Tie Waist Midi Dress ($40, Target)
Kimono Sleeve Tie-Belt Dress in Linen
This lightweight dress is 55% linen and 45% cotton, which means it's going to be less totally cool and sweat-wicking than an 100% linen dress, but still breathable, and far more affordable. The sash belt will make this flattering on every figure.
Kimono Sleeve Tie-Belt Dress in Linen ($70, Gap)
Linen-Blend Fit & Flare Dress for Women
We love this super-flattering fit-and-flare cut with a deep scoop neck, hidden zipper, and princess seams. It's 76% viscose rayon and 24% linen, so it won't have a lot of that cool, sweat-wicking linen ability, but it's still a gorgeous dress (and it's a steal).
Linen-Blend Fit & Flare Dress for Women ($40, Old Navy)
Mimosa Linen Dress
This is such a gorgeous style, and we love the wide range of colors it comes in. Great as a maternity dress (and post-baby dress!) due to its easy wrap look, this is made from 100% Oeko-Tex certified linen, which means that the fabric is safe and nontoxic.
Mimosa Linen Dress ($87, Linenfox/Etsy)
Tommy Hilfiger Linen Roll-Tab Shirtdress
This is the kind of dress that gets bought and then worn on heavy rotation for the next 20 years. It's crisp, it's 100% linen, we love the roll-tab sleeves for handling kiddos and all their attendant messes, and it's machine-washable. Yes.
Tommy Hilfiger Linen Roll-Tab Shirtdress ($110, Macy's)
Vince Camuto Linen Button-Trim Dress
The square neckline and button trim on this 100 % linen dress are reminiscent of Old West dresses without feeling costumey in the least. And we appreciate that it's also easily machine washable. A great investment piece.
Vince Camuto Linen Button-Trim Dress ($129, Macy's)
Linen Blend A-Line Sleeveless Dress
So chic and elegant, this linen-blend dress is an excellent value and comes in three colors — something to suit any skin tone. We love that the belt offers a lot of different ways to style it, and that the fabric is majority linen for added coolness.
Linen Blend A-Line Sleeveless Dress ($30, Uniqlo)
Linen Dress
For those looking for a pure linen dress for that extra breathability factor, this knee-length option is a smart choice. With a slight texture to the material, it closes at the front with small, real shell buttons. So elegant.
Linen Dress ($189, Poetry)
French Linen Washed Sleeveless Dress
Loose and airy, this 100% French linen sleeveless dress is just right for the hottest days of the summer. It's been washed during the manufacturing for extra softness, too — which we've never said no to in our lives.
French Linen Washed Sleeveless Dress ($59, Muji)
Linen Fringe-Hem A-Line Dress
This is such a classic, it'll last for years. Because of its absolute simplicity, this relaxed, 100% French linen dress is a great backdrop for big statement jewelry — although it's also beautiful when worn simply. Plus, pockets!
Linen Fringe-Hem A-Line Dress ($128, Garnet Hill)
Rae Linen Dress
This 100% linen, ultra-chic piece is lightly fitted but still has some room. It's also sophisticated and cheerful at the same time. It's unlined so the linen is right against the skin for ultimate cooling, and best of all, there are two side pockets, because pockets.
Rae Linen Dress ($98, Boden)
Linen Pleated-Top Dress
Made of 100% linen, this sleeveless dress has a lot of interesting details that make it stand out: the vertical and horizontal pleats form a pattern on the bodice, and also create some subtle shaping in the back. We absolutely love the on-seam pockets, of course.
Linen Pleated-Top Dress ($99, J. Jill)
UO Natalie Linen Belted Shirt Dress
This is the kind of dress that just makes us feel absolutely timeless. Loose and airy, this garment runs a bit large but that's intentional for the look. It does have a belted waist to creates shape, and a full skirt.
UO Natalie Linen Belted Shirt Dress ($79, Urban Outfitters)
Sleeveless Shirtdress in Linen
Easy and lightweight, we love the simple elegance of this linen-blend weave. Made of 55% linen and 45% rayon, it's breathable but maybe not a fit for the hottest summer day. The sash belt adds shape, while the longer hem at the back brings it up to date.
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Sleeveless Shirtdress in Linen ($70, Gap)__
UO Houston Linen Button-Front Drop Waist Dress
The cool button-front and drop waist on this gives us a serious '90s throwback vibe. It's loose with a skirt that absolutely twirls like a dream. It's made from 70% viscose and 30% linen, so it'll be pretty breathable, too.
UO Houston Linen Button-Front Drop Waist Dress ($69, Urban Outfitters)
Pure Navy Linen Midi Wrap Dress
This is such an elegant, chic dress that can be worn for a lifetime, really. It's lightweight, 100% linen, with a side tie and A-line silhouette. It's machine washable in addition to being totally gorgeous.
Pure Navy Linen Midi Wrap Dress ($60, Saks Fifth Avenue)
Linen Dress Adria
White and gray colorblock doesn't sound like it's going to look super hip, but then here we are, looking at this dress. It's stone washed 100% Oeko-Tex certified European linen, so it's safe and softened, and we are absolutely enthralled by the existence of two pockets.
Linen Dress Adria ($79, MagicLinen/Etsy)
Liz Claiborne Ibiza Waves Sleeveless Striped A-Line Dress
Made of 55% linen and 45% cotton, this super breathable pullover dress is the kind of thing we'll shrug on in the morning without thinking about it because it's so comfy, but then realize how easy it is to glam up.
Liz Claiborne Ibiza Waves Sleeveless Striped A-Line Dress ($49, JC Penney)
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