06 Nov

16 Ways to Wear Linen in Every Season

Looking for the perfect linen items to add to your wardrobe? When it comes to sustainable materials, linen is one of the oldest and most-loved. It’s a natural fibre we’ve been growing for centuries, making lightweight, breathable clothes that last and last. In fact, there are many pros to linen, especially when incorporated into garments made by sustainable brands.

When worn, linen withstands high temperatures, wicking away sweat without holding bacteria. For that reason, linen is often thought of as a summer fabric, but it’s actually wearable all year round. In this guide, discover how this classic material is being designed in contemporary styles by some of our favourite sustainable brands: here are 16 ways to wear linen.

CARPASUS

Rated: Great
man wearing blue and white striped linen shirt by ethical brand CARPASUS

Linen Shirt Stripes Light Blue – Ships internationally from Switzerland

For a classic summer look, turn to CARPASUS’ range of men’s linen shirts. These are made with organic linen, meaning no pesticides were used when growing the natural material. This blue and white striped variety is perfect for hot sunny days, with the fabric allowing the heat to escape, keeping you cool. And if you’re travelling, you’re in luck: these shirts don’t need to be ironed!

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Shop CARPASUS.

OhSevenDays

Rated: Good

Linen Cropped Top Red – Ships internationally from Turkey

For an added bit of glamour, go for OhSevenDays’ linen cropped top. These are made from 100% reclaimed linen, and feature side zipper fastening and double layered fabric. They go perfectly with matching shorts, a pair of jeans, or tucked under the aforementioned Arielle power suit! OhSevenDays’ garments are available in sizes XS-XL.

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Shop OhSevenDays.

Shop OhSevenDays @ SlowCo.

ASKET

Rated: Good

The Linen Shirt – Ships internationally from Sweden

Cut from 100% linen, ASKET’s collection of dress shirts look both sharp and cool. They can be worn for work or at home, balancing the shirts’ relaxed fit with classic detailing through the mother of pearl buttons and structured collars. Give your traditional shirts an update with their range of muted colours: navy, olive, beige, and more. And the material naturally makes for real longevity, getting softer with each wash and wear.

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Shop ASKET.

Infantium Victoria

Rated: Great

Organic Linen Dress – Ships internationally from Italy

If you’ve got a little one to spoil, this 100% organic linen and cotton ruffle dress is bound to become a special occasion favourite. Made in Germany from organic linen and organic cotton, it features an asymmetrical neckline and Victorian-era ruffles around the neck and hemlines.

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Shop Infantium Victoria.

Shop Infantium Victoria @ LVR Sustainable.

Whimsy + Row

Rated: Good

Valentina Pant in Black Linen – Ships internationally from the US

Black flared pants are a modern staple, and a great addition to a minimalist or capsule wardrobe since they go with just about anything. Whimsy + Row is one of our all time faves, and their 100% linen take is top of our wishlist, made from natural flax plants grown in Belgium and dyed in LA using recycled water and certified low impact dyes.

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Shop Whimsy + Row.

Shop Whimsy + Row @ Earthkind.

Luna + Sun

Rated: Good

Ananda Linen Pants – Ships internationally from Australia

Luna + Sun is an Australian, cruelty-free fashion line creating gorgeous feminine designs. Its factory is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia, and its products are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. Find the clothes in AU sizes 6-18.

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Shop Luna + Sun.

All the Wild Roses

Rated: Good

Cecile Reversible Linen Camisole – Ships internationally from Australia

All the Wild Roses offers bohemian fashion for the dreamers and change-makers. This Australian brand uses up to 50% deadstock fabric to create high quality and long-lasting products. Find most items in sizes XS-2XL.

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Shop All the Wild Roses.

A.BCH

Rated: Great
man wearing black linen trousers by abch

Palazzo Trousers – Ships internationally from Australia

A.BCH is a Melbourne-based, Australian-made fashion label for individuals who care about garment provenance. It utilises renewable, organic, and recycled materials. Find the range in sizes XS-XL, or customise to fit you.

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Shop A.BCH.

ISTO.

Rated: Good

Women’s Linen Shirt – Ships internationally from Portugal

Offers

A folded up ethically made white t-shirt by ISTO.

ISTO. – T-Shirts

ISTO. is bringing you the best organic cotton t-shirts you've ever worn for a great price. Buy 3, get €6 off t-shirts. (Ends: 5 AUG)

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Three packs of organic socks by ISTO. in dark neutral tones.

ISTO. – Socks

Made of organic cotton and recycled materials, these socks are the perfect mix of comfy, soft, and stretchy. Buy 3, get €8 off socks. (Ends: 5 AUG)

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Portuguese brand ISTO.’s mandate is simple: create clothes to transcend the seasons and work as staple items in your wardrobe all year round. It has one single collection and pursues quality over quantity to try and make its items permanently available. It uses organic and natural materials, and is incredibly transparent in showing you the true cost of your clothes when you go to purchase a piece for your wardrobe. The range is available in XS-XL.

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Shop ISTO..

Mara Hoffman

Rated: Good

Annetta Linen Dress – Ships internationally from the UK

If you want to treat yourself to a gorgeous linen dress, Mara Hoffman has you covered with the Annetta. With a two way zip closure all the way down the front, you can show more or less skin to your liking. Made with organic linen and natural dyes, this one is an easy fit—both on you, and into the fashion-forward eco-wardrobe of your dreams.

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Shop Mara Hoffman @ Rêve En Vert.

Shop Mara Hoffman Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Mara Hoffman.

Vitamin A

Rated: Good

Lana Skirt – Ships internationally from the US

While you may know Vitamin A for its swimwear, it also creates some gorgeous linen beachwear like this always flattering midi length wrap skirt. Made from breathable and biodegradable 100% linen, the Lana Skirt comes in white, black, and leopard print, so you can match with your favourite bikini (or, let’s be honest, any top) in comfort and style.

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Shop Vitamin A.

Beaumont Organic

Rated: Good

Emma-May Organic Cotton & Linen Top – Ships internationally from the UK

Keeping up with SS20’s hottest trend, Beaumont Organic has reinvented linen in these tie-style strap tops that feature an elegant cross-over back and v-neck detail. Combining linen with an organic cotton jersey lining, they’re both soft and strong, and can be worn alone or layered in cooler months.

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Shop Beaumont Organic.

Neu Nomads

Rated: Great

Organic Linen Cropped Peg Leg Pant – Ships internationally from the US

Offers

Someone reclining on a couch in an airy beige eco-friendly outfit by Neu Nomads.

Neu Nomads – Site-wide

Capture the essence of the season with Neu Nomads' luxuriously soft, lightweight, and airy collection of eco-friendly dresses, summer blouses, and pants. Exclusive 20% off with code GOODONYOU20. (Ends: 17 JUL)

Checkout code: GOODONYOU20
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Linen pants are a classic, and these sand coloured ones are made from 100% organic flax linen using non-toxic, AZO free dyes. Flax linen is one of the strongest fibres in the world which means these pants will last for years and years, so they are a worthy investment for your sustainable wardrobe.

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Shop Neu Nomads.

MATE the Label

Rated: Great

Linen Overall – Ships internationally from the US

For something a little different, look no further than MATE the label, who always creates exquisite takes on linen. These yellow linen overalls are a delightful example of how versatile linen can be. Overalls are perfect to wear alone on a warmer day, or layer with  a jumper for the cooler weather, and this super relaxed cut is flattering on many body types. Find the range in inclusive sizes XS-3XL.

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Shop MATE the label.

tonlé

Rated: Great

Rachana Jumpsuit – Ships internationally from the US

For a more feminine take on linen, take a look at tonlé’s collection of waist-cinching jumpsuits. Made from a mix of reclaimed linen, cotton, and rayon, these pieces make the most of these materials’ natural relaxed draping, whilst accentuating your shape. And with two side pockets, they trump most dresses!

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Shop tonlé.

Shop tonlé @ Veneka.

Altar

Rated: Good

Latoya Dress – Ships internationally from the US

Offers

Someone wearing an orange bikini set by Altar Houseline.

Altar – Altar Houseline

This is Altar's flagship line: produced in their Portland studio and with their factory partners in Los Angeles. Every style is available in sizes XS-6XL, and made in the USA using sustainable, deadstock textile sourcing with ethical manufacturing. Exclusive 20% off Altar Houseline for your first order with code ALTARHOUSLINE/GOODONYOU20%OFF! (Ends: 31 JUL)

Checkout code: ALTARHOUSLINE/GOODONYOU20%OFF!
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Someone wearing a black Alter Houseline Basics outfit.

Altar – Altar Houseline Basics

Altar Houseline has been working on a new collection of basics made from deadstock materials that are affordable, elemental, and highly layerable for every day wear. Exclusive 20% off Altar Houseline Basics for your first order with code ALTARHOUSLINE/GOODONYOU20%OFF! (Ends: 31 JUL)

Checkout code: ALTARHOUSLINE/GOODONYOU20%OFF!
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Altar is a US-based boutique that specialises in alternative and custom fashion, apothecary, and gifts. The brand celebrates independent manufacturers and artists from across North America, with a focus on the stories that are woven into their work. Its clothing brand, Altar Houseline, is proudly made in America using deadstock materials and serves size gradations from size S to 6XL.

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Shop Altar.

Learn more about linen.

 

About the author:

Besma Whayeb is the author of Curiously Conscious, a leading sustainable fashion and lifestyle blog. Her work has appeared in BBC News, Elle, The Guardian, The Times, and others. Alongside her blog, Whayeb is the Founder and Director of Ethical Influencers, a digital community network of over 1,000+ likeminded content creators and influencers from over 60 countries worldwide.

Editor's note

Feature image via MATE the Label, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world's most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet and animals. Use the Directory to search more than 3,000 brands. To support our work, we may earn a commission on sales made using our offer codes or affiliate links.

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