Depending on where you're headed for vacation this spring, heat waves can pack a punch and have you waving your white flag at the idea of putting any effort into your outfit as you opt for an old T-shirt and running shorts. But you shouldn't have to sacrifice style for comfort, no matter how hot it is. As you swap your heavy layers for shorts, sweaters for tank tops and boots for sandals, adding a few breathable linen pieces to your spring or summer wardrobe will help you withstand any sweaty situation.
Linen has long been a summer staple thanks to the variety of styles and designs the textile can be used for — and it might just be the saving grace for all your upcoming warm weather plans. Shop TODAY talked to clothing experts about the best maintenance tips to care for your seasonal clothes in the best way possible.
How to care for linen clothing | How can you tell good quality linen? | How to style linen during summer? | Linen tops to shop | Linen bottoms to shop | Linen dresses and rompers to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts
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Best linen apparel
"Linen is like a fine wine — regular wear and wash makes linen softer and more comfortable over time," said stylist Whitney Keeffe. "Instead of trying to keep your linen like new, focus on helping it age gracefully by following care instructions and storing flat and in a cool, dry spot."
Keeffe shared a few additional tips for how to best care for your linen garments. "The best way to care for linen at home is to machine wash at a low temperature and hang or lay flat to dry. I always say that if you’re going to wear linen, you need to embrace the wrinkle. But if your garment is a little too unkempt from sitting too long in the dryer or being stored all winter, you can iron it on low heat."
How can you tell good quality linen?According to Emily Ziegler, vice president of merchandising for Petal & Pup, two easy ways to determine the quality of linen are to look at the texture and weight of the linen. "Quality linen tends to have a smooth texture and a substantial weight. Another quality of pure linen is it tends to wrinkle easily, which is just a characteristic of the fabric," says Ziegler. "However, high-quality linen should have a good balance, not excessively wrinkling," she says.
Alex Crane, founder/CEO of Alex Crane, adds that "the best linen is full-bodied, smooth and soft against your skin. It behaves more like denim, getting softer and more beautiful with wear."
"Cheap linen, on the other hand, is paper thin and scratchy. It crinkles like a paper bag and it’s got no drape. It rips easily and only gets worse with wear," explains Crane.
How to style linen during summerFor a classic day look, Keeffe recommends wearing a "classic linen button-down with straight fit jeans and a pair of sneakers or flat sandals (linen and Birkenstocks are a match made in fashion heaven)."
During the night, linen can be paired with classier elements and darker colors. The inevitable wrinkle of the linen will give your outfits a more relaxed look, but the right accessories can elevate any outfit.
"Opt for wide-leg linen pants with something more smooth and streamlined on top like a fitted knit tank or silky cami. Finish with some strappy block heel sandals and elevate the look by adding a third texture (think straw clutch, twill jacket or an open weave cardigan)," shared Keeffe.
Whether you're planning your vacation wardrobe or looking for something light to walk around the city, here are a few linen pieces to keep you fresh through any summer heat. Also, these are a step up from your favorite tee-and-shorts combo.
Linen tops to shopMinibee Linen Roll-up Sleeve Blouse
What we like
- Cut well
- Good quality
Something to note
- May run small
Colorways: Four | Sizes: M-3X
If you're searching for a lightweight and breathable top, look no further. This stylish linen blouse features roll-up sleeves with single button closure, shirt collar and chest pocket. Not only does this top have over 1,700 five-star reviews on Amazon, but it also comes in four hues, including black, red, white and blue.
Quince 100% European Linen Short Sleeve Shirt
Colorways: 11 | Sizes: XS-XL
This versatile linen shirt is flowy enough that it can be worn with your favorite work pants for a professional look or can be tucked into jeans for more casual outings.
Old Navy Linen-Blend Vest
What we like
- Great quality
- Trendy
Something to note
- May run big
Colorways: Two | Sizes: XS-4X
Stay on trend this spring and summer with this chic linen-blend vest from Old Navy. Available in two neutral hues, this charming vest features a V-neck design, button front and welt pockets. Finish the outfit with a pair of white jeans and tan wedges for the ultimate daytime look.
Loft Cutout Linen Blend V-Neck Top
What we like
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- Flowy and comfortable
Something to note
- Hits at waist
Sizes: XXS-XXL
We can bet you won't be feeling blue while wearing this flowy V-neck top from Loft. This beautiful blouse features a split neck with standing colors, and it comes in both regular and petite for your desired fit. Complete the look with a pair of skinny jeans and a cute crossbody bag.
Banana Republic Ava Linen Tank
What we like
- Great quality
- Stylish
- Lightweight
Something to note
- May wrinkle
Colorways: Two | Sizes: XXS-XXL
Whether you're headed to the Jersey Shore or the Hamptons this summer, this mode linen tank will have you looking like a million bucks. Choose from either coral or white, and from sizes XXS to XXL for a super inclusive fit. The best part? This trendy top will leave you feeling nothing but cool and breezy during the hot summer months.
Linen bottoms to shopOld Navy High-Waisted Linen-Blend Pants
What we like
- Comfortable
- Not see-through
Something to note
- May run large
Colorways: One | Sizes: XS-L
Summer is all about being comfortable and these linen-blend pants certainly share that sentiment. These wide-leg pants feature a comfortable elastic waistband, on-seam pockets and back-patch pockets so you can go to the beach or pool sans purse! Satisfied Old Navy customers speak to the comfortability and overall fit of these pants.
Quince 100% European Linen Pants
What we like
- Comfortable
- Versatile
Something to note
- Runs short
Colorways: Nine | Sizes: XS-XL
A plain black linen pant is a summer staple that can be dressed up for work or worn casually for brunch with your friends. This lightweight pair is made from OEKO-TEX Standard 100 material to ensure no hazardous substances are present. The relaxed fit is essential for those sweltering summer afternoons.
Aerie Pool-To-Party High Waisted Trouser
What we like
- Comfortable
- Airy
- Stylish
Something to note
- Can run long
Colorways: 4 | Sizes: XXS-XXL
Stay cool all spring break with these chic high-waisted trousers from Aerie. These stylish slacks feature a lightweight linen fabric, elastic back waistband and side seam pocket to store your favorite lipstick.
Athleta Retreat Wide Leg Linen Pant
What we like
- Very comfortable
- Thick material
Something to note
- May wrinkle
- May run large
Colorways: Five | Sizes: XS-XL
These linen pants will become your go-to bottoms during the warmest months of the year. Featuring front zip pockets for storing all your everyday essentials, these lightweight slacks are perfect for work or travel.
"I love the color, cut and quality. I am so glad they come in petite. Love them!" raved one five-star reviewer on the brand's website.
Madewell The Plus Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
What we like
- Flattering fit
- True to size
Something to note
- Too lightweight for cold days
Colorways: One | Sizes: 14W-28W
Shop TODAY senior editor Jess Bender will forever rave about Madewell’s Harlow pants. "It’s my go-to slack for work! It’s super easy to dress up or down and it’s the ideal length for my 5’5” frame. Plus, I adore that they launched an easier, breezier linen style that’s perfect for warm days ahead," Bender says.
Available in petite, tall or plus, these super chic white pants are designed to fit women of all shapes and sizes.
Linen dresses and rompers to shopQuince 100% European Linen Button Front
What we like
- Comfortable
- Breathable
Something to note
- May shrink
Colorways: Eight | Sizes: XS-XL
Look refined in this delicate dress from Quince made of 100 percent linen. The design features side pockets, front button detailing and an adjustable belt to enhance your silhouette.
Lulus Campagna Charm Ivory Linen Dress
What we like
- Fits true to size
- Stylish
- Lightweight
Something to note
- Fabric has no stretch
Colorways: One | Sizes: XS-XL
Strut into summer with this darling pinstriped linen dress from Lulus that includes a collared neckline and fitted waist. You'll be sure to turn heads at the summer barbeque or beach party in this lightweight frock with a flared A-line skirt. Grab a straw fedora or a pair of comfy sandals and you'll be ready to go!
GAP Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress
What we like
- Tie-belt at waist
- Comfortable and flowy
Something to note
- Slim fit
Colorways: Four | Sizes: XXS-XXL
Comfort never looked so good with this linen-blend midi shirtdress from GAP. This flirty frock features a point collar, buttons down the front and tie-belt at waist to help accentuate your curves. This darling dress is available in regular, tall and petite for a more inclusive fit, and also pairs well with platform wedges.
Loft Linen Blend Tie Waist Romper
What we like
- Feminine
- Elastic drawstring waist
Something to note
- May run big
Colorways: Two | Sizes: XXS-XXL
If you're more of a short's person, you'll love this tie waist romper from Loft that comes in both regular and petite sizing. With a cinched-waist and fold-over collar, this sweet romper will help you feel your best this season.
"I bought this romper two weeks ago and it is cute. I wear size L, perfect, and I already ordered it in red. I love it," said one five-star reviewer on the brand's website.
Frequently Asked Questions
"Linen is definitely the better warm weather fiber. It's breathable and whisks moisture off your body," says Crane. "It dries super fast and doesn't hold odor. Cotton, on the other hand, absorbs moisture so it gets heavy in humidity, takes forever to dry, and will need a good wash after it gets sweaty," he says.
"Woven linen doesn't really grow with wear, so you can buy your regular size. Knit linen is a looser weave so it's best to size down," says Crane.
Ziegler agrees that if you prefer a more fitted look, you might consider sizing down. "However, it is always good to check the specific sizing information provided by the brand, as sizing can vary by style," says Ziegler.
"Due to the nature of the fabric, linen wrinkles easily and can shrink if not washed properly," explains Ziegler. "High quality linen can be more expensive than other fabrics due to the more labor intensive process of producing linen fibers," she says.
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best linen tops, bottoms and dresses based on expert recommendations from stylists and clothing brand owners. We also conducted market research, filtered our searches for top-rated linen apparel and asked our editors for their favorite picks.
Meet the experts- Whitney Keeffe is a former operations manager for Stitch Fix.
- Emily Ziegler is the vice president of merchandising for Petal & Pup, an Australian-founded fashion brand.
- Alex Crane is the founder/CEO of Alex Crane, a clothing brand whose products are made with 100% renewable, natural materials.
