The Linen Edit: Easy Pieces for a Laid-Back Summer

Linen is less of a seasonal trend and more of a state of mind. Every summer I revisit it, and every summer I realize why it never really left. It’s the one fabric that manages to look effortlessly put-together, while also letting you breathe — physically and stylistically.

Over the past few weeks, I tried on over a dozen linen pieces from some of my go-to brands — Mango, Arket, & Other Stories, Zara, and a few under-the-radar labels like 120% Lino and Sézane. Below are the standouts that actually made it to my personal wishlist — and yes, a few already live in my closet.

Let’s start with pants, because good linen trousers are harder to find than they should be. The White Linen Pants from Reformation are stunning in person — the fabric has a great weight, and they don’t go sheer, which is rare. If you want something softer and more affordable, the Wide Linen Pants from COS and the Linen Mid Waist Trousers from NA-KD are both incredibly wearable and surprisingly structured. I wore the COS pair with a tucked-in tank and felt like someone who drinks espresso and owns a Moleskine.

On the more tailored end, Arket’s Linen Pants hold their shape well even after a long commute, and Massimo Dutti’s Grey Linen Pants are the only ones I’ve found that don’t look crushed after sitting down for 30 minutes. If you’re someone who likes polish but not stiffness, these two are worth it.

Shirts-wise, I fell for the Oversized Shirt from Zara — simple, slouchy, looks way more expensive than it is. Also loved the Linen Long-Sleeve Shirt from Oysho (yes, Oysho — surprise!) and the Blue Stripes Shirt from Sézane, which gives you a slightly French-boyfriend-shirt energy.

Dresses? The Asymmetric Dress from Mango drapes beautifully and feels twice the price, and I can’t not mention the Mini Dress from & Other Stories — it’s flirty but not childish, and the linen blend doesn’t wrinkle like tissue paper. I haven’t bought the Linen Dress from Zara (yet), but it’s sitting very high on my radar — the back is just structured enough to skip the bra.

And then there’s The Sleeveless Top from 120% Lino. It’s not cheap, but it feels like something I’d wear every summer for the next five years. It’s the kind of piece that doesn’t try too hard — and yet somehow makes you feel like you’ve made excellent life choices.

💡 Why linen?

Because it breathes. It’s naturally antibacterial and moisture-wicking, meaning you stay fresher longer (read: fewer laundry days). And it’s one of the most sustainable fibers around — made from flax, it uses less water and fewer chemicals than cotton. But more than that, linen has an attitude — it whispers ease, intention, and a kind of casual chic that doesn’t need validation.

If you’re building a capsule summer wardrobe — this edit is where I’d start.

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