Why choose linen for your summer wardrobe?
Linen is firmly back in fashion! After falling out favour for some time, linen is back and it's just as versatile and elegant as ever. Linen is one of the world’s oldest materials; it was used by the ancient Egyptians and it was a staple of fashion icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe.
What is linen?
Linen is made from the flax plant and 70% of the world's production of flax originates from Europe, with France being a world leader in both growing the plant and processing it into linen. Belgium and the Netherlands are also big producers of flax. After the flax is harvested, it is processed and then the fibres are spun and woven into linen. According to the Master of Linen, the European trade body, there are over 10,000 companies, from 14 EU countries, involved in the production of linen, which includes farmers, right the way through to wholesalers.
Sustainable linen
Flax is believed to be one of the oldest continuously cultivated plants in the world. It is also one of the most sustainable natural materials around; not only does it biodegrade, but flax grown in Europe requires little in the way of irrigation. Flax likes rich wet soil, which is why it is well suited to the climate of northern Europe.
The process of making flax into linen has little to no waste, as all of the crop is used. Also, the farming of flax is generally sustainable as it produces optimal soil quality and only needs to be rotated every six to seven years. It has also been proven that flax can absorb CO2 emissions and requires little in the way of fertilizer and pesticides.
Linen properties
Linen is perfect for a summer wardrobe! Its highly breathable and the weave structure of linen provides more airflow than other fibres, such as cotton. Linen does not cling to the skin, dries quickly and is highly absorbent, meaning it quickly removes perspiration from the skin. So, it's exactly what you need in the summer or when you are in a hot and humid climate.
Whether you are looking for a linen shirt, dress, top or cardigan, our range of linen clothing includes the perfect wardrobe staples for summer.
Here are our top picks from our Spring/Summer collection:
Linen Cotton Dress
Dressed up or down, this elegant linen and cotton dress is a classic. Ideal for dining alfresco on a warm summer evening, team this dress with a pair of heeled mules and, if the weather gets chilly, throw on a slouchy jumper. Shop now.
Linen Cotton Tie Waist Top
Pack this top if you are planning a relaxing trip to Cornwall. Style with jeans and your favourite pair of trainers for a stylish, yet casual, weekend look. Shop now.
Linen Henley Top
The perfect top for a dinner in a country pub; relaxed yet stylish, this linen top is a go-to classic that can be worn any season. Shop now.
Shop all of our linen clothing today.