How to Wear Linen
Weddings, work - even in bed. Dress for any occasion in summer’s favourite fabric
By: Georgia GrahamRead more
How to Wear Linen
Weddings, work - even in bed. Dress for any occasion in summer’s favourite fabric
By: Georgia Graham
Not many trends last thousands of years. But not many fabrics are as versatile as linen - variations of which have been found dating as far back as the Neolithic era. Made from spun flax fibres, linen offers a wealth of naturally occurring benefits. It’s cooling, breathable, moisture-wicking and durable. No wonder it shows up so frequently in the history books as one of humankind’s most popular textiles.
Traditionally a household fabric used for practical purposes and upholstery, the past century has seen linen become a fashion mainstay, synonymous with hot weather dressing and easy elegance. Below you’ll find some suggestions for styling linen from Liberty this season, plus a little guidance on how to care for your linen pieces.
How to Wear Linen… To a Wedding
Summer is a season dominated by two things: holidays and weddings (often a combination of the two - a Research & Markets study estimated that destination weddings climbed in popularity by 32% in 2024). Similar accounts by Pinterest and Vogue also suggest that people are opting for more casual celebrations, choosing informal ceremonies and documentary-style photography to commemorate their big day. For the guests (that’s you), a linen outfit is always a winner - an elegant and un-fussy choice that will keep you cool and comfortable, even through a very long speech.
ALÉMAIS
Papaya Linen Sundress
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Loewe
Flamenco Medium Leather Clutch Bag
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Reformation
Clement Chocolate Cake Linen Dress
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
EX NIHILO
Fleur Narcotique Eau de Parfum 50ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty
9ct Gold Spring Love Chain Necklace
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
SHASHI
14ct Gold-Plated Vermeil Silver Daisy Pearl Drop Earrings
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Toteme
Satin Box Clutch
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Frescobol Carioca
Castro Linen Shirt
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Pyrrha
Sterling Silver Safe Travels Necklace
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
120% Lino
Slim Fit Linen Shirt
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Tom Ford
Calder Square Sunglasses
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Paul Smith
Navy Linen-Wool Chino Trousers
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Anderson's
Stitch-Trimmed Nappa Leather Belt
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
How to Wear Linen… To Work
An unlikely trend this year: the office. First there was ‘office siren’, an aesthetic born on TikTok inspired by the secretarial styling seen at Miu Miu’s AW23 show. More recently, many companies have announced that they’re reducing their work-from-home allowance in an attempt to encourage in-person contact amongst their teams. But after years of dressing casually to WFH, our workwear wardrobes have languished. Here, linen comes to the rescue once again, with tailored linen occupying an approachable spot between everyday casual and strict suiting.
Posse
Matilda Linen Jacket
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty
Iphis 1875 Tudor Shopper Bag
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Posse
Parker High-Waisted Linen Trousers
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
With Nothing Underneath
The Weekend Mocha Multi-Stripe Shirt
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Missoma
18ct Gold-Plated Classic Mini Paperclip Chain Necklace
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Frescobol Carioca
Antonio Linen Shirt
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Loewe
Puzzle Business Cardholder
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
120% Lino
Slim Fit Linen Shirt
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty
Adamas Silk Tie
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Paul Smith
Navy Linen-Wool Chino Trousers
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Miansai
Sterling Silver Thin Geo Ring
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
How to Wear Linen… On Holiday
On the other hand, maybe you’re escaping work-mode and heading off on a summer holiday. Make like the protagonist of an Eric Rohmer film and pack some linen separates to wear on balmy evenings and beach days. Linen is known for feeling cool to the touch, plus it’s strong, absorbent and dries faster than cotton. Just don’t forget to pack a portable steamer - linen’s Achilles heel is its tendency to crease.
Reformation
Jessi Parmesan Linen Mini Dress
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Loewe
x Paula's Ibiza Anagram Basket Bag
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Posse
Rosalie Rose Bud Shorts
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Kori
Blue-Gold Feather Linen Midi Dress
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Celine
Triomphe Oval Sunglasses
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Frescobol Carioca
Castro Linen Shirt
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Creed
Refillable Travel Atomiser 10ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Marané
Dark Lavender Linen Shorts
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Portuguese Flannel
Linen Camp Collar Shirt
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Carhartt WIP
Landon Blue Robertson Denim Shorts
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Tom Ford
Guilliana Geometric Sunglasses
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
How to Wear Linen… Al Fresco
Is it even summer if you’re not eating every meal outside? Try tablescaping with linen accessories for al fresco dining, or picnic-scaping in a park with some portable linen bits. Even for the messy eaters amongst us, linen is a safe choice: it’s easy to care for, as it resists dirt and stains, and can be machine-washed. An easygoing guest of the textile variety.
Avenida Home
Poppy Large Linen Tablecloth
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
KLIMCHI
Large Hobnail Jug
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Addison Ross
Bobbin Salt and Pepper Grinder
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Tessitura Toscana Telerie
Tuli 270x170cm Linen Tablecloth
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Damson Madder
Frilly Stripe Large Bowl
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Vitricca Iannazzi
Pineapple Pitcher
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
How to Wear Linen… In Bed
Summer nights are dreamy - until it’s time to go to bed. Sleeping in the heat is no fun, but that’s where our friend linen saves the day yet again. Its cool, sweat-wicking properties make it perfect for pyjamas and bedding, helping you get a comfortable night’s sleep. In fact, linen was first and foremost used for household furnishings - Textile School reports that around 70% of linen production in the 1990s was for fashion textiles, compared to approximately 5% in the 1970s.
Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
Dans Mon Lit Linen Spray 100ml
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty
Faria Meadow Linen King Duvet Cover Set
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Liberty
Watercolour Thorpe Linen Double Duvet Cover Set
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Coco & Wolf
Linen Garden King Duvet Cover Set
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
How to Look After Your Linen
How to Wash Linen
Thanks to its durability, linen can last a lifetime if properly looked after. Always wash linen clothing on your machine’s gentlest cycle, and avoid washing in cold or very hot water to prevent shrinkage. Pre-washed linen clothing and fabric is less likely to shrink when washed, but always check the care instructions on the label before laundering.
How to Get a Stain Out of Linen
If there’s a stain or mark on your linen garment, try to pre-treat it before washing. The trick is to do it quickly, so buy (or make) a suitable stain remover (baking soda and white vinegar are good home solutions) and dab the stain immediately. Then wash in the washing machine as normal.
How to Dry Linen
Always try to air dry your linen clothes flat. To ensure your garment does not lose its original shape, avoid drying on hangers or clothespins, as these can create marks on the fabric. Natural wrinkles are great for some, but if you prefer to iron your linen clothes, do so whilst they’re still damp.