When you’re trying to look your best on a hot summer day, there’s no better fabric than linen—in fact, cultures around the world have been relying on this time-tested fabric for centuries because its ultra-light weight makes it highly breathable and comfortable even in the hottest of weather.
But even if it’s comfortable, that doesn’t mean everyone is eager to wear it—linen can be an intimidating fashion option! It wrinkles easily, which makes some people think it unacceptable for formal occasions. And it’s so difficult to launder, so why would you wear it casually?
But both misconceptions are just that: misconceptions. The “wrinkleness” of linen is part of its charm, and you don’t have to rely exclusively on dry-cleaning your linen pieces.
Make linen a part of your summer style by observing these 10 tips everyone should know about this cross-cultural clothing staple:
1. While you should avoid any linen pieces that look as if you just pulled them out of a hamper, linen isn’t meant to be especially rigid either. Let linen develop soft wrinkles throughout the day. You can always blast linen with a steamer to get rid of heavy wrinkles, but starching and pressing is unnecessary and actually goes against the way the fabric is supposed to look. Embrace the outdoorsy, free-spirited casualness of linen.
2. Just because linen tends to be more casual doesn’t mean you can’t get away with wearing it on dressier occasions, as long as a relaxed summer look would not be out of place. Strictly formal events held inside in the air-conditioning at night don’t require distinctly summertime fabrics. However, if you’re attending an outdoor wedding, going out on a boat, or dining al fresco, linen is entirely appropriate.
3. Mix and match your linen with other summertime fabrics, such as seersucker, cotton, or chambray. Pairing linen with heavy fabrics more appropriate for the fall or winter, such as wool, will take away from its aesthetic (not to mention defeat your purpose of staying cool).
4. If you’re still intimidated by the idea of how easily linen wrinkles, you can create a contrast by pairing a linen piece with a crisply ironed cotton piece, such as a linen jacket with a cotton shirt.
5. Color matters when it comes to linen. Focus on pastel colors, which will create visual lightness that matches the fabric’s light weight. If you prefer darker colors, stick to earthy tones like browns and greens, which will emphasize linen’s naturalness.
6. Although you will find some linen pieces that are tailored and structured, many linen pieces are created to be looser, giving you more breathability. The downside to this is that it can sometimes look boxy, especially for women who are wearing linen dresses or linen blouses. Give your outfit a more defined silhouette by cinching these pieces with a belt.
7. Complete a linen outfit by pairing it with nature-inspired accessories. Think beachy jewelry or large earth-tone buttons. This same style rule can apply to men as well—opt for a wood tie pin, for example, or a woven belt.
8. This might feel like cheating, but nobody will know: Blended fabrics won’t wrinkle as easily and are easier to clean. Some brands have taken note that very few people have the confidence to pull off an easily wrinkled linen suit. A linen-cotton blend will hold its structure much better while maintaining a similar texture and breathability.
9. Unlike some material, such as leather, where it’s easy to determine quality by looking at it closely, linen is a bit of a guessing game. New linen tends to be stiff before it’s properly broken in, so you don’t always know how it’s going to age. Therefore, you should rely on reputable brands, even if this means paying a little bit extra. Because of linen’s long history in Italy, you can assume most well-known Italian brands are producing quality linen pieces—Gucci, Giorgio Armani, and Versace, for example.
10. Linen is easy enough to wash by hand at home. Add a drop of detergent to a bucket of cold water and let dissolve. Then let the linen piece soak for a few minutes. Do not wring or scrub. Rinse thoroughly and allow the fabric to air dry.
