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Nothing says summer like an easy-breezy linen dress, whether you opt for a chic printed shift dress or something more whimsical, such as a softly striped, floaty maxi dress. Thanks to pure linen’s cooling, moisture-wicking properties, it’s the ideal fabric to wear on hot, sticky days if you want to look sharp.
Linen is made from the flax plant, a resilient crop that flourishes in poor soils and requires significantly less water and fewer pesticides than other plants, including cotton. No part of the plant goes to waste, with linseed oil being one of the common by-products of flax farming. For linen in its natural, untreated form, look for colours such as ivory, ecru, tan and grey.
Pure linen fabric gets softer and more pliable through washing and wearing, and ours is machine washable, too, so it’s super easy to take care of and hard-wearing, even worn on high rotation. Blouses and sun tops made from linen are naturally antibacterial. Plus, they feel light and airy on hot skin, so they help to keep you feeling fresh. Consider your heatwave wardrobe sorted with easy summer linen outfits.
Every capsule wardrobe should also contain an assortment of relaxed, slightly oversized linen shirts that can be worn year-round. If you only buy one make it a boyfriend shirt that can be worn tucked in or out, unbuttoned over a vest top or tee, or layered under a sleeveless knitted vest on chillier days. A billowing linen shirt also makes a sophisticated beach cover-up, perfect for keeping shoulders out of the midday sun.
Pure linen is a hard-wearing and naturally moth-resistant fabric that can last decades if carefully looked after (plus, it’s fully biodegradable), so simple separates such as pants and shorts are a wise investment for your warm-weather wardrobe. A pair of a wide-leg linen pants will see you through the season in style and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Similarly, belted linen shorts with a relaxed, roomy fit are a chic alternative to denim cut-offs and work just as well with city-smart looks as they do dressed down with a T-shirt and flip-flops for a barbecue. Top-to-toe linen via a shirt and pants (or shorts) pairing makes a seasonal change to double denim or matching loungewear, without compromising on comfort – an elasticated or drawstring waistband keeps things effortless.
Words: Dulcie Emerson
Shopping editor: Miranda Eason
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