How to Wear Linen
Weddings, work - even in bed. Dress for any occasion in summer’s favourite fabric
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How to Wear Linen
Weddings, work - even in bed. Dress for any occasion in summer’s favourite fabric
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
