How To Style Linen Clothing: The Ultimate Guide To Your Linen Wardrobe

How To Style Linen Clothing: The Ultimate Guide To Your Linen Wardrobe

Looking for a breathable fabric for your summer wardrobe? Linen is the perfect choice! This versatile material is ideal for warm weather, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout spring and summer. Made from natural fibres of the flax plant, linen is celebrated for its softness and lightweight feel. It's not only stylish but also incredibly hard-working, offering a timeless, on-trend look that pairs well with almost any outfit. Whether you're dressing up or keeping it casual, linen is a must-have fabric for the season, offering the perfect balance of comfort and style.




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Benefits of Linen Clothing

Linen clothing offers practical advantages, especially in warm weather. Its breathability ensures efficient air circulation, preventing overheating, while its moisture-wicking properties keep you dry and comfortable. The lightweight and loose weave of linen provides a relaxed fit and contributes to a cool sensation. Linen's ability to adapt to different temperatures makes it versatile for various climates. Additionally, linen is an eco-friendly choice, derived from the sustainable flax plant, requiring less water and pesticides. Beyond its functional benefits, linen adds a touch of timeless elegance to any outfit, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.


Is linen really cooler than cotton?

Yes, linen is indeed cooler than cotton, especially in warm weather. Linen's breathability and moisture-wicking properties make it a superior choice for staying cool and comfortable. The natural fibres of linen allow for effective air circulation, preventing overheating, while its ability to absorb and release moisture quickly keeps the body dry. Compared to cotton, linen's lightweight and loose weave contributes to a more comfortable and cool wearing experience. For those seeking a fabric that keeps them refreshed in hot temperatures, linen stands out as a practical and stylish option.




What Fabrics Can You Wear With Linen Clothing?

Linen pairs beautifully with various types of fabrics such as denim, offering versatility and comfort when creating an outfit.


Cotton & Silk

Cotton is a natural complement to linen due to its breathability and lightweight texture, making it ideal for warm weather. Together, they create an effortlessly relaxed look to your outfit. Silk adds an element of luxury to linen outfits because its smooth, soft texture contrasts perfectly with linen's slightly rougher weave, elevating the ensemble that is perfect for evening or formal occasions.


Wool Blends

For a cosy, layered look, wool blends work well with linen in cooler months, offering warmth without compromising style. When styling, pair a linen top with cotton pants for an airy, casual look. For more sophistication, combine a linen dress with a silk scarf or blouse. A linen blazer over a lightweight wool or cashmere sweater is ideal for transeasonal dressing, balancing texture and warmth.


Denim

Denim is another excellent fabric to pair with linen, adding structure and durability to linen's relaxed, airy vibe. A classic denim jacket over a linen dress or a pair of denim jeans with a linen shirt creates a stylish contrast. Denim's sturdiness balances linen's softness, making it perfect for casual, everyday outfits.

Try out these fabric combinations to ensure you stay stylish and comfortable in any setting!




What Coloured Underwear To Wear Under Linen Clothing?

When wearing linen, the right-coloured underwear is essential for a seamless look, as linen can be slightly sheer. To avoid unwanted visibility, go for underwear in light tones such as cream, beige or nude colour tones. These neutral shades blend effortlessly with linen's natural lightness, creating a smooth and discreet silhouette. Avoid bright or dark colours like black, which can easily show through, disrupting the soft, breezy aesthetic of linen clothing. Matching your underwear to the colour of your outfit is another way to maintain a cohesive appearance without the risk of your underwear outline peeking through. For extra coverage, consider seamless or laser-cut underwear that lays flat against the skin, ensuring no lines show through the lightweight fabric. This careful consideration will enhance your comfort and style when wearing linen.




How To Style Linen Clothing: For Women

Linen's versatility makes it a go-to choice for women seeking both comfort and style during the warmer months. When styling a linen outfit, stick to neutral and pastel tones that speak to a summer feeling. Remember, when it comes to linen, embrace the creases and wrinkles! Linen looks lived in - it's all part of the appeal.


How To Style A Linen Dress

Linen is incredibly comfortable, mainly due to the lightweight nature of the fabric and its breathable, soft texture. Drape is key to perfecting the look of your linen dress - choose a softer fabric that will fall elegantly across your body. For a more casual look, wear your linen dress with sandals or sneakers, paired with a denim jacket. Keep it casual with a loose-fitting linen dress paired with flats for a relaxed day out, or elevate the look with wedges or heels for a more formal occasion. Accessorise with a wide-brimmed hat and a belt for a laid-back yet stylish ensemble.

Khoko Edition Women's Teal Linen Lace Dress
Khoko Edition Women's Tea Rose Linen Lace Dress

How To Style Linen Shirts

Linen shirts offer a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Pair a classic white linen shirt with denim shorts for a timeless casual look, or tuck it into tailored trousers for a more polished appearance. Experiment with different sleeve lengths and colours to diversify your wardrobe. Linen shirts look effortlessly tailored when the sleeves are rolled up - you can also wear yours open to evoke a beachy, casual feel. Dress it down with white jeans or tuck it into a pencil skirt to make it office-appropriate.

Khoko Collection Women's Pale Blue Linen Shirt
Khoko Collection Women's Mid Pink Linen Shirt

How To Style A Linen Top

Linen tops are a great way to test if linen is for you. Linen tees are best paired with light-coloured jeans or denim shorts. The half-tuck technique is your best friend with a linen top, giving shape to a very loose-fitting fabric.

Linen tops come in various styles, from tank tops to blouses. For a casual day, pair a linen tank top with shorts or a skirt, adding minimalist jewellery for a fresh and effortless look. Transition to the evening by choosing a linen blouse and combining it with tailored pants or a sleek pencil skirt.


How To Style Linen Shorts

Linen shorts are a summer staple, offering both comfort and style. Opt for a high-waisted linen short paired with a tucked-in blouse for a polished appearance, or go for a relaxed vibe with a linen shorts-and-tee combo. Complete the look with comfortable sandals or espadrilles.

Linen shorts can be easily made more formal with a nice top, heels and statement earrings. Opt to keep it casual with a tank or tee, and pair your linen shorts with a broad-rim straw hat, sneakers and a chunky necklace to enhance your summer look.

Khoko Collection Women's Navy & Stripe Print Linen Blend Shorts
Khoko Collection Women's Linen Shorts

How To Style Linen Pants

Linen pants are versatile and can be dressed up or down. Create a casual look by pairing wide-leg linen pants with a tucked-in tee or tank top. For a more sophisticated outfit, choose a tailored linen trouser and combine it with a crisp button-down shirt or a stylish blouse.

When thinking about how to style linen pants, don't disregard the work environment. Neutral colours are easy to style for the office, and linen also looks very chic in navy and black. Wear yours with a structured blazer and heels to offset the softness of the material.

Khoko Edition Women's Linen Lace Top & Pants
Khoko Edition Women's Teal Linen Pants

What Shoes To Wear With Linen

Completing your linen outfit with the right footwear is crucial. For dresses and skirts, opt for sandals or espadrilles to maintain the breezy feel. With linen pants or shorts, consider stylish sneakers or loafers for a laid-back yet chic look. Experiment with different styles to find what complements your overall ensemble.




How To Style Linen Clothing: For Men

Lean into the unstructured nature of the fabric when styling a men's linen outfit - linen is an appropriate summer fabric for a reason. Play with colours and tonality to form a look that suits both a casual weekend at the beach or a more professional aesthetic.


How To Style Linen Shirts

A linen shirt is a perfect all-rounder in any man's wardrobe. Linen is super comfortable, meaning you can feel at ease in any summer scenario. A coloured linen shirt is a fun way to easily change up an everyday outfit - wear yours with the sleeves rolled up, paired nicely with neutral pants or shorts and sneakers.

For a casual look, pair a short-sleeved linen shirt with chino shorts or lightweight cotton trousers. To elevate the style, opt for a long-sleeved linen shirt and combine it with tailored trousers or linen pants for a laid-back yet polished appearance.

JC Lanyon Men's Dover Navy Cotton Linen Blend Long Sleeve Epaulette Shirt
JC Lanyon Men's Dover Petrol Cotton Linen Blend Long Sleeve Epaulette Shirt

How To Style A Linen Top

From classic tees to more refined options, linen tops for men can be effortlessly styled for various occasions. Pair a linen crew-neck tee with shorts or casual trousers for a relaxed day out. For a slightly dressier look, choose a linen polo shirt and combine it with chino shorts or linen pants.


How To Style Linen Shorts

Men's linen shorts are perfect for the beach, park or even a casual coffee run - they are the staple to any summer wardrobe. Wear yours with sneakers and a crisp white t-shirt or a contrasting shirt to add zest to a casual outfit.

Experiment with different lengths and fits, ensuring the shorts complement your overall silhouette.

JC Lanyon Men's Cooper Navy & Blue Linen Cotton Short Sleeve & Shorts
JC Lanyon Men's Cooper Tangerine Linen Cotton Short Sleeve & Shorts

How To Style Linen Pants

You can style your linen pants from the beach to the office. Opt for darker colours and, for a more tailored look, wear linen pants with a structured blazer or polo top. Linen pants also pair well with suit jackets, making your look immediately business-appropriate, without compromising on comfort. When thinking of how to style linen pants, remember to embrace those creases!

For a more laid-back vibe, choose a relaxed-fit linen pant and combine it with a lightweight knit or a short-sleeved shirt.


What Shoes To Wear With Linen

Selecting the right footwear completes the look when it comes to styling linen outfits for men. Sandals or loafers work well with linen shorts or casual pants, offering a relaxed yet stylish touch. For a more polished appearance with linen trousers, consider leather loafers or low-profile sneakers, striking the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication.




How To Care For Your Linen Clothing

Maintaining your linen pieces is essential to ensure they stay looking fresh and crisp. Here are some practical tips on caring for your linen clothing:

  • Washing Linen Clothing: Hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle with cold water to prevent excessive wrinkling. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents that can weaken the fibres.
  • Drying Linen Clothing: Air-dry your linen garments by laying them flat or hanging them. Avoid wringing out excess water, as this can lead to wrinkles. If using a dryer, choose a low-heat setting.
  • Ironing Linen Clothing: Iron linen while it's slightly damp, using a medium to high heat setting. This helps eliminate wrinkles more effectively. For a more casual look, embrace the natural wrinkles that linen develops over time.
  • How To Store Linen Clothing: Store linen clothing in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew. Use padded hangers for items like shirts and blouses, and fold heavier items like pants and jackets to maintain their shape.

By following these care tips, you'll ensure your linen clothing stays in top-notch condition, allowing you to enjoy its comfort and style for many summers to come.




More Fashion Styling Tips For Staying Cool This Summer

Explore these practical fashion tips to beat the summer heat:

  • Accessorise smartly: Choose wide-brimmed hats and lightweight scarves for both style and sun protection.
  • Embrace light colours: Opt for whites, blues, and pastels to reflect sunlight and maintain a fresh appearance.
  • Flowy fabrics are your friend: Prioritise breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and chambray for comfort.
  • Mix textures: Pair linen tops with denim shorts or cotton skirts for a balanced and stylish look.
  • Light layering: Add or remove lightweight layers, like cardigans or kimonos, for adaptable comfort.
  • Comfortable footwear: Choose breathable sandals, espadrilles, or canvas sneakers for cool and comfortable feet.
  • Versatile dresses: Invest in dresses that transition effortlessly from day to night with simple accessory changes.

Stay cool and stylish this summer with these easy tips for styling your linen clothing and other summerwear.




Find The Best Linen Look Clothing At Harris Scarfe Today

To create a stylish and breathable linen outfit for when the hot weather hits, keep these tips in mind to ensure that your wardrobe is ready for summer! Visit us online or in-store to shop our entire range of linen, and head over to the Hub for more style ideas and inspiration so you can get creative with your wardrobe! Some great articles you'll love include:

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