Quick answer: Linen breathes, dries fast and softens with every wash; wear linen dresses and shirts loose for comfort, wash them cold on a gentle cycle, hang them to dry and steam them slightly damp for a smoother look.
Why linen beats the heat
Anyone who has spent a humid summer afternoon outdoors knows the value of fabric that breathes. Linen is woven from flax fibers that let air move through and pull moisture away from the skin, so it feels cool even when the thermometer climbs. It dries quickly, resists odors and gets softer every time you wash it. With a little care, good linen lasts for many summers, which makes it one of the best buys in any closet.
Linen dresses for her
A linen dress is the easiest outfit of the warm months: one piece, cool on the skin and ready for almost anything. A linen dress with sandals and a straw bag works for the farmers market, and the same dress with a cardigan and flats works for church or the office. Look for a relaxed fit, pockets if you like them, and a length that lets you move freely.
Linen shirts for him
A linen shirt is the summer shirt that still looks put together. Wear it buttoned with chinos for work or a dinner, or open over a tee with shorts on the weekend. A men's linen shirt in white, sand or light blue matches almost everything. Roll the sleeves to the elbow, leave the top button undone, and let the natural texture do the work.
Embrace the wrinkles
Linen wrinkles, and that is part of its charm. A lightly creased linen dress or shirt looks relaxed and natural rather than messy. If you prefer a crisper look, steam it right before you go out, or choose linen blends with cotton, which crease less. Darker colors and prints show wrinkles less than white and pale shades, which makes them good choices for travel.
Washing linen
Wash linen in cold or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Skip bleach, which weakens the fibers, and skip fabric softener, which coats them and reduces breathability. Wash similar colors together, especially the first few times, as new linen can release a little dye. Hand washing is fine for delicate pieces with lace or embroidery.
Drying without shrinking
Hang linen to dry, ideally in the shade so colors stay bright. A hot dryer can shrink linen and leave it stiff, so avoid tumble drying unless the care label allows it. While the garment is still damp, smooth the seams, collar and hem with your hands and hang it on a wide hanger so the shoulders keep their shape.
Ironing and steaming
Linen irons best when slightly damp. Use the linen setting, iron dark colors inside out to avoid shine, and start with the collar and cuffs. A handheld steamer is faster for a relaxed finish. Traveling? Hang the shirt or dress in the bathroom while you shower, and the steam will release most creases in a few minutes.
Layering into fall
Linen is not only for summer. Layer a soft cardigan over a linen dress, or wear a flannel overshirt over a linen tee, and you can stretch your warm-weather pieces well into autumn. Swap sandals for ankle boots or loafers and add a scarf, and the same pieces work on cool mornings and mild evenings.
Building a linen wardrobe
Start with one linen dress or shirt per person in a neutral color, then add a second in a color or stripe you love. Together with a cardigan or a flannel for cooler days, they cover most of the year. Browse our women's and men's clothing departments for linen dresses, linen shirts, cardigans and flannels, all with free U.S. shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Does linen shrink?
It can shrink slightly in hot water or a hot dryer; wash cold and hang to dry.
How do I get wrinkles out of linen?
Iron it slightly damp on the linen setting, or use a steamer or shower steam when traveling.
Is linen good for hot, humid weather?
Yes — it breathes, wicks moisture and dries quickly, which keeps you cooler.
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