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A natural linen short sleeve jumpsuit more sustainably made by MATE the Label.
10 Jul
A natural linen short sleeve jumpsuit more sustainably made by MATE the Label.

21 Timeless Ways to Wear Linen in Every Season

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Linen, and especially organic linen, is one of the best lower-impact fabrics you can add to your wardrobe thanks to its longevity, biodegradability, and timelessness. Here are 21 ways to wear linen from some of our top rated more sustainable brands.

The benefits of linen

When it comes to lower-impact materials, linen is one of the oldest and most-loved. It’s a plant-based fibre we’ve been growing for millennia, making lightweight, breathable clothes that last and last. There are many pros to linen, especially when incorporated into garments made by responsible brands.

When worn, linen withstands high temperatures, wicking away sweat without holding bacteria. For that reason, linen is often thought of as a summer fabric, but it’s actually wearable all year round. Linen ages like a fine wine, and becomes more soft and pliable the more it is washed over the years. And if left untreated, it can technically biodegrade at the end of its life, making it a much better option for the planet in the long run than most other fabrics.

Looking for the perfect linen items to add to your wardrobe? In this guide, discover how this classic material is being designed in contemporary styles by some of our editors’ favourite top rated more sustainable brands.

21 ways to wear linen curated by our editors

BASTET NOIR

Rated: Good
A lilac linen maxi dress in extended sizing by responsible brand Bastet Noir.

The Denise Dress – Ships internationally from Macedonia

The Denise Dress follows the classic slightly fitted silhouette. The lovely lilac hue, complemented by thick straps, a square neckline, and a thigh-high side slit adds a mix of femininity and structure, while the open asymmetrical bareback keeps it fresh and sassy.

BASTET NOIR offers custom-made clothing manufactured by women in Macedonia, ensuring that every purchase contributes to the welfare and education of these women and their children.

Find the dress in sizes 36-42 at the time of writing, or in custom sizing.

See the rating.

Shop BASTET NOIR.

CARPASUS

Rated: Good
A striped linen and cotton button up shirt collection in various colours, responsibly-made by CARPASUS.

Linen Shirt Maggia Navy – Ships internationally from Switzerland

For a classic summer look, turn to CARPASUS’ range of men’s linen shirts. This blue and white striped variety is perfect for hot sunny days, with the fabric allowing the heat to escape, keeping you cool.

CARPASUS is a Swiss menswear brand that makes fine shirts, ties, socks, and pocket squares. CARPASUS uses GOTS certified cotton and manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint. It also traces its supply chain and ensures workers are paid a living wage.

Find the shirt in sizes XS-2XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop CARPASUS.

OhSevenDays

Rated: Good
A linen emerald green tiered dress responsibly-made by Oh Seven Days.

Holly Dress – Ships internationally from Turkey

Made from 100% linen, the stunning Holly Dress is a strappy back midi dress with peplum waist detail and elasticated back. This emerald colour is sure to turn heads.

OhSevenDays was started by Australian-Canadian Megan Mummery to promote slow fashion and the “power of circularity”. Based in Istanbul, the brand reclaims end-of-roll fabrics from the city’s garment factories and creates sharp, everyday womenswear that’s as wearable as it is responsible. Essentially, it makes slow fashion from fast fashion’s leftovers.

The garment is available in sizes XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop OhSevenDays.

Shop OhSevenDays @ SlowCo.

ASKET

Rated: Good

The Linen Shirt – Ships internationally from Sweden

Cut from 100% linen, ASKET’s collection of dress shirts look both sharp and cool. They can be worn for work or at home, balancing the shirts’ relaxed fit with classic detailing through the mother of pearl buttons and structured collars. Give your traditional shirts an update with their range of muted colours: navy, olive, beige, and more. And the material naturally makes for real longevity, getting softer with each wash and wear.

ASKET has been creating timeless wardrobe essentials since 2015 with revolutionary sizing and fair pricing. The brand disregards seasonal collections, cuts out all the middlemen, and only sells directly to you—putting its entire focus on building a single permanent collection.

Find the shirt in sizes XS-XL, with three length options to choose from.

See the rating.

Shop ASKET.

TAMGA Designs

Rated: Good
A red puff sleeve crop TENCEL and linen top by TAMGA Designs.

Stella Crop Top – Ships internationally from Canada

TAMGA Designs is out to prove how colourful and exciting responsible fashion can be. TAMGA offers a range of tops, skirts, dresses, and accessories made from lower-impact fabrics like TENCEL™ and ECOVERO™.

You can also find linen-blend styles like this flattering Stella Crop Top, a playful style featuring puff sleeves and elasticised cuffs and shoulder straps which can be styled on or off the shoulders.

You can find the top in sizes XS-2XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop TAMGA Designs.

Infantium Victoria

Rated: Great

Organic Linen Dress – Ships internationally from Italy

If you’ve got a little one to spoil, this 100% organic linen and cotton ruffle dress is bound to become a special occasion favourite. Made in Germany from organic linen and organic cotton, it features an asymmetrical neckline and Victorian-era ruffles around the neck and hemlines.

Infantium Victoria offers beautiful vegan luxury for all ages. This German brand scores highly across the board. Its products are certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and it sells previously owned products to minimise textile waste.

Find the dress for ages 4-16 at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Infantium Victoria.

Whimsy + Row

Rated: Good
A black linen dress by Whimsy + Row.

Loni Dress in Black Linen – Ships internationally from the US

A black linen dress is a modern staple, and a great addition to a minimalist or capsule wardrobe since it can be easily dressed up or down. Whimsy + Row is one of our editors’ all time faves, and their 100% linen Loni Dress is top of our wish list.

Whimsy + Row is a US-based lifestyle brand born out of a love for quality goods and responsible practices. Since 2014, its mission has been to provide ease and elegance for the modern woman. Whimsy + Row utilises deadstock fabric, and by limiting each garment to short runs, the brand also reduces packaging waste and takes care of precious water resources.

Find the dress in XS-XL at the time of writing, or find the brand’s extended sizing range up to 3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Whimsy + Row.

Shop Whimsy + Row @ Earthkind.

JAN ‘N JUNE

Rated: Good
A light green breezy European linen button up shirt made responsibly by JAN 'N JUNE.

Linen Shirt Mons Sprout – Ships internationally from Germany

Give your classic linen look a colourful twist with this eye catching green shirt from JAN ‘N JUNE made from flax grown in Europe.

JAN ‘N JUNE is a more sustainable, fair and transparent fashion label from Hamburg. Created by young female entrepreneurs who could not find what they were looking for and decided to make it themselves, this minimalistic, super stylish fair fashion label, succeeds in being more sustainable and affordable at the same time.

Find sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop JAN ‘N JUNE.

Shop JAN ‘N JUNE @ Earthkind.

Luna + Sun

Rated: Good
An orange and white printed linen kaftan made responsibly by Luna + Sun.

The Aura Kaftan – Ships internationally from Australia

The Aura Kaftan is the definition of luxurious resortwear. It features a flattering v-neckline and a relaxed fit. Wear it by itself for the warmer months or pair with jeans or pants during the cooler months.

Luna + Sun is an Australian, cruelty-free fashion line creating gorgeous feminine designs. Its factory is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia, and its products are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified.

Find the kaftan in AU sizes 6-18 at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Luna + Sun.

Kotn

Rated: Good
Black straight-leg 100% linen unisex pants by Kotn.

Unisex Cairo Linen Pant – Ships internationally from Canada

These easy, pull-on unisex pants are crafted from 100% linen with a grain that gets softer with wash and wear. Featuring a relaxed fit and elasticised waist that makes them comfy enough for the couch, but stylish enough for warmer nights out.

Certified B Corp Kotn is based in Canada and works with local NGOs on the ground at the Nile Delta to provide every child in their farming communities with quality education, and to help close the gap of low literacy rates amongst communities. With every purchase, not only will you adorn a beautifully made garment, but also help fund school infrastructure, materials, and salaries for teachers.

Find the pants in sizes 2XS-XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Kotn.

All The Wild Roses

Rated: Good

Cecile Reversible Linen Camisole – Ships internationally from Australia

A cute white linen cami is great to pair with any bottoms in warmer months. Bonus, this one by All The Wild Roses is reversible so it’s even more versatile.

All The Wild Roses offers free-spirited fashion for the dreamers and change-makers. This Australian brand uses up to 50% deadstock fabric to create high quality and long-lasting products.

Find the top in size M at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop All The Wild Roses.

A.BCH

Rated: Great
man wearing black linen trousers by abch

Palazzo Trousers – Ships internationally from Australia

Palazzo trousers are flattering on many body types, and black goes with everything, so these can basically be your go-to pair of organic linen pants no matter the occasion.

A.BCH is a Melbourne-based, Australian-made fashion label for individuals who care about garment provenance. It utilises renewable, organic, and recycled materials.

Find the pants in sizes S-2XL, or customise to fit you.

See the rating.

Shop A.BCH.

ISTO.

Rated: Good
A matching pair of linen shorts and short button up shirt in charcoal made by ISTO..

Linen Shorts – Ships internationally from Portugal

Fresh, lightweight and breathable—what more can ask for a pair of shorts to keep up with the hot weather? Made of 100% Ibiza linen, these Linen Shorts are ready to be your favourite summer everyday uniform.

Portuguese brand ISTO.’s mandate is simple: create clothes to transcend the seasons and work as staple items in your wardrobe all year round. It has one single collection and pursues quality over quantity to try and make its items permanently available. It uses organic materials and is incredibly transparent in showing you the true cost of your clothes when you go to purchase a piece for your wardrobe.

The range is available in XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop ISTO..

Mara Hoffman

Rated: Good
A black and white patterned halterneck TENCEL and linen dress by Mara Hoffman.

Extended Paula Dress – Ships internationally from the UK

Another great thing about linen is that it blends well with other fabrics, like the TENCEL™ Lyocell and linen mix in this gorgeous black and white dress from Mara Hoffman. This dress can be worn halterneck or strapless, and can dress up or down with heels or flats.

With a focus on mindful and conscious practices, Mara Hoffman uses lower-impact materials including GOTS certified cotton, recycled nylon, and recycled polyester, and even has a range of OEKO-TEX® STeP certified products.

Find this extended sizing dress in 0-20 at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Mara Hoffman @ Farfetch.

Shop Mara Hoffman Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Shop Mara Hoffman.

Kampos

Rated: Good
A crisp white casual linen shirt responsibly-made by Kampos.

Casual Linen Shirt White – Ships internationally from Switzerland

This white casual linen shirt is inspired by the bright white sandy beaches of Formentera in the Balears. Created from 100% organic linen, you’ll love throwing on the ultra-comfortable and breathable fabric.

Kampos is a luxurious Italy-made brand that believes in creating a world with integrity and conscience now and for future generations. The brand aims to raise awareness of over-fishing and marine pollution and offers consumers unique pieces that are made of recycled plastic bottles, fishing nets, and other lower-impact organic fabrics.

Find most products in sizes XS-2XL.

See the rating.

Shop Kampos.

Vitamin A

Rated: Good

Lana Skirt – Ships internationally from the US

While you may know Vitamin A for its swimwear, it also creates some gorgeous linen beachwear like this always flattering midi length wrap skirt. Made from breathable and biodegradable 100% linen, the Lana Skirt comes in white and black, so you can match with your favourite bikini (or, let’s be honest, any top) in comfort and style.

Made locally in California, Vitamin A’s collections of swimwear and loungewear use a high proportion of lower-impact materials, including recycled nylon. The brand also uses a waterless process to print its designs with, reducing its chemical and water usage.

Find the skirt in sizes S-L at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Vitamin A.

Shop Vitamin A @ Curate.

Beaumont Organic

Rated: Good
An orange blouse style linen top with ruffle sleeves made by Beaumont Organic.

Lexi-May Linen Blouse – Ships internationally from the UK

The Lexi-May, a new style for SS23, is an elegant linen blouse with ruffle sleeves, round neck, and elasticated ruffle cuffs in a gorgeous sunset orange colour.

Beaumont Organic is a UK-based slow fashion brand that blends simple style with responsible production practices. Founded by Hannah Beaumont-Laurencia, the brand also has its own charitable foundation which supports people in Fiji.

Find the top in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Beaumont Organic.

Neu Nomads

Rated: Great
A matching set bra-friendly linen top and shorts in striped blue and white, made by Neu Nomads.

La Jolla Top – Ships internationally from the US

Offers

Someone laughing wearing responsibly crafted long-sleeved top dress by Neu Nomads.

Neu Nomads – Archive Sale

Find more responsibly crafted best-selling linen, Tencel favourites, and more from US brand Neu Nomads. Shop the best discounts of the season in its Archive sale. (Ends: 4 MAY)

Shop now
People wearing colourful blazers and dresses by Neu Nomads

Neu Nomads – Sale

Rediscover Neu Nomads' luxuriously soft, airy past-season collections of dresses, blazer, pants, and more. Enjoy up to 80% off sale. (Ends: 5 MAY)

Shop now

There’s just something about a matching linen set, and this cute bra-friendly strap top and shorts combo is a great option for this summer and many to come.

Neu Nomads is a Brooklyn-based more sustainable women’s fashion brand, offering loungewear and travel essentials. It is female owned and operated, and works every day to create beautiful, wearable clothing that leaves a lighter footprint on the environment.

Find the top in sizes 2XS-2XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Neu Nomads.

Artknit Studios

Rated: Good
A cream button-up tie-front linen and organic cotton jacket by Artknit Studios.

The Linen Cotton Sahariana Jacket – Ships internationally from Italy

Why not mix up your linen collection with this linen and organic cotton cream button-up jacket?

Artknit Studios creates timeless knitwear in 100% lower-impact materials, made responsibly by Italian makers. Its partners are committed to anti-waste practices using only certified and locally-sourced fibres, true to the brand’s motto of “buy less, buy better”.

Find the jacket offered in sizes XS-L at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Artknit Studios.

MATE the Label

Rated: Good
A natural linen short sleeve jumpsuit more sustainably made by MATE the Label.

Linen Short Sleeve Jumpsuit – Ships internationally from the US

For something a little different, look no further than MATE the label, who always creates exquisite takes on linen. This natural Linen Short Sleeve Jumpsuit is a delightful example of how versatile linen can be. Jumpsuits are perfect to wear alone on a warmer day, or layer with a jumper for the cooler weather, and this super relaxed cut is flattering on many body types.

MATE the Label creates clean essentials made with GOTS certified organic fabrics and lower-impact dyes. Its goal is to offer women everywhere a clean product that is just as beautiful as it is responsible. It is proudly female-founded and is predominately operated by women. This US brand also manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint.

Find the jumpsuit in inclusive sizes XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop MATE the Label.

Altar

Rated: Good
A flattering linen and cotton striped skirt responsibly-made by Altar.

Bae Skirt in Linen Stripe – Ships internationally from the US

The Bae Skirt is a bell-shaped wardrobe staple. It features brass buttons with a centre front closure, and an extra inside button to keep the high waist line from pulling so the buttons won’t gap on you. Elastic stretch on the back side is perfect for breathing and eating in comfort, and the skirt is a perfect knee length for the active femme. And it has pockets.

Altar is a US-based boutique that specialises in alternative and custom fashion, apothecary, and gifts. The brand celebrates independent manufacturers and artists from across North America, with a focus on the stories that are woven into their work. Its clothing brand, Altar Houseline, is proudly made in America using deadstock materials.

Find the skirt in sizes XS-3XL at the time of writing.

See the rating.

Shop Altar.

Learn more about linen

Editor's note

Feature image via MATE the Label, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world's most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use the directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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