The Linen Dress: Why It’s a Summer Wardrobe Staple

Off all the things you could wear this summer, the best pieces you can choose are garments made from linen. If you’re not entirely sure what linen looks or feels like, don’t worry, we’ll show you airy and romantic examples of the linen dress. Think of that lightweight but never sheer material that feels soft and slightly textured to the touch and gives off the perfect summer vibe, supreme over all other fabrics. That’s linen. 

Here are our top reasons why the linen dress is a top-tier summer wardrobe staple. You’ll see all the dresses and styling from Reformation, the sustainable clothing brand that makes to-die-for linen dresses that we want to wear all summer. Their linen is sustainably made from flax, saving waste, water, and carbon dioxide in production. We choose it above all other materials for our dreamy summer dresses, and here’s why.

Linen Is Breathable

Summer is hot. Therefore, any material that claims to be the ultimate summer fabric has to be comfortable against sweaty skin. Linen meets the criteria because of how breathable it is. Unless you buy a piece of linen clothing with a tight fit, linen will never stick to your skin but instead move and breathe with you. And even then, it’s not a clinging fabric. Another perk? Linen is highly absorptive, so you doubly don’t need to worry about sweaty skin. It’s what’s called moisture-wicking, meaning it doesn’t trap moisture but instead helps cool you down in hot temperatures. And the darker the linen material, the more protection you have against sweat showing up after time spent in the sun

Reformation’s Adriel Linen Dress in Sourdough

Reformation’s Zula Linen Dress in Blush Check

Reformation’s Lucila Linen Dress in Junie

Reformation’s Ryland Linen Dress in Ladybugs

Linen Makes for the Perfect Two-Piece Sets

Linen is the king of two-piece sets. When you wear a two-piece dress or skort combo, you want each separate to be airy but structured. It’s no fun if your two-piece sticks to your skin instead of hanging the way it’s intended. Linen is sturdy enough to look how it was designed on your body but still airy enough to let your skin stay cool all summer.

Reformation’s Pam Linen Two Piece in Parisian Blue

Reformation’s France Linen Two Piece in Hillside

Reformation’s Farley Linen Two Piece

Reformation’s Orzo Linen Two Piece in Challah Check

Linen Dresses Look Great In Bright Colors

Not only is linen iconic in its pale neutral shades, like almond, ivory, or tan, but it also looks spectacular in vibrant, bold colors. If you’ve never seen a zesty orange shade of linen, a deep, rich red, or even a pigmented bright green, you haven’t experienced the full effect of the fabric. You can wear this material in virtually any shade and look tres chic. Or, simply add bright pops of color through accessories and shoes to your neutral linen dress.

Reformation’s Zula Linen Dress in Flame

Reformation’s Bridgton Linen Dress in Cherry

Reformation’s Simi Linen Dress in Kelly 

Reformation’s Seaside Linen Dress in Corvette 

Linen Can Look Incredibly Upscale

Linen is an excellent material, so it’s already a super trendy look. But it can go even further and create gorgeous, upscale style dresses. Linen is even considered pretty luxurious and has been revered for a long time—we’re talking back to the ancient Egyptians, who knew what was up regarding linen. Just look at these stunning linen dresses from Reformation, and we dare you to argue that the material doesn’t look incredibly chic.

Reformation’s Dory Linen Dress in White

Reformation’s Marcella Linen Dress in Citrus

Reformation’s Linda Linen Dress in Cafe

Reformation’s Elmer Linen Dress in Porcelain

Linen Can Also Look Casual and Effortless

So yes, we agree that linen looks high-end and can result in many stunning dresses. But dressing up is certainly not the only context you can wear linen in. Linen is also relaxed and laid back and can create amazingly cool and comfortable outfits. It’s perfect to be paired with casual sandals or sneakers, or conversely, with elegant heels for a subtle elegance that exudes an, I’m not even trying vibe. 

Reformation’s Aubree Linen Dress in Oatmeal

Reformation’s Christen Linen Dress in Dusk

Reformation’s Greene Linen Dress in White

Reformation’s Jessi Linen Dress in Vineyard

The linen dress is a total summer wardrobe staple for all these reasons. Just looking at the dreamy linen dresses from Reformation will be enough to convince you, but there’s one final step you can take to assure you that linen should be your go-to fabric this summer, and that’s trying it for yourself. Slip into something lightweight and comfortable this summer, and we guarantee you’ll never go back to your pre-linen days.