Ask Angie: How Does One Successfully WEAR Linen?

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Ask Angie: How Does One Successfully WEAR Linen?

Sal

(website)

Member

Hi Angie,

I know that linen is a summer staple, and I adore its breezy feel ... but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to successfully wear it without looking like I just rolled out of bed. I hate appearing wrinkled and crumpled and unkempt, all of which seem unavoidable with linen.

But I've seen women wear it without garnering a single wrinkle. What are their secrets? Have you any of your own to impart? Especially for a 31-year-old who'd like to wear this fabric without appearing to dress older than I actually am?

Many thanks,
Sal

17 years ago

General

6 replies

Latest reply was from marianne

Ola

Active Member

I love linen and I say - embrace the wrinkles!

Seriously though, I do think that some wrinkling comes with the territory. I have found that tops/jackets are much more bearable in this aspect, while my linen pants usually crinkle at unflattering points like the crotch/hips area (because I sit all day).

I believe that my linen tops are a mix of linen and something else, which may help with the wrinkling issue while still having the linen look.

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Quite right Ola. Linen and wrinkles are symbiotic. You either like the look or you don’t. I say wear one linen piece at a time and preferably a top or jacket. That way you’re half wrinkled and half pristine.

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

My philosophy on linen: on an ultra hot, muggy day - the kind of day that you really can't stand ANY clothing against your skin - you are happy to trade in wrinkles for the coolness of linen!

To me, linen is not necessarily for the AC'd office - it's for days you are outdoors more than indoors, days when you are walking around a lot, and it's just too sticky. I'm thinking of linen pieces that are loose-fitting instead of structured, because you just don't want fabric too tight against your body on such days. The looser fitting, the less chance for wrinkles, I think.

Loose, wide leg pants; a linen shift or breezy sleeveless tunic....

I have the BR linen shift in white, but have yet to wear it. It is double-lined (self-lined - meaning two layers of linen). Will have to let you know how much it wrinkles, but I bought it knowing I would wear it on hot days when I wouldn't particularly care if it did.

17 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

I agree with the ladies above. I have found that a blend of linen and silk tends to wrinkle less. I have one skirt from that blend, it still wrinkles, but less than a a pair of shorts and pants that I have that are both 100% linen.

17 years ago

Sal

(website)

Member

Thanks, ladies! I agree that linen on top works better, and will look into blends.

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

You might just be more conscious of the wrinkles on yourself. When I wear linen bottoms I do tend to be more watchful and straighten it out before I sit down. I think also the quality of linen comes into play - e.g. Old Navy linen usually doesn't drape as well in my experience.

17 years ago

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