Shopping for linen - ISO tips

elpgal

I want a happy medium between super-flowy styles vs fitted, between scratchy Amazon offerings and made-to-order European brands. Where should I look? I would like a dress, a pair of tulip-hem pants and a tank.

2 years ago

General

21 replies

Latest reply was from wwyyss

Jules

Veteran

Well my inclination would be to look at classic brands like Ralph Lauren who make linen items. Or Eileen Fisher maybe? I am loving Canadian brand Power of My People if you are in North America but I am not sure of returns from across the border (it tends to be an issue when ordering from the US to Canada even if the initial shipping is free, so I imagine it might be the same in reverse for US shoppers).
https://powerofmypeople.com/

2 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

I’m happy with my dress from Aritzia/Wilfred, and they have quite a bit of linen offerings.https://www.aritzia.com/en/clothing/linen-clothing

2 years ago

Anonymous

Here's mine-
The skirt came from an Etsy shop, yep in Europe, but very reasonable priced and many colors.
The pants were Villager Sport, consignment find. I know they need ironing, but it can wait til it's cold enough to wear them again!
The top is Cut Loose brand, cotton linen. Found in a boutique.

2 years ago

kkards

Veteran

It’s been a while since I’ve ordered anything from here, but my 1st thought was Garnet Hill
https://www.garnethill.com/wom.....inen-shop/

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

2 years ago

kkards

Veteran

I was also going to suggest Etsy, but as most of what I have seen is made it order, plus shipping time, i think you are looking at late July -mid August delivery

2 years ago

cat2

Veteran

Tommy Bahama?

2 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I’ve heard good things about Quince linen pieces and they aren’t too expensive. I have a silk skirt from them and it’s great. Eileen Fisher is also usually pretty good. But in my experience you just have to feel a linen piece in person and see how you feel about it.

2 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

All of these are places where I have never shopped, so thank you for recommending. I am in the US, so all of these brands are accessible to me.

2 years ago

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

If you have access to Muji or Uniqlo, I highly recommend. Interesting “Asian” silhouettes and fab quality at affordable prices. All of my linen pieces from there have become faves and lasted ages.

2 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Etsy has a lot of linen clothing, from all over (including made in the US). I have gotten a few pieces and have been happy with everything.

2 years ago

Indigoprint

Veteran

love Cutloose and Fenini and Flax for linen.

2 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Boden and Ralph Lauren Polo get my vote!

2 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

Second Uniqlo. Also massimo dutti

2 years ago

Kathie

Veteran

I recently tried three Etsy shops for linen. My favorite is LinenIDStudio, and I’ll definitely be a repeat customer. Production was 2 weeks, and shipping ~5 days to the US. LinenMe (based in UK, clothes made in Lithuania) has excellent quality linen for the price, and production was a bit faster (~1 week.) The finishing details- French seams, faced hems- are gorgeous on all the pieces I ordered.

2 years ago

Column

Veteran

Massimo Dutti!

2 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I like EF handkerchief linen if you are ok with some wrinkles. Otto s are usually a heavier linen and that is good. I would love to find an unlined white linen blazer.

2 years ago

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I’m not up-to-speed on current linen, but I recently thrifted a new Talbots Irish linen blouse and a pair of J Crew linen shorts, and I love love love them. They totally saved my bacon at EPCOT a few weeks ago, and a week later when I met friends for patio drinks during the 100+ heat index.

I’m particularly impressed with the Talbots top, because it kept me pretty cool, and wasn’t scratchy. (My skin gets tender with sun and heat exposure).

My tips for linen are: if you’re buying it to wear in extreme heat, look for Irish linen and/or a mid-to-heavier weight thickness, because this keeps the sun off. And consider slightly oversized styles that allow the garment to stand away from the skin a little, because this allows air to circulate.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

2 years ago

Jules

Veteran

To echo Mary Beth with another point about thickness, some linen is too sheer and requires a camisole - which then defeats the purpose for very hot weather. Darker colours help but can be prone to fading. I think some linens and colours fade better than others though - so if you’re considering something because your attracted to its bright colour, try to imagine it with some possibly uneven fading (I’m thinking about a bright orange top I have vs. an olive green one, and how I don’t love the faded version of the first but the second is fine).

2 years ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I bought some tulip hem pants & a balloon hem dress from an Etsy seller based in Hong Kong whose pieces are fairly reasonably priced (compared to the European sellers) @anysize. They both had pockets & waist definition (but not overly so!) So far working well in my subtropical, humid climate.

The linen quality was good - not scratchy (I have sensitive skin) but not see-through either (though I didn't buy anything in white).

2 years ago

Lana

(website)

Veteran

I love linen for the coolness factor temperature wise, but I usually try to find a blend to minimize wrinkling and I carry a small spray bottle of downy wrinkle release with me to spray occasionally. I just bought a white linen skirt from XCVI which is see through but I love it. Will wear with a slip. They have lots of linen options and are good quality.

2 years ago

wwyyss

Active Member

I recommend the linen dresses and pants from Reformation, they are feminine and sustainable.

https://www.jellibeans.com/bra.....=F%2CM%2CU

2 years ago

Category