The Best Linen Dress Styles to Wear All Summer (2024)

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ByNatalie Michie

Date April 10, 2024

In the summertime, everyone must have at least one good linen dress on constant rotation. (We don’t make the rules.) With their lightweight and breathable fabric and always-soft-feeling finish, they emit the effortlessness we strive for in warmer months.

And like linen shirts and crochet tops, they belong in your closet this season.

How to wear a linen dress this year

Available in flattering maxis, cute minis and button-up tunics, linen dresses come in all forms. Because they can vary in length, cut and colour, they are brimming with styling possibilities.

A shorter hem could pair beautifully with sneakers or flat sandals, while a tea-length A-line silhouette could be dressed up with kitten heels. The biggest beauty of this breezy fabric is that it revels in being simple. If you want to take the guesswork out of styling, opt for a pick with a subtle design focal point, like a ruched bustier or asymmetrical draping.

Throw on your favourite gold jewellery, tote bag and sandals, and your summer serve is ready.

Our fave linen dress styles for summer 2024

Best overall

Amazhiyu women’s linen halter maxi dress

The Best Linen Dress Styles to Wear All Summer (1)

A halter-cut with hidden pockets and an easily adjustable silhouette? Consider us sold. This 100 per cent linen maxi dress has quiet-luxury-approved simplicity with a flowy fit that cascades to your calves.

Featuring a ruched neckline, it can be tightened for a closer fit or loosened for a breezy effect. It also comes with a linen tie, so you can cinch the waist as you please.

Pros

  • Available in three colours
  • Easily adjustable silhouette
  • Comes with pockets

Cons

  • Some reviewers note that it felt stiff at first, so give it a few wears to soften up

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Best budget

​​Amazhyu linen V-neck summer dress

The Best Linen Dress Styles to Wear All Summer (2)

The perfect airy mini dress, this spaghetti-strapped number is a grab-and-go staple for uniform dressing when temps rise. Made of 100 per cent linen, it has a super soft feel with a skin-friendly finish and organic make.

With a cascading silhouette and adjustable straps, it can stand on its own or be layered underneath a white T-shirt. Plus, design elements like the high-low hemline and the subtle side slits add extra airiness.

Pros

  • Available in five colours
  • Perfect for layering
  • Doubles as a loungewear/sleep dress

Cons

  • Runs small

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Best rated

Miessial striped linen dress

The Best Linen Dress Styles to Wear All Summer (3)

Nothing says summertime sweetness like an adorable fit and flare dress, and this one is a standout favourite with over 2,000 ratings on Amazon. Made of a cotton-linen blend, it’s soft and breathable with just the right amount of stretch. Featuring a smocked bodice, ruffled short-sleeve detailing and hidden pockets, this A-line design is the best linen dress for practical everyday wear.

Pros

  • Available in two colours
  • Elastic bust and waist design crafted to fit you perfectly
  • Fit and flare silhouette that can be dressed up or down

Cons

  • Hand wash

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Best luxury

Frame gathered seam lace inset dress

The Best Linen Dress Styles to Wear All Summer (4)

Refined simplicity reigns supreme with this midi-length style by Frame. Available in a creamy white hue, it is the perfect treat-yourself splurge to start summer right. The ruched bustier, asymmetrical hem and cap sleeves rejuvenate the classic linen image with a standout sophisticated aesthetic.

Pros

  • Smocked detailing adds a romantic finish
  • Flowy asymmetrical fit for guaranteed comfort
  • Linen-blend that promises breezy wearability

Cons

  • Only available in one colour

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Best sleeveless

Frank and Oak The Pocket Shirt Dress

The Best Linen Dress Styles to Wear All Summer (5)

Plenty of pockets give this rich chocolate dress edge, while the removable waist belt gives the option for a cinched final look. Made of linen and Tencel Lyocell, it boasts a fluid fabric that cascades down and hits just below the knee for a refined finish.

Pros

  • Relaxed fit with professional-appropriate elements like a defined collar
  • Made of a blend of environmentally conscious materials
  • Suitable for machine wash
  • Wear loose or cinched at the waist

Cons

  • Only available in one colour

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Best organic

Everlane linen oversized puff-sleeved dress

The Best Linen Dress Styles to Wear All Summer (6)

Made of 100 per cent linen flax, this linen fabric frock uses flax fibres that have been sourced in a sustainably-minded way, using no GMOs and full mechanical processes for zero-waste operation during extraction.

Stylistically, it shines in its oversized fit, perfectly puffed sleeves and V-neck cut. Pair it with black flats for the perfect day-date ensemble.

Pros

  • Environmentally conscious dress made of 100 per cent flax linen
  • Available in three colours/styles
  • Suitable for machine wash

Cons

  • Some reviewers note that it runs large, so consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes

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Best plus-size

The Drop Fiona relaxed midi dress

The Best Linen Dress Styles to Wear All Summer (7)

A classic button-down linen dress is an easy styling choice. The button-down detailing acts as the focal point, while the chest pocket gives it charm.

This long-sleeve dress is designed to drape comfortably over your body for a one-and-done piece that you don’t have to think too hard about. Available in up to a 5X, it’s a size-inclusive option.

Pros

  • Available in seven colours
  • Size inclusive sizing up to a 5X
  • Collar neckline and cuffs add a professional feel to the laid back linen look

Cons

  • Runs large

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Best short

Billabong mini sundress

The Best Linen Dress Styles to Wear All Summer (8)

Front patch pockets, a sporty box silhouette and ultra-thin spaghetti straps make this pick the sweetest summer go-to. Billabong’s linen-blend version of an LBD is the perfect short dress to elevate to your wardrobe repertoire.

Pros

  • Made of viscose, linen and cotton for a soft fit with some give
  • Easy to dress down with sneakers or dress up with kitten heels
  • Available in four colours/patterns

Cons

  • Only suitable for hand-wash

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The Best Linen Dress Styles to Wear All Summer (2024)

FAQs

The Best Linen Dress Styles to Wear All Summer? ›

As we've briefly touched on, linen really is the fabric of choice if breathability and comfort are your main goals. It's the perfect summer fabric as it's light, thin and airy but also durable. Though a linen dress is light as air, it will last for years to come.

Are linen dresses good for summer? ›

As we've briefly touched on, linen really is the fabric of choice if breathability and comfort are your main goals. It's the perfect summer fabric as it's light, thin and airy but also durable. Though a linen dress is light as air, it will last for years to come.

How to wear linen in summer? ›

Layering your linen shirts with other garments on top is always the answer for any season! People also wear linen shirts on the beach or at summer parties where there is little emphasis on dress codes, and all you want is to feel fresh and comfortable. Linen is also absorbent.

How do you wear linen without looking old? ›

Straighten up a linen skirt or pants before you sit down to help minimise wrinkles. Try to unbutton linen jackets before sitting, or better yet, hang them over a chair. We may remember the first few times but then forget and start daydreaming about what it would be like to permanently move to St.

Can you wear a linen dress to a summer wedding? ›

Wear Breathable Fabrics

Silk and chiffon are elegant for women, or opt for linen and cotton dresses for beach or backyard weddings.

What type of linen is best for dresses? ›

Woven Linen Fabrics

-Light to medium weight and opaque with a denim-ish look. -Good for shirts, skirts, and dresses.

Is linen in style in 2024? ›

If you're looking to sport a tailored linen style for summer 2024, look no further than these ultra-chic pink linen pants.

When not to wear linen? ›

The traditional thinking is, never wear linen clothing before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. While most people adhere to this, there really is no reason – especially in Southern California – not to wear it year round. So, get your “summer” linens out and enjoy the light, airy feeling of this natural fabric.

What is better for summer, cotton or linen? ›

Although cotton absorbs a little more moisture, it is unable to wick moisture away from the skin as effectively as linen. Linen is both breathable and highly wicking. Wicking means linen draws moisture (sweat) away from the skin and dries quickly, keeping you more comfortable in the heat.

Is 100% linen good for summer? ›

Due to its weave and the natural properties of the flax plant, linen fabric is naturally breathable, allowing air to flow between the fibres. This means wearing linen clothing instead of garments made from synthetic fabric keeps you cooler in hot weather.

How do you look good in a linen dress? ›

Use smart layering techniques to enjoy your favorite items all year round. Wear maxi linen dresses with warm thighs, layer a turtle neck underneath, or combine with warm cozy wool sweaters. Linen mixes beautifully with other materials, such as silk and wool so it is always great to experiment a little.

How not to look frumpy in linen? ›

#2: Structured Fabrics and Textures. Because linen is a loose, soft looking fabric wearing it with other soft fabrics can enhance any feeling of frumpy you might have. Adding a structured piece like a jean jacket which also has a harder texture can help!

Can a linen dress be a co*cktail dress? ›

If the invitation specifies a black tie or formal attire, linen might not be the best choice. These dress codes generally call for more formal fabrics like silk or satin. However, if the dress code is more casual (for example, "co*cktail attire" or "beach formal"), linen can be a great option.

Do linen dresses need lining? ›

Cotton Linen

Some lighter weight fabrics may need lined, but usually they don't. They tend to hold their shape and structure more than a viscose linen mix. They usually have a textured, slubbed finish, are breathable and super comfortable to wear in the summer as tops, blouses, shirts, shirts and loose breezy dresses.

What is the best color to wear to a summer wedding? ›

For summer weddings, go bold with bright colors, like greens, oranges, and pinks. This will help reflect the energy of the season and can be dressed up with statement jewelry or other accessories.

Is linen good to wear in hot weather? ›

Linen is another top choice for a breathable fabric for hot weather conditions. It is also very light and is loosely woven which allows heat to escape from the body. It absorbs a lot of moisture and dries quickly, keeping you cool and dry. It tends to be stiff, but that also means that it is not sticking to your body.

Is silk or linen better for summer? ›

Each fabric is breathable, but linen contains a higher moisture absorbency than cotton and silk combined. If you're wanting to stay as cool as possible in summer, linen is the best choice.

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