Fashion

Breezy Linen Is Effortlessly Chic And Keeps You Cool

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Young attractive man with sunglasses looking out over the sea during the summer. He looking forward, dressed in a white shirt and leaning on a wooden construction.

By Lisa Dante

It’s all about low effort that produces high reward style. The season’s best looks focus on working smarter, not harder.

Wearing natural fabric that breathes is almost an essential element during any scorching Texas summer. No one has the energy to wrestle with finicky, newfangled clothes on a 95 plus-degree day. There’s really no point in attempting to please the internet’s insatiable appetite for newness. Anti-fussy fashion staples in linen are key this summer and will keep you looking cool and stylish wherever you’re headed.

Linen really does have cooling properties. This specific feature is a direct result of it being an ancient, natural fabric. There’s a particular emphasis on “ancient” since it has been around for centuries, making this fabric one of the longest produced textiles in the world. There’s evidence to suggest that linen manufacturing was in operation in Egypt over 10,000 years ago. When the tomb of the Pharaoh Ramses II who died in 1213 BC, was discovered in the late 19th century, the linen wrappings were in a state of perfect preservation after more than 3,000 years.

Linen also transcends the limitations of basic cotton. It’s light and loosely woven, allowing heat to escape your body when worn. When you aim to stay cool amid the summer heat while maintaining style and elegance, linen should be your saving grace.

The fabric acts as a barrier against UV rays, allowing the air to pass and dissipate the temperature outside.

You might be thinking to yourself right now, “That’s all fine and dandy, but it creases and wrinkles terribly!” I agree with you. But that’s actually the beauty of linen. In fact, a few wrinkles in the fabric only prove that you’re wearing 100% pure linen. And that’s a very chic, statement making, beautiful thing.

 

SUSTAINABILITY

Let’s talk about environmentally friendly clothing choices. Linen comes from flax, which grows in poor soil and requires low amounts of water.

Since linen needs less water to cultivate and grow, the fabric is deemed sustainable and eco-friendly. Also by using linen fabric, you’re contributing to controlling water consumption.

 

WAYS TO STYLE LINEN

The classic linen shirt can be worn with just about any other bottoms and pants. Apply the balance rule here. If you have a loose linen blouse, pair it with a slimmer bottom. Conversely, If you have a flared or loose fitting bottom, wear a more fitted top. An oversized linen top tied at the waist is one of my favorite looks for summer.

Linen dresses are easier to style and there are endlessly chic options- from maxi and mini dresses to wrap styles. With linen pants, you need to refer to the balance rule again. This fabric is flowy and loose.

 

CARING FOR LINEN

Of course you can always have your linen garments dry cleaned.  However, can you put 100% linen clothing in the washing machine? The answer is….Yes!

Here are some guidelines:

-Separate the linen according to color

-Check the labels for washing instructions

-Turn linens inside out before washing

-Use the delicate or gentle washing cycle

-Lukewarm water wash cycle with cold rinse (Hot water is a no-no and will shrink and weaken linen)

-Air drying linen on a hanger is best

 

The bottom line is, fashion and style should not take a step back during sweltering hot days. Summer is also a time when special occasions, like weddings and reunions, not to mention travel can occur. Linen might just well be the perfect fabric for summer!