The 8 Best Linen Clothing Brands of 2024

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Use these timeless linen essentials for your next trip and beyond.

Abbey is a multi-hyphenate creative, entrepreneur, & writer based in NYC and Cape Town. As the founder of Oyster Creative, a creative and social media studio in Brooklyn, she is known for innovative storytelling and brand development. Abbey is driven by a desire to collect experiences, whether it's filling passport pages, earning half-marathon (completion) medals, or flight-testing the latest social media trends. Her kaleidoscopic expertise & taste-making style keep her at the forefront of the travel, beauty, fashion, food, and business sectors.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Abbey Hudetz

Linen has been cherished for millennia, and for good reason. First popularized in ancient Egypt, this textile predates both silk and cotton, yet remains as relevant as ever today, thanks to its breathability and versatility.

Woven from flax plant fibers, linen is one of the most dynamic organic textiles out there. Its rich heritage and modern applications make it a timeless choice for any travel wardrobe. Whether you’re lounging on a sun-soaked beach or layering up on cooler evenings, linen’s durability and adaptability are ideal for any climate.

Moisture-wicking, lightweight, and durable, linen is the optimal fabric for a vacation wardrobe. When shopping for linen, keep in mind that not all is created equally. While pure linen epitomizes luxury and comfort, linen blends have the added benefit of easy-breezy maintenance.

As a sensory-driven dresser and avid traveler, linen is a staple in both my closet and suitcase. Being highly sensitive to fabrics, I prioritize construction and textile quality over brand names. After years of carefully curating my linen wardrobe, I’m excited to share my insights with you. Read on to find our picks for the best linen clothing brands to shop for your next trip.

J. Crew offers an abundant range of versatile styles in soft-to-the touch linen.

Overall, the pieces are more roomy and less fitted, with room to be tailored.

J.Crew’s linen selection is impressively extensive. For women, the range is over a hundred pieces at the time of writing and all of them are trend-agnostic. While the brand is known for its preppy-polished look, they do linen basics exceptionally well and have something for every aesthetic. If you are building your linen collection not just for your upcoming trip, but for your next, and all your vacations to come, J.Crew is the best destination.

Their linen selection is a curation of 100 percent linen pieces and has everything you need to build a solid foundation for your travel wardrobe. We love how linens serve as a perfect blank canvas — ideal for layering and styling during your trip.

The Maxine Button Back Dress can be effortlessly thrown on or elevated with jewelry for a night out. The Garçon Classic Shirt is a multi-purpose travel staple; it can be worn as a shirt, swimsuit cover-up, or styled unbuttoned as a light jacket on a cool evening. The Soleil Pant will earn serious airtime on a trip – it pairs well with anything so you can get endless outfits out of a single piece.

While some linens feature a heavier weave, making them breezy but not necessarily soft to the touch, J.Crew's linen stands out for its comfort from the very first wear. The brand’s linen is sourced exclusively from Baird McNutt, a Northern Irish mill with a 200-year history of producing high-quality linen.

For elevated pieces you can rely on for years of travel, J.Crew is our top recommendation. These items are destined to become cornerstones of your capsule wardrobe and essentials in your suitcase.

The elegant cuts look like a million bucks (and prices are actually quite reasonable for pure linen).

Hand wash and hang dry to avoid wrinkling. Also, the brand ships directly from Australia, so plan ahead with your orders since shipping usually takes at least five to seven days.

We’re grateful that shopping at Dissh no longer requires a plane ticket to Australia. The viral Aussie favorite launched online in the U.S. earlier this year and we are living for their linens. It’s no wonder that this brand is women-led — their linen silhouettes are exceptionally flattering to the female form.

While Dissh’s linen collection is filled with statement pieces, they let the person who is wearing them do the talking. With adventurous cuts in neutral colorways, their linen selection strikes a balance between bold and elegant.

The coordinating sets can stand alone to make the most of your vacation wardrobe, but we love the punch they pack when styled together, like the Serena Choc Linen Asym Halter paired with the Gina Choc Linen Elastic Waist Pant.

The effortlessly chic Saskia White Linen Strapless Dress and Elena Buttermilk Linen Maxi Dress are perfect for that big night out when you snap the vacay pic.

Made of 100 percent linen, these pieces require mindful care. If you skip the hand wash and hang dry, be prepared to spend some quality time with your steamer (trust us on this one). These high-end styles look more expensive than they are, making them worth the extra attention.

Beyond their on-point button-downs and basics, Aritzia’s styles are made for stepping out.

The linens are fitted and tend to run on the smaller side, we recommend opting for the larger if you are between sizes.

There’s linen for going to the beach, and there’s linen for going out. Aritzia designs skew toward the latter, and they do it extremely well. While the going-out uniform has long been “jeans and a cute top,” Aritzia’s linen line compels you to rethink the formula. We love how breathable the fabric is — whether you’re sipping a spritz on the beach or tearing up a dance floor, you won’t break a sweat.

The brand’s Babaton Linen is a blend of linen and recycled materials, which makes it less prone to creasing in transit. The Element Linen Tube Top is a favorite for its sophisticated, minimalistic structure. The bustier can run tight, so we recommend sizing up on this one, especially if you’re larger in the bust. The Ledger Linen Skirts are a fashionable suitcase addition — they can be styled into multiple looks and are more space-efficient than a pair of pants.

Aritzia’s Wilfred pieces are made from ultra-luxe, pure linen sourced from multiple mills around the world. We’re fans of the Frenchy Linen Blouse, which features an ultra-flattering drape, with flirty ruffles and peek-a-boo details. Keep the linen spray handy — the 100 percent linen fabric can crinkle in your suitcase but is sure to stun on your nights out.

Another standout from the Wilfred linen collection is the Credenza Linen Dress. The simple smock halter cut is a perfect base to build on with accessories, like metallic hoops or a silk scarf. The chocolate brown is a standout, but we recommend sizing up. The linen blend travels well but is on the sturdy side and doesn’t have much give.

We appreciate the visibility into the linen production with price breakdowns of the brand’s production expenses.

The linens are on the sturdy side with a heavier weave.

Linen is naturally a biomaterial, but its cultivation plays a big role in how responsible the textile production is. Everlane’s hemp and flax, which make up their proprietary 100 percent linen weave, are farmed in Europe with minimal water usage and chemicals, and the fabrics are GOTS certified.

What sets Everlane apart is the visibility they offer consumers into their processes. In 2023, they rolled out radical pricing transparency, allowing you to see how each garment’s production costs impact the sticker price on each product page. Take the Henley Shirt in Linen, which is priced at $88 and breaks down as follows: $13.38 for materials, $1.93 for hardware, $8.84 for labor, $1.62 for duties, and $0.59 for transport.

While any purchase has some impact on the planet, we appreciate that Everlane is inviting customers into their production practices and holding themselves to a higher standard. They have an ample array of evergreen women’s and men’s linen; designed for the long haul – not just a weekend away.

This brand features contemporary classics in ultra-soft European linen that can be mixed and matched.

The sturdy-weave linen can be machine washed, but remember to hang dry.

Alex Crane’s linens defy trends while staying current. A relatively new brand, they entered the scene in NYC in 2016 and have quickly made a name for themselves by combining quality craftsmanship with a modern, timeless style. Their focus on pure linen is particularly noteworthy, with pieces that stand out not just for their aesthetic appeal but also for their practicality. Unlike most pure linens that require high maintenance, Alex Crane's linen collection is designed to make care a breeze and travel well.

Save yourself trips to the dry cleaner — these garments can be machine washed and air dried with ease. For an extra-crisp finish, a quick run through with the iron will do the trick.

The linen knits are even simpler to care for, as they’re machine washable and can be tumble dried. The Sun Tee is a particularly easygoing travel companion – it’s soft with structure, ultra-flattering, and isn’t prone to wrinkling.

The quality of these linens is evident to the touch but also the fit, which is slim and tapered. We love the everyday practicality of the Alex Crane linen pieces, all at a reasonable price point for pure linen sourced from France.

While the brand is known for artisanal basics, we’re particularly impressed with their mix-and-match versatility. The Bo Shorts and Ola Shirt are ideal for a Euro-style vacation look — wear them together for a bold statement or as separates for versatile styling. Transition the set to cooler temperatures with the Cham Linen Pants. With just a few pieces, you can create multiple looks, making it easy to pack light for your trip.

This “if you know, you know” brand typifies Côte d'Azur living and French quality.

While European brands tend to run small, note that Vilebrequin runs true to size, so be sure to take that into account when ordering.

Vilebrequin is a brand that does quiet luxury on full volume. The beloved Côte d'Azur swimwear atelier has been cherished for their swim trunks in cheeky, limited edition prints since the ‘70s, and their legacy of French quality extends to their linens.

While their swimwear makes a splash, Vilebrequin’s linen line takes a more demure approach, with styles in solid colors that are easy to pair. Their Men’s Linen Pants are a travel wardrobe investment that pays dividends. Light and breezy, they are perfect for transitioning from beach to bar. Linen pants are a vacation essential, especially since some high-end restaurants require pants, even in summer heat.

While their solid linens are timeless staples, we can’t get enough of Vilebrequin’s iconic prints. The brand has also tapped other French wave-makers for limited-edition collaborations, like the Vilebrequin x Maison Kitsuné collection. The Men Linen Bowling Shirt Wave from the Vilebrequin x Maison Kitsuné line is sure to turn heads on the boardwalk.

Continuing their tradition of vibrant prints, the brand uses a chemical-free, 100 percent mineral-based eco-dye in their linen collections.

With the right care, quality garments can last a lifetime. To maintain your Vilebrequin pieces, wash them with TLC — pair with like colors on a gentle cycle, at a cool temperature, and hang to dry. When packing for travel, refresh with a steamer or iron on a light setting.

Ultimately, you don’t become a beloved French brand without a commitment to quality. Vilebrequin’s dedication to 100 percent linen and natural dyes is more than lip service. These well-made pieces are a worthy investment; they’re a go-to season after season, no matter where your travels take you — from the South of France and beyond.

With sizes ranging from petite to plus, Madewell’s on-trend linens are now available in extended sizing.

Hemlines tend to be on the shorter side, so keep in mind that these pieces show some leg.

Madewell has always emphasized craftsmanship, and recently, the brand has focused on expanding its size range, now offering sizes in petite, standard, and plus up to 3X. While only 40 percent of their current collection is available in the full size range, Madewell is actively rolling out more pieces based on customer feedback, making their plus-size linen line one to watch.

The plus linen collection may be small, but it’s thoughtfully curated, with versatile linen basics that are perfect for travel. We especially love the Plus 100 Percent Linen Cross-Back Sleeveless Top and Plus Pull-On Straight Crop Pants in Linen Blend, all-purpose pieces that are effortless to pair for multiple vacation looks.

Versatility is key when packing for a trip, but having a standout vacation outfit is just as important. The Madewell collaboration with eco-conscious cult-favorite Lisa Says Gah! delivers. We're obsessed with the playful prints and whimsical embroidery. The Madewell x Lisa Says Gah! Plus One-Shoulder Mini Dress inspired by the Greek Isles has us tracking flights to Santorini.

Uniqlo offers unbeatable value on linen styles for the whole family.

Their 100 percent linen weave is on the rigid side but softens with wear.

When it comes to affordable linens, Uniqlo is the go-to. Now a global retailer, the brand was originally founded as a Japanese textile company – and it shows in their emphasis on fabric quality. Their linen line is diverse in styles and fabrics, from premium 100 percent linen to various linen blends.

For pure linens, Uniqlo has unbeatable prices. Their premium line boasts 100 percent linen styles for a song – with pieces available for under $20. The Premium Linen Striped Long-Sleeve Shirt is a classic with multiple colorways and striped options that stand out. Just keep in mind that some fabrics can be quite sheer, so choose your colors accordingly.

The feel of Uniqlo’s premium linen weave is initially on the stiff side, but the pure linen is built for the long haul. Linen is known for its durability and will soften with each wash and wear, so your well-loved pieces will only get better with time.

While the pure linen is a steal, don’t sleep on their linen blends, which are softer right off the rack and tend to travel well with less wrinkling. We’re big fans of the Womens’ Linen Blend Easy Pants, which make an ideal airport uniform and are versatile enough that you’ll get endless mileage out of them throughout your trip. When caring for your Uniqlo linens, pay special attention to the specific care instructions for each textile, as they vary between blends and premium linen.

We love that Uniqlo carries kids’, men’s and women’s linen clothing – it’s a one-stop-shop for a family vacation.

While the luxe feel of 100 percent linen is unmatched, these fabrics often require extra care and tend to be dry clean only. Linen blends, however, can be more manageable and travel-friendly, so you can avoid the stress of constant steaming and ironing.

If you’re looking for a natural textile with less maintenance, consider linen-cotton or linen-wool blends, which are still fully organic but less apt to wrinkle. Synthetic blends like linen-polyester and linen-nylon offer different advantages, such as being machine washable — though it's always important to check the care instructions for each garment.

Folding your linen pieces in an overpacked suitcase is a recipe for wrinkles. Minimize unwanted creasing by rolling, as opposed to folding, your linens. Bonus: packing your clothes this way also saves space in your luggage.

As always, be sure to follow your specific garment’s care instructions to avoid damaging the material. In the case of pure linen, it’s often best to wash on a cool, gentle cycle and hang to dry. Linen blends, however, may be less finicky and can typically be tumble dried.

As for packing, linen can be a temperamental material to travel with due to its tendency to wrinkle. To minimize wrinkles, roll your linen clothes instead of folding them — this also helps maximize space in your suitcase. If you must fold your linen, be sure to crease along the seam lines to reduce the risk of wrinkling. Overpacking a suitcase can also leave garments prone to wrinkling, so leave your linen with some room to breathe.

Even with careful packing, anticipate refreshing your linen clothing upon arrival. Once you’re settled in your accommodations, unpack and hang your linen pieces to allow the creases to fall out naturally. Most hotels and vacation rentals provide an iron, but you can take matters into your own hands by packing a travel steamer and wrinkle-release spray. In a pinch, you can hang your linen clothes in the bathroom while taking a hot shower with the door closed. The steam will naturally help release the wrinkles.

Yes, linen is an eco-friendly fabric. Linen is made from flax plant fibers, which is grown without the need for pesticides or chemicals, making it an organic textile. While linen is made from biomaterial, the overall environmental impact of linen varies with production practices. How the flax is cultivated, the dyes used, and whether the linen is chemically treated all contribute to the overall sustainability of a particular linen.

Looking into the full supply chain and practices of clothing production can be challenging for consumers. A simple way to identify linens that have been responsibly produced is to look out for the organic GOTS-certified label. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) is a third-party certification that verifies adherence to stringent ecological and social standards throughout the textile production process.

Abbey Hudetz is a self-proclaimed "sensory dresser," someone who is highly particular about the tactile feel of her clothes. She spent the summer traveling through the South of France, gathering intel on linen production and styles. From exploring linen markets in Provence to observing Côte d'Azur street styles, she’s done the research to bring you the best in linen fashion.

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