Linen is a fabric celebrated for its comfort and breathability in warm climates. Made from a plant-derived fibre, linen is environmentally sustainable, so you can be proud to wear your linen tops! Linen also possesses inherent qualities that make it wick moisture away from the body, whilst at the same time cooling you down in the heat and maintaining warmth in the cold. In essence, linen is a little bit magic!
Not only is linen magic, but it’s valued for its elegant style. You basically can’t fail if you buy linen. It is always on trend.
With linen tops being the standard port of call for women who want to develop the linen quotient of their wardrobe, in this article, we’ll explore linen tops. We’ll look at popular linen top styles that you’ll see around this spring and summer, find out how to care for linen tops, and make mention of the likely occasions where you can showcase your linen tops. Let’s dive in!
Linen’s quality fibres
Linen is a plant-derived fabric, meaning it’s a great choice for a couple of reasons. Firstly, linen is considered an environmentally-sustainable fabric. The flax plant, from which linen is derived, grows easily and requires little water and no pesticides. When it’s harvested, all parts of the plant are used, so nothing goes to waste. So, when you compare linen with many other natural or manmade fibres, you’re already a few steps ahead in terms of reducing your environmental footprint.
Secondly, as linen is a natural fibre, it has the following marvellous attributes:
It’s thermo-regulating. The fibres in linen change according to the temperature, which works in your favour. When it’s cold, the fibres contract, allowing for less airflow and more warmth for you. When it’s hot, the fibres loosen—more air flows, and the fabric becomes more breathable.
It’s moisture-wicking. What does that mean? It means that linen’s natural fibres actually draw moisture (away from us), then dry out quickly.
It doesn’t hold odours. When we perspire, odours can get trapped in our clothing, and if our clothing is synthetic, this can be a problem. Certain synthetic fibres trap odours, and they may not wash out. With linen, because the fibres are loose and natural, sweat that has collected in your garment will wash out easily.
It’s strong and durable. Linen is quite a strong fibre, and is said to be 2-3 times stronger than cotton. The cellulose fibres in linen yarn are said to be longer than those in cotton, which makes them strong and durable (cotton is great, but your linen garments will last longer).
Linen and linen blends - which to choose
When faced with the choice between 100% pure linen, and a linen blend, many opt for pure linen. This is because you can be certain your garment will possess the qualities we spoke of above (it will wick moisture away from the body, be thermo-regulating, won’t retain odours, and be strong and long lasting). However some linen blends offer additional benefits. For example, linen mixed with viscose, TENCEL™ or polyester will result in a more drapey fabric that is less prone to wrinkling. The breathability and moisture-wicking properties of the linen may be slightly reduced, however.
Linen mixed with silk makes for a softer linen, although this combination will be pricey.
Linen and spandex will give an outfit more stretch, but it might make the fabric feel a little itchier than pure linen.
Whether you choose pure linen or a linen blend is up to you. It’s worth trying the feel of both. If you feel a prickly feeling when wearing a blend, it’s probably better to stick to pure linen, which will soften over time.
Linen Top Styles for spring and summer
The warm months are here, so it’s time to consider which style of linen tops to welcome into your closet. There are some great options to choose from. Remember, linen lasts for a long time, so think about what tops will survive the trends season after season. Here are some of our top picks.
Linen tunic tops
Perfect for summer adventures, linen tunic tops offer a relaxed look and plenty of airflow, which is vital in the heat. They reach approximately mid-thigh to knee length, so you’d normally wear a bottom layer, like leggings or summer pants. If you’re heading to the beach though, you can wear a tunic top over your bathers, sans pants!
Quality Linen Shirts
Linen shirts are a classic option for work wear, particularly if you work in retail or in an office. They always look neat, and the fact they are moisture-wicking is a godsend, as who wants to look sweaty in the workplace? Another bonus at work is a linen shirt’s ability to at once keep you warm under air conditioning, and cool when you step out of the office into the heat of the day.
Pair your linen shirt with a cardigan or a blazer, and either tailored pants or a pencil skirt.
For after work, loosen a few buttons and wear your linen shirt with a denim skirt or jeans for a more casual look.
Feminine Linen Blouses
Linen blouses offer a soft and gentle look, yet are still practical options for both work and casual occasions. Look out for linen blouses with embellishments, or with delicate details like broderie anglaise.
Linen blouses look great with a simple pair of jeans, but also look nice over a midi or maxi skirt. Consider adding a belt at the waist if you want to create a shapely silhouette.
Linen Tops in floral prints
Spring is the perfect time to go for florals, and they work well in summer too. Florals add a feminine flavour to your outfit, and the print also draws attention.
Floral tops work in a range of settings, so if you’re heading to an engagement party, a brunch, or even to the shops, floral tops will go down a treat. Balance out the feminine floral vibe with some delicate sandals or open-toe heels.
Linen Tops for spring and summer events - what to wear where
Need ideas on which linen top to wear on your next outing? Read on.
- To the office: Linen tops, in particular, linen shirts and blouses, are a great option for the workplace. Linen’s moisture-wicking properties will mean your clothing won’t get heavy with sweat! Instead, the moisture will dry quickly. Re: styling a linen top for work, try your linen top with either a pencil skirt or with tailored trousers for a neat and professional look.
- To the beach: Throw a linen top and a pair of shorts over your swimsuit and you’re perfectly prepped for a day on the sand! Even better, just wear a linen tunic top, or a long linen shirt over your bathers. These will keep you covered from the harsh sun, yet are easy to take off when you want to swim. Don’t forget thongs, beach bag, and wide-brimmed hat!
- Summer ensemble for casual day outings: For a relaxed and stylish summer look, pair your linen top with shorts or a flowy skirt. You’ll have a simple-yet-tidy looking outfit that is breathable! Add strappy sandals or light canvas sneakers, a comfy tote bag, hat and sunnies, and you are pretty much ready to go anywhere.
- On holiday: Comfort is essential when you’re heading away for a break, but you also want to look good! Linen tops are a great option for when you want to be cool and comfortable, and yet stylish too. I mean, there’s a reason why you see so much linen in the world’s premium resorts and holiday destinations—it’s because linen always looks stylish, is comfortable, and is a premium fabric! So whether you’re at a resort, out camping, exploring a market, or going out to a restaurant, linen tops are a practical-yet-chic option. Pair with lightweight linen pants or a linen or cotton skirt and comfortable sandals.
- Boho summer vibes: Whether you plan to wear it to a music festival, or just to afternoon drinks with your friends, a boho look is always trending in spring and summer in Australia, and linen tops fit perfectly into that style. Wear a linen top with a boho maxi skirt and roman sandals. Add a woven waist belt, embellished tote bag, layered jeweller, and some oversized sunnies, and your look is complete.
- Travel outfits: Linen tops are perfect for travelling in spring and summer. They keep you cool, look neat, and you can hand wash them in your hotel basin and they dry quickly! They also look stylish, without requiring much in the way of styling. Consider a linen shirt as an essential travel item—you can wear it on day outings, to the beach, or out to dinner, and it won’t look out of place. Also, hoping for an upgrade on your flight? Linen will have you looking first class, whilst being super comfortable for the long haul!
How to care for linen tops
Linen lasts a long time if properly cared for. Follow these tips to keep your linen looking good for as long as possible.
- Always read the care instructions! Whilst we’re providing tips below, each garment includes essential advice for washing, drying and ironing on its label, so follow it! This is particularly important for dyed linen tops.
- Hand wash your linen tops if possible, using a gentle detergent and cold water. And wash immediately, rather than letting your linen sit in water for too long (this can weaken the fibres).
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If machine washing, choose a delicate setting, appropriate for linen (read your machine’s user manual if necessary). Again, use only gentle laundry detergent and cold water. Linen can shrink, so hot water must be avoided!
Also avoid placing any bulky items in the wash with your linen, or items with zippers or features that may damage your linen.
- Wash with like colours. That means, if you’re washing white linen, only wash with other white items, and so on!
- Air dry your linen tops if possible, and dry out of direct sunlight. (UV rays degrade linen, so the less your top is exposed, the better.)
- If tumble drying, use only a very low setting (linen fibres can degrade in strong heat, or shrink).
- Ironing isn’t required with linen, as it is expected to naturally crease, especially if it’s 100% pure linen. But if you like your linen appearing crisp, use a steam iron, or else iron your linen whilst it’s still damp, on a medium-to-high linen setting.
- Store your linen tops on a hanger, away from moisture.
Linen tops available at Femme Connection
Linen tops are the ultimate when it comes to breathability, comfort and style. Whether you like the classic look and feel of pure linen or the practical benefits of linen blends, there’s a linen top for every taste and occasion.
Femme Connection's collection includes Made in Italy linen tops in a range of styles to suit pretty much any occasion. Look out for tunic-style tops, blouses, embellished linen tops, relaxed shirts, and floral linen tops. There’s sure to be a linen top in our collection that’s perfect for you, and in your size!
Don’t forget to also explore our Made in Italy linen dresses, and our breezy and comfortable linen pants which are great to pair with your linen tops.