Best women’s linen clothing 2020: Keep cool in these shirts, shorts and dresses

This linen shirt has been loved and worn by just about everyone on our Instagram feed. The hype is real, but it lived up to our expectations and some. We sized up for a more relaxed and comfortable fit and it wore unbuttoned over a white bodysuit (Zara, £12.95) with a black denim mini skirt. But, owing to its versatility, it will go with just about anything in your wardrobe, and will even work well as a beach cover-up. At 100 per cent linen, it wicked away any unwanted moisture in no time, a no-brainer. Coming in a range of colours, too – there’s something for every taste.

We don’t think there’s a lot not to love about this mini dress – it even has pockets. Made from a blend of linen (53 per cent) and cotton, it’s soft to touch and is the perfect dress for a hot summer’s day. Adding to its credentials, lilac is big news this season, so there’s really no better way to tap into the trends than with this number. Owing to Zara’s slightly varied sizing, we’d suggest trying this in the size down.

Although many of us are tired of relying on loungewear after months stuck inside, we still want to be comfortable – especially during a sweaty day of working from home. Enter Mango’s linen-blend, elasticated waist trousers. This straight leg pair has the power to keep you cool, even in the height of a summer. And as they’re fully lined, you won’t have to worry about them being see-through either, a common problem with linen trousers.

Founded in Sydney in 2015, Bondi Born is a brand that is dedicated to celebrating the female form. Creating elegant, sophisticated resort wear, that can easily be elevated for the city, the brand uses only the finest quality fabrics. As the most expensive item within this round-up, we were expecting big things. And it didn’t disappoint. At 100 per cent linen, this fitted mini dress accentuated and flattered the silhouette. It felt sturdy, yet soft on the skin. Our 5ft 5in tester found it to be quite short in length, so for anyone taller, it might be best when worn over the matching linen trousers; a co-ord, after all, is totally chic.

On a hot summer’s day, these linen shorts will be the only thing you’ll want to be wearing. Trust us. Made from a blend of linen (55 per cent) and viscose, these are the perfect item for off-duty dressing. While these run true to size, we’d advise sizing up for less of a close fit, which will make them more comfortable in the heat. Wear with an oversized white T-shirt (Asos, £10) loosely tucked in and a pair of white trainers (Topshop, £16). Coming in at under £15, these shorts prove that you needn’t spend a fortune to update your wardrobe with linen.

Made from 100 per cent linen, these trousers are a great addition to any wardrobe – particularly if you’re back in the office and are looking for something that will keep you cool on your commute (and if your office AC isn’t on point). The straight leg and long length give these trousers serious leg-lengthening powers; a great flattering fit. Just make sure you’ve got neutral underwear to hand, as the material is a little see through.

The proof is in the name. Made from 100 per cent premium linen, the material is as soft as you’d expect, and the fit equally as great. The slight billow on the sleeves provides a nice shape, and the boxy cut is laid-back and relaxed. With a huge range of colours on offer (we particularly like the yellow and sky blue), and at such an affordable price point, we think this is the perfect addition to any wardrobe. If you want to tap into the Instagram trend, wear this with a pair of cycling shorts (Monki, £8), and a white cami top (Topshop, £6.99). But really this will go with everything in your wardrobe.

You can’t go wrong with a linen blazer. And this one is perfect when worn over a slip dress and paired back with a sandal. But, it could work equally well when worn as a co-ord with a pair of linen pleat shorts (& Other Stories, £55) or denim jeans and black T-shirt. Slouchy and oversized, the tapered fit is just what you’d want from a blazer, and the slight accentuation on the shoulders is flattering. It’s a timeless classic that you’ll be able to pull out and wear time and time again. A great investment piece.

You’ll most likely have seen this dress everywhere. The off-shoulder puff-sleeves are on trend, while timeless, and the shirred and fitted bodice contrasts with the floaty skirt, working to accentuate your waist. It’s a flattering fit and very easy to wear. Due to being 100 per cent linen, it is fairly sheer – opt for neutral underwear underneath this one. It will also feel softer the more you wear. From floral to sky blue, it comes in a range of colourways, and we love them all. This is of course an investment piece, but one that we don’t think you’ll regret.

Tie tops are having a moment, and this one from Free People is a great way to tap into the trend in a classic way. Adding a pop of colour to your wardrobe is in vogue summer, and we love the subtle lime shade that can be worn with just about anything. The flowy silhouette is flattering and easy to wear, and at 55 per cent linen, it’s soft to touch, and will easily see you through summer after summer. This comes up large, so you could easily size down and it would still fit like a dream.