The 20 Best Linen Dresses for an Easy and Stylish Summer Wardrobe
Summertime and the living’s easy — and your wardrobe should be too. Whether you’re dressing for vacation, the office, or happy hour, there’s nothing easier than throwing on a summer dress, grab your go-to designer handbag and head out the door. And if you want that effortless, breezy style, reach for one of the best linen dresses around.
“Linen is the perfect summer fabric, it has enduring appeal for its lightweight and relaxed attitude. It also happens to be biodegradable and very sustainable, and as we have so many designers exploring more sustainable sourcing, it is coming to the forefront,” says Lisa Aiken, former Fashion & Lifestyle Director at Neiman Marcus.
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Not only do the best linen dresses capture the look and style of the warm-weather season, it also offers benefits that help you keep cool and comfortable on the hottest of days. Daniela Garcés, the Colombian designer and founder of Miami-based brand Guadalupe Design, loves linen for its breathability, durability, and versatility. A moisture-wicking fabric, Garcés says, “linen helps you feel cool in the summer as it dries quicker than cotton.”
Another benefit of the summer-friendly fabric? “Linen clothes will not lose their shape after washing, so if they are looked after properly, it’s highly likely that your linen garments will still be in great condition for years to come,” Garcés says.
Check out our top picks below for the best linen dresses you can easily rock all summer long, including unique styles and classics lightweight options.
Top Linen Dresses of 2022
Best White Linen Shirt Dress: Magic Linen Dress
Best Backless Linen Dress: Astr the Label Linen Dress
Best Size-Inclusive Linen Dress: Universal Standard Dune Linen Shirt Dress
Best Workwear Linen Dress: Reiss Linen Blend Shirt Dress
Best One-Shoulder Linen Dress: Piu Brand One-Shoulder Linen Dress
Best Linen Caftan Dress: Bambah Linen Kaftan
Best Smocked Linen Dress: Joie Linen Blend Maxi Dress
Best Wrap Linen Dress: Nanushka Linen-Blend Mini Wrap Dress
Best Linen Maxi Dress: Mara Hoffman Belted Cotton Linen Maxi Dress
Best Cut-Out Dress: Cult Gaia Linen Blend Maxi Dress
Best Affordable Linen Dress: & Other Stories Puff Sleeve Linen Midi Dress
Best Swim Cover-Up: Amazon The Drop Relaxed Linen Midi Shirtdress
Best Everyday Dress: Faithfull the Brand Trapani Cut-Out Linen Dress
Best Trendy Linen Dress: Jacquemus Fuschia Linen Dress
Best Casual Linen Dress: Abacaxi Shisha Linen Dress
Best Summer Linen Dress: Reformation Tagliatelle Linen Dress
Best Organic Linen Dress: Bondi Born Organic Linen Dress
Best Going Out Dress: Agua by Agua Bendita Linen Mini Dress
Best Cotton-Linen Dress: Guadalupe Design Parrot Cotton-Linen Dress
Best Oversized Linen Maxi Dress: Deiji Studios Linen Dress
Related Stories:
15 Best Shirt Dresses to Streamline Your Summer Wardrobe
20 Cute Summer Outfits That Will Make Dressing a Breeze
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Magic Linen Dress
Best White Linen Shirt Dress
Available in sizes XS-XL
Available in white and beige
Sustainably made from 100% European flax linen and stonewashed for extra softness
There’s nothing more timeless than a white linen shirt dress — but this style by Magic Linen puts a fresh spin on a classic. Featuring a slightly oversized silhouette and three-quarter length puff sleeves, the flared shape is breezy and laidback with a touch of femininity. I’m always on the hunt for a great shirtdress, and I’ve been living in this one all summer because it’s comfy and easy to style — and the adjustable belted waist is super flattering. Made from 100% European flax linen and OEKO-TEX certified, not only is the fabric eco-friendly, it’s also stonewashed for extra softness. But note: the white fabric does have a slight sheer to it.
Magic Linen Dress
Astr the Label Linen Dress
Best Backless Linen Dress
Available in sizes XS-XL
Available in red and black
Cut-out dresses are having a moment this season, but this style takes the look to a new level. With waist cut-outs leading to a backless design, this sexy linen dress is perfect for any special occasion. Reviewers love the flattering cut and open back, with many saying it makes a great wedding guest dress. The fabric is a lightweight blend of linen and cotton, so it won’t wrinkle as much as a 100% linen dress for a more polished look.
What reviewers say: “I absolutely love this dress. I got it in red and it fits perfectly and is so flattering. The cutouts and open back are so sexy yet I don’t feel like the dress is too revealing. Also, as a small busted gal (34B) the top part is secure enough that I don’t need a sticky bra. Not sure how this would work if you are big busted. Also, the length is perfect even though I am not tall (5’5″).”
ASTR the Label Linen Dress
Universal Standard Dune Linen Shirt Dress
Best Size-Inclusive Dress
Available in sizes 00-40
Available in white, black, cabernet, light blue, sea moss
Made with stretch linen for a comfortable fit
Universal Standard is loved for its expansive size range that goes from a size 00 – 40. The brand’s bestselling linen shirtdress is a favorite amongst shoppers for its flattering cut and stretch linen fabric, which gives a comfier fit. Available in five colors, the classic shirt dress style features short sleeves, subtle side slits, and a high-low hemline. The midi hemline makes this one easy for styling with any footwear — from sandals to sneakers to your favorite summer heels.
What reviewers say: “I am obsessed with this dress. I got it in white and it’s not see through. I love the pockets and the way it flows. I usually have difficulty getting dresses before they are always tight in the stomach + hips but this curved out for that area. I was a little hesitant on sizing because I used my measurements as instructed and it was right on.”
Universal Standard Dune Linen Shirt Dress
Reiss Linen Blend Shirt Dress
Best Workwear Linen Dress
Available in sizes 2-12
Adjustable belt
Made of linen and tencel lyocell
If you’re back living the office life but don’t want to give up the ease of summer linen, this polished shirt dress is calling your name. The structured silhouette is made of a lightweight, eco-friendly blend of linen and lyocell for style that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Featuring a Johnny collar, adjustable belt, and long sleeves with button cuffs that can be rolled up, you can wear it on its own or layer it under a blazer for those days when the A/C is cranking in the office. Oh, and did I mention it has pockets?
Reiss Linen Blend Shirt Dress
Piu Brand One-Shoulder Linen Dress
Best One-Shoulder Linen Dress
Available in sizes medium and large
Available in rust, orange and black
Found: your perfect vacation dress. Breezy, lightweight, and slightly flared, slip on this effortless one-shouldered dress for an instantly bold look that requires no effort. Layer it over a swimsuit as a cover-up by day, and style it with lace-up sandals for a night out dining al fresco. Made of 100% linen/flax, this eco-friendly dress is sure to be one you’ll wear on repeat for summers (and vacations) to come.
Piu Brand One-Shoulder Linen Dress
Bambah Linen Kaftan
Best Linen Caftan Dress
One size
Available in lime green, peach, and light blue
If you’re looking for a statement-making linen dress, look no further than Bambah’s chic linen kaftan. Featuring dramatic flared sleeves, a stand-up collar, and side slits, the midi length dress is perfect for pairing with heeled sandals for a summer night out. Sure to make a style splash, the lime green color taps into summer’s bright and bold color trend — and is great for styling with equally bright accessories.
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Joie Linen Blend Maxi Dress
Best Smocked Linen Dress
Available in sizes XXS-XL
Available in white and black
You can never have too many white linen dresses. This smocked, high-neck style by Joie is worth adding to your collection for its soft silhouette that’s versatile enough to be worn just about anywhere and everywhere. With a smocked bodice and a breezy tiered skirt, it’s both flattering and comfortable on even the hottest of summer days.
Joie Linen Blend Maxi Dress
Nanushka Linen-Blend Mini Wrap Dress
Best Wrap Linen Dress
Available in sizes XXS-L
Made from upcycled cotton and linen
Nanushka’s linen and cotton blend wrap dress is sure to become a staple in your summer wardrobe. It’s got a little bit of everything: a flattering wrap design, the perfect summer stripes, a flared sleeve for extra detailing, and a surprise open-back design. Pair it with lace-up sandals and gold jewelry, and you’ve got a ready-to-go summer look that can take you from lunch to dinner to vacation and beyond.
Nanushka Linen-Blend Mini Wrap Dress
Mara Hoffman Belted Cotton Linen Maxi Dress
Best Linen Maxi Dress
Available in sizes XS-XXL
“This Mara Hoffman dress is an easy and relaxed silhouette that can be adapted for different occasions,” Aiken says. Made of an Italian cotton linen blend, the dress features a subtle blue stripe that lends a slight nautical touch. For those who prefer a linen dress that sits closer to the body, the adjustable belt allows this one to define the waist, while the bottom and sleeves flare slightly to offer more movement and shape. Add a pair of heeled sandals and you’ve got an instant look ready for Sunday brunch or a visit to the office.
Mara Hoffman Belted Cotton Linen Maxi Dress
Cult Gaia Linen Blend Maxi Dress
Best Cut-Out Linen Dress
Available in sizes XS-XL
Available in apricot and white
The cut-out dress trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and linen is the ideal fabric to try the look for even more breathability and ease. Cult Gaia’s take on the trend features a strappy neckline and airy waist cut-outs that resemble a two-piece set from the front, but connect in the back. The bold apricot color makes the look pop even more, but if that’s not your thing, the dress also comes in an off-white color.
Cult Gaia Linen Blend Maxi Dress
& Other Stories Puff Sleeve Linen Midi Dress
Best Affordable Linen Dress
Available in sizes 0-12
Available in white and red
Yes, puff sleeves are trending, and this linen midi dress from & Other Stories is all the proof you need. The white breezy linen balances out the more structured details of the fitted silhouette, from the delicate puff sleeves to the cinched bodice and ruffle hemline. Add a pair of heels and this is the perfect look for any summer parties, or style it with flat sandals for a more casual look. Saving money on an affordable linen dress makes it easier to splurge on a designer beach bag this season.
& Other Stories Puff Sleeve Linen Midi Dress
Amazon The Drop Relaxed Linen Midi Shirtdress
Best Linen Swim Cover-Up
Available in sizes XXS-5X
Available in white, black, red, and hummus colors
Thanks to its light, airy breathability, linen also makes a great swimsuit coverup fabric to layer over your favorite one-piece swimsuit or bikini, whether you’re going to the beach, sitting poolside, or sightseeing on a tropical vacation. This affordable style from Amazon’s The Drop line offers a midi length with breezy slide slits and can be buttoned up or left open over a swimsuit. It’s also available in black, a beige hummus, and red, if you prefer more of a statement color.
What reviewers say: “I’m surprised how much I like this dress. Works with or without a belt. It is quite sheer and I will wear it again with a slip. The slip defeats the purpose of a cool, long sleeve, summer dress. Highly recommend.”
Amazon The Drop Relaxed Linen Midi Shirtdress
Faithfull the Brand Trapani Cut-Out Linen Dress
Best Everyday Linen Dress
Available in sizes XS-XXXL
Available in spice, a floral print, and a ‘70s-inspired print
Sustainably made
A subtle way to dive into summer’s cut-out dress trend is with side waist cut-outs. This linen dress from Faithfull the Brand offers a high neckline and midi length to balance out the elasticized waist-baring detail. The ultra-flattering silhouette can be styled with sandals or sneakers, making this the perfect everyday summer dress this season. Oh, and it also comes in two fun prints, a pink and red floral and a retro ‘70s print.
Faithfull the Brand Trapani Cut-Out Linen Dress
Jacquemus Fuschia Linen Dress
Best Trendy Linen Dress
Available in sizes 00-14
Available in fuschia, off white, and turquoise
Popping up everywhere from the runways to red carpets to Instagram, bright pink is undoubtedly one of the season’s hottest colors. This Jacquemus mini dress channels the fun, hot link energy with another playful take on the classic shirtdress, this time in the form of a fitted mini dress. Featuring a double collar and top layer, the bodice offers a loose, undone style, while the bottom lends a fitted look across the waist and hips. With a pair of strappy heeled sandals and some bold jewelry, you have this season’s go-to night out look. But if pink isn’t your thing, it’s also available in a chic off-white color or bright turquoise.
Jacquemus Fuschia Linen Dress
Abacaxi Shisha Linen Dress
Best Casual Linen Dress
Available in sizes XS-XL
Available in green and black
Founded by South Asian-American designer Sheena Sood, Abacaxi fuses traditional Indian textiles and design techniques with modern NYC style. The brand is a favorite for its rich colors, prints, and fabrics that pay homage to the designer’s Indian roots. This retro-inspired linen midi dress features a line of shisha mirrors (an embroidery technique tracing back to India that’s meant to ward off bad luck and evil spirits) and hand-beading down the front for a unique design detail. The adjustable straps, sweetheart neckline, and flared hem offer just the right amount of summer flair.
Abacaxi Shisha Linen Dress
Reformation Tagliatelle Linen Dress
Best Summer Linen Dress
Available in sizes 0-12
Available in black, white, a pink gingham print, and floral print
It’s giving us Bridgerton vibes — and it’s giving it good. Reformation’s corset-inspired Tagliatelle linen dress offers a scalloped, corset bodice that would do Lady Whistledown proud, paired with the ease of a lightweight, breathable linen. The relaxed skirt flares just slightly from the waist, lending more movement and shape in a midi length. You can choose between a gingham and floral print, or keep it simple with a white or black color.
Reformation Tagliatelle Linen Dress
Bondi Born Organic Linen Dress
Best Organic Linen Dress
Available in sizes XS-L
Sustainably made
Another cut-out linen dress option for summer, this Bondi Born style features a tie ruched bodice that allows you to customize how much of a cut-out you want in the bodice. Made of 100% organic linen, the sustainable dress lends a subtle pastel green color that you’ll want to wear for seasons to come. With a slight A-line flare, this style is perfect for pairing with high heeled sandals for a summer soiree or dinner.
Bondi Born Organic Linen Dress
Agua by Agua Bendita Linen Mini Dress
Best Going Out Linen Dress
Available in sizes XS-L
Agua Bendita is a Colombian-based brand and they have fully mastered the art of prints. Ideal for a summer night out or a vacation look, this flirty A-line linen mini dress has a floral, botanic-inspired print complete with butterflies. The tie halter straps and embroidered flare hemline add a touch of flirty, feminine details, perfect for pairing with sky high heeled sandals.
Agua by Agua Bendita Linen Mini Dress
Guadalupe Design Parrot Cotton-Linen Dress
Best Cotton-Linen Dress
Available in sizes S-L
Miami-based brand, Guadalupe Design, is inspired by its founders Colombian roots, along with traditional craft design techniques from around the world. Garcés says the brand’s parrot dress is one of her favorites for summer because “it’s perfect for warm days and you can dress it up or dress it down depending on your occasion.” Made of a cotton/linen blend, this breezy summer dress features a blue and green parrot print and off-white hand embroidery hem for extra detail. Pair it with flat sandals and a straw hat, and you’ve got the effortless look nailed.
Guadalupe Design Parrot Cotton-Linen Dress
Deiji Studios Linen Dress
Best Oversized Linen Maxi Dress
Available in sizes XS-XL
Available in black, white, mulberry
Deiji Studios is an Australian-based brand that’s mastered the art of minimalism, and this effortlessly chic linen maxi dress is no exception. The black maxi features a v-neckline and twisted shoulders with low-cut armholes. Proving less is more, the super simple design looks luxe, sleek, and like something the Olsen twins would wear while running errands. And for sustainbilitiy points, it’s made from 100% OEKO-TEX 100 certified and EU certified stone washed French linen.
Deiji Studios Linen Dress
Top Summer 2022 Linen Dress Trends
Yes, linen is a summer classic, but it’s also tapping into this season’s biggest trends. “Color, print, and a bohemian flair continue to resonate,” Aiken says of the season’s standout linen trends, “Cut-outs and lightweight knit bodycon dresses are trends that the customer is embracing in a bigger way.”
One (of the many) great things about the best linen dresses is that you can find beautiful options for every occasion, from casual, everyday wear to professional, office-worthy styles and even some of the best wedding guest dresses to wear this summer are made of linen or a hybrid fabric blend.
For Summer 2022, try these trendy linen dresses:
Bright and bold colors: From the bold hot pink that took over Valentino’s most recent Fall 2022 runway to the bright colors that ruled Spring/Summer 2022 runways everywhere from Bottega Veneta to Jacquemus and Saint Laurent, now is the time to go bold or go home when it comes to color. With its airy, textured look, linen is a great fabric to experiment with color in — from neon greens to colorful prints and beach-inspired stripes.
Cut-outs: The cut-out trend is still going strong, and it’s a sharp look to weave into a fabric that’s already loved for its breathability. Waist cut-outs were huge on Spring 2022 runways, with Christopher Esber’s collection diving into intricate bodice and waist slits that bring on all the sex appeal. When done in a laidback fabric like linen, the look is the perfect hybrid of subtle and sexy.
Prints on prints: From colorful florals to South American-inspired jungle patterns, there’s no shortage of prints to choose from this season. If you’re looking for a standout vacation or party dress, a printed linen style is an instant look that makes a statement all on its own.
Linen maxi dresses: Yes, the mini dress and skirt is having a moment (in case the Miu Miu mini skirt didn’t already make that clear), but flowing maxi dresses are also having a moment — and make for a chic laid back linen style. Think loose, airy silhouettes that graze the ankle and capture that summer ease. All you need is a pair of flat sandals and a straw hat to feel like you’re on vacation all summer long.
The classic linen shirtdress: The shirtdress is a timeless wardrobe staple, but this season’s linen shirt dresses are available in a range of colors and silhouettes from mini to maxi. A linen shirtdress gets even more versatility points, because it can double as the perfect swimsuit coverup too. Two dresses in one? Win-win.
The Best Way to Clean Linen Dresses
So you finally found the linen dress of your dreams, now it’s time to make sure it lasts for many more seasons to come. Follow these step-by-step instructions to extend the lifespan of your linen dresses.
First, read the care label on your individual garment. This is crucial.
Every linen dress may slightly differ, but linen can typically be machine washed on a gentle cycle using lukewarm or cold water — never hot water!
To prevent the fabric’s color from fading, use a mild detergent, regardless of whether you’re hand- or machine-washing.
Finally, you should always turn the garment inside out before machine washing to further protect and preserve the linen fibers.
For the super cautious among us, head to the dry cleaner, as most linen can be dry-cleaned (although this is where reading the care label first is key).
Meet the Experts
Lisa Aiken is the former Fashion & Lifestyle Director at Neiman Marcus.
Daniela Garcés is the Miami-based Creative Director and Founder of Guadalupe Design.
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