Linen clothes for women and men to create a stylish, sweat-free look

Yahoo Life's editors are committed to independently selecting wonderful products at great prices for you. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

If you've been frantically searching for linen clothes to keep you cool these past few days, you're not alone.

Even if it’s in the mid-twenties, those who sweat a lot, are pregnant, unwell or who are battling hot flushes and hormonal fluctuations, the type of fabrics we wear can be the difference between feeling stylish and comfortable, or damp, hot and paranoid about sweat patches.

This is where having a wardrobe with some staple linen pieces comes in.

But just what makes linen such a summer must-have?

In a nutshell, it absorbs loads of moisture and dries quickly, meaning you’re not having to sit around in sweaty clothes. It can absorb as much as one-fifth of its weight before it feels damp meaning it’s naturally sweat-wicking.

It’s also supremely breathable due to its weave and the natural properties of the flax plant, which linen is derived from.

The worst thing you can wear in warm temperatures is synthetic fabrics – which is why you’ll notice that see so many people who live in hot countries opt for linens or linen mix fabrics.

With that in mind, we’ve done an edit of some of the most stylish linen pieces to invest in now that you’ll be able to wear in summer at home – and on holidays abroad – for years to come.

5 linen womenswear pieces to add to your summer wardrobe

Pure Linen Shorts | £25 from Marks & Spencer

These high-waisted linen shorts are a versatile option - they can be worn over your swimsuit/bikini on the beach, or dressed up with pretty mules and a strappy top for a party or BBQ.

hush Linen Blend Deep V-Neck T-Shirt, White | £35 from John Lewis & Partners

A bestseller at John Lewis, this classic, white, linen/cotton-mix T-shirt is the ultimate capsule piece that'll keep you cool and go with virtually everything in you wardrobe. Plus when it gets chillier, team it with jeans and a blazer.

Cargo Linen Trouser Navy | £39 (was £80) from Whistles

Although the white and khaki versions of these chic linen trousers are nearly sold out, there's still a variety of sizes in the navy style. We can see why they're flying off the virtual shelves - they've been reduced to less than half price, and they're a relaxed fit with drawstring waist and loose around the legs. They're perfect for holidays, work and can be dressed up for parties, too. Love.

Women's Summer Midi Linen Sundress | £25.99-£30.99 from Amazon

Not only does this short-sleeved linen/rayon dress have pockets (hurrah!) but its loose, floaty fit is perfect for climbing temperatures. It comes in four colourways, in medium to 3XL. Customer comments range from "fabulous" and "lovely dress" to "quality is great" "gorgeous dress" and "very flattering". Another versatile piece you can dress up or down, and even wear with tights and a blazer when the weather gets chillie

Linen Shirt White | £55 from Boden

The new way to wear your white linen shirts? Oversized and over your swimming costume/bikini. Or you can wear it as a 'shacket' over a strappy dress when the night air gets a bit chillier. And you can still wear it to work in winter, too. This 100% linen shirt also comes in four colourways including a pretty poppy print.

5 linen menswear pieces to add to your summer wardrobe

John Lewis Linen Regular Fit Shirt, China Blue | £40 from John Lewis

This machine-washable, 100% linen shirt is stylish enough to wear for nights out, but classic enough to wear to work, too. The imitation mother-of-pearl button give it more expensive look, too, and it comes in six colourways. That's why it has scored nothing less than four and five star reviews.

JAEGER Pure Linen Drawstring Trousers | £85 from Marks & Spencer

Get in quick - these Jaeger trews are selling fast. With a comfortable, drawstring waist, are made from soft, breathable pure linen. They're also available in an olive shade (the light stone shade has already sold out online).

100% linen shorts | £49.99 from Mango

Also available in dark navy, medium brown and cream, these linen shorts are a smart looking short that can be work with a dressier linen shirt for dinner on holiday, or dressed down with a T-shirt and flip flops for the beach or lazy days at home.

Men 100% Premium Linen Shirt (Grandad Collar) | £49.99 from Uniqlo

Made from 100% high quality European linen, this has a light sheen and a slightly relaxed fit. As well as this olive shade, it also comes in blue, white and beige. It can be also be worn as a 'shacket' over a T-shirt on cooler evenings.

Crelly Silk Look Trousers | £90 (was £150) from Ted Baker

These smart-looking navy trousers are a wardrobe classic that'll never date. A 50/50 mix of linen and cotton, they'll not only feel cool and comfortable to wear, but the slim-fitting cut makes them look expensive and stylish, too.