The Best Linen Dresses
Finding the perfect dress can be challenging. There are a lot of boxes to tick when shopping for your new favorite look, such as the fit, versatility, and price. Linen garments are a great way to meet all of those needs, as this material is very light and breathable with a lovely, romantic look. To save you some time, we did our research and found a great selection of choices that we know you're going to love. While conducting our search for the best linen dresses, we focused on each dress's size accuracy, comfort, and sheerness. Nothing says "bummer" like ordering an adorable dress only to realize it's too thin to wear without a slip. That's why we absolutely flipped over the Amazhiyu sleeveless shift dress, which has a light, breezy feel while still keeping you fully covered. When it comes to size accuracy, however, our hats are off to Goodthreads' peasant dress. From size XS to XL, the measurement chart is absolutely spot on, whereas the midi dress by Mordenmiss is best when sized up to achieve the perfect babydoll look. Keep reading below to find out more about your new favorite linen dress.
Amazhiyu Linen Sleeveless Shift Dress
Closet staple
Shift dresses are a great closet staple because they complement almost every body shape and style. The flowy, movable design will keep you comfortable from the workplace to the bar. The simplistic style of this garment can be worn alone with strappy sandals and a thin kimono to an elegant garden party, or layered up with a pullover sweater, wool tights, and chunky boots during a crisp day of apple picking.
Pros:
- Even though this dress is light and airy, it is not see-through at all.
- The fit is loose and flowy in the body but snug up top, preventing any unwanted billowing.
- This garment is breathable and light enough to keep you cool even in very humid climates.
Cons:
- This dress is a bit stiff upon arrival, but it softens after the first wash.
Sopliagon Linen Maxi Dress
Laid back vibes
Looking amazing has never been easier with this lovely cotton-linen blend maxi dress. Achieve a stylish oversized silhouette with this full button-up garment, either by wearing it by itself or pairing it with a cute belt. Even though this dress is comfortable, airy, and playful, it can also be dressed up for a day at the office, a night out, or for parent-teacher conferences. To keep this piece looking brand new, we recommend cold-washing it to keep the linen in top shape.
Pros:
- The fit of this dress is perfectly oversized without looking sloppy or too big.
- This cotton-linen blend is ultra-soft, and it’s comfortable even on sensitive skin.
- It won’t tear or stretch easily — not even while you’re playing with children or riding a bike, for example.
Cons:
- We recommend going a size up, as your normal dress size may be a bit too snug in this style.
Minibee Embroidered Sundress
Embroidery is a lovely way to spruce up any garment, but many of us don’t have the time to do it ourselves. Skip the craft store and grab yourself one of these adorable sundresses from Minibee, adorned with lovely floral embroidered accents. For a “gardener gone out for coffee” look, this dress is it. Not only is it a fun addition to your closet, but it’s incredibly comfortable, thanks mostly to the A-line shape and billowy sleeves. This piece’s vibrant colors radiate positivity, too, so they’ll help keep your day shining from morning to night.
Pros:
- The embroidery on this dress is sturdy and even more detailed in person.
- This dress is even brighter in color than it seems in the photos, and it does not fade easily when washed.
- From 4’11” to 6’2″ wearers, the length falls at mid-calf as shown.
Cons:
- The dress may show a faint, oily halo around the embroidery from the manufacturing machines, but it should come out when you wash the dress.
Mordenmiss Midi Dress
Fit and flare
Girls need pockets too, which is why this babydoll-inspired midi dress is the perfect closet companion. Comfort and practicality go hand in hand with this piece, allowing you to be your best self all day long. The over-the-head pull-on style allows for free movement without strain from zippers or buttons, and it contributes to the oversized cuteness of this look. Every body type can feel comfortable in this dress thanks to the high waistline and cinched skirt that flatters all from size XS through XL.
Pros:
- The skirt is lined well, so there is no need for a slip.
- Its pockets are deeper than you might expect. They’re able to hold both keys and a cellphone without looking bulky.
- This dress washes nicely — even the bright colors — without losing pigment or shrinking.
Cons:
- The thread along the neckline may be a little bunched up in some spots, but this can be resolved with a quick ironing.
Goodthreads Linen Peasant Dress
If you’re searching for that perfect layering piece to add to your wardrobe, look no further. This linen peasant dress is fun, versatile, and affordable, so you can feel good while looking great. From the bright, unique pattern to the adorable flutter sleeves, this piece has that girl-next-door look. Even though the material is light and breathable, there’s no need to worry about transparency thanks to the lined skirt.
Pros:
- Sizing for this piece is very accurate to the provided measurement chart.
- The back of the dress is zippered with a hook-and-eye closure at the top to keep you comfortable without worry.
Cons:
- The flutter sleeves are stiff until they’re washed; then, they’ll soften up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my linen dress from shrinking or stretching when I wash it?
Caring for your linen garments is pretty straightforward. As usual, the first step is to separate your lights and darks. Next, make sure you’ve set your machine to no hotter than a lukewarm temperature. Using too high of a temperature can cause shrinkage up to ten percent, and it can damage the fiber, too. As for detergent, it’s best to use a mild soap that’s targeted towards delicate materials. If possible, hang your dress to dry — the dryer is also a notorious garment shrinker.
If you wash your clothes by hand, the instructions are fairly similar. Simply fill a bucket with lukewarm water (about 104 degrees Fahrenheit) and add a teaspoon of mild detergent. Completely submerge the garment and let it soak for about ten minutes. It’s important that you swish the material rather than wringing or scrubbing it as those actions can cause the fabric to stretch. Drain the water and repeat until the soap is completely washed out, then hang to dry.
Is linen warm enough for cold days or best suited for hot weather?
The great thing about linen is that it’s a light, breezy material, so it can be worn alone with a cute pair of sandals and a floppy hat for a day at the beach, as well as layered up on those cold, brisk nights. We love adding a cozy cardigan and a nice pair of tights with an ankle boot to turn a linen dress into the perfect hot chocolate-sipping, snow-strolling outfit.
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