Summer may be well on its way out, but one thing that certainly isn’t is linen. This light and airy fabric has long been associated with luxury and is often seen sported by the world’s wealthy in the form of smart-casual shirts and trousers, but over the past couple of years it has really come into its own, dominating the catwalks and becoming an ultimate style staple.
Over the summer, we’ve seen stylish shorts-and-shirt co-ords become the must-have holiday attire, and from bold prints to simple but elegant monochrome, never before has there been so much choice. Although best worn during the warmer months thanks to its natural aesthetic and breathability, it’s showing no signs of falling from favour any time soon – but just what is behind its recent meteoric rise to prominence?
From eco-friendly production to an effortlessly chic aesthetic, it’s got plenty going for it, and as the world’s leading fashion houses increasingly prioritise environmental responsibility and timeless design, it’s no wonder it’s been having a moment. Here, we take a closer look at why linen is the enduring luxury trend that’s here to stay.
Sustainability
The global fashion industry is experiencing a seismic shift towards sustainability, with discerning high-end consumers demanding more from the brands they shop with than ever before in terms of greener material choices and practices. In response, major high-end fashion houses are leading the way when it comes to transforming their supply chains and overhauling every aspect of bringing a product to market, with sustainable materials like linen proving an attractive option that just so happens to look as great as it is green.
Derived from the flax plant, linen requires significantly less water than other fabrics, such as cotton, to cultivate. Flax is also able to grow in poor soil conditions and doesn’t require much in the way of fertilisers or pesticides, all of which keeps its environmental footprint to a minimum.
But it’s not just the production method that makes it an eco-conscious choice, because the material itself is biodegradable, too. While synthetic fabrics, which can take decades or even centuries to decompose, linen does not, which in turn means that it doesn’t contribute to the growing problem of textile waste.
Add to that the fact that nearly every part of the flax plant can be used, and it’s a zero-waste crop that supports a circular economy in the fashion world. As well as helping fashion designers and brands continue to appeal to their affluent customer bases by incorporating it into their collections, we’re also seeing brands emerging that are entirely dedicated to the material – such as LUXMII – luxury linen clothing – allowing them to make environmentally responsible choices about what they buy, and where they buy it from.
Natural aesthetic
Linen is a fabric that exudes simple elegance, with its natural, textured appearance somehow striking the perfect balance of casual yet sophisticated. Fashion has, over the past few years, been leaning towards more of a minimalist aesthetic, where understated simplicity is the order of the day.
Traditionally, the fabric has most commonly been used in neutral tones by designers, featuring in whites, creams and other light hues – but summer 2024 saw it give a contemporary twist with co-ords in bold block colours like greens, blues and pinks, as well as printed patterns.
From floaty linen dresses and tailored suits to casual loungewear, linen brings a unique blend of raw beauty and refinement to luxury collections, and it’s something that means we can’t help falling in love with it.
Comfort and breathability
Of course, linen’s breathability is one of the biggest reasons it has become such a summer staple, with its unique fibre structure allowing air to circulate freely. In hot weather, it’s a godsend, keeping you cool and sweat free by wicking moisture away from the skin – unlike synthetic fabrics, which can have the opposite effect.
Once upon a time, high-end fashion was all about favouring style over comfort, but nowadays, there’s no need to compromise on one over the other. Linen is a prime example of this, offering maximum comfort whilst looking effortlessly elegant, and from loose-fitting wide-leg linen trousers to light and airy dresses and shirts, the beautiful way it drapes fabric on the body without clinging has made it a firm favourite in resort and casual chic collections.
All imagery credit: LUXMII
