Linen Dresses Are *It* This Summer

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Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Here’s where to get yours.

In the summertime, everyone must have at least one good linen dress on constant rotation. (We don’t make the rules.) With their lightweight and breathable fabric and always-soft-feeling finish, they emit the effortlessness we strive for in warmer months.

And like linen shirts and crochet tops, they belong in your closet this season.

How to wear a linen dress this year

Available in flattering maxis, cute minis and button-up tunics, linen dresses come in all forms. Because they can vary in length, cut and colour, they are brimming with styling possibilities.

A shorter hem could pair beautifully with sneakers or flat sandals, while a tea-length A-line silhouette could be dressed up with kitten heels. The biggest beauty of this breezy fabric is that it revels in being simple. If you want to take the guesswork out of styling, opt for a pick with a subtle design focal point, like a ruched bustier or asymmetrical draping.

Throw on your favourite gold jewellery, tote bag and sandals, and your summer serve is ready.

Our fave linen dress styles for summer 2024

Best overall

Amazhiyu women’s linen halter maxi dress

Amazhiyu linen dress

A halter-cut with hidden pockets and an easily adjustable silhouette? Consider us sold. This 100 per cent linen maxi dress has quiet-luxury-approved simplicity with a flowy fit that cascades to your calves.

Featuring a ruched neckline, it can be tightened for a closer fit or loosened for a breezy effect. It also comes with a linen tie, so you can cinch the waist as you please.

Pros

  • Available in three colours
  • Easily adjustable silhouette
  • Comes with pockets

Cons

  • Some reviewers note that it felt stiff at first, so give it a few wears to soften up

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Best budget

​​Amazhyu linen V-neck summer dress

Amazhiyu linen dress best budget

The perfect airy mini dress, this spaghetti-strapped number is a grab-and-go staple for uniform dressing when temps rise. Made of 100 per cent linen, it has a super soft feel with a skin-friendly finish and organic make.

With a cascading silhouette and adjustable straps, it can stand on its own or be layered underneath a white T-shirt. Plus, design elements like the high-low hemline and the subtle side slits add extra airiness.

Pros

  • Available in five colours
  • Perfect for layering
  • Doubles as a loungewear/sleep dress

Cons

  • Runs small

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Best rated

Miessial striped linen dress

miessal linen dress

Nothing says summertime sweetness like an adorable fit and flare dress, and this one is a standout favourite with over 2,000 ratings on Amazon. Made of a cotton-linen blend, it’s soft and breathable with just the right amount of stretch. Featuring a smocked bodice, ruffled short-sleeve detailing and hidden pockets, this A-line design is the best linen dress for practical everyday wear.

Pros

  • Available in two colours
  • Elastic bust and waist design crafted to fit you perfectly
  • Fit and flare silhouette that can be dressed up or down

Cons

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Best luxury

Frame gathered seam lace inset dress

frame linen dress

Refined simplicity reigns supreme with this midi-length style by Frame. Available in a creamy white hue, it is the perfect treat-yourself splurge to start summer right. The ruched bustier, asymmetrical hem and cap sleeves rejuvenate the classic linen image with a standout sophisticated aesthetic.

Pros

  • Smocked detailing adds a romantic finish
  • Flowy asymmetrical fit for guaranteed comfort
  • Linen-blend that promises breezy wearability

Cons

  • Only available in one colour

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Best sleeveless

Frank and Oak The Pocket Shirt Dress

frank and oak linen dress

Plenty of pockets give this rich chocolate dress edge, while the removable waist belt gives the option for a cinched final look. Made of linen and Tencel Lyocell, it boasts a fluid fabric that cascades down and hits just below the knee for a refined finish.

Pros

  • Relaxed fit with professional-appropriate elements like a defined collar
  • Made of a blend of environmentally conscious materials
  • Suitable for machine wash
  • Wear loose or cinched at the waist

Cons

  • Only available in one colour

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Best organic

Everlane linen oversized puff-sleeved dress

everlane linen dress

Made of 100 per cent linen flax, this linen fabric frock uses flax fibres that have been sourced in a sustainably-minded way, using no GMOs and full mechanical processes for zero-waste operation during extraction.

Stylistically, it shines in its oversized fit, perfectly puffed sleeves and V-neck cut. Pair it with black flats for the perfect day-date ensemble.

Pros

  • Environmentally conscious dress made of 100 per cent flax linen
  • Available in three colours/styles
  • Suitable for machine wash

Cons

  • Some reviewers note that it runs large, so consider sizing down if you’re in between sizes

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Best plus-size

The Drop Fiona relaxed midi dress

the drop linen dress

A classic button-down linen dress is an easy styling choice. The button-down detailing acts as the focal point, while the chest pocket gives it charm.

This long-sleeve dress is designed to drape comfortably over your body for a one-and-done piece that you don’t have to think too hard about. Available in up to a 5X, it’s a size-inclusive option.

Pros

  • Available in seven colours
  • Size inclusive sizing up to a 5X
  • Collar neckline and cuffs add a professional feel to the laid back linen look

Cons

  • Runs large

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Best short

Billabong mini sundress

billabong linen dress

Front patch pockets, a sporty box silhouette and ultra-thin spaghetti straps make this pick the sweetest summer go-to. Billabong’s linen-blend version of an LBD is the perfect short dress to elevate to your wardrobe repertoire.

Pros

  • Made of viscose, linen and cotton for a soft fit with some give
  • Easy to dress down with sneakers or dress up with kitten heels
  • Available in four colours/patterns

Cons

  • Only suitable for hand-wash

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