Don't Sweat the Rising Temps! Shop Expert-Approved Linen Pieces Starting at $34

Beat the heat in these lightweight and chic options.
Courtesy of Jannely Espinal

Heat waves can pack a punch and have you waving your white flag at the idea of putting any effort into your outfit as you opt for an old T-shirt and running shorts. But you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for comfort, no matter how hot it is. As you swap your heavy layers for shorts, sweaters for tank tops and boots for sandals, adding a few breathable linen pieces to your summer wardrobe will help you withstand any sweaty situation.

Linen has long been a summer staple thanks to the variety of styles and designs the textile can be used for — and it might just be the saving grace for all your upcoming warm weather plans. Shop TODAY talked to clothing experts about the best maintenance tips to care for your seasonal clothes in the best way possible.

And, for more insight into this season’s staple, style expert Liv Perez also stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to share her top product picks that won’t leave you sweltering in the summer heat.

Shop TODAY Snapshot

Best linen apparel

Linen clothing seen on the 3rd Hour of TODAY

Office attire

Gap 365 Low Rise Linen-Blend Trouser Shorts

“One of the biggest trends of the summer is the return of the Bermuda short,” says Perez. “Think of it as your warm-weather alternative to a traditional trouser — effortless, breathable, but still really polished. Linen makes it even more summer-ready, and you can dress it up or down depending on your day.”

When it comes to styling these shorts so they’re office-ready, Perez recommends pairing them with a kitten heel and a belt, for a more tailored fit.

Vacation

Free People Carmen Set

For a “vacation-ready” look, Perez recommends this set from Free People. “It’s the ultimate throw-on-and-go look that still feels put together,” she says.

It includes breathable, airy bottoms as well as a spaghetti strap tank that gives you room to pair it with a statement necklace or bandana.

Uniqlo Premium Linen Shirt

Perez describes this shirt as “relaxed but refined, and works just as well with tailored shorts as it does tossed over a swimsuit by the pool,” she says, adding that certain colors (the navy) make it easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion.

Special event

Abercrombie & Fitch Premium Linen High-Neck Maxi Dress

“Most people think of linen as casual, but it can be incredibly elegant too, especially in soft, romantic tones,” says Perez. “Whether you’re heading to a summer wedding, a garden party, or a dressy dinner, linen is a great option that won’t leave you overheated halfway through the event.”

Score this dress (in a trending color!) while it’s half off — meaning you won’t break the bank on a new addition to your summer wardrobe.

H&M Slim-Fit Linen Jacket

“Nothing says summer sophistication like a linen suit,” affirms Perez. “This beige version is classic but breathable — it’s a great choice for outdoor weddings or destination events.”

It has a linen exterior and a polyester interior lining, that experts say is a great material to wear in warm weather, thanks to its water-repellant and moisture-wicking properties.

Family outing

Zara ZW Collection Linen Blend Volume Vest

A sleeveless option promises to remain even more breathable than a standard tee. For colder months, you can even layer a short or long-sleeved tee underneath.

Perez says this vest can be worn with denim bottoms of your choice, adding up to create a “simple outfit formula.”

Zara Lace Linen Dress with Panties

Perez describes this dress as “summer-ready,” and “soft on the skin.” It features a square neckline and sleeves that flare out, as well as lace detailing on the collar.

J. Crew Short Sleeve Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirt

J. Crew emphasizes the softness of this linen shirt, which is possible due to the type of linen it’s crafted with. Perez calls this a “closet classic,” one that is easy to throw on and feel put together with little to no effort.

How to care for linen clothing

“Linen is like a fine wine — regular wear and wash makes linen softer and more comfortable over time,” said stylist Whitney Keeffe. “Instead of trying to keep your linen like new, focus on helping it age gracefully by following care instructions and storing flat and in a cool, dry spot.”

Keeffe shared a few additional tips for how to best care for your linen garments. “The best way to care for linen at home is to machine wash at a low temperature and hang or lay flat to dry. I always say that if you’re going to wear linen, you need to embrace the wrinkle. But if your garment is a little too unkempt from sitting too long in the dryer or being stored all winter, you can iron it on low heat.”

How can you tell good quality linen?

According to Emily Ziegler, vice president of merchandising for Petal & Pup, two easy ways to determine the quality of linen are to look at the texture and weight of the linen. “Quality linen tends to have a smooth texture and a substantial weight. Another quality of pure linen is it tends to wrinkle easily, which is just a characteristic of the fabric,” says Ziegler. “However, high-quality linen should have a good balance, not excessively wrinkling,” she says.

Alex Crane, founder/CEO of Alex Crane, adds that “the best linen is full-bodied, smooth and soft against your skin. It behaves more like denim, getting softer and more beautiful with wear.”

“Cheap linen, on the other hand, is paper thin and scratchy. It crinkles like a paper bag and it’s got no drape. It rips easily and only gets worse with wear,” explains Crane.

How to style linen during summer

For a classic day look, Keeffe recommends wearing a “classic linen button-down with straight fit jeans and a pair of sneakers or flat sandals (linen and Birkenstocks are a match made in fashion heaven).”

During the night, linen can be paired with classier elements and darker colors. The inevitable wrinkle of the linen will give your outfits a more relaxed look, but the right accessories can elevate any outfit.

“Opt for wide-leg linen pants with something more smooth and streamlined on top like a fitted knit tank or silky cami. Finish with some strappy block heel sandals and elevate the look by adding a third texture (think straw clutch, twill jacket or an open weave cardigan),” shared Keeffe.

Whether you’re planning your vacation wardrobe or looking for something light to walk around the city, here are a few linen pieces to keep you fresh through any summer heat. Also, these are a step up from your favorite tee-and-shorts combo.

Linen tops to shop

Roll-up Sleeve Linen Blouse

If you’re searching for a lightweight and breathable top, look no further. This stylish linen blouse features roll-up sleeves with single button closure, shirt collar and chest pocket.

Quince European Linen Short Sleeve Shirt

This versatile linen shirt is flowy enough that it can be worn with your favorite work pants for a professional look or can be tucked into jeans for more casual outings.

Linen bottoms to shop

Quince 100% European Linen Pants

A plain black linen pant is a summer staple that can be dressed up for work or worn casually for brunch with your friends. This lightweight pair is made from OEKO-TEX Standard 100 material to ensure no hazardous substances are present. The relaxed fit is essential for those sweltering summer afternoons.

Retreat Wide Leg Linen Pant

Featuring front zip pockets for storing all your everyday essentials, these lightweight slacks are perfect for work or travel.

“I love the color, cut and quality. I am so glad they come in petite. Love them!” raved one five-star reviewer on the brand’s website.

Linen dresses and rompers to shop

Quince European Linen Button Front Dress

Look refined in this delicate dress from Quince made of 100 percent linen. The design features side pockets, front button detailing and an adjustable belt to enhance your silhouette.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Linen is definitely the better warm weather fiber. It's breathable and whisks moisture off your body," says Crane. "It dries super fast and doesn't hold odor. Cotton, on the other hand, absorbs moisture so it gets heavy in humidity, takes forever to dry, and will need a good wash after it gets sweaty," he says.

"Woven linen doesn't really grow with wear, so you can buy your regular size. Knit linen is a looser weave so it's best to size down," says Crane.

Ziegler agrees that if you prefer a more fitted look, you might consider sizing down. "However, it is always good to check the specific sizing information provided by the brand, as sizing can vary by style," says Ziegler.

"Due to the nature of the fabric, linen wrinkles easily and can shrink if not washed properly," explains Ziegler. "High quality linen can be more expensive than other fabrics due to the more labor intensive process of producing linen fibers," she says.

How we chose the best linen apparel

The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best linen tops, bottoms and dresses based on expert recommendations from stylists and clothing brand owners. We also conducted market research, filtered our searches for top-rated linen apparel and asked our editors for their favorite picks.

Meet the experts

  • Whitney Keeffe is a former operations manager for Stitch Fix.
  • Emily Ziegler is the vice president of merchandising for Petal & Pup, an Australian-founded fashion brand.