When I was in my late twenties, I began exploring how to curate a capsule wardrobe, ethical slow fashion brands that practiced sustainable ethics, and how to find garments that were made to last. Over years of research, I fell in love with linen, its history, properties, and lasting durability. Whether you invest in ready-to-wear garments or sew your own pieces, adding linen clothing to your wardrobe can completely change how you curate a natural fiber, slow fashion closet.

I. My Own Journey into Linen Fibers

I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2022 and began researching ways in which I could reduce the amount of hormone-disrupting chemicals that are in many of our products and clothing. Many synthetic fibers are treated with heavy chemicals such as formaldehyde. I began researching natural fiber clothing and fell down the rabbit hole, and quickly fell in love with all things natural fibers.

The intention I began to put into the fibers I chose to wear transformed into curating an intentional wardrobe. Linen aligns perfectly with this mindset and allows me to curate a slow fashion wardrobe, with RTW and handmade items, that are not only healthy for me but also feel like me. Linen moves with me through my everyday life as no other fiber does.

Linen has also become one of my favorite fabrics to sew with. When I made my version of the Elma Dress, I discovered just how beautifully linen fits into the wardrobe that I continue to curate for myself.

II. Why Linen Has Endured for Centuries

A Brief History

This fabric, made from flax, has been used for thousands of years. From mummification in Egypt to luxurious apparel in Medieval Europe, this highly respected material has developed a name for itself. It was widely used in clothing (including under and outer garments), bedding, tents, and book binding.

The process of weaving flax for linen garments was a craft many Medieval women partook in. Women would spend much of their time, apart from their daily chores, spinning thread on spindles that would later be made into cloth.

photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Linen also has religious significance. In many verses throughout the Bible, the authors describe many images with “fine linens”. It was used in many instances, including sails, sheets, and clothing. Linen was also used in many ceremonies and was considered a material of luxury.

What Makes Linen Unique as a Natural Fiber

Linen, while widely accessible, is an investment in any carefully curated wardrobe. It has some incredible attributes that not many other fibers have:

• Breathable – its open weave keeps you cool when it’s hot
• Temperature regulating – it traps in warmth and wicks away moisture to keep you dry
• Durable – the unique weaving of linen thread assures it will last for years
• Ages beautifully – linen softens with wear, so it only gets better with time
• Sustainable – linen breaks down and does not release microplastics like many synthetic fibers

III. Linen and the Slow Fashion Mindset

Since adding linen to my natural fiber wardrobe several years ago, the way in which I get dressed every day has changed. I’m more mindful about the clothes I hang in my closet and wear on my body. Linen has helped me slow down and curate a wardrobe with pieces that really feel like me. I’m no longer chasing trends or wasting money on items that won’t last.

As linen softens the more it’s worn, I fall more in love with the pieces in my slow fashion wardrobe that are made of this favorite natural fiber. They feel more like me with each and every wear. They move with me and become as unique as me over time. I reach for these pieces more than any fast fashion items I have ever owned.

Curating a closet with sustainable linen items prompted me to start sewing my own clothes with linen. It’s a favorite fabric of sewists, and although it’s a bit harder to sew with for beginners, it allows us sewists to create our own garments that last through many seasons of life.

If you’re interested in sewing your own linen garments, I have an archive of sewing inspiration and patterns in my Free Pattern Friday series.

IV. A Linen Dress from Son de Flor

Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Son de Flor, a brand known for its beautifully crafted linen garments.

The Evergreen Wrap Dress I received immediately stood out for its quality. I chose an XS based on the website’s recommended sizing tool. The bodice is a little loose and gapes when I bend over, but there is enough room in the shoulders, and I can move comfortably. The waist tie is long enough that I can tie it at the side of my waist or in the back.
The full circle midi skirt of this Wrap Dress is probably my favorite part. There are generous pockets, and the outer fabric has ample fabric that covers my legs, so there is no risk of any exposure. I feel more than comfortable wearing this dress without a slip underneath.

The Son de Flor linen has a lovely weight to it. The fabric is structured enough to hold its shape, but soft enough to move comfortably with me throughout the day. It’s a wonderful quality to dress up or down. I’ve worn it around the house and to Mass. I plan to pair this dress with my Traveler’s Cardigan and countless other me-made items.

Details like the construction of the seams and the thoughtful silhouette show the level of craftsmanship behind the piece. It feels like a garment designed to be worn for years rather than a handful of seasons. It reassures me that this dress will hold up over time.

One of the things I appreciate most about wearing linen garments like this is how easy they are to layer. For a bit more coverage, I’ve been pairing this wrap dress with a handmade Sommar Camisole by Paradise Patterns that I sewed using a soft cotton jersey.

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The added layer makes the neckline feel more comfortable for everyday wear while still keeping the outfit breathable and lightweight. It’s a simple addition and a quick make. It makes such a difference and will enable me to wear this dress across many seasons of life.

V. The Magic of Linen Over Time

One of the most remarkable qualities of linen is how it changes as you wear it.

Unlike many fabrics that deteriorate over time, linen improves. With each wash, the fibers soften, creating a fabric that becomes more comfortable and more unique to you. It will become a heirloom that you can pass on to future generations.

Wrinkles in linen are inevitable. While some prefer to iron their modern clothes for each wear, wrinkles are a part of linen’s character. They reflect how we move about in our lives, and they remind us that linen doesn’t have to look perfect to be loved.

For many people who embrace slow fashion, this aging process is part of the appeal. Linen garments develop a softness and texture that cannot be replicated by new fabric. The unique strength and softness of linen garments will be the closet staples you’ll want to reach for time and again.

VI. Caring for Linen So It Lasts

Linen is surprisingly easy to care for.

Wash: Machine wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
Dry: Air drying helps maintain the fiber structure, though low heat can also work.
Iron: Linen can be pressed on a medium heat for a fresh look, but wrinkles give linen garments extra character.
Repair: Because linen is so strong, simple mending can extend the life of garments for many years.

With proper care, linen clothing can last decades, making it one of the most practical choices for a slow fashion wardrobe.

For an extensive blog post about caring for your linen garments, check out this post from Son de Flor.

Final Thoughts: The Simple Magic of Linen

Linen has become a staple in my natural fiber wardrobe.

It represents more than just a fabric – it reflects a slower approach to living and how I choose to curate a wardrobe that finally feels like me.

Whether sewn by hand or thoughtfully designed by brands like Son de Flor, linen garments invite us to build slow wardrobes that live with us from season to season and year to year.

And to me, that simple magic never goes out of style.

Thank you, Son de Flor, for trusting me with such an incredible garment. It’s an honor. 💕

Frequently Asked Questions about Linen Clothing

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You may also enjoy these blog posts:

1. My Handmade Linen Dress: Elma Dress Pattern Review

2. Free Pattern Friday Archive: Sewing Inspiration for Natural Fiber Wardrobes

3. My Honest Review of the Classic Dress by Son de Flor