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Linen is a must-have staple in every summer closet. With organic linen clothing, you’re not only treating yourself to soft, breathable fabrics but also saying “no thanks” to chemical nasties and supporting sustainable farming practices.
In addition to being hypoallergenic and skin-friendly, eco-friendly linen clothing is a multitasker in your wardrobe.
This natural fabric will keep you cool in the summer thanks to its breathability and moisture-wicking powers, but also brings effortless style to your wardrobe – think flowing dresses and breezy tops that scream ‘European Summer.’
But before we start name-dropping brands with twirl-worthy linen dresses, work-approved shirts, and lightweight linen trousers, let’s take a quickl look at the benefits of linen fabric, share some care tips and help you decide which type of linen you should look for.
Benefits of linen fabric
Linen clothing is well known and worn worldwide thanks to its breathable, quick-drying, comfortable, and soft nature, making it the perfect fabric for warmer months. Linen is also naturally anti-bacterial, keeping you fresh in higher temperatures.
Earth is smitten with linen, and for good reason! Linen fabric is made from flax plants, which require less water and fewer pesticides to grow compared to other crops. To put this into perspective, only 6.4 liters of water are needed to make one linen shirt which is a smaller amount given that cotton requires 26 liters.
To top it all off, luxury and affordable linen clothing is actually very low-maintenance. It’s machine-washable, gets softer with every wash, and doesn’t require any fancy ironing. In fact, with proper care and washing, your linen clothes can last for up to 30 years or more!
What is organic linen fabric?
Linen is cultivated from the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum, a plant used for food and textile production which grows in cooler regions in Europe, including France and the Netherlands.
Flax is cultivated with rainwater irrigation and is naturally pest-resistant, so it doesn’t rely on the use of pesticides and fertilizers to increase yields.
Organic linen comes from flax that is guaranteed to be grown without any use of toxic or harmful chemicals or pesticides, making organic linen a more sustainable alternative to natural fibers like cotton.
What’s the difference between linen and cotton?
Linen comes from the flax plant that grows with minimal water and pesticides. Cotton, on the other hand, hails from the fluffy bolls of the cotton plant, which requires extensive irrigation and pesticides to grow. Both are born from nature’s bounty. However, organic linen is superior, especially for sensitive skin.
Conventional cotton uses 44 trillion liters of water for irrigation every year. The flax plant can be grown using natural rainfall, making it a more eco-friendly alternative to conventional cotton. According to a study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, linen production emits significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to cotton production. However, organic cotton, like linen, is grown without pesticides and chemicals.
So how about waste? Linen production generates less waste compared to cotton. This is because flax fibers used in linen production are longer and stronger, resulting in less waste during processing.
Both linen and cotton are durable, but linen has a reputation for lasting longer than cotton, making it a sustainable and long-term investment for your wardrobe.
The Best Organic Linen Clothing Brands
1. Magic Linen
Best for: Natural linen clothing, linen bedding, linen textiles
Material: Affordable European linen clothing for men and women
Ships to: Worldwide
Bring a touch of elegance to your home and your wardrobe with Magic Linen’s bespoke European linen clothing.
You can find women’s and men’s natural linen clothing and accessories, including hats, bags, and scarves. Each piece is affordable, lovingly made in Europe from European flax, and is Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it is free from any harmful chemicals.
Magic Linen offers free shipping on every order over $50.
2. Neu Nomads
Best for: Ethical linen clothing, including linen dresses, linen shorts, and blazers
Material: Organic linen
Ships to: Worldwide
Women-led sustainable clothing brand Neu Nomads create beautifully designed luxury linen clothing at an affordable price.
Neu Nomads creates its dresses, shirts, tops, and pants using organic linen, which is kind to skin and the planet.
The brand’s linen collection is lint-free and will become softer after every wash. Plus, Neu Nomad uses only GOTS and OEKO-certified dyes to create its colorful collection.
3. Linen Handmade Studio
Best for: Linen maxi dresses, mini dresses, & tops
Material: Ethically made linen dresses from locally sourced linen
Ships to: Worldwide
Linen Handmade Studio is a bespoke linen brand showcasing the dreamy properties of European linen. The studio handcrafts all of its gorgeous designs to order, which helps reduce waste. The brand also saves CO2 emissions by sourcing its linen locally.
The brand has a fantastic selection of size-inclusive dresses, tops, pants, and outerwear, and you can customize the colors of every style, which means every piece of clothing is unique.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous linen dress for an occasion or everyday wear, then definitely check this brand out.
4. Two Days off
Best for: Organic linen shirts, dresses, pants
Material: Carbon-neutral 100% linen
Ships to: Worldwide
Two days off is a female-owned, independent clothing brand creating gorgeous organic linen clothing as eco-friendly as possible.
Each carefully created piece is designed to last for years and is ethically made in small batches in Los Angeles, California.
The brand is climate-neutral certified and offsets all carbon produced in its supply chain.
5. Mate The Label
Best for: Linen shorts, linen shirts, linen jumpsuits, linen tops, affordable linen clothing
Material: Natural linen clothing grown without the use of pesticides or harmful chemicals
Ecothes rating: 4/5
Ships to: the US
Mate ethically creates stylish and sustainable clothing in Los Angeles, using sustainable materials, including natural linen.
Mate’s linen collection is light and breezy, featuring summer shorts, shirts, linen tees, and flattering natural linen jumpsuits.
The brand designs and creates each garment in its Los Angeles factory to ensure high-quality products and ethical production.
Mate’s linen collection gets excellent reviews, with their soft linen shirt receiving an average of 4.6/5 stars with over 60 reviews.
6. Eileen Fisher
Best for: size-inclusive organic linen clothing, including linen dresses, linen pants, and linen shirts
Material: Organic linen clothing grown pesticide-free
Ships to: Worldwide
American designer Eileen Fisher creates timeless ethical linen clothing from high-quality, responsibly dyed bluesign® standard organic linen.
The clothing brand is a B Corp, meaning it meets strict environmental and ethical production standards.
You can expect to find light, breezy linen shirts and dresses, perfect for casual and occasion wear.
Eileen Fisher’s clothing is in the more expensive price range than other brands featured, but the brand’s quality is second to none.
7. Portuguese Flannel
Best for: Men’s linen clothing
Material: 100% linen
Ships to: Europe & International
If you’re looking for natural linen clothing for men, check out Portuguese Flannel, a brand using traditional techniques to create men’s linen clothing that’s breathable and soft on the skin.
Expect to find button-down shirts that work for casual and smart wear and linen blazers perfect for any occasion.
Our editor Georges personally owns a Portuguese Flannel linen shirt and says it’s his favorite in his wardrobe… we’ll take that!
Also available to shop at End.com, and the Hipstore.co.uk.
8. Whimsy + Row
Best for: Chic natural linen clothing for women, natural linen dresses, linen outfits
Material: Sustainable materials, including 100% linen
Ships to: the US & International
If you’re looking for the perfect summer linen dress, check out Whimsy + Row, a fantastic Los Angeles-based brand creating must-have styles from sustainable materials.
Their linen collection is perfect for pairing with your favorite summer sandals, featuring mini dresses, summer crops, shorts, and linen co-ords, in dreamy summer colors.
Whimsy + Row creates its collection locally in Los Angeles. Local production allows Whimsy + Row to reduce its carbon footprint and ensure ethical manufacturing of its clothing.
The Flax plant, which linen comes from is a more environmentally friendly alternative to cotton, as it uses around 97% less water to grow.
9. Birdsong London
Best for: UK-made European linen clothing
Material: Organic linen clothing
Ships to: the UK & International
London-based social enterprise Birdsong gives back to the community and empowers women through its on-trend sustainable clothing.
Birdsong uses Oeko-Tex certified Lithuanian linen to create a collection of size-inclusive European linen dresses made with everybody in mind.
Along with using organic materials, Birdsong ensures workers are paid a living wage and are supported both in and outside of work.
10. Nomi Designs
Best for: Ethical linen dresses, tops, and coats
Material: 100% ethically sourced European linen dresses
Ships to: Canada, the US & International
Nomi is a Canadian designer creating beautiful, ethical designs from high-quality European linen. The minimalist brand hand-makes each piece, to order in its local studio, reducing waste and ensuring extra precision and care is given to every item.
In addition to creating flattering clothing that suits everybody, Nomi’s pieces can be composted back to the earth.
11. Pyne & Smith
Best for: Natural linen dresses made in the USA
Material: 100% natural European linen clothing, ethical linen clothing
Ships to: the US
Pyne & Smith creates beautiful relaxed linen clothing designed to flatter and allow you to feel comfortable all day long.
Each piece is unique and crafted in small batches in California using high-quality European linen, which will get softer after every wash.
Pyne & Smith is a size-inclusive brand creating bespoke pieces for every body shape and size.
12. Sugar Candy Mountain
Best for: Dreamy linen blazers, dresses, and jumpsuits
Material: Ethically sourced linen, natural linen dresses
Ships to: the US
Another brand featured on this list that ethically creates natural linen clothing in the USA is Sugar Candy Mountain.
Sugar Candy Mountain is an eco-conscious independent label creating unique designs from sustainable and ethically sourced materials, including 100% linen.
Also available to chop at Garmentory.com.
Are organic linen clothing brands more expensive?
Yes– organic linen tends to be more expensive than non-organic linen or conventional clothing such as cotton or polyester. Brands that receive the organic certification must adhere to strict farming practices and ensure sustainable cultivation and environmental stewardship. Obtaining and maintaining organic certification adds to the overall production costs.
Plus, organic linen cultivation often requires more labor-intensive practices compared to conventional methods. Without synthetic chemicals, farmers rely on manual and mechanical processes for pest control and weed management. This can increase labor costs, as well as the time and effort involved in maintaining organic practices.
Organic farming practices may result in slightly lower crop yields compared to conventional methods. Without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, plants may be more susceptible to pests and diseases, requiring careful monitoring and management. Lower yields can impact supply and drive up the cost of organic linen.
Last but not least, luxury and affordable organic linen clothing is still a niche market compared to conventional linen, resulting in limited availability. The demand for natural textiles may not be as high as non-organic counterparts, which can influence pricing.
But is it worth it? 100 times yes!
Is 100% linen clothing non-toxic?
Yes, in most cases, 100% linen clothing from sustainable brands is non-toxic. However, it’s important to note that the term “100% linen” refers to the composition of the fabric itself and does not guarantee that the entire production process is free from any chemicals or toxins. The potential for toxicity can arise from the dyes, finishes, or other substances used in the dyeing, printing, or manufacturing of linen garments or products.
To ensure the safety of organic linen clothing, it would be best to look for certifications such as Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which set strict limits on the use of harmful substances and ensure that the fabric meets certain environmental and social criteria.
What is the best quality linen for clothing?
Check the flax source: The quality of linen starts with the flax plant itself. Look for linen made from high-quality flax fibers sourced from regions known for their optimal growing conditions. Belgium, France, and Ireland are renowned for producing superior flax fibers.
Long Fibers are preferred: Long flax fibers contribute to the strength and durability of linen fabric. Longer fibers result in smoother and more refined yarns, leading to a higher-quality finished product. Fabrics made from long linen fibers tend to be less prone to pilling and offer better longevity.
Thread Count: Linen fabric can have different thread counts, which refer to the number of threads per square inch. Higher thread counts generally indicate a finer and denser fabric, resulting in a smoother and more luxurious feel.
How do I care for organic linen clothing?
Caring for your linen pieces is a crucial mission to keep them looking fabulous and feeling soft for years. First and foremost, make sure to check the instructions of your favorite organic linen clothing brands!
Machine wash your organic linen clothing on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Opt for a mild, eco-friendly detergent that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. As always, avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the fibers and affect the fabric’s natural properties.
Air drying is the way to go for organic linen. Lay your garments flat on a clean, dry towel, or hang them up to dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause colors to fade over time. Linen has a tendency to stiffen when air-dried, but fear not! A gentle steam or a quick ironing session on a low heat will bring back its softness.
Tackle those wrinkles. If your organic linen clothing requires some smoothing out, iron them while they are still slightly damp or use the steam setting on your iron. Set the iron to a medium to high temperature and ensure it is suitable for linen. For a more relaxed look, embrace the natural wrinkles of linen and wear it with pride.
When not in use, store your organic linen clothing in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Instead, use breathable fabric or garment bags to protect your linen treasures and keep them fresh.
Does linen shrink in the wash?
Yes, linen fabric has the potential to shrink when washed, especially if not cared for properly. However, with the right care, you can minimize the shrinkage. Air drying is the safest option for linen to avoid shrinkage. Avoid using high heat in the dryer, as it can cause further shrinkage. If you prefer using a dryer, choose a low or medium-heat setting. Also, to minimize shrinkage, wash linen in cold water. Hot water can cause the fibers to contract and result in shrinkage. Use a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine.
How do you remove wrinkles from linen fabric?
Ah, those stubborn wrinkles! Here are some wrinkle-removal tricks to restore your linen’s smooth and relaxed look.
Steam your linen clothing: One of the best ways to remove wrinkles from linen fabric is by using a handheld steamer. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric and move it gently across the wrinkled areas. The steam will help relax the fibers, allowing the wrinkles to loosen and disappear.
Hang and mist: Sometimes, a simple hang and mist technique can do the trick. Hang your organic linen clothing on a hanger or clothesline and lightly mist it with water using a spray bottle. Let it hang for a while, allowing the weight of the fabric and the moisture to naturally release the wrinkles.
Additionally, storing linen items properly, such as hanging them on padded hangers or rolling them instead of folding them, can help prevent deep-set wrinkles.
Wrapping Up: The Best Organic Linen Clothing
We hope you’ve discovered some great new organic linen clothing brands to create the perfect linen outfit. Whether you want to invest in luxury linen clothing or find budget-friendly options, this natural fiber will certainly be your sustainable companion for years!
If you enjoyed this article, we think you’ll love our other sustainable brand recommendations, especially sustainable dresses, sustainable heels, and affordable clothing brands.
