Dive In: to Linen 101

Is there any fabric that says “on vacation” more than linen? It’s the ultimate at-ease fabrication that gets better with time. While linen itself is effortless, there is SO much more to it than meets the eye. That’s right, class is in session and we’re all gathered for Linen 101. In order to fully educate ourselves, we’re bringing in an expert—one of our fashion designers who is immersed in all things linen.

campaign_1 (1).jpg

Q: Tell us—what makes linen the perfect resort fabric?

A: Linen is absolutely the best resort fabric. It’s just right for warm weather—linen is lightweight, breezy, and what you want to wear for sunny days. Linen is a closet staple because the more its washed or handled, the softer and more luxurious it becomes.


Q: Let’s talk more about it–sometimes linen gets a reputation for being wrinkly, so how is it best cared for?

A: Linen is a natural fiber derived from the flax plant, so it will need to be ironed if you want a more crisp look. And here’s how laid back linen can be—you can launder at home in cold water versus sending out for dry cleaning. The heat from the iron relaxes the fibers and releases the wrinkles. If your personal style leans towards a more “thrown on” look than you can take a linen garment, pop it in the dryer, and pull it out while still warm (that’s the trick!) and wear it that way. The longer you own linen and wash and wear it, the softer the hand becomes as the woody structure of the fibers of the flax plant continue to break down over time to get the at ease styling we all love. Like many things in life—linen gets better with age!


Q: What are some of your favorite linen styles from Lilly this season?

A: Too many to pick a favorite! We really leaned into linen this season, and you will continue to see this from us. If you’re new to linen at Lilly, one of our best-selling styles is the Sea View Button Down Top and we also designed the Lynnie Button Down Linen Top as a short-sleeved companion to the Sea View. And if a summer dress is your go-to, we’ve got just what you need! Meet Mialeigh, Calina, and the Jorgian.

Q: We’re ready to dive into a summer in linen…where can we find it?

A: Yes! There’s SO much more to discover. Head to the Linen Shop or at your local Lilly store. Let us know what you think—we love to hear from you! xx