The 20 Best Linen Dresses For Summer

The best linen dresses are my tried-and-true shortcut to effortless summer outfits. From late May until early September, just the thought of commuting in a suit set makes me sweat. But when I think of an A-line linen midi with a pleated skirt, or a white linen shirt dress belted at the waist, I'm at ease: I can count on linen's natural breathability to keep me cool and collected.

I'm not the only editor who relies on these easy dresses all summer long. Like black sunglasses, leather sandals, and a perfectly cut one-piece swimsuit, linen dresses are an essential every Bazaar editor wears to the office and on the weekend. It's the balance of practicality and style that makes these dresses so necessary on boiling summer days. "The natural fabric looks crisp, while also being highly breathable," agrees Alison Cohn, deputy fashion news editor at Harper's Bazaar.

I've worn countless linen dresses to work, weddings, and every occasion in between to find the versions worth shopping. I've also consulted other dedicated shoppers and style experts for their favorites. The 20 linen dresses below are the best of the best: cooling, comfortable, and absolutely essential on a hot summer day.

Related article: Easy, Breezy Linen: The Trend You Will Want to Wear All Summer Long

Shop the Best Linen Dresses for Summer 2023

BEST LINEN SHIRT DRESS

Jenni Kayne Day Dress

Jenni Kayne's linen Day dress is my absolute ideal on the hottest summer days. It's one of those pieces that's minimal to the untrained eye and incredibly considered for discerning shoppers. I found that the pleating along the back and the smaller buttons made this dress feel much more elegant than other styles I've tried. The colors are light, so they won't absorb too much heat; the short-sleeve cut means I can wear a regular bra underneath. I've followed the brand's styling suggestion here and worn it with a belt cinched at the waist—but I can assure that compliments are guaranteed when it's worn without accessories as well. I haven't worn this dress on a trip, but its refined-yet-relaxed attitude makes me feel like I'm vacationing in Nantucket when I wear it.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Colours: White, Khaki

What reviewers are saying: "I took a chance on this dress recently and I’m certainly glad I did. The linen feels lovely and the khaki color does not disappoint. The cut is incredibly flattering—nipped at the waist but not too tight, shoulder seams dropped ever so slightly. It can be casual and simple, but it’s also easy to style if you want to add your own touch."

BEST STRUCTURED LINEN DRESS

Farm Rio Side Laced Linen Blend Dress

NORDSTROMSAKS FIFTH AVENUEBLOOMINGDALE'S

Linen dresses can still feel breezy and ethereal with a structured silhouette. Just look at this Farm Rio dress, with a flowing skirt offset by a smocked bodice. Shoppers tend to agree it's a must-have for wedding season.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colour: Red

What reviewers are saying: "Do not sleep on this dress!! So perfect for wedding season! Linen is light and breathable and the color is absolutely striking. The smocked sides give comfort but the ties allow you to fit to your body making you SNATCHED! I wish more FarmRio was like this!"

BEST EMBROIDERED LINEN DRESS

Rixo Benedict Embroidered Linen-Blend Midi Dress

Rixo's vintage-inspired dresses get the most play at formal events. Or they used to, before I came across this linen midi dotted with tiny flowers along the bodice and hem. This dress has the throwback appeal I love in Rixo's satin and chiffon pieces, but a cut and breathable fabrication that's travel- and daily-life-friendly. It'll be my Saturday go-to with a lace-up leather sandal and a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Sizes: UK6–UK20

Colour: Black Floral

BEST LONG-SLEEVE LINEN DRESS

Nanushka Gilia Ruched Linen Dress

I first got acquainted with Nanushka through its faux leather blazers and coats for fall. The Budapest-based label's linens were a fun discovery I made in time for summer. For rooftop parties, beachfront wedding receptions, or nights out with a big group of friends, this clementine orange dress is a winner. The midriff cutout and ruched bodice give what could have been a straightforward long-sleeve dress the aura of a sleek matching set.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colours: Orange, Oat

BEST FORMAL LINEN DRESS

Aje Paradiso Linen Blend A-Line Dress

NORDSTROMSAKS FIFTH AVENUE

All my most-complimented wedding guest dresses have Aje tags. With summer ceremonies filling the weeks ahead, I'm turning to this A-line dress with the most gorgeous hand-painted floral print and pleated bodice.

Sizes: 0–10

Colour: Floral

What reviewers are saying: "Five stars."

BEST OPEN-BACK LINEN DRESS

COS Open-Back Mini Pinafore Dress

A little white dress just feels like summer, and this pinafore style from COS is the best new take I've seen this season. There's structure and coverage in the front, an open design with a sweet ribbon tie in the back, and breezy linen all throughout the design. It can even work for casual offices with a few choice layers: Just add a boxy Frankie Shop blazer and an Oxford brogue with ankle socks.

Sizes: 2–14

Colours: Black, White

BEST BUTTON-UP LINEN DRESS

Alex Mill Mathilde Dress

Alex Mill's Mathilde vest is a recent addition to my wardrobe that I simply can't stop wearing. I had to double up when I saw that it also came in the form of this flattering midi dress. It can be worn a little loose or fitted through the waist, with the help of a tie int he back. Either way, it's the out-of-office companion to a suit set that I'm begging to wear on a European vacation.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colours: Navy, Khaki

BEST ONE-SHOULDER LINEN DRESS

Free-est At Leisure Midi Dress

From the vibrant color palette to the textured stripes and wrap silhouette, this affordable linen dress caught my attention from every angle. Then I read the reviews, and knew this highly-rated linen dress was worth owning: Other shoppers love that both the shoulder strap and the waist tie are adjustable for a comfortable fit.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colours: Optic White, Black, Mermaid, Miami Beat, and more

What reviewers are saying: "Definitely looking to wear on all my tropical vacations BUT ALSO when I need to slip on something and just go. Lovely color and quality is FP Beach standard which is great :)"

BEST LINEN DRESS OFF THE RUNWAY

Chloé Linen Midi Dress

I gasped a little when Bazaar editor Alison Cohn sent me a link to this Chloé dress from the label's latest runway collection. The straps are cut to perfection, and there's a boned construction in the bodice to create the sculpting effect of a corset. I'll never underestimate linen's potential for luxury again.

Sizes: FR34–FR44

Colours: Cream, red

BEST OFF-THE-SHOULDER LINEN DRESS

SLEEPER Atlanta Midi Dress

I could never crack the code on packing for a vacation with dramatic day-to-night temperature changes until I found this Sleeper dress. This linen has that essential featherlight weight suited for a daytime outfit, but the long sleeves are sufficient when temperatures drop in the evening. While I can always appreciate an outfit change, I loved sticking with this romantic off-the-shoulder piece for the full day on a recent beach trip.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colour: Green

BEST PLUS-SIZE LINEN DRESS

Baacal Brooke Midi Dress

Cooling linen is just the start of qualities to love in Baacal's Brooke dress. The label excels at dresses cut specifically for sizes 10 and up. Here, Baccal shows off its attention to detail with a comfortable smocked bodice, roomy pockets, and ribbon straps to tie any which way for your preferred fit.

Sizes: 10–28

Colour: Auburn

BEST LINEN POPOVER DRESS

Lafayette 148 New York Vintage Linen Pintuck Popover Dress

Crisp popover dresses are the sort of style I know I'll always want in my closet. Whether I'm throwing on a dress like this for an errand, a trip to the pool, or a day lounging at home, I know the short, cuffed sleeves and button-up collar will feel both put-together and relaxed.

Sizes: XXS–3X

BEST CUSTOMIZABLE LINEN DRESS

Fanm Mon Emilie Dress

Fanm Mon is responsible for my absolute favorite knit cardigan, so trying one of their floral linen dresses felt like a necessity for summer. This V-neck midi dress delivers the same whimsical, delicate floral embellishments I adore in my knitwear. Plus, the brand's made-to-order system guarantees that it's stitched with care (and it comes with the option to further customize the design).

Sizes: XXS–XXL, plus custom orders

Colours: Yellow, White, Blue, Pink

BEST FLORAL LINEN DRESS

Reformation Tagliatelle Linen Dress Es

I own this Reformation dress in a picnic gingham from last summer, but this painterly floral has me considering a second order. The square neckline hits just high enough that it accentuates my collarbone without feeling too revealing for work. I wear it with a slightly oversized black blazer to the office and with a neutral sweater tied over my shoulders on the weekend.

Sizes: 0–24

Colour: Blue Floral

BEST POLO LINEN DRESS

Banana Republic Cruz Linen Maxi Shirtdress

A sharp polo collar and a mid-calf slit are all this dress needed to feel elevated above a simple shift. I'd balance the dress's simple lines and neutral tone with a chunky Lizzie Fortunato mood necklace and equally large statement earrings, straw bag in hand.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colours: Clay, Indigo, Washed Stone

BEST TIERED LINEN DRESS

La Ligne Anais Ruffle Linen Blend Midi Dress

I ordered this La Ligne dress for a wedding rehearsal dinner a few months in my future; I ended up wearing it the day it arrived and five times since then. The deeper plunge neckline and flutter sleeves felt just polished enough to change into after work for dates and sit-down dinners, but the tiered skirt and linen blend still have the comfort factor I want in a dress for the height of summer.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colour: Black

MOST COMFORTABLE LINEN DRESS

Magic Linen Toscana Linen Dress

Of course the makers of the best linen sheets designed an equally comfortable and cooling linen dress. This dress has all the ease I look for in linens, with a loose fit and pockets spacious enough to fit my phone. I'm not the only one endorsing this tank top style in a wide range of colours: It's also a favourite of more than four hundred reviewers, plus celebrities like Meghan Markle.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colours: Colourblock, Clay, White, Lilac, Teal, and more

What reviewers are saying: "I bought this dress to take on vacation. It it flattering, comfortable and easy to dress up and down."

BEST CUTOUT LINEN DRESS

Savannah Morrow Fiori Maxi Dress

This crinkly linen-gauze blend is one of Savannah Morrow's signatures—and it folds up easily for travel on a summer Friday. But the real standouts on this dress are the waist cutouts: a little sexy for the flash of skin they reveal, a little regal with the contrasting twist of fabric at the center. I can only imagine this dress at a five-star beachfront resort.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Colour: Green

BEST COVER-UP LINEN DRESS

Lemlem Eshe Plunge Neck Dress

SHOPBOPSAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Lemlem is my first destination on the hunt for a fresh swimsuit cover-up. The breathable linen can handle a one hundred-degree day under a beach umbrella, while the short, kimono-like sleeves and long tiered skirt are appropriate for a casual sit-down dinner. A lilac or magenta bandeau swimsuit top will look so sweet layered under this dress's plunge neckline.

Sizes: XS–L

Colour: White/Pink

BEST MINIMALIST LINEN DRESS

Ciao Lucia Rosalba Linen-Blend Midi Dress

Ciao Lucia has become one of my favourite brands for unpretentiously elegant summer dresses. This spaghetti strap midi keeps the vibe going with a classic A-line fit and exposed seams along the top of the skirt. I'm daydreaming about wearing it at the peak of August with one of Loewe's straw, ribbon-tied sun hats and a flat leather sandal.

Sizes: XS–L

Colour: Black

Are linen dresses good for summer?

Linen dresses are optimal for summer. Linen fabrics, woven from flax, naturally wick away moisture and do not absorb heat. The resulting dresses are always breathable and lightweight, regardless of their specific cut or fit.

How should I style a linen dress?

There's not much lifting required to make a linen dress look great. "Try a midi dress in white or a natural undyed colorway with a pair of espadrille wedges or barely-there sandals for an easy and elegant summer look," suggests Alison Cohn, deputy fashion news editor at Harper's Bazaar.

How should a linen dress fit?

Like any other fabrication, a linen dress's fit depends more on the silhouette (wrap, slip, shift, and so on) than the fabric. However, linen is naturally not as stretchy as other fabrics. For a comfortable fit, you may want to consider sizing up in dresses that sit closer to the body. Prepare for your dress to feel better with each successive wear: Linen naturally gets softer with each wash.

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.