Linen Is Our Favorite Summer Fabric

Every closet should have a quality linen garment. Not only are linen shirts timeless and effortlessly chic, but they are also wonderful for keeping cool on the warmest days. 

Below, we’ve curated a list of our picks for summer. These tops range in price and style, as well as shop location. Many are handmade and made-to-order, and some focus on inclusive sizing. There is one thing all of these linen shirts have in common—they are made by brands that value the earth and the people who make our clothes. You can invest in these pieces knowing they were crafted in fair and ethical working conditions. Moreover, they have had minimal impact on our environment.

Get ready for summer with breezy, comfortable linen tops that’ll last for years to come.

1. EILEEN FISHER

Based In | New York City, NY
Ethics | Organic linen, eco-friendly, ethically made, inclusive sizing
Our Pick | Organic Handkerchief Linen Short-Sleeve Shirt
Price | $158

For 100% organic linen shirts, look no further than EILEEN FISHER. These shirts are made with French flax from organic farms that are then naturally dyed for a collection of earth-inspired garments. The Organic Handkerchief Linen Short-Sleeve Shirt is our pick for summer. With a classic collar and 3-inch side slits, it’s a linen shirt for work attire, or for a casual weekend. Pair with wide leg pants for a timeless look. EILEEN FISHER is perfect for those seeking both petite and plus sizing options. The brand also ships to more than 90 countries worldwide. 

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2. Sotela

Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Ethics | Eco-friendly, ethically-made, made in the USA, body-positive clothing, inclusive sizing
Our Pick | Lyla Crop Top
Price | $129

You won’t find the words large or small here—Sotela is a brand dedicated to body positivity, and this woman-founded company celebrates each and every size. The brand’s name (roughly translating to ‘Sew Fabric’), speaks to the handmade and ethical design process behind each item. Sotela garments are made to order in Los Angeles. For your summer wardrobe, we recommend the Lyla Crop Top. This linen shirt is boxy and simple, yet timeless and available in the most beautiful colors. For style inspiration, check out the week of outfit series with Jasmine Hwang. International shipping is available. 

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3. Mila

Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Ethics | Natural fibers, ethically made
Our Pick | Blanca Top White
Price | $130

Founded by Mila Junge, the high-end garment brand Mila is all about creating clothes that marry effortless aesthetics with an ethical design approach. The collection boasts a palette of soft colors and neutral tones, and the garments are made with natural fabrics, including linen. Mila’s Blanca Top White is the perfect crop top for summer. Made in Chile with 100% Milano linen, this garment is chic yet simple, and it pairs wonderfully with wide leg pants or vintage denim.

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4. Beaumont Organic

Based In | Manchester, UK
Ethics | Natural, ethically-made, recycled packaging
Our Pick | RITA-JO Linen Top In Off White
Price | £190

Across the pond, Beaumont Organic specializes in organic and GOTS-certified luxury garments. The brand works with EU factories for production, promising fair wages and safe working conditions for employees. Our favorite piece from the collection—The RITA-JO Linen Top in Off White—is made ethically in Portugal from 100% linen. We especially love this top for its gorgeous flute sleeves. Paired with shorts, it’s the perfect outfit for the hottest days this summer. Beaumont Organic is proud to offer worldwide shipping, as well as free shipping within the UK. The company uses super eco recycled packaging and offers gift wrapping at no extra charge. 

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5. Reformation

Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Ethics | Eco-friendly, ethically-made
Our Pick | Bacall Top
Price | $148

Everyone needs a white linen top in their summer wardrobe, and we’ve found the perfect one in the Bacall Top from Reformation. This fun bra-friendly top is made with linen sourced from a GMO-free farm in France. It’s as sustainable as it is fun—almost no water and 75 percent less carbon was used to make the garment. It’s perfect for parties, vacations, or to spice up your weekend errands. Pair it with your favorite high-waisted jeans or shorts. White not your thing? This linen shirt also comes in “Dried Herbs,” reminiscent of moss. International shipping is available. 

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6. Not Perfect Linen

Based In | Vilnius, Lithuania
Ethics | Handmade, made-to-order, family business, sustainable practices, job creation
Our Pick | Linen collar shirt LILLE
Price | $70

On the Etsy front, Not Perfect Linen is an online shop run by a family in the capital city of Lithuania. Sustainability and ethical production are of the utmost priority. Made-to-order garments prevent excess waste and hiring locals helps with job creation. We adore the Linen Collar Shirt LILLE. It’s handmade from OEKO-TEX certified linen fabric sourced from local manufacturers in Lithuania. With a collar, delicate buttons, and beautiful color options (37 to be exact), it’s the perfect garment for your summer capsule wardrobe. 

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7. Linenfox

Based In | Kaunas, Lithuania
Ethics | Handmade, made-to-order, family business, recycled packaging 
Our Pick | Mona Top
Price | $64

Also on Etsy, Linenfox is an online shop founded by a husband-and-wife duo in 2014. The brand boasts handmade and made-to-order linen garments including our pick, the Mona Top. A simple yet elegant linen shirt, it’s crafted from OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, meaning it’s free from harmful dyes and toxins. Pair this one with Linenfox’s tapered linen trousers for a classic summer look. Linenfox ships internationally and sends its garments in eco-friendly packaging.

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8. Gudrun Sjödén

Based In | Stockholm, Sweden
Ethics | Eco-friendly practices, ethically-made, give-back programs, natural fibers
Our Pick | NICE shirt
Price | $98

Gudrun Sjödén is a Swedish brand dating back to 1976. Since then, the apparel company has been creating all-natural clothing and textiles for the home, including one of our favorite linen shirts for summer: the NICE shirt. With side slits, front buttons, and extra length, this 100% linen top is a timeless and flattering addition to every closet. It comes in four color options and is made ethically in India with sustainably-sourced linen. Gudrun Sjödén ships worldwide and also participates in give-back programs. You can learn more about the brand’s commitments and eco-programs here.

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