From embracing bubble hems, to re-claiming the low-rise jeans we swore to burn in the 2000s, fashion has a tendency of going against the grain. However, the one rule most trendsetters do actually swear by is that when it comes to warm-weather dressing, linen reigns supreme.

Along with picnics, Campari spritzes, and hayfever, nothing marks the official return of summer quite like an uptick in linen sightings both on and off Instagram. Despite, or perhaps because of its propensity to crease and drape with ease, linen is just the thing for keeping you looking (and feeling) cool on stuffy days. It's lightweight, breathable, and infused with a certain Italian sprezzatura; and even if you're heading to work or a weekend stroll in the capital, you'll feel a bit more of those elusive holiday vibes coming your way if you're swathed in linen.
From easy-going linen trousers and floaty dresses to crisp linen blazers, there's plenty of ways to satisfy your sartorial linen cravings. As a self-proclaimed linen enthusiast, I've put in the work this season and browsed through the online racks across luxury labels and high street brands for linen styles of every kind.

The Best Linen Pieces, At A Glance
The best linen trousers: Arket, Cropped Linen Trousers, £67
The best linen shirt: With Nothing Underneath, The Boyfriend Shirt, £120
The best linen top: Zara, ZW Collection 100% Linen Pleated Top, £45.99
The best linen-blend dress: Nobody's Child, Short Sleeve Starlight Mini Dress, £79
The best linen work dress: Mango, Belt Linen Dress, £79.99
The best linen shorts: & Other Stories, Linen Shorts, £67
The best linen skirt: Boden, Linen Flippy Maxi Skirt, £150
The best linen blazer: Aligne, Daphne Scoop Neck Linen Blazer, £175
If it's a quintessential work trouser you're after, Arket's lineup of linen trousers is exceptional and comes with the fashion editor stamp of approval. Perhaps you're looking to add a few linen button-downs to your rotation? Look then, to COS where well-crafted linen shirts look more expensive than their price tags. Elsewhere, one of Meghan Markle's favourite London-based labels With Nothing Underneath has a carousel of linen shirts in vibrant, pastel hues and stripes. For the perfect picnic-ready linen dress, we've been obsessed with the picks at Nobody's Child and Reformation (specifically the Balia linen midi).

Of course, if your summer budget requires more affordable alternatives, we give you Uniqlo, which has everything from trousers and shirts to mini shift dresses. If it's contemporary high street styles you're looking for, Mango's linen collection is packed with trendy yet timeless gems you'll find yourself wearing on repeat.
Carefree summer dressing at its finest, the best linen pieces out there take the stress out of dressing in a heatwave and will probably be the first thing you throw into your holiday suitcase. Below, we've combed through the vast selection on offer and found the best linen clothing, from trousers and dresses to linen sets that you'll want to wear all season long.

Shop: The Best Linen Pieces On The High Street
The best linen-blend dress

www.nobodyschild.com
A consistent brand bestseller, this Starlight mini is made from linen-blend which offers the breathability and ease of linen without crinkling as easily. With puff sleeves, a deep V-neck and a cinched-in panel waist, it's the perfect wear-everyday dress that'll add a pop of colour to rainy spring days.
The best linen trousers

www.arket.com
We've already waxed lyrical about Arket's formal linen trousers, but this cropped iteration is the perfect addition to your casual outfits this summer. Cut for a wider fit with an elasticated waistband you'll find these pair exceptionally well with T-shirts and suede sandals for an off-duty look. While the beige shade is great for understated looks, the trousers are also available in white, navy and khaki.
The best linen shirt

www.withnothingunderneath.com
Tailored for an impeccable finish, the Boyfriend shirt is perfect for a button-up look at the office and will look equally as nice thrown over a bikini by the pool. The butter yellow shade is especially trendy and can be customised with embroidery for a statement finish.
The best affordable linen set

www.zara.com
Trust Zara to offer an elegant linen set with a highly affordable price tag. Comprising of the pleated V-neck peplum-detail top and darted trousers, this ecru set will work wonders with a woven bag and Zara's viral toe-ring sandals. Plus, each piece can also be worn separately, providing endless styling potential.
Best linen shirt dress

www2.hm.com
From the office to the beach, this linen-blend shirt dress from H&M is a winner for all occasions. Cut for a loose, airy fit, this striped midi skims the calf and features a detachable belt and slits along the sides.
Best linen work dress

shop.mango.com
If you're faced with the 'what to wear to work' dilemma once the weather heats up, this chocolate brown linen midi from Mango is your sartorial saviour. With an A-line silhouette and removable belt, it's the perfect heatwave-proof office dress that'll look equally good with sandals and loafers alike.
The best short-sleeved linen shirt

www.cos.com
While COS has an array of great classic linen shirts, we're eyeing this boxy short-sleeved design to zhuzh up our workwear for spring. Paired with the matching tailored linen trousers for an easy co-ord moment or wear with barrel-leg jeans and loafers for a relaxed yet refined silhouette.
The best white linen dress

www.thereformation.com
Summer whites are an essential component of warm weather dressing. Reformation's Everett dress is fitted at the bodice before flaring out into an A-line skirt featuring cutwork detailing. Available in specific petite and plus sizes as well as a mini version, the legend dress is the perfect canvas to be dressed up or down with ease. Hint - simply swap your strappy heels and jewels for trainers and a denim jacket for a relaxed holiday look.
The best linen shorts

www.stories.com
This soft pink pair from & Other Stories is the classiest upgrade to your favourite summer shorts. Cut with a subtle wide-leg silhouette for comfort, they're ideal for wearing with tank tops on holiday. However, if you decide to give your spring dresses a break, they'll also work well with a tailored linen waistcoat for semi-formal occasions.
Best halter-neck linen dress

shop.mango.com
Remember the hatter-neck dresses that populated your teen closet back in the early 2000s? Well, they're making a comeback and if they're all like this ecru midi with a fitted waist and gathered details, we're not exactly surprised.
The best linen set

www.net-a-porter.com
Australian label Deiji Studios is an excellent destination for loungewear. The 03 set is a bestselling linen co-ord crafted from light and airy French linen. Thanks to the boxy fit of the shirt and the trendy borrowed-from-the-boys boxer shorts, it's a set you'll be wearing in and out of bed this summer.
The best linen blazer

aligne.co
Take your linen longing into work with Aligne's Daphne waisted blazer. From the scoop neck to the adjustable buckle at the back and the split-front hem, this blazer is as trendy as it gets. Plus, the long sleeves will keep you cosy for those windy summer days.
The best linen blouse
On sale

www.stories.com
In case you haven't heard, white boho blouses are a big trend for SS25. & Other Stories' open-back linen blouse features a scalloped, embroidered hem and buttoned cuffs. Wear with white jeans and suede accessories for a Sienna Miller-approved look.
The best printed linen trousers

www.abercrombie.com
Who said linen needs to be plain? Add a fun polka dot element to your trusty linen trousers and T-shirt uniform with these pull-on trousers from Abercrombie & Fitch. Made from linen-blend, they're available in short, regular and long sizes to ensure the perfect fit.
The best linen gingham dress

www.shopdoen.com
Another popular dress from celeb-beloved label Dôen, the Coralie Dress combines two of our favourite spring trends: gingham and shift dresses. The 60's inspired mini is crafted from a rayon-linen blend which offers a structured yet airy silhouette and finished with shell buttons along the side seam and shoulder. Lean into the nostalgia and style it with ballet flats and a raffia bag.
The best linen skirt

www.boden.com
A crucial component for the perfect summer uniform, Boden's white linen maxi is cut for a flared fit made for twirling. Style the simple skirt with graphic tees and striped button downs for a casual day out or opt for the multi colourblock iteration for a dopamine-boosting addition to your wardrobe.
The best linen jumper

www.massimodutti.com
Given the UK's inclement weather, jumpers aren't just a winter essential. Instead of heavy woollens, layer up in this linen jumper from Massimo Dutti. Featuring a boat neck and ribbed hems, it's perfect for layering over jeans and dresses and is lightweight enough to be stowed away in your tote bag for the day.
The best linen denim

www.levi.com
While linen trousers are great, for something with a bit more heft, consider these linen-denim blend jeans from Levi's. Offering more stretch and breathability than your trusty 501s, trust us when we say you'll be wearing these on repeat all summer long.
Main image credits: ©Getty Images/Christian Vierig
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.