Linen: The IT Fabric for Spring and Summer

Let’s Talk Packing: The Fabric Dilemma

Alright, let’s be real—packing for a trip is HARD. Especially when you’ve got a strict 20kg limit and a million things you want to bring. Recently, as I packed for my no-return-ticket adventure to Asia (yes, you read that right), I had to get super picky about what made the cut.

Here’s what I realized: fabric is everything.

To keep things simple, I made one rule—if it’s not natural, breathable, and comfy, it’s not coming. That meant I was left with three solid choices: linen, cotton, and viscose. And out of all of them? After my first month of travelling I can say Linen was the true winner.

Pro tip: Always avoid bringing synthetic fabrics on holiday! They trap heat, make you sweat, and can leave you feeling (and smelling) pretty unpleasant. Stick to natural fabrics like linen, and you’ll stay cool and fresh.

Linen Fabric Is Having a Moment (And I’m Here for It)

Collage of 4 girls wearing linen outfits

Let’s be honest—linen has been everywhere lately. - so I am not being innovative here, talking about how trendy it is, but I want you to understand the true beauty behind that fabric. Not just because it's in the spotlight at the moment. More and more brands are adding it to their collections, and for good reason. According to Maximize Market Research, the linen fabric market is growing, and consumers are making more thoughtful, high-quality purchases. I love seeing people move toward sustainable choices rather than fast fashion. I know it can be difficult and often expensive, but it's worth it in the long-term.

Why Linen? Let’s Break It Down

1. It’s Breathable & Keeps You Cool

Linen literally wicks away moisture, making it the perfect fabric for hot, humid weather. Trust me, I’m sitting by a pool in Thailand writing this and wearing my fave linen two-piece, and I have zero regrets. If you want that effortlessly chic “I’m on vacation” look—linen is it.

2. Lightweight & Travel-Friendly

Linen is so light, which makes it a dream for travel. It barely takes up space in my suitcase (win!), and even though it wrinkles, rolling my clothes instead of folding them has helped keep things looking fresh.

3. Durable & Gets Better With Time

Unlike cotton, linen actually gets softer the more you wear and wash it. That means your favorite linen pieces will only get better over the years. And let’s be honest—who wants to keep rebuying the same basics every season? Invest in linen once, and you’re set for years. It also has a lower environmental impact than other fabrics and with proper care, you will extend the lifespan of linen items even more, reducing the need for purchasing frequently.

4. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly

If you’re trying to make better shopping decisions (same!), linen is one of the best fabrics to invest in. It’s made from flax, which uses way less water and chemicals than cotton. Brands and retailers are now more committed to sustainability and offer linen clothing made from sustainable and organic linen. When considering where to buy sustainable linen clothing, it's important to look for certifications and transparent supply chains to ensure the ethical production of linen items.

5. It’s Just So Effortlessly Chic

Linen gives off that perfectly undone, “I just threw this on” kind of vibe. Whether it’s a classic linen button-up, a breezy dress, or wide-leg trousers, linen is the definition of timeless style. Want a foolproof way to make your linen pieces even more versatile? Stick to neutral colors like white, beige, black, and navy—this guarantees that your pieces will stay timeless and work with anything in your wardrobe. Trendy colors come and go, but neutrals in high-quality fabrics will always look elegant.

My Linen Packing List

Since I was all about maximizing space and choosing versatile pieces, linen made up a huge part of my suitcase. Here’s what I brought:

Linen button-ups: Perfect as a swimsuit cover-up or dressed up with short or maching set.
Linen trousers: Comfy enough for long travel days but stylish enough for a nice dinner. I am surprised at how much I actually enjoy wearing long trousers in the heat.
Linen dresses: Easy, breezy, and so chic.
Linen shorts: A staple for everyday wear and beach days.

Styling Tip: A linen button-up is the ultimate travel piece. Wear it open over a swimsuit during the day, tuck it into linen trousers for a dressier look, or knot it at the waist for a casual feel. The options are endless!

Build Your Linen Collection Over Time

I know that fabrics that are more sustainable, eco-friendly, and high-quality are often pricier. But here’s the thing—you don’t need to rush and buy an entire linen wardrobe overnight. Linen isn’t a trend; it’s timeless.

Build your collection over time, investing in key pieces that will last you years. Not only will you create a wardrobe that actually makes sense, but you’ll save money in the long run by skipping fast fashion.

When I was preparing for my trip, I picked up a few linen staples that I thought would be useful. But what I didn’t realize? Thailand has some of the most amazing linen and cotton pieces at incredible prices.

I landed in Bangkok, and on my first day, I found myself inside a massive shopping mall with six floors of market stalls. There was something for everyone, but what really caught my eye? The beautiful, high-quality linen pieces at a fraction of the price you’d pay in Europe. If I had known, I would have left more space in my suitcase!

Lesson learned: If you’re traveling to Asia, leave some space for linen and cotton finds. You’ll discover beautiful pieces that fit your style while supporting local artisans—and at way better prices than you’d get back home.

Final Thoughts

Packing for a long trip totally changed how I think about my wardrobe, and linen has become my go-to for everything. Whether you’re traveling or just want a more comfortable, stylish, and sustainable closet, linen is 100% worth the hype.

Do you love linen as much as I do? Thinking of adding more to your wardrobe? Let’s chat in the comments!