The 26 Best Linen Dresses of 2024

Nothing gives off a cool and easy-going vibe quite like a linen dress. Linen is a breathable fabric that won’t stick to your skin in the summer heat, and a linen dress is an easy choice when deciding what to wear to a casual lunch, beach vacation, work, or even a special event.

Last summer, I became obsessed with linen dresses. I wanted to elevate my summer style, and I’d always admired the beachy, easy-breezy white linen look. Having fallen in love with linen bedding, I had a good feeling I’d be equally in love with linen clothing, and I was right. I’m not alone in my love for linen dresses; celebrities like Meghan Markle have also been spotted wearing the casual wardrobe piece (more on that later). “You can’t go wrong with one,” says red carpet stylist Aleksandra Markovic. “Linen dresses are ultimate summer wardrobe staples, and they are so back this summer.”

To help find the right linen dress for you, we’ve pulled together editor-loved and celeb-worn linen dresses as well as bestsellers from some of the best places to buy dresses. Linen clothing can get expensive, so we’ve also provided some more affordable linen-blend options, too.

Read on for the best linen dresses for an easy-breezy summer look, with prices starting at just $25.

Best Everyday

Magic Linen Color Block Linen Dress Cetera

This is my all-time favorite linen dress for several reasons. I’ve owned this dress for over a year, and it still looks fabulous and has proved to be a versatile option for many outings (lunches with friends, vacations with the family, and even casual work events). Magic Linen’s dresses feel a little bit heavier than other linen (in a good way), so I don’t have to worry about my underwear showing (which is a concern with some linen clothing), and the dress doesn’t wrinkle quite as easily as lighter, thinner linen, in my opinion. 

Magic Linen offers this similar style in custom colors, but I’m partial to the white and gray color block design. It’s machine-washable, easy to remove stains, and it has pockets. It’s an investment, but it’s lasted me through two summers and is still my go-to linen dress for everyday wear.

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: White/gray, dusty blue | Fit: Oversized | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: Yes

Best Everyday (Less Expensive)

Universal Thread Linen Sleeveless Smocked Midi Sundress

• This dress is only 9 percent linen, so if you want to reap all the benefits of real linen clothing, this may not be for you.

If you’re looking for an easy go-to option at a more affordable price, this linen-blend smocked dress from Target is calling your name. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and the smocked design makes for an easy fit. Technically, it’s only 9 percent linen, but it still gives off that casual linen look, and this is a great entry point if you’re unsure about the trend but willing to give it a try.

Sizes: XS-4X | Colors: Black, orange, purple, white | Fit: Fitted | Material: 91% cotton, 9% linen | Pockets: Yes

Best Oversized

Magic Linen Royal Toscana Linen Dress

When Meghan Markle was spotted wearing this Magic Linen white linen dress, it sold out in 48 hours. This summer, it’s back and available in nine colors, from lilac to clay. The effortless dress strikes an incredible balance between casual and elevated, and the relaxed, loose fit will help keep you cool. It’s 100 percent linen, and it has pockets.

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: White/natural, ash rose, black, clay, light coral, lilac, teal blue, white, woodrose | Fit: Relaxed | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: Yes

Best Oversized (Less Expensive)

Amazhiyu High Low Midi Dress

For a similar Markle-inspired look, this oversized linen midi dress from Amazon is a great choice. It comes in eight colors (from white to violet) and has an extended size range. The fabric is pre-shrunk, so you can order your normal size and expect it to fit in a relaxed way. The material is listed as 100 percent linen, but at this price point, that’s hard to believe. But either way, reviewers are loving it, saying it “wears great, launders wonderfully and is very cool and comfortable.”

Sizes: XS-3X | Colors: 8 options | Fit: Relaxed | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: Yes

Best Flare

Old Navy Fit & Flare Sleeveless Linen-Blend Midi Dress

We love everything about this “Fit & Flare” linen-blend dress from Old Navy. While it only comes in one color, that one color is a fabulous neutral that would look amazing on most skin tones. This fitted dress also comes in a plethora of sizes, and we feel confident that the fitted top with a sweetheart neckline combined with the flared dress body would look excellent on many body types.

Sizes: XS-4X, Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Ecru | Fit: Fitted; true to size | Material: 55% linen, 45% rayon | Pockets: Yes

Best Puff Sleeve

Everlane Linen Puff Sleeve Dress

If you want to make a statement, a puff sleeve dress is the way to do it. This Everlane linen dress is a bit of an investment, but it’s a great option for summer special occasions such as birthdays, baby showers, or elevated outdoor dinners. This dress has a standard yet relaxed fit, and the dress shell is 100 percent linen while the lining is 100 percent cotton, so it’s sure to be breathable (without being see-through).

Sizes: XXS-XL | Colors: Blue and white | Fit: Standard | Material: 100% linen with 100% cotton lining | Pockets: Yes

Best Puff Sleeve (Less Expensive)

Gap Linen-Blend Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

• This is a linen and rayon blend, so if you’re looking for 100 percent linen, this might not be for you.

This linen-blend puff sleeve dress from Gap is an affordable alternative to Everlane’s puff sleeve option, and right now, it’s only $45. We love the casual, trendy vibes of this dress, and we also love that it comes in so many sizes and lengths (XXS to XXL and petite to tall). The stone beige color is particularly stunning, but the tiny orange floral pattern is a fun alternative if you’re looking to add some more color to your summer wardrobe.

Sizes: XXS-XXL; Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Orange floral, stone beige, black | Fit: Relaxed | Material: 55% linen, 45% viscose rayon | Pockets: Yes

Best Tunic

Magic Linen Tunic Dress

This Magic Linen tunic dress is doing everything right: It’s 100 percent linen, offered in 21 colors, and the laid-back tunic style can be dressed up or down with minimal effort. This medium-weight linen dress isn’t cheap, but it’s not the most expensive on our list either. This is a great, high-quality basic linen dress for anyone looking to add this casual cool look to their summer wardrobe, and right now, the discounted price makes it even more appealing.

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: 21 options | Fit: Relaxed | Material:100% linen | Pockets: Yes

Best Tunic (Less Expensive)

Akivide Summer Cotton Linen Dress

Looking for a simple, breezy summer dress that you can accessorize to your heart’s desire? This $25 tunic dress from Amazon is one of the most affordable options on our list, and it comes in 22 color options. While we’re not quite sure how much linen is actually in this dress, we appreciate its simple style, versatility, and affordable price point.

Sizes: S-XXL | Colors: 22 options | Fit: Relaxed | Material: Cotton Linen | Pockets: Yes

Best Slip Dress

Wild Fable Ruched Linen Mini Slip Dress

• It’s a linen and rayon blend, so those looking for a flowy, 100 percent linen dress may want to consider other options.

This simple ruched linen-blend dress from Target is so versatile, and reviewers are saying that it’s “very flattering even with a belly.” It comes in four colors and two floral patterns, but we’re partial to the lavender style. Wild Fable is known for producing fun takes on wardrobe basics, and this dress is a great example of that. Plus, at $25, it’s the most affordable option on our list.

Sizes: XXS-4X | Colors: Black, blue floral, green, lavender, red, yellow floral | Fit: Fitted | Material: 55% linen, 45% rayon | Pockets: No

Best for Work

Magic Linen Color Block Linen Dress Adria

Looking for a linen dress that’s appropriate for the office? Here it is. Magic Linen’s color block 100 percent linen dress is one of my favorite dresses in my summer rotation. Every time I wear it — I’m not exaggerating — someone asks me to send them the link so they can purchase one, too. As a short and curvy woman, I worry about oversized dresses looking too boxy on me, but the color block design keeps that from happening while allowing me to feel breezy, cool, and work-appropriate. (And it has pockets!) The only downside is that the boat-like neckline means it doesn’t work with most of my bralettes, so I have to wear a standard bra to keep the straps from peeking out.

Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: White/gray | Fit: Relaxed/Oversized | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: Yes

Best for Work (Less Expensive)

Frank and Oak Fluid Midi Shirt Dress

This linen-blend shirt dress from Frank and Oak cinches at the waist, giving it just enough of an elevated look to make it work-appropriate. The dark blue color looks great for both Zoom meetings and in-office presentations, and the oversized yet put-together dress gives off a confident, cool vibe. Take note that reviewers suggest sizing down but agree that the dress is “very comfy," and I personally couldn't agree more. In person, this dress looks much more expensive than it's on-sale $70 price tag.

Sizes: XXS-XL | Colors: Twilight Blue | Fit: Relaxed | Material: 69% TENCELL Lyocell, 31% linen | Pockets: Yes (single front pocket)

Best Button-Front

Everlane The Linen Workwear Dress

This Everlane button-front linen dress is a modern spin on the classic linen look. The boxy style gives this piece a little more structure than you’d typically find in a linen dress, and the 100 percent linen material and short length will keep you cool. This dress has an oversized fit, so order your standard size and expect it to fit loosely. Take note: Petite shoppers have said this dress is “perfect” on a shorter frame.

Sizes: XXS-XL | Colors: Seagrass, Light blue, Black/canvas tan | Fit: Oversized | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: Yes

Best Button-Front (Less Expensive)

Old Navy Sleeveless Button-Front Linen-Blend Dress

• It’s a linen and rayon blend, so if you’re looking for 100 percent linen, consider another option.

Looking to spend a bit less? Old Navy has you covered. This long button-front dress screams “casual but cool,” and it’s half the price of others on our list. This linen-blend dress comes in a wide range of sizes (up to 4X), and the tie in the back allows you to adjust the fit any way you want (a great feature if you’re worried about losing your curves underneath an oversized dress).

Sizes: XS-4X, Regular, tall | Colors: Neutral stripe| Fit: Relaxed | Material: 55% linen, 45% viscose rayon | Pockets: No

Best Plus-Sized

Madewell Plus Goldie Midi Linen Dress

• At over $100, it’s an investment, and it’s fitted, so it’s not the classic, flowy, oversized style that some might prefer.

Madewell has some excellent plus-sized options that are also high-quality, 100 percent linen. This white linen dress is simple and elegant, and we love the midi length. If you’re looking for a little more detail, this tie-back linen-blend dress is also a great option. Both of these dresses are fitted, not oversized, so they’re an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy-going but fitted linen dress.

Sizes: 18W-28W | Colors: White | Fit: Fitted | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: Yes

Best Linen Knit

Lunya Linen Knit Side Slit Dress

Lunya is known for its bestselling washable silk clothing, so our interest was piqued when they released a linen collection, and one of our shopping editors absolutely loved it. She raved that Lunya’s linen collection kept her “cool and comfy” throughout her vacation, and we think this side slit linen knit dress is exactly the thing we’d like to saunter around a resort in, too. In fact, the website even encourages you to “slip on for that vacay every night kinda feeling.” 

I received a sample of this dress, and I’m not embarrassed to say that I wore it for three days straight. It’s super comfy, lightweight, and every time I went to pick my outfit for the day, I couldn’t stop myself from reaching for it. The linen knit material is a really unique, soft feel, but take note that it’s thin, so it’s best worn over a bathing suit or nude underwear.

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Wheat, blue | Fit: Relaxed/easy | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: No

Best Shirt Dress

Zara Linen Shirt Dress

• This is the most affordable all-linen dress on our list, so if you’re looking to save, this is a great option.

When you think of a linen dress, a shirt dress may be one of the first things that come to mind. This 100 percent linen shirt dress from Zara serves up the classic casual look at an unbeatable price. It comes in khaki and light khaki, and the website states that it runs large, so your normal size will likely yield an “oversized” look, so keep that in mind when adding to your cart. (Because at this price, it’s definitely worth immediately adding to your cart.)

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Light khaki, khaki | Fit: Oversized | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: No

Best Linen-Blend Shirt Dress

Old Navy Long-Sleeve Linen-Blend Shirt Dress

Since linen shirt dresses are so popular, we’re going to recommend one more. This linen-blend Old Navy shirt dress is — unsurprisingly — a bestseller. Its button-front long-sleeve style makes this dress an excellent swimsuit cover-up or an easy wardrobe choice for running errands or casual date nights. While it only comes in one color (neutral stripe), we love that it’s offered in so many sizes and lengths.

Sizes: XS-4X; Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Neutral stripe | Fit: Relaxed | Material: 55% linen, 45% viscose rayon | Pockets: Yes

Best Tie-Back

Abercrombie Premium Linen Bow Back Maxi Dress

Abercrombie has made a comeback with incredibly well-made clothing for many body types — we especially love their high-waisted jeans — so we were pleased to see this 100 percent linen tie-back dress in their current summer line-up. While many linen dresses are oversized, this one is fitted at the top, making it a bit dressier than other options on this list. This style is also great for shoppers with larger chests who want to avoid an oversized fit. The only downside (besides the higher price) is that it’s selling quickly, so in-stock sizes are limited.

Sizes: XXS-XL, Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Cream, navy | Fit: Fitted; true to size | Material: 100% linen with 100% cotton lining | Pockets: Yes

Best Tie-Back (Less Expensive)

Gap Linen-Blend Tie-Back Corset Midi Dress

• For a linen-blend dress, $80 is on the higher end, but right now, it’s on sale, so it’s worth the discounted price.

This linen-blend tie-back dress from Gap is another fantastic option if you’re looking for a fitted linen dress (at a lower price). It comes in hot pink, brown, off-white, and a wide range of sizes. Reviewers are saying this is a comfy summer dress for a variety of body types, specifically curvy, tall, and/or petite. 

Sizes: XXS-XXL; Regular, tall, petite | Colors: Pink, brown, off-white | Fit: Fitted; true to size | Material: Linen/Rayon blend | Pockets: No

Best for Special Occasions

Reformation Baela Linen Dress

• This is the most expensive dress on our list, and it’s fitted, so while it may last for years to come, it may not be friendly to those who fluctuate sizes.

Leave it to Reformation to blow us away with a linen dress that’s even wedding appropriate. This stunning off-the-shoulder linen dress kicks the word “casual” to the corner; you could wear this dress to any upscale event while still enjoying the benefits of its breathable 100 percent linen fabric. The white linen dress is breathtaking, but it’s also offered in two other colors and patterns — all of which are sure to be showstoppers. Plus, Reformation offers free alterations to ensure you get the perfect fit.

Sizes: 0-12 | Colors: Cherry, Danube, white, willow pattern, heavenly pattern  | Fit: Fitted | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: Yes

Best Maxi

Vitamin A Mari Maxi Dress

Quite a few of our shopping editors love Vitamin A swimwear, but the brand’s linen collection caught our eye when Sydney Sweeney stepped out in one of their oversized linen shirts and matching shorts last summer. At the moment, they only offer one linen dress, but it’s so dreamy, we had to include it. This 100 percent linen maxi dress is an excellent breezy beach cover-up or resort date night dress, and the tie straps can be worn three different ways, making it all the more versatile.

Sizes: XS-L | Colors: Black | Fit: Oversized | Material:100% linen | Pockets: No

Best Mini

Madewell Goldie Mini Dress

This strappy mini dress from Madewell is 100 percent linen, fits true to size, and has pockets. What more could you ask for? We love this dress for anyone looking to show a bit more skin or wanting a more fitted style. It comes in four fun colors, but if you’re looking for a similar style in white, opt for the Goldie Midi Dress instead.

Sizes: 00-16 | Colors: Black, bluestone, retro pink, citrus lime | Fit: Standard | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: Yes

Best Cutout

Madewell Double-Tie Cutout Linen Dress

• For a linen-blend dress, the price is high, but that’s due to the sustainability costs associated with Lenzing Ecovero viscose.

If you can afford the higher price point, add this cutout dress to your cart immediately. This linen-blend dress from Madewell is such a quintessential summer look, and you could easily dress it up or down, depending on the occasion. The smocking and tie-front features ensure a great fit, while the rest of the dress capitalizes on comfort.

Sizes: 00-16 | Colors: White | Fit: Fitted | Material: 55% linen, 45% Lenzing™ Ecovero™ viscose | Pockets: Yes

Best Sleeveless

Reformation Jessi Linen Dress

This sleeveless 100 percent linen dress from Reformation made us stop in our tracks. It’s so simple yet so elegant. It comes in three colors and two patterns, and if you can swing the price, we’re sure it will become a summer staple in your wardrobe for years to come. 

Sizes: 0-12 | Colors: Danube, dried herbs, white, poolside, and Capri pattern | Fit: Relaxed | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: No

Best V-Neck

DKNY V-Neck Linen Maxi Dress

This DKNY V-neck 100 percent linen dress is a chic, high-quality choice for anyone looking for a classic sleeveless maxi linen dress. It comes in three basic colors (black, white, and light blush), and fits true to size. The side slits keep it casual while the V-neck elevates the look, making it a versatile choice for any summer outing.

Sizes: XS-XL | Colors: Black, white, pink kiss | Fit: Slightly relaxed; true to size | Material: 100% linen | Pockets: No

How to Pick the Right Linen Dress

Linen vs. Linen-Blend Fabric

While linen is a highly sought after fabric, it’s expensive, so those looking to cut costs may want to consider a linen-blend dress. A linen-blend dress is almost always more affordable than an all-linen dress, but there’s still some variety to this option, too. On the lower end, linen and rayon blends give you a little bit of the breathable linen feel, but the mix with rayon (or viscose rayon) keeps production costs (and the final price) down. If you’re looking to opt for a more sustainable blend, look for linen mixed with Tencel. You may have heard of Tencel as a sustainable fabric in cooling sheets, but it’s also possible to mix Tencel and linen for clothing, as well. 

Some brands have alternative reasons for producing this type of linen blend besides cost. “Our fluid midi shirt dress is made from a unique blend of Tencel Lyocell (a fiber made from ethically sourced eucalyptus wood) and linen (a fiber entirely derived from the flax plant),” says Elisabeth de Gramont, head of impact at Frank and Oak. “These natural, cellulosic fibers are recyclable and biodegradable under industrial, soil, and marine conditions — lessening the waste that goes from your closet to the landfill.” She also adds that this type of blend yields itself to less wrinkling than 100 percent linen.

Each brand will blend linen and their secondary choice of fabric differently (and at different ratios), so if this is important to you, make sure to check the specs for specifics. We’ve included all fabric materials and blend percentages in this list to help give you a better idea of the quality and breathability of each dress.

Oversized vs. Regular Fit

Many linen dresses have a relaxed or oversized fit, but that detail is built into the design, so you should order your regular size and expect it to fit you in a relaxed way. Some linen dresses, such as the Madewell Goldie Linen Dress, are meant to fit your body, so order your standard size (or whatever size you feel comfortable in). Others, such as the Meghan Markle-worn Magic Linen Royal Toscana Dress, are meant to fit in a very oversized way; you should still order your standard size (or size down if you’d prefer it to be a little less oversized).

Each site will specify the type of fit (oversized vs. regular), and we’ve noted that in our list, as well.

Price

There’s no way around it: Linen is expensive. The 100 percent linen options on our list range from $60 (Zara Shirt Dress) to $278 (Reformation Baela Linen Dress). Of the 16 linen-only dresses we recommend, the average price is $120, so you can expect to spend a little over $100 for this kind of wardrobe piece.

Linen-blend dresses are usually made with a combination of linen and viscose rayon, so they are more affordable than 100 percent linen pieces. Of the 10 linen-blend dresses on our list, the prices range from $25 (Wild Fable Ruched Slip Dress) to $148 (Madewell Double-Tie Cutout Dress). The average price of the linen-blend dresses we recommend comes in at around $58, so that’s about half the price of 100 percent linen pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is 100% linen so expensive?

  “Because of high production costs,” says Markovic. Growing, harvesting, spinning, weaving, and sewing linen takes time and special attention to detail, and the cost of that labor trickles down to the consumer. “On the other hand, comparable to cotton, it's a very eco-friendly and sustainable fabric as it needs very little water and no pesticides,” adds Markovic, which is why linen is one of the more desirable materials for clothing and high-quality bed sheets.

• Is a linen dress too casual for a wedding or special occasion?

  Markovic says this depends on the wedding, location, and your accessories. A linen dress may not be black-tie appropriate, but a fitted or well-accessorized linen dress could absolutely be a contender for a summer wedding guest dress or a special night out. One of the great things about linen is its versatility, so the same linen dress (such as the Magic Linen Tunic Dress) could work well for lunch with friends (when paired with flat sandals) or an outdoor wedding (when accompanied by nicer sandals and jewelry).

• How do you wear a linen dress without wrinkles?

  Markovic swears by wrinkle-release spray. “​​It's my favorite thing to use for shoots on locations or if I'm wearing something.” She adds that it’s very convenient for freshening up your look mid-event since you can’t always have a clothes steamer in your bag. Pro tip: If you’re planning to pack a linen dress for vacation, Markovic suggests placing it in a plastic bag to reduce wrinkling.

Take Our Word for It

Erin Johnson is a senior commerce editor at PEOPLE who specializes in providing thorough product reviews to help consumers spend their money wisely. She also wears linen dresses multiple times a week in the summer, so she can speak to the breathability, fit, and quality of 100 percent linen vs. linen-blend fabric. As a curvy, petite shopper and a comfort-first consumer, a garment’s fit is always top of mind for her. 

For this article, Erin used her own experience with linen dresses and interviewed stylist Aleksandra Markovic for her tips on styling and working with linen clothing. Erin also sampled linen dresses from Magic Linen, Lunya, Frank and Oak, and Vitamin A. Additional insight was provided by Elisabeth de Gramont, head of impact at Frank and Oak, on sustainability and the reasoning behind Tencel Lyocell blends.

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