Every summer, I get asked the same question. And honestly, I get why. When it’s properly warm and you’re dressing for real life — not just a photo — linen vs cotton suddenly matters.
Both are breathable. Both are classics. But they don’t feel the same once you’re actually out the door, coffee in hand, heat already creeping in. That’s where the difference shows up.
Some days you want light and airy. Other days you want soft and familiar. And that’s really what the linen vs cotton conversation comes down to.
How Linen Feels When It’s Properly Hot
Linen has a personality. You notice it straight away.
It feels dry, crisp, and airy on the skin — especially once the temperature starts climbing. When the air is still and heavy, linen lets heat escape instead of trapping it. That’s why it’s such a favourite for long, hot days.
It does wrinkle. Quickly. But that slightly rumpled look is part of the charm, particularly in relaxed styles like the Laura Dress, where the blue-and-white stripe linen feels easy rather than overly polished.
Linen tends to shine when:
- You’re outside for long stretches
- The day is hot, not just warm
- You want airflow more than softness
The Elara Botanical Maxi Dress is another lovely example. The linen blend keeps it light and breathable, while the longer length still feels floaty and comfortable. It’s the kind of dress you put on early and don’t rush to change out of.
Why Cotton Still Has a Place in Summer
Cotton feels familiar. And sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
Compared to linen, cotton starts out softer and tends to feel gentler against the skin. It absorbs moisture rather than letting it evaporate straight away, but in lighter weights, it still works beautifully for summer days that aren’t relentlessly hot.
This is where the linen vs cotton decision shifts. Cotton often feels better for all-day wear, especially when you’re sitting, walking, stopping, starting, and repeating.
The Limoncella Cotton Dress is a good example of cotton done well. It holds detail nicely, feels comfortable straight away, and doesn’t need “breaking in” like linen sometimes does.
Cotton is usually the better choice when:
- You want softness over structure
- Wrinkles bother you
- You’re moving between indoors and outdoors
The Isla Denim Playsuit, made from breathable cotton denim, is another favourite. It has enough shape to feel put together, but it’s still relaxed enough for warm days that don’t slow down.
Linen vs Cotton: Which One Actually Wins?
Here’s the honest answer.
It depends on the day.
On those sticky, mid-summer days when the heat lingers, linen usually wins the linen vs cotton debate. It simply stays cooler for longer.
But on gentler days — or when comfort matters more than airflow — cotton often feels nicer. The Sardinia Andiamo Cotton Maxi Dress is a great example of this. It’s soft, breathable, easy to move in, and doesn’t feel heavy as the day goes on.
If I’m choosing purely based on feel, linen is what I reach for when it’s really hot. Cotton is what I wear when I want to be comfortable all day without thinking about it too much.
Choosing What Works for You
There’s no rule here. And there doesn’t need to be.
The linen vs cotton question isn’t about which fabric is “better.” It’s about how you like your clothes to feel once the day actually unfolds.
Some days call for crisp and airy.
Other days call for soft and forgiving.
Having both in your wardrobe makes sense. Linen for the hottest days. Cotton for everything in between. And when something feels good the moment you put it on, that’s usually your answer.
If you’d like to explore more warm-weather styles, you can browse our Dresses Collection or take a look at what’s new in New Arrivals anytime.
