On my slow fashion journey, I’ve been continually exploring ways to get clearer on my personal style, and few practices have been as helpful as defining my style words.
I’m going to share my process of uncovering my style words through three different stylists’ methods, which I hope will offer you some insights into defining your own personal style as well.
Before we dive into the nitty gritty, let’s start with the basics…
What Are Style Words?
Style words are adjectives that help describe your personal approach to dressing.
You’ve probably used style words already to describe what you wear: think words like classic or modern, bold or minimal, refined or relaxed, glam or casual, masculine or feminine.
The problem that many of us have run into with this is that it’s really difficult to pick just one word to encapsulate something as layered and personal as our own style.
That’s why many stylists and style content creators suggest selecting three words — and are clear that these words can evolve throughout your life.
How to Find Your Style Words
There are several methods to finding your style words and each may resonate with you in a different way. On my own personal style journey, I’ve tried all of them!
- Allison Bornstein’s Three Word Method
- Alyssa Beltempo’s Three Word Rule
- Amy Smilovic’s Three Adjectives
Below I’ll break down what each method entails and share my own personal experience with these methods.
There isn’t one that is objectively better or worse, but you might resonate with one more than another or like to experiment with all three to see which method leads to the best results.
The Three Word Method
Allison Bornstein has a step-by-step approach (that’s gone viral on TikTok) to finding your three style words.
What is the Three Word Method?
In this personal style method, developed by Bornstein, your first style word is a practical word, your second style word is an aspirational word, and your third style word is an emotional word.
Word 1: Practical Word
Essentially, this is a realistic look at what your style is now.
Bornstein recommends to go to your wardrobe and pull out your “regulars”. This is what you actually wear all the time, not what you wish you wore or want to wear.
Look for similarities among these regulars and sort out what word you might use to describe these pieces. Are all of these pieces oversized? Casual? 70s inspired?
For me, the first style word I found was feminine. My most-worn pieces are the ones with a feminine element, like a ruffle, romantic, an eyelet knit, or a floral print.
Word 2: Aspirational Word
The second word, Bornstein explains, is how you would describe what you want your style to become or how you ideally would want to dress.
Perhaps this might be how you describe the pieces in your closet that you wish you wore but you don’t.
Or if you’ve been following a lot of style content on social media, check your saved images or screenshots. If you use Pinterest, what’s on your style board?
Then among those images (or the pieces you’d love to wear that are already in your wardrobe), figure out if there are commonalities. Are all of these styles bold and colorful? Warm and neutral? Minimal and sleek? Oversized? Y2K?
After looking at my aspirational style screenshots and saved Pins, I was still unsure what exactly my second word would be. The looks I saved were certainly feminine, but that was already covered in my first word.
Other words that came up were natural or down-to-earth (a lot of natural fabrics and materials) and structured (like a bag with a solid structure) or elegant (like a tweed blazer).
But then I looked back at my favorite outfits, and realized that the looks I felt best in were the ones that had a feminine and structured element. For example a moto jacket with a flowy skirt or straight-leg jeans with a ruffled blouse.
Word 3: Emotional Word
The last word is perhaps the most interesting, but also the most challenging, word to figure out.
The final word is how you want to feel in your clothes. Do you want to feel powerful? Sexy? Warm? Joyful? Relaxed? Bornstein describes this as the “finishing touch” to your style.
Finding my third word took me months to refine!
It wasn’t until I watched this video of Bornstein where she helped a friend, Grace, find her three style words that I finally settled on the word “warm”.
This felt like the perfect word to round out my three words. I want to feel comfortable and look welcoming in my style. My first two words (feminine and structured) could come with the risk of appearing too unapproachable or stiff.
At first I thought my third word might be “cozy”, because that encapsulates how I want to feel. I don’t just want to feel comfortable, but I want to be comforted by my clothes. And cozy seemed to describe that.
However, with some of my outfits, integrating “cozy” felt too casual. It was also a bit tougher to interpret a word like cozy in summer when I just want to dress as cool as possible, though I do like adding in a pop of color or joy.
So when Bornstein shared that “warm” could be interpreted as joyful too, it felt like the perfect style word.
In warmer months I’ll interpret warm as joyful and playful. Whereas in cooler months, I may interpret warm as feeling warm with a cozy sweater.
During any season, I also might interpret warm as grounded or down-to-earth and integrate a natural element, like a straw hat or bamboo bag. So warm to me integrates the “natural” word I listed above as a contender for my second word.
And that’s the beauty of style words — it’s about how you interpret them. They’re there to help you get dressed in outfits you love and be more mindful of your purchases. No one else has to know your style words or understand them!
My Results After Trying the Three Word Method
So with Bornstein’s method, I came to my final three words being: Feminine, Structured, Warm.
These feel quite true to me. When I look at my favorite outfits in terms of appearance, they bring in both the feminine and structured elements. And when I think about my favorite outfits in terms of comfort, they bring in an element of warmth.
My style words from the Three Word Method feel quite tangible. They’re specific enough that I can answer “yes” or “no” when I ask myself “does this outfit embody my 3 words?
But they’re also flexible enough that I can use them to get dressed from the clothes already in my closet (and I don’t need to buy anything new).
The Three Word Style Rule
If you want to explore a slightly different approach, Alyssa Beltempo, a slow fashion stylist and content creator, has a 3 Word Rule to help find your personal style that is a bit more flexible.
What is the Three Word Rule?
Alyssa Beltempo shares three methods to find your style words with her Three Word Rule: your go-to’s your functional word, and your inspirational word.
Unlike Bornstein’s Three Word Method, Beltempo explains that you can use just one of these processes to find all three of your style words as well if you prefer.
Your Go-Tos
Similar to Bornstein’s “regulars”, Alyssa suggests to find your first word (or all of your words) by finding the comment elements of style among your go-to items. The elements of style Alyssa talks about often on her channel — and in her Shop Your Closet events — are silhouette, texture, proportions, color, and vibe.
Again, my word here would be feminine. I tend to wear feminine silhouettes (fitted waists, v-necks, flutter sleeves and flowy skirts), colors (I like to wear pastels for daytime) and textures (like soft and silky).
A Functional Word
The second method or the source of your second word should answer questions like, what does your lifestyle look like? Or what are the favorite parts of your day?
As Beltempo shares, “when we look at [style] words from a personality perspective or a lifestyle perspective, it can also help us make decisions that are more in alignment with who we are or what we do every day.”
This could be a word like comfortable or carefree if you work from home or have a busy life. Your word could also be polished if you go into an office regularly with a strict dress code.
Finding my functional word was a bit challenging for me at first. I work from home and so the easy word here would be “comfortable”. That word, though, feels too obvious and not all that helpful when picking out outfits.
And it comes with the risk of being interpreted as wearing sweatsuits everyday. There’s nothing wrong with that if that is what you enjoy wearing each day, but it didn’t resonate with me.
So then I decided to go a bit deeper and less literal. I want to be comfortable, yes, but when do I feel most comfortable?
And when I thought about what comfort is to be, the word grounded came up.
I love a floral dress and a pleated skirt, but I need a textured rattan bag or a sneaker to ground it. The word grounded inspires an earthiness and also a sense of functionality. It also describes my personality, which I’d describe as down-to-earth, along with other adjectives.
I like to live simply and I’m not drawn to flashy things. Being at home with a book is often more appealing to me than a party out! But I wouldn’t describe my style as minimalist. So grounded feels like the right word here.
Inspirational Word
Finally, Beltempo suggests to create a style inspiration moodboard, or reference an existing one, and then pull out the key theme(s). This can be your way to find your third word or all three of your words.
This is quite similar to Bornstein’s aspirational word.
So I also had the same word here: structured. I noticed that my favorite casual outfits had a rougher, more structured element, like a pair of jeans or solid belt and my favorite formal outfits also brought in structure through a bag or footwear choice.
My Results from the Three Word Rule
I ended up taking one word from each process, so my results were quite similar to the results I had with the Three Word Method. My words here would be Feminine, Grounded, and Structured.
The main difference of Alyssa Beltempo’s Three Word Rule is that instead of an “emotional” word, we’re finding a word that’s a bit more functional or more personal.
I actually really like the word “grounded” that I came to with this method.
The Three Adjectives Method
Amy Smilovic, the Founder and Creative Director of Tibi is also an advocate for using three adjectives to define your personal style. She doesn’t necessarily name the method, but she does share an exercise for finding your adjectives.
And Smilovic’s method might be completely different from anything you’ve heard of before.
She suggests that you do not look at what you wear regularly nor do you ask your friends or family for their opinions. Instead she suggests to look to quotes to help peel your style adjectives back.
Smilovic proposes this method because the feeling you get from your favorite quotes is “visceral… they reveal your thoughts and aspirations.”
Quotes aren’t about approval or external validation (whereas what we wear often can be) so quotes can be a way to dig deeper into our personal style.
How to Find Adjectives From Your Quotes
This method requires a bit more creativity, to be sure. I looked through my Pinterest board of “Inspirational Quotes” and my screenshots on my phone.
I have so many quotes that I like, so it was challenging to narrow it down to three. But I tried to think about the quotes that I felt a deep pull towards — ones that give me that “visceral” feeling.
The three quotes I decided on were…
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu
In terms of adjectives, this quote makes me feel of relaxed, calm, easygoing, carefree, flowy, flexible, tranquil, chill, and casual.
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker
The first adjective I think of is powerful, but also confident, energetic, compelling, dynamic, and capable.
“The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed.”- Chinese Proverb
When I read this proverb, it gives me the chills. I think of words like resilient, steadfast, expansive, persistent, enduring, and determined.
My Results from the Three Adjectives Method
Now comes the interesting part!
I looked at the adjectives from the quotes and thought about which terms would best translate into style words. That might be Relaxed, Confident, and Enduring. Words like energetic and dynamic could also be style words, though for my own personal style I tend not to gravitate towards bold and colorful pieces.
Finding my three adjectives was interesting and I appreciate the emphasis on defining your style as something that comes from within.
That said, I’m not necessarily clearer on what to actually wear after finding my adjectives, like relaxed and confident.
Perhaps this is because I picked quotes that were more inspirational rather than practical. Or it could be because I need to spend some more time and thought on how these adjectives can also be style words.
So all this to say that this particular method hasn’t worked for me thus far. Perhaps though, the adjectives method will result in your own personal style epiphany! I think it’s still fun to give it a try, if for nothing else but a self-reflection process.
A Style Word Ideas List
You might now be thinking, ok this all sounds great. But how do I think of style words? What could my style words be? Here is a list of 100 style word ideas to get you started.
- Casual
- Relaxed
- Carefree
- Calm
- Cool
- Effortless
- Ease
- Comfortable
- Practical
- Sporty
- Laidback
- Refined
- Polished
- Luxurious
- Grounded
- Thoughtful
- Sensible
- Outdoorsy
- Vintage
- Retro
- Grungy
- Futuristic
- Western
- Natural
- Contemporary
- Punk
- Modern
- Elegant
- Timeless
- Balanced
- Clever
- Unexpected
- Alternative
- Feminine
- Romantic
- Soft
- Delicate
- Preppy
- Bold
- Bright
- Eclectic
- Colorful
- Vibrant
- Joyful
- Flirty
- Confident
- Masculine
- Structured
- Streamlined
- Tailored
- Clean
- Androgynous
- Neutral
- Simple
- Minimal
- Classic
- Polished
- Sophisticated
- Cozy
- Warm
- Adventurous
- Subtle
- Flowy
- Harmonious
- Academia
- Folksy
- Urban
- Global
- Creative
- Playful
- Fun
- Sculptural
- Ornate
- Artistic
- Powerful
- Sexy
- Sensual
- Chic
- Quirky
- Edgy
- Understated
- Oversized
- Fitted
- Elevated
- Undone
- Intentional
- Discerning
- Glam
- Striking
- Modest
- Organic
- Smart
- Dramatic
- Dark
- Mysterious
- Chromatic
- Artsy
- Funky
- Antique
- Surreal
How to Use Your Style Words
Ok so now that you have your style words, what do you do with them? How do they help you with your personal style?
There seem to be a few main benefits to having your three style words in mind.
1. Having Style Words Makes Creating Outfits Easier
Your style words can help you clear out all the noise of what you “should” be wearing and help you put together outfits that are uniquely you.
In practice, this could look like picking out a piece from your wardrobe that satisfies each style word and use that to create a look that suits your individual style.
For example, if my words were feminine, structured, and warm, I might include one feminine piece (like an eyelet ruffled top), a couple structured pieces (like a pair of straight leg denim jeans and a structured leather bag) and a piece that makes me feel warm and welcoming (like a pair of natural raffia sandals or a whimsical piece of jewelry).
Smilovic suggests that you should be able to describe each piece you own and buy with your three words. Personally, I find this method challenging in practice because my words are somewhat different from each other. And this focus on the individual garment leaves me a bit stuck when I try to create outfits.
Though you might find that simplified method really helpful, especially if your words are more similar.
For my style, I like this idea of “tension” in an outfit that Alyssa Beltempo and Allison Bornstein talk about. It makes the outfit feel less like a style archetype you might get from a quiz in a magazine and more individualized.
Bornstein even emphasizes that the people with the best and most interesting style often have contrasting or even opposite style words.
2. Style Words Help You Buy Fewer, Better Aligned Pieces
Shopping, like anything else in life, is often easier with a strategy.
Many of us talk about wanting to be more intentional with our purchases and yet actually doing this in practice is a lot more difficult. It’s just too easy to get swept away with marketing campaign imagery and persuaded by what everyone else is wearing on Instagram.
Your style words can act as a filter.
When you’re trying to decide if you should buy a piece or not, you can ask yourself: “does this meet one of (or a couple of) my style words?”
Again, Amy Smilovic suggests that each piece you buy should meet all three of your words. Maybe this works for you if your words are complementary!
However, if your words are contrasting you probably just want to look for one (maximum two) of your style words in a piece at a time.
When this is the case, I find it helpful to ask if I can wear that piece with another garment already in my closet that meets one of my other words. I.e. if a piece would fall within my “feminine” style word, I’d ask: “does this go with one of my structured or more grounded pieces in my wardrobe?”
This helps me purchase pieces that I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of and avoid making a purchase that just sits in my closet for the next five years.
It also helps me totally eliminate purchases. If a piece doesn’t fit under at least one of my style words, it’s a no. Sometimes a piece looks fabulous on someone else but when you actually think about wearing it yourself, it just doesn’t feel right.
3. Your Style Words Help You Wear Your Unworn Pieces
No matter how much of a minimalist or slow fashion advocate you are, I think it’s safe to say that we have all had pieces in our closet that went unworn.
Your style words can help change that, though.
As Bornstein suggests, when you’re not sure how to wear with a piece — whether it’s a brand new item or just something you haven’t worn — you can define it with one of your words, and then bring in something from one of your other words.
Let me illustrate this with a real example from my closet. I have a blazer that alone, just felt too masculine and serious for my style. Using this idea of pairing my words together, though, I paired that structured blazer with a fun blouse and “grounding” pair of boots. All of the sudden the blazer felt like a natural fit.
So Is It Worth It To Find Your Style Words?
While it can take time to really refine your style words, I would say yes, it’s so worth it!
Finding my style words has been immensely helpful in creating looks that I feel comfortable in — I am finally able to pin down what it is about an outfit that makes it feel like “me”.
Now when I look back at some of my favorite outfits, it’s so clear why I love them — because there are elements of each part of me within those outfits.
In terms of knowing what to buy, the style words help me a bit as well. I tend to gravitate towards wanting to buy feminine pieces — lace trim, ruffles, florals! — and forget about the fact that I also like some solidity to my outfits as well.
So these style words have helped me balance out my purchasing decisions so I’m not stuck with a wardrobe that feels too frilly.
I’d love to hear about how your process for finding your style words goes as well!
And if you want to dive deeper into personal style, our contributor Stella wrote a great piece, How to Find Your Personal Style (and Why It Matters).
The post How To Find Your Style Words (Plus 100 Examples) appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
These brands have all types of sustainable socks for just about all of your footwear or around-the-house needs, from no-shows and performance-ready ankle socks to comfy crew-length and cozy knee-high socks.
I originally wrote this guide about four years ago, and I must say that sustainable socks have upped their game since then. We’ve been able to raise the bar on what it takes to get included in this guide.
What Qualifies as (More) Sustainable Socks?
There are several criterion I’ve used to determine the brands in this guide. Some brands meet several of these criteria and some even meet all of the criteria below.
- Use of at least 70% natural and organic materials, like organic cotton, hemp, and organic wool
- Uses certified organic materials and sources from certified GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) factories and/or Fair Trade factories
- Minimal to no use of synthetic fibers, preferring recycled when there are some synthetics used
- Use of either no dyes, natural dyes or low impact dyes
- Responsibly manufactured, ideally locally made or produced in fair trade environments
You’ll find that most of the sustainable socks in this guide do have a small percentage of synthetics for some stretch. (Though there are three brands with 100% organic cotton socks — check them out below!) I like to use a Guppyfriend Washing Bag to prevent the microplastics from synthetic textiles from being released into our waterways.
In case you have sensitive skin or want a pair of organic socks with an even lower environmental impact, there are also several brands with dye-free sock options.
As mentioned, the brands featured in this guide have all types of socks whether you’re looking for breathable moisture-wicking socks to play tennis in or comfy socks to cuddle up and say warm with. However if you’re looking for more substantial slippers, my guide to eco-friendly and ethical slippers will be a better bet.
The guide features affiliate links. As always, we only feature brands that meet high standards for sustainability that we love — and that we think you’ll love too!
Where to Find Sustainable and Organic Socks
1. Cottonique
Best for: latex-free organic cotton socks for sensitive skin
Materials: 100% GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton
Price: $18 for Kids (3 pairs) | $23-$28 for Adults (2 pairs)
Categories: Quarter, Crew, Ankle, Kids
Cottonique is the only brand I’ve found so far that sells exclusively 100% organic cotton socks. Founded by and designed for individuals with skin sensitivities, Cottonique’s socks are free of latex, spandex, or any other synthetic stretch.
The socks are also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and sewn in the brand’s owned GOTS- and B Corp-certified factory in the Philippines.
I tried out the brand’s crew-length socks and found them to be quite comfortable, and I appreciated the ribbed detail. Without elastic for stretch, they fit snug in order to stay in place, so it’s important to get the right size! I wear a shoe size 7.5-8 and the medium was perfect.
2. Q for Quinn
Best for: soft, dye-free organic cotton socks
Materials: 98 – 100% Organic Cotton
Price: Kids’ from $10 | Adults from $15 / Pair
Categories: Ankle, Crew, and Trouser Socks
Made from 98% GOTS-certified organic cotton (with one pair of socks made of 100% cotton), Q for Quinn’s socks are breathable and super soft. One reviewer calls them the “softest socks I’ve ever worn!” and hundreds of other customers giving five-star reviews seem to agree.
Q for Quinn also has organic dye-free adult and kids’ socks perfect for sensitive skin.
3. Maggie’s Organics
Best for: 100% merino wool socks
Materials: 73% – 99.8% Organic Cotton | 60 – 100% Organic Merino Wool
Price: From $8.50 / Pair
Categories: Footie, Ankle and Crew Socks; plus Allergy, Recovery, and Diabetic
Sourcing GOTS-certified organic fibers and knitting all of their socks in the US, Maggie’s Organics is the real deal when it comes to sustainably-made socks.
The company is also committed to “Real Fair Trade” — they invest in the wellbeing of their farmers and suppliers and are on a journey to become employee-owned.
4. Rawganique
Best for: 100% natural fiber socks (cotton, linen, and wool)
Materials: 100% Organic Cotton, 100% Hemp, and 100% Wool Options
Price: From $12 / Pair
Categories: Anklet, Crew, Knee-High, and Dress Socks
If you’re looking for plastic-free socks, you will love Rawganique. The brand has several options of 100% natural fiber socks that are free of polyester, spandex, or nylon. Select from breathable 100% organic cotton socks, temperature-regulating 100% linen socks, or cozy 100% wool socks.
There are also several options of organic socks blended with a bit of synthetics for some stretch. These options will likely be more suitable for sport and hiking use.
5. Organic Basics
Best for: core-color basics with recycled synthetic blends
Materials: 70 – 75% Organic Cotton
Price: From $14 for 2-Pack
Categories: No-Show, Ankle, Crew, and Knee-High Socks
Focused on only the essentials — and doing them well — Organic Basics creates a range of quality organic socks in core colors like black, gray, blue and white. While these (more) sustainable socks do contain a percentage of synthetics, the majority of the synthetic content is recycled. I also appreciate that the product pages suggest a cooler washing temperature of 30C since clothing care and cleaning can make up a significant portion of a product’s total impact.
6. PACT
Best for: GOTS-certified organic no-show socks
Materials: 75 – 83% Organic Cotton
Price: From $14 for 2-Pack
Categories: No-Show and Crew Socks
PACT’s organic cotton no-show socks are made in a Global Organic Textile Standard certified factory. The no-show pairs come in basic black, white, and tan as well as some cute prints. They feature a new design and silicone grips to make sure they stay in place. That said, the socks unfortunately only come in one size — some of the reviewers who wear a shoe size 9 note that they are a bit too small for them.
7. Harvest & Mill
Best for: Naturally-colored dye-free cotton socks
Materials: 88% Organic Cotton
Price: $10 – $12 / Pair
Categories: Ankle and Crew Socks
Sustainable basics brand Harvest & Mill uses USA-grown and spun cotton for their ankle and crew organic socks. While these socks might look dyed with their earthy colors, they are actually completely dye-free — the natural color cotton varieties Harvest & Mill uses are naturally a muted brown or green.
8. tentree
Best for: hemp-blend white socks that plant trees
Materials: 71% Hemp and TENCEL
Lyocell
Price: $10 – $14 for 2-Pack
Categories: Ankle, Quarter, and Crew Socks
Socks are the crucial foundation of any closed-toe shoe and tentree’s basics are here to ensure you’re always putting your best foot forward. Crafted from a comfortable blend of hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, recycled polyester, their socks come in several lengths in basic pairs.
Plus, every pair plants 10 trees (the reason for their namesake ten-tree).
9. Conscious Step
Best for: giftable cause-driven organic socks
Materials: 75% Organic Cotton
Price: $15.95 / pair
Categories: Ankle and Crew Socks
Conscious Step’s socks are made with Fairtrade and GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled polyester. The brand’s organic cotton socks are made with an exceptional quality too — with some even featuring a cushioned insole and arch support. But perhaps what this brand is really known for is that each design is associated with a different cause where a portion of your purchase goes.
10. Kind Socks
Best for: organic socks with fun prints
Materials: 80% Organic Cotton
Price: $12 – $14 / pair
Categories: Crew and Ankle Socks
KIND Socks is a Black-owned sustainable sock brand using GOTS-certified organic cotton for their vibrant collections. With prints like monstera leaves, watermelons, and bumblebees, KIND Socks will bring a touch of whimsy to any outfit.
The post 10 Sustainable Socks Made with Organic Fabrics appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
When the temperatures go up, all I want to reach for is natural fibers — specifically, my linen clothing. There’s nothing quite as breathable or breezy as linen. So in this guide I break down what to know about this quintessential summer fiber, and share my top selections for linen clothing brands. They’re all small to mid-sized brands, mostly women-led!
Some Background on Linen
Where does linen come from?
Linen fiber is extracted from the stalks of flax plants. This plant is also known for providing us with nutritious flaxseeds and linseed oil — talk about an overachiever!
In fact, linen is one of the oldest fibers known to man, dating back to the prehistoric era. Archaeologists and paleobiologists have discovered flax fibers during excavations that were twisted, indicating they were used to make ropes or strings among many proposed applications that must have been a great advantage to the hunter-gatherer society. In fact, linen wrappings were even used for mummification in ancient Egypt.
Linen fabric is then created by obtaining its fibers from the inner bark (or stalks) of the flax plant.
How is the linen cloth made?
Before the fibers are spun into the breezy linen you know and love, its fibers are loosened and separated from the rest of the stalk through a process known as “retting”. At that point, the fibers are still straw-like and coarse in texture.
To soften it, the fibers are broken up into small, short bits, while the actual fiber is left unharmed, and then “scutched”, where the straw is scraped off the fiber. After which they are then pulled through “hackles”, that comb the straw out of the fiber to finally prepare flax for spinning into linen fabric.
And linen clothing is, of course, garments comprised of linen fiber in its entirety or blended with other fibers. For this guide, I tried to select brands that only used 100% linen or at the minimum blended linen with other natural fibers like cotton.
The Benefits of Linen Clothing
Why wear linen? Known for being ideal during the summers, clothing made from linen will allow heat to escape from the body while absorbing moisture and drying relatively quickly. While linen may have a notorious reputation for wrinkling rather quickly, when blended with other fibers, the creases aren’t as discernible as they would be with pure linens.
While linen may be notorious for its high energy consumption owing to its need to be ironed more, linen clothing’s pros easily outweigh its cons.
Flax plants can be grown in the harshest of climate conditions that require minimum water. What’s more impressive is the plant’s ability to absorb carbon. The European Confederation of Flax and Hemp (CELC) states that one hectare of flax absorbs 3.7 tons of CO2 every year.
Is Linen More Sustainable Than Cotton?
While there are benefits and drawbacks to every fiber when it comes to environmental sustainability, there are a few points where linen stands out when compared to cotton.
First, we know that durability is a key aspect of sustainability, because it means our clothes will last, enabling us to keep our clothes longer and buy new clothing less frequently.
So how long does linen clothing last in comparison to cotton? Linen clothing is up to 12 times stronger than cotton, helping increase its longevity and taking away the need to be replaced so often.
Another question might be about flax’s water usage. While the irrigation needs of the crop are dependent on the region’s climate (just as with cotton), 450–750 mm of water per season is sufficient for flaxseed. In fact, some studies even indicate that flax could be regarded as a drought-tolerant crop.
How to Care for Linen Clothing
When it comes to caring for linen clothing, linen can be washed on a gentle machine cycle with a mild detergent. (Check out these low waste low-impact detergent options.)
In case you’re curious whether linen stretches or shrinks, then there isn’t much to worry about. Linen is mostly pre-shrunk during the manufacturing stages but pure linens may show about 4% shrinkage.
And when it comes to stretch, linens aren’t known to stretch out over time but can show some level of elasticity when blended with other fibers.
Finally, it’s no secret that linen clothing tends to wrinkle easily! You may choose to embrace the natural characteristics of linen and wear your linen clothing as is, or if you want a crisper look, you may either want to look for a linen blended fabric, or be prepared to steam and/or iron your garments relatively frequently.
Note: This guide includes partners and/or affiliates. As always, brands must meet high standards for sustainability and ethics — and I only share brands that I believe in.
How to Find Sustainable Linen Clothing
So of course, I’m a big advocate for “secondhand first” when it comes to all fashion, including linen clothing. While your local thrift store might not be filled with 100% linen clothes, online secondhand shops can be a great resource. For luxury and premium brands, Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal. For more affordable options, my favorite pick is ThredUp because you can filter by natural fibers only. To be clear: the listings aren’t always accurate, so I still double check the descriptions of any product that shows up with that filter, but it does save some time to start there.
When looking for new linen clothing, I always prioritize small to mid-size women-led businesses. And I check the product details to see if they use 100% linen or if they’re deceptively saying “linen blend” and then it’s actually 50% polyester!
And while not perfect you can also look for certifications. These are the ones most relevant to linen clothing and linen fashion brands.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifies that the finished textile product has been tested for harmful substances (heavy metals, formaldehyde, pesticide residue). This is a chemical-safety certification, not a guarantee of fair labor or environmental practices. So it tells you the linen has been tested for potentially toxic chemicals, but it doesn’t tell you who made it or how. Note that some brands just say “OEKO-TEX certified” — that virtually always refers to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, the most common certification from OEKO-TEX.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certifies that a textile contains a minimum percentage of certified organic fiber and meets environmental and social criteria through processing. It’s the standard for verifying a fabric is genuinely “organic,” not just marketed that way.
B Corp certifies the company as a whole against social and environmental performance standards (labor, governance, environmental impact). This is a business-level cert, not a product-level one, so it doesn’t speak to any single garment’s materials.
Fair Trade Certified verifies that the specific factory/facility producing the item meets standards for labor conditions, wages, and worker safety, and that a Community Development Premium is paid to workers. It’s a labor and production-facility certification. It doesn’t certify the fabric’s environmental footprint or chemical content (that’s what OEKO-TEX covers), so a garment can carry both certifications and they’re speaking to different things.
Where to Find Eco-Friendly Linen Clothing
I scoured through dozens of brands to find my top picks for brands with sustainably-crafted linen clothing for women (some have men’s clothing too). I’ve included their conscious qualities, what they’re best for, and any caveats so you can make the best decision for yourself. Keep in mind while shopping that 100% linen garments won’t have any stretch — so if you run between sizes, I’d default to sizing up. But of course, check the size chart and reviews for each brand!
1. Linen Handmade Studio
Best for: tailored, elevated linen clothing
A lot of linen clothing can feel quite casual. And while Linen Handmade studio does have relaxed-fit options, what differentiates the brand in my opinion is their tailored options. I often hear from conscious readers that they want to wear natural fibers to work, but they can’t find something nice enough. Enter in: Linen Handmade Studio’s tailored pieces.
The brand has linen blazers and jackets, linen vests, and linen pants elevated enough for work or an evening out. (They even have bridesmaid dresses.) I’ve been wearing their Evelyn Longline Linen Vest in red clay on repeat and gotten so many compliments on it.
Price Range: $68 – $305
Size Range: US 2-18 (runs slightly small, I’d size up!)
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally; free U.S. shipping on orders $300+
2. MATE
Best for: casual GOTS-certified organic linen clothing
Prioritizing natural non-toxic materials, MATE has a collection of effortless linen shorts, button-downs, and pants made from GOTS-certified organic linen and colored with low-impact dyes.
That means that the color options at MATE are a bit more limited than you might see at other brands. They carry white, black, and “dune” — a soft beige.
I have their organic linen button-down in white and it’s been a reliable staple for me the past two years that’s held up beautifully.
Price Range: $88 – $178
Size Range: XS – XL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Internationally
3. Linen Fox
Best for: romantic pastoral clothing in trend-forward colors and prints
Linen Fox is a Lithuanian small independent fashion brand — their team of 16 people make all of their linen clothing — including womenswear, menswear, and kids clothes.
The brand’s garments are made from OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified linen fabric. The label follows fair trade principles to production and reduces fabric waste by selling their fabric scraps as samples, and crafting accessories like scrunchies. They also ship in 98% plastic-free packaging.
Price Range: $74 – $187
Size Range: XS – XL (several products fit oversized; check each description!)
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
4. Magic Linen
Best for: linen separates plus matching home linens
From classic linen shirts to linen aprons and linen pajamas, Magic Linen is your destination for finding summer-ready sustainable linen clothing for men or women.
The small business’ linen clothing is made with European flax linen certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
The Etsy shop also has plenty of linen home goods — I have linen curtains and bedsheets from Magic Linen and the quality of the fabric has been fantastic, with the sheets holding up well even after years of washing.
Price Range: $93 – $298
Size Range: XS – XXL
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
5. Beaumont Organic
Best for: European-made linen clothing with full factory transparency
Looking for breathable garments perfect for your summer getaway to the English countryside or sea? Look no further than Beaumont Organic.
Beaumont Organic is a UK slow fashion brand with garments made from natural fabrics, like flax linen clothing! The brand publishes a directory of the factories they source from — 97% of production takes place in Northern Portugal.
They also have a repair program and are launching a resale program (currently available within the UK only).
Price Range: $211 – $300
Size Range: XS – L
Based in: UK | Ships: Internationally
6. LoveAndConfuse
Best for: feminine style linen clothing
The linen clothing from this lovely small Lithuanian brand on Etsy are truly swoon-worthy!
From wrap dresses to ruffled midi’s to high-waisted linen shorts and linen crop tops, their collection of linen fashion will have you dreaming of a slow travel escape to somewhere warm and sunny.
Price Range: $116 – $225
Size Range: XS – XL
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
7. Neu Nomads
Best for: classic linen garments and resortwear
With a mission to create simple, sustainable luxury, Neu Nomads offers quality classics made from earth-minded materials, including 100% OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified linen.
You’ll find linen trousers, effortless shirts, resort-ready kaftans, and tailored linen blazers in classic colors like white, black, olive, and bright coral.
Price Range: $159 – $359
Size Range: XXS – XXL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Internationally
8. EILEEN FISHER
Best for: classic linen clothing with circularity programs
Slow fashion brand EILEEN FISHER has elegant, minimalistic garments made from eco-minded fabrics including organic linen. Several of the pieces are made in Fair Trade Certified factories.
This is the largest company on the list, but still considered a medium-sized enterprise — and, of course, this namesake label is woman-founded.
EILEEN FISHER’s organic linen clothing is timeless and made with quality, as part of their circularity efforts. In addition to ensuring their pieces last, the brand also has a resale program called Renew and a “third life” program that repurposes unwearable garments into unique artwork and other goods.
Price Range: $98 – $268
Size Range: XXS – XL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Within U.S.
Your Questions, Answered:
What about Quince’s linen clothing?
While Quince offers more affordable linen clothing, in my experience their linen clothing is ok quality, but does not compare with the quality of some of the other brands on this list. Also, I personally want to prioritize women-led small businesses for my guides, not venture-backed billion-dollar companies.
Should I look for organic linen clothing?
While organic linen is wonderful, it is quite rare. Only two brands on this list use certified organic linen. Note that OEKO-TEX Standard 100 linen is not “organic” linen, but rather linen clothing that has been tested against common harmful substances. The most common certification for organic fiber clothing is Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS.
Is there any linen clothing that’s work-appropriate?
This one depends on your work place’s dress code, but there are a few options on this list with linen blazers, trousers, and other more tailored pieces like Linen Handmade Studio and Neu Nomads.
More Sustainable Clothing Guides:
The Best Organic Cotton Fashion Brands
Actually Fashionable Hemp Clothing Brands
The post 8 Best Linen Clothing Brands With Easy Breezy, Beautiful Pieces appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
9 Best Linen Clothing Brands With Easy Breezy, Beautiful Pieces
Breezy, light, and breathable, we take a deep dive into how one of the best summer fabrics fares when it comes to sustainability while discovering these brands that are doing right by linen.
Some Background on Linen
Where does linen come from?
Linen fiber is extracted from the stalks of flax plants. This plant is also known for providing us with nutritious flaxseeds and linseed oil — talk about an overachiever!
In fact, linen is one of the oldest fibers known to man, dating back to the prehistoric era. Archaeologists and paleobiologists have discovered flax fibers during excavations that were twisted, indicating they were used to make ropes or strings among many proposed applications that must have been a great advantage to the hunter-gatherer society. In fact, linen wrappings were even used for mummification in ancient Egypt.
Linen fabric is then created by obtaining its fibers from the inner bark (or stalks) of the flax plant.
How is the linen cloth made?
Before the fibers are spun into the breezy linen you know and love, its fibers are loosened and separated from the rest of the stalk through a process known as “retting”. At that point, the fibers are still straw-like and coarse in texture.
To soften it, the fibers are broken up into small, short bits, while the actual fiber is left unharmed, and then “scutched”, where the straw is scraped off the fiber. After which they are then pulled through “hackles”, that comb the straw out of the fiber to finally prepare flax for spinning into linen fabric.
And linen clothing is, of course, garments comprised of linen fiber in its entirety or blended with other fibers. For this guide, I tried to select brands that only used 100% linen or at the minimum blended linen with other natural fibers like cotton.
The Benefits of Linen Clothing
Why wear linen? Known for being ideal during the summers, clothing made from linen will allow heat to escape from the body while absorbing moisture and drying relatively quickly. While linen may have a notorious reputation for wrinkling rather quickly, when blended with other fibers, the creases aren’t as discernible as they would be with pure linens.
While linen may be notorious for its high energy consumption owing to its need to be ironed more, linen clothing’s pros easily outweigh its cons.
Flax plants can be grown in the harshest of climate conditions that require minimum water. What’s more impressive is the plant’s ability to absorb carbon. The European Confederation of Flax and Hemp (CELC) states that one hectare of flax absorbs 3.7 tons of CO2 every year.
Is Linen More Sustainable Than Cotton?
While there are benefits and drawbacks to every fiber when it comes to environmental sustainability, there are a few points where linen stands out when compared to cotton.
First, we know that durability is a key aspect of sustainability, because it means our clothes will last, enabling us to keep our clothes longer and buy new clothing less frequently.
So how long does linen clothing last in comparison to cotton? Linen clothing is up to 12 times stronger than cotton, helping increase its longevity and taking away the need to be replaced so often.
Another question might be about flax’s water usage. While the irrigation needs of the crop are dependent on the region’s climate (just as with cotton), 450–750 mm of water per season is sufficient for flaxseed. In fact, some studies even indicate that flax could be regarded as a drought-tolerant crop.
How to Care for Linen Clothing
When it comes to caring for linen clothing, linen can be washed on a gentle machine cycle with a mild detergent. (Check out these low waste low-impact detergent options.)
In case you’re curious whether linen stretches or shrinks, then there isn’t much to worry about. Linen is mostly pre-shrunk during the manufacturing stages but pure linens may show about 4% shrinkage.
And when it comes to stretch, linens aren’t known to stretch out over time but can show some level of elasticity when blended with other fibers.
Finally, it’s no secret that linen clothing tends to wrinkle easily! You may choose to embrace the natural characteristics of linen and wear your linen clothing as is, or if you want a crisper look, you may either want to look for a linen blended fabric, or be prepared to steam and/or iron your garments relatively frequently.
Note: This guide includes partners and/or affiliates. As always, brands must meet high standards for sustainability and ethics — and I only share brands that I believe in.
How to Find Sustainable Linen Clothing
So of course, I’m a big advocate for “secondhand first” when it comes to all fashion, including linen clothing. While your local thrift store might not be filled with 100% linen clothes, online secondhand shops can be a great resource. For luxury and premium brands, Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal. For more affordable options, my favorite pick is ThredUp because you can filter by natural fibers only. To be clear: the listings aren’t always accurate, so I still double check the descriptions of any product that shows up with that filter, but it does save some time to start there.
When looking for new linen clothing, I always prioritize small to mid-size women-led businesses. And I check the product details to see if they use 100% linen or if they’re deceptively saying “linen blend” and then it’s actually 50% polyester!
And while not perfect you can also look for certifications. These are the ones most relevant to linen clothing and linen fashion brands.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifies that the finished textile product has been tested for harmful substances (heavy metals, formaldehyde, pesticide residue). This is a chemical-safety certification, not a guarantee of fair labor or environmental practices. So it tells you the linen has been tested for potentially toxic chemicals, but it doesn’t tell you who made it or how. Note that some brands just say “OEKO-TEX certified” — that virtually always refers to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, the most common certification from OEKO-TEX.
B Corp certifies the company as a whole against social and environmental performance standards (labor, governance, environmental impact). This is a business-level cert, not a product-level one, so it doesn’t speak to any single garment’s materials.
Fair Trade Certified verifies that the specific factory/facility producing the item meets standards for labor conditions, wages, and worker safety, and that a Community Development Premium is paid to workers. It’s a labor and production-facility certification. It doesn’t certify the fabric’s environmental footprint or chemical content (that’s what OEKO-TEX covers), so a garment can carry both certifications and they’re speaking to different things.
Where to Find Eco-Friendly Linen Clothing
I scoured through dozens of brands to find my top picks for brands with sustainably-crafted linen clothing for women (some have men’s clothing too). I’ve included their conscious qualities, what they’re best for, and any caveats so you can make the best decision for yourself. Keep in mind while shopping that 100% linen garments won’t have any stretch — so if you run between sizes, I’d default to sizing up. But of course, check the size chart and reviews for each brand!
1. Linen Handmade Studio
Best for: tailored, elevated linen clothing
A lot of linen clothing can feel quite casual. And while Linen Handmade studio does have relaxed-fit options, what differentiates the brand in my opinion is their tailored options. I often hear from conscious readers that they want to wear natural fibers to work, but they can’t find something nice enough. Enter in: Linen Handmade Studio’s tailored pieces.
The brand has linen blazers and jackets, linen vests, and linen pants elevated enough for work or an evening out. (They even have bridesmaid dresses.) I’ve been wearing their Evelyn Longline Linen Vest in red clay on repeat and gotten so many compliments on it.
Price Range: $68 – $305
Size Range: US 2-18 (runs slightly small, I’d size up!)
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally; free U.S. shipping on orders $300+
2. MATE
Best for: casual GOTS-certified organic linen clothing
Prioritizing natural non-toxic materials, MATE has a collection of effortless linen shorts, button-downs, and pants made from GOTS-certified organic linen and colored with low-impact dyes.
That means that the color options at MATE are a bit more limited than you might see at other brands. They carry white, black, and “dune” — a soft beige.
I have their organic linen button-down in white and it’s been a reliable staple for me the past two years that’s held up beautifully.
Price Range: $88 – $178
Size Range: XS – XL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Internationally
3. Linen Fox
Best for: romantic pastoral clothing in trend-forward colors and prints
Linen Fox is a Lithuanian small independent fashion brand — their team of 16 people make all of their linen clothing — including womenswear, menswear, and kids clothes.
The brand’s garments are made from OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified linen fabric. The label follows fair trade principles to production and reduces fabric waste by selling their fabric scraps as samples, and crafting accessories like scrunchies. They also ship in 98% plastic-free packaging.
Price Range: $74 – $187
Size Range: XS – XL (several products fit oversized; check each description!)
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
4. OhSevenDays
Best for: deadstock linen with custom sizing available
OhSevenDays was founded by Megan Mummery after seeing the vast supply of surplus fabrics (i.e. deadstock) in Istanbul, Turkey.
While originally sourcing their deadstock fabric from middleman sellers, OhSevenDays now sources their surplus fabrics (including linen) directly from OEKO-TEX fabric mills for better transparency.
Price Range: $$
Size Range: XS-XL + custom sizing options
Based in: Turkey | Ships: Internationally
5. Magic Linen
Best for: linen separates plus matching home linens
From classic linen shirts to linen aprons and linen pajamas, Magic Linen is your destination for finding summer-ready sustainable linen clothing for men or women.
The small business’ linen clothing is made with European flax that means the pre-certification guidelines of OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
The Etsy shop also has plenty of linen home goods — I have linen curtains and bedsheets from Magic Linen and the quality of the fabric has been fantastic, with the sheets holding up well even after years of washing.
Price Range: $-$$
Size Range: XS – XXL
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
6. Beaumont Organic
Best for: UK-made linen with full factory transparency
Looking for breathable garments perfect for your summer getaway to the English countryside or sea? Look no further than Beaumont Organic.
Beaumont Organic is a UK slow fashion brand with garments made from natural fabrics, like flax linen clothing! The brand publishes a directory of the factories they source from — 97% of production takes place in Northern Portugal.
They also have a repair program and are launching a resale program (currently available within the UK only).
Price Range: ££ – £££
Size Range: XS – L
Based in: UK | Ships: Internationally; covers EU customs & fees
7. LoveAndConfuse
Best for: ultra feminine style linen clothing
The linen clothing from this lovely small Lithuanian brand on Etsy are truly swoon-worthy!
From wrap dresses to ruffled midi’s to high-waisted linen shorts and linen crop tops, their collection of linen fashion will have you dreaming of a slow travel escape to somewhere warm and sunny.
Price Range: $ – $$
Size Range: XS – XL
Based in: Lithuania | Ships: Internationally
8. Neu Nomads
Best for: affordable linen garments
With a mission to create simple, sustainable luxury at affordable prices, Neu Nomads offers quality classics made from earth-minded materials, including organic linen.
You’ll find linen trousers, effortless shirts, chic blouses, summer dresses, and even linen blazers in a range of colors among Neu Nomad’s consciously crafted selection.
Price Range: $ – $$
Size Range: XS – XL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Internationally
9. EILEEN FISHER
Best for: investment-piece linen with a circularity program
Slow fashion label EILEEN FISHER has elegant, minimalistic garments made from eco-minded fabrics including organic linen.
EILEEN FISHER’s organic linen clothing is timeless and made with quality, as part of their circularity efforts. In addition to ensuring their pieces last, the brand also has a resale program called Renew and a “third life” program called Waste No More that repurposes unwearable garments into unique items.
Price Range: $$$
Size Range: XXS – XL
Based in: U.S. | Ships: Within U.S.
Your Questions, Answered:
What about Quince’s linen clothing?
While Quince offers more affordable linen clothing, in my experience their linen clothing is ok quality, but does not compare with the quality of some of the other brands on this list. Also, I personally want to prioritize women-led small businesses for my guides, not venture-backed billion-dollar companies.
Should I look for organic linen clothing?
While organic linen is wonderful, it is quite rare. Only two brands on this list use certified organic linen. Note that OEKO-TEX Standard 100 linen is not “organic” linen, but rather linen clothing that has been tested against common harmful substances. The most common certification for organic fiber clothing is Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS.
More Sustainable Clothing Guides:
The Best Organic Cotton Fashion Brands
Actually Fashionable Hemp Clothing Brands
The post 9 Best Linen Clothing Brands With Easy Breezy, Beautiful Pieces appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
9 Best Linen Clothing Brands With Easy Breezy, Beautiful Pieces
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