It’s seed-ordering season. As you browse this year’s catalog, plan to help butterflies, bees, and birds keep our food system running. Plan your garden to give a lift to pollinators, which are responsible for the reproduction of more than 87% of the world’s flowering plant species and contribute to roughly 35% of global crop production volume. But these essential workers are in serious trouble.
A 2025 assessment of North American pollinators, the most comprehensive study of its kind to date, found that at least one in five native North American pollinators face elevated extinction risk. Among native bee species, 34.7% are at risk, with climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use identified as the primary threats. Globally, approximately 40% of invertebrate pollinators, including bees and butterflies, face extinction risk. The eastern monarch butterfly population has declined by roughly 80% over recent decades, while some bumble bee species have seen hive occupancy declines of 57% or more since 1998.
You can make a real difference in defense of pollinators. Research published in the Journal of Ecology found that residential gardens account for 85% of nectar sugar produced in urban areas, because gardens are both nectar-rich and cover roughly a quarter to a third of urban land. A 2024 follow-up study from the same research team found that gardens provide between 50% and 95% of total available nectar during months when farmland sources nearly disappear. Home gardens are a critical safety net for pollinators.
Here’s how to plant a pollinator garden based on where you live in the U.S.
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Start With Native Plants
Before choosing specific products, understand the single most important principle of pollinator gardening: plant native species.
Native plants have co-evolved with local pollinators over thousands of years. They provide not just nectar and pollen, but also larval host plants — the specific species that butterflies and moths need to lay their eggs and complete their life cycles. Non-native ornamentals may offer nectar, but they rarely support the full web of pollinator relationships.
The National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder lets you enter your ZIP Code to discover the best native plants for your specific area, based on research by Dr. Doug Tallamy of the University of Delaware. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation also publishes region-specific pollinator plant lists and habitat guides. These free tools will give you more targeted recommendations than any single seed pack can deliver.
Know Your Hardiness Zone
Select plants most likely to thrive in your climate by checking the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The USDA released a significantly updated map in November 2023 — the first revision since 2012 — incorporating data from 13,412 weather stations and reflecting 30-year temperature averages through 2020.
Strikingly, about half the nation saw plant hardiness shifted by approximately half a zone warmer, meaning plants that wouldn’t have survived your winters a decade ago may now be viable choices. Enter your ZIP Code on the USDA site to confirm your current zone before shopping for plants.
Once you have selected the native plants to help pollinators in your region, follow these tips to turn your yard into a pollinator paradise.
- Plant flowers with a range of sizes, shapes, and colors.
- Avoid planting modern hybrids as they cannot produce nectar.
- Plant in drifts, which imitate natural areas by creating colonies of a single plant variety. This increases the visibility of the plants to the pollinators.
- Avoid landscape mulch and fabric.
- Leave dead wood for nesting.
Pollinators for Most of the U.S.
You can plant a summer pollinator garden in most of the U.S. — mainly in the Midwest, Northeast, and Northwest. The key is selecting native perennials suited to your hardiness zone.
Plants: The Summer Pollinator Pocket Garden from Nature Hills Nursery is a 12-pack of native perennials that work well in zones 3–7: Sweet Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia subtomentosa), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum), and Smooth Blue Aster (Aster laevis). You get three of each species, a smart selection because it provides spring-through-fall bloom succession and a mix of flower shapes that serve different pollinators.
Natural fertilizers: Use organic fertilizers like the Down to Earth Organic Rose & Flower Fertilizer Mix, a natural, OMRI-listed fertilizer suited for flowering plants. Avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides entirely — they can harm the very pollinators you’re trying to attract.
Once you have your native plants, follow these tips to turn your yard into a pollinator paradise:
Plant flowers with a range of sizes, shapes, and colors to serve different pollinator species.
Prioritize species-type and heirloom varieties over heavily hybridized cultivars, as some modern hybrids produce reduced nectar. Plant in groups of the same species to mimic natural areas and increase pollinator visibility. Avoid heavy landscape mulch and fabric, which prevent ground-nesting bees from accessing the soil (roughly 70% of native bee species nest underground). Leave dead wood and hollow stems for cavity-nesting bees and other beneficial insects.
Deep South Wildflower Garden
If you live in warmer regions like the Southwest, Texas, or Southeast, plant a different collection of wildflowers suited to drier climates. Getting the timing right is one of the most important factors for starting a wildflower garden in hot climates. In areas with intense summer heat, sow your wildflower seeds in early spring so plants can establish before peak temperatures arrive.
Plants: Look for native wildflower blends formulated for your specific state or region. Bluebell, Foxglove, Comfrey, Clover, Greater Knapweed, and Hellebore are proven bee-attractors, though not all are native to the southern U.S. Prioritize blends that emphasize regional natives — species like Blanket Flower(Gaillardia), Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and native Salvias will perform well in southern heat and serve local pollinator communities. Use the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s plant database to find species native to your specific state.
Natural fertilizer: Numerous organic and natural fertilizers are available to help your wildflower garden thrive. Down to Earth Organic Bat Guano Fertilizer is available in both 2-pound and larger sizes — the smaller box works well for container and window gardens.
To set your garden up for success, choose a site with full sun and prepare the soil for seeding. Scatter seeds following the coverage rate on the packaging. Compress seeds into the soil using a seed roller or by walking on a board placed over the seeded area. Water gently and keep the soil moist — not soaking wet — until plants establish.
If you enjoy birdsong in your yard, consider planting a bird garden alongside your pollinator plantings. Bird-friendly gardens provide natural, year-round food sources that are healthier than feeders and less vulnerable to squirrel raids.
Pacific Coast Bee Garden
Bees are essential to Pacific Coast ecosystems. Native bees pollinate native plants that introduced honeybees often can’t serve as effectively. A bee-friendly garden can support local bee populations, and the West Coast’s long growing season makes year-round bloom achievable.
This region faces a particularly urgent bee population decline. Research found that the western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), once common across western North America, has experienced a 57% declinein hive occupancy from 1998 to 2020, driven by rising temperatures, drought, and neonicotinoid pesticide exposure. A 2024 study in PLOS ONE found declining bee and butterfly species richness across western and southern North America, linked to climate change and land use.
Plants: Select native flowers that bloom across multiple seasons — not just spring or summer. California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), native Lupines, Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucus), California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum), and Coyote Mint (Monardella villosa) are excellent choices. Browse the Xerces Society’s Pacific Coast pollinator plant lists for comprehensive regional recommendations.
Natural fertilizers: You can easily ditch chemical-based fertilizers. Use Down to Earth Organic Bat Guano Fertilizer to supplement the garden bed when preparing soil for your flower seeds. For a window garden or container planting, the 2-pound box is sufficient.
Avoid Neonicotinoids: Know the Rules in Your State
Do not purchase plants treated with neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics). While they may accelerate plant growth, neonicotinoids are systemically absorbed into plant tissues, including pollen and nectar, and are highly toxic to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. In 2022, the EPA concluded that neonicotinoids likely adversely affect the majority of federally listed endangered species.
The policy landscape has also shifted significantly since 2021. As of January 2025, California banned retail sales of neonicotinoid pesticides in nurseries and garden centers. Twelve states have now enacted various restrictions on neonicotinoid use: Nevada, New Jersey, and Maine have banned all outdoor non-agricultural uses; Colorado has prohibited homeowner use; New York banned neonic-treated seeds for corn, soybean, and wheat; and Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington have imposed additional residential restrictions. The EU has maintained a comprehensive outdoor ban since 2018.
When shopping for plants, ask your nursery whether their stock has been treated with neonicotinoids. Look for labels indicating neonic-free plants, and buy from nurseries that have committed to eliminating these pesticides. Go for natural pest management alternatives that create a safe, inviting environment for pollinators.
Five More Ways To Help Pollinators Thrive
Plan for year-round bloom. Pollinators need food from early spring through late fall. Most gardens produce abundant nectar in midsummer but leave pollinators hungry in March, April, October, and November. Plant early-blooming species like Crocus, native Willows, and Columbine alongside late-season bloomers like Asters, Goldenrod, and native Sedums to close the gaps.
Provide water. Pollinators need water just like any other animal. A shallow dish or saucer filled with pebbles and fresh water gives bees and butterflies a safe place to drink without drowning. Change the water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.
Support ground-nesting bees. Roughly 70% of native bee species nest in the ground, not in hives. Leave patches of bare, undisturbed soil in sunny areas of your garden. Reduce tilling and avoid covering every inch with heavy mulch or landscape fabric.
Reduce mowing. Letting parts of your lawn grow longer allows clover, dandelions, and other flowering plants to bloom. These “weeds” are some of the most important early-season food sources for pollinators. Even mowing less frequently, such as every two to three weeks instead of weekly, can significantly increase the nectar available in your yard.
Think beyond your garden. Pollinator habitat works best as a connected network. Talk to neighbors about planting native species, advocate for pollinator-friendly practices in public parks and road verges and support local native plant societies. The National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program can help you formalize your garden’s contribution.
Enjoy Your Garden, It Helps Nature Rebound
The continuing decline of pollinator populations is a major environmental threat with serious consequences for food security. But the scale of the crisis also means that individual action genuinely matters, and research have shown that the collective impact of millions of home gardens can sustain pollinator populations across entire landscapes.
By planting native species, avoiding pesticides, and providing the habitat features pollinators need, you’re doing more than beautifying your yard. You’re building a node in a living network that butterflies, bees, birds, and other pollinators depend on for survival.
Asters, Goldenrod, and native Sedums to close the gaps.
Provide water. Pollinators need water just like any other animal. A shallow dish or saucer filled with pebbles and fresh water gives bees and butterflies a safe place to drink without drowning. Change the water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding.
Support ground-nesting bees. Roughly 70% of native bee species nest in the ground, not in hives. Leave patches of bare, undisturbed soil in sunny areas of your garden. Reduce tilling and avoid covering every inch with heavy mulch or landscape fabric.
Reduce mowing. Letting parts of your lawn grow longer allows clover, dandelions, and other flowering plants to bloom. These “weeds” are some of the most important early-season food sources for pollinators. Even mowing less frequently — every two to three weeks instead of weekly — can significantly increase the nectar available in your yard.
Think beyond your garden. Pollinator habitat works best as a connected network. Talk to neighbors about planting native species, advocate for pollinator-friendly practices in public parks and road verges, and support local native plant societies. The National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program can help you formalize your garden’s contribution.
Enjoy Your Garden
The continuing decline of pollinator populations is a major environmental threat with serious consequences for food security. Pollinators contribute more than $15 billion annually to North American agriculture alone. But the scale of the crisis also means that individual action genuinely matters — researchers have shown that the collective impact of millions of home gardens can sustain pollinator populations across entire landscapes.
By planting native species, avoiding pesticides, and providing the habitat features pollinators need, you’re doing more than beautifying your yard. You’re building a node in a living network that butterflies, bees, birds, and other pollinators depend on for survival.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on April 5, 2021, and was substantially updated in February 2026.
The post Plant a Pollinator Garden To Support Butterflies, Bees, & Birds appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/home-garden/plant-a-pollinator-garden/
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
Today’s Earth911 inspiration is from Pulitzer-prize-winning journalist and science writer, Natalie Angier: “The beauty of the natural world lies in the details.”
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