Linen dress ideas we love
It was whilst devouring last week’s Sunday papers, that I decided dresses could be the way forward.
There was a feature in one of the magazine supplements all about this season’s fashion essential ‘the market dress’. A somewhat pretentious way of describing what is essentially a simple button-through dress, mid calf in length and figure skimming (not hugging). More often than not made from linen or a printed cotton floral. Worn with simple sandals or white pumps and accessorised with a basket. I did snort a bit. Particularly at the paragraph which explained that the basket needs to be large enough to hold a baguette, a simple bunch of wild flowers and seasonal gourmet produce bought from the local (probably southern French) market. The snorts were fair comment, I feel, for obvious reasons.
But the feature did get me thinking. As someone who tends to live in jeans, the idea of adding some simple and flattering linen dresses to my wardrobe really appeals. I do love the texture, look and feel of linen and it’s ages since I had a linen dress.
I spent a happy half hour browsing Etsy for handmade linen dresses made by independent makers. Here are my favourite linen dress finds from independent makers and British fashion brands, including handmade dresses, classic linen styles and pieces that can work across the seasons. Not all of them are made in Britain but many of them are and the couple that aren’t are so pretty I couldn’t resist including them.
Pleated loose beige linen dress by Nace Linen Life
How pretty is this loose summer dress in natural beige linen cotton fabric with pockets, short sleeves and box pleats below the bustline.
- Fabric: Cotton 50% Linen 50%
- Maker: Nace Linen Life
- Sizes: S – XL
- Washing: hand and gentle machine wash
Wrap linen dress by Prancing Hare
A custom-made short-sleeved linen wrap dress, created to your exact body measurements. It is ideal for plus size, petite, and tall customers, or anyone who does not fit standard sizing and wants a truly personalised fit.
Each dress is made to order by Prancing Hare (based in Birmingham and Ukraine) using natural European linen and adjusted specifically to your measurements for comfort, balance, and flattering proportions.
- Fabric: 100% European linen
- Adjustable wrap waist for comfort
- Custom-made for perfect fit
- Available in 10+ colours
Pintuck linen sleeveless dress by Raw Eco Project
It’s all about the pintuck detail on this one for me and the gorgeous indigo blue colour. Such a simple, beautiful dress by Bristol-based Raw Eco Project which sources deadstock materials and splits production between local UK artisans and In Taiwan.
- Material: Cotton/linen
- Features: A-line skirt and soft pleats for comfort
- Size: one size fit 8-14
- Care: hand or gentle machine wash
French Blue linen dress by Yayi and Pony
Love this dress by Yayi and Pony This is such a lovely shade of blue and a touch longer. Lovely as a summer dress, but also perfect with tights in Winter. Handmade in London.
- Fabric: supple mid-weight 100% organic Lithuanian linen
- Fit: easy over-sized cut with dropped shoulders and 3/4 sleeves. Fine gathers at waist and side pockets
- Sizes: S-XXL custom sizes available at no extra charge
- Made in England
Gingham long sleeve linen dress by Yayi and Pony
I had to include this beauty also by Yayi and Pony because I love gingham as much as I love linen. So…
Everyone needs a smock dress in their wardrobe – perfect for wearing when you just need something easy and forgiving…
- Fabric: supple mid-weight 100% organic Lithuanian linen
- Fit: easy over-sized cut with dropped shoulders and 3/4 sleeves. Fine gathers at waist and side pockets. Lower calf length
- Sizes: S-XXL custom sizes available at no extra charge
- Made in England
After Etsy I headed to the From Britain with Love directory to see what some of the makers in our Clothing makers section are up to. It didn’t take me long to find some really lovely ideas (broadening my search to linen dresses in general). Then I spent more time than I’m prepared to admit on Pinterest looking for more ideas. And, if I’m honest, falling down a rabbit hole. To make myself feel better I decided to put all the ideas I’d found to good use and share with you here. I hope you find something you love. Hope you avoid spending far too long on Pinterest like I did, searching for Nordic lakeside cabins…!
Linen dresses by Lemuel MC
This FUN dress in coral linen is one of my favourites
- Gathered sleeves
- Made in England to order
- Side gathering
- Pockets
- V – ish type neck
- Material: 100% ethically sourced linen
- Sizes: S-L
As is this Raph-E-Lite linen dress in rich dark brown linen with long sleeves that have a slight ruffle to them.
- Round neckline
- Gathered back
- Side pockets
- French seams
- Sleeve Detail
- Comprises: 100% ethically sourced linen
- Lighter linen, perfect for warm windy days or layered for cooler seasons
- Measurments & Fit: Relaxed fit; One size 8-18
Lavenham gingham dress by Justine Tabak
How gorgeous is this gingham dress made from Irish linen with velvet trim around the softly raised waist and roomy pockets. What’s not to love?
- Made in England in small batches
- Material: 100% linen woven in Ireland
- Sizes: XS-L
- Deep bust darts create a flattering fit through the bodice, softly raised waist with gentle gathers and a flowing skirt. Sleeves are three quarter and can easily be folded back.
- Roomy side slip pockets and a low calf-length hem.
Stepney Dress in Leitrim Irish linen by Justine Tabak
This is my other favourite from Justine’s latest collection. Beautiful Irish linen crafted into an easy, long sleeve dress with a feminine edge. Slightly raised waist with a baby-locked visible stitch to enhance the beauty of the linen. Gently puffed long sleeve with easy elasticised cuff, also with baby-locked stitching. And, of course, pockets. The Leitrim linen is a gentle tartan in shades of soft clay, coral and chestnut.
- Fabric: 100% linen woven in Ireland
- Made in England in small batches
- Sizes: XS – L
- Gently puffed long sleeves with elasticated cuff and scoop neck top
- Lightly raised waist with a baby-locked visible stitch to enhance the beauty of the linen.
- Side slip pockets.
Linen dress with Peter Pan collar by Sondeflor
And finally, this has to be the most perfect off white linen dress ever. With Peter Pan collar, nipped in waist and pretty cap sleeves, this is just so pretty. It’s the White Magnolia colour option.
- Fabric: 100% linen, pre-washed & softened
- Full-circle skirt
- Side seam pockets
- Hidden side zip
- Peter Pan Collar
- Below the knee length
- Short sleeves with white interior lining
- White interior lining on the bottom hem
- Sizes: XXS – 4XL
- Care: hand or gentle machine wash
I can imagine slipping it on to wear around a southern French market, basket in hand. Feel free to snort now… X
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Lemuel MC is listed in the From Britain with Love directory here >>
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