There’s nothing I love more than the ushering in of all things linen. With summer approaching, I’ve made it my mission to begin collecting all the linen pants and linen shirts my closet can hold. I’m someone who runs hot, so I refuse to risk wearing anything but cool, breathable and comfortable linen unless I want to be met with my own sweat chronicles (no thank you). This year, I’m all about linen dresses. Think of your favorite cotton sundress, but it’s now made with 100 percent European flax linen and it’s ten times cooler. (The dream, no?) With lots of styles to peruse from brands like Abercrombie and Fitch, H&M and J.Crew, I selected my top picks of one classic silhouette in particular—the timeless shirtdress. Here are 15 of my favorite linen shirtdresses to wear all summer long, from traditional frocks with button-down fronts and belted waists to a more modern T-shirt vibe that’s totally relaxed.
My 15 Favorite Linen Shirtdresses for Summer
Minis and midis and maxis, oh my
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The Best Linen Shirtdresses at a Glance
Zara Linen Shirtdress
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Quince Linen Button-Front Dress
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Boden Ada Linen Midi Dress
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Madewell Pleated Mini Shirtdress
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Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Linen-Blend Mini Shirt Dress
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Zara
There are tons of Zara pieces for spring and summer dropping every week, and I’ll never say no to the brand’s selection of shirtdresses. The Spanish-based retailer always has items that catch my eye, like this khaki tunic-style shirtdress made from a blend of European-grown linen and viscose. In other words, the fabric will have all the qualities I love about linen—it’s breathable, cooling, lightweight—but it won’t have a hint of scratch or roughness thanks to the viscose fibers. The button closures stop halfway above the knee, making this feel modest yet oh-so sexy, and there’s quite a few slits, including one on the front and two on either side. And the elbow-length sleeves are great, especially if you’re constantly rolling up the sleeves on your run-of-the-mill long-sleeve shirtdresses.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Colors: 2
2. Quince Linen Button-Front Dress
Quince
I have my sights set on this lightweight, fitted button-down from Quince. Quince is widely known for delivering quality, sustainable and affordable designs, and that’s certainly the case with this frock. I’m especially in love with its bespoke fit and belted waist, which can be removed or adjusted to fit you comfortably. “This dress works for so many occasions, and you can dress it up with jewelry and heels or keep it casual with flat sandals,” notes Sylvia E., a Quince reviewer. “I wasn’t too sure about fit around bust and shrinkage while washing, so I chose a medium but could have easily ordered a small. [I] washed it on gentle cycle and turned inside out to iron with steam, [and] the linen is soft and comfortable.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Colors: 14
Boden
Created purely due to popular demand, the fit-and-flare Ada dress actually derives its silhouette and design from Boden’s best-selling Ada top. It’s cutesy, but still elegant and sophisticated, modest, but can still show a little skin (thanks to those buttons) and 100 percent linen—20 percent of which is recycled linen. One buyer mentions that the buttons can gape when bending or sitting, but this might come down to finding a proper and comfortable fit. My favorite detail, besides the pockets and detachable belt, is easily the gathered sleeves—so chic.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 0 to 20/22
- Colors: 3
4. Madewell Pleated Mini Shirtdress
Madewell
No lie: This elegant linen shirtdress made me do a double take…the good kind. It’s timeless, cute and classy as can be with its pleated design and tailored proportions. Best of all? Reviewers adore the fit, the vibrant hue and its wearability. “I love the shape of this dress,” gushes one buyer. “When I saw it in store, I figured it would look good on, but I was pleasantly surprised when I tried it on! The weight of the fabric is perfect to give the dress a swingy feel, and the elastic at the back of the waist really gives the dress shape. Lastly, I really appreciate how large the pockets are while still being essentially invisible in the silhouette.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Colors: 1
5. Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Linen-Blend Mini Shirt Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch
Behold: Abercrombie & Fitch’s versatile mini shirtdress made with their signature linen-blend fabric. It’s quickly become a best-seller, with its bespoke belted waist and button-through detail. It’s the type of dress that makes you look put-together without much effort, and I’m a huge fan of this creamy, avocado colorway. Best of all, it comes in three lengths (petite, regular and tall), so you can find one that complements your proportions without having to take it to the tailor.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Colors: 2
6. Wilfred Eleta Linen Maxi Dress
Wilfred
I don’t just love this midi shirtdress because it’s from Aritzia (though I do), I also love it because it’s 100 percent organic linen, so I know it’s worth the splurge because I’m getting the real deal. That means perks like breathability, a soft, natural texture and an airy quality that’ll go well with picnics in the park and afternoon strolls in the sun. It’s also so cute, too, with its relaxed design that somehow manages to look nice and fitted without clinging to any part of the body. I’m also a sucker for anything in brown, but it also comes in a handful of colorways, from dewy blue to an icy lavender.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 2XS to XL
- Colors: 15
7. Banana Republic Factory Linen-Blend Mini Shirtdress
Banana Republic Factory
Chic (check!), classic (check!) and nearly half-off (check!). When I picture the quintessential shirtdress that I can wear on vacation or on the perfect summer day, this comes to mind. A flowy, shift silhouette with traditional button-down vibes: see the cuffed sleeves and chest pocket. What more can a gal want? Toss it over a bikini and slip on some sandals for a day out in the sun, or belt it at the waist and swap your sandals for some kitten heels to make it a bit more formal.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
- Colors: 3
8. J.Crew Tunic Linen Shirtdress
J.Crew
Here’s a midi shirtdress I found that’s all elegant, casual and from PureWow-beloved brand J.Crew. The new linen style comes with a removable slip lining, allowing you to wear it as-is for errands and lunch dates or sans slip for beach days. Plus, it has long sleeves that you can cuff for an elevated, relaxed vibe that’ll look great at a weekend BBQ cookout or a Saturday stroll in the city. Mark my words: It’s bound to be a best-seller.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to 3X
- Colors: 2
9. Ann Taylor Floral V-Neck Shirtdress
Ann Taylor
This midi is a sleek option you can wear to work and dinner, no problem. It’s crafted from a linen blend that’s airy and lightweight, which will be a lifesaver come warmer days, and it has a great structure to it that’s designed to hug your figure around your waist and hips, then relax along the thighs. I’m partial to this floral design, but it also comes in a crisp white version that practically screams summertime. One customer even mentioned that it “looks better than the photo.”
Fast Facts
- Size Range: 00 to 18
- Colors: 1
10. H&M Linen-Blend Shirtdress
H&M
I’m planning my next vacation around this belted shirtdress from H&M, ideally to somewhere warm, coastal and known for gelato. From the short length to the loose-yet-tailored fit, I can tell a lot of thought went into making this dress. The removable belt with its metal D-rings breaks up the silhouette well, giving shape to an otherwise shift T-shirt vibe. When it comes to styling, I’d copy how the model is styled and pair it over some loose-fitting linen trousers and sandals for an ultra-cool look.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to 4XL
- Colors: 2
11. Frank & Eileen Mary Classic Shirtdress
Frank & Eileen
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic Big-shirt moment but have struggled to find a shirt long enough to cover your hoo-ha, now’s your chance. Frank & Eileen’s best-selling classic shirtdress has a relaxed fit that’ll give you that I-stole-this-from-my-boyfriend air, minus the ill-fitting mess (and smell) of wearing his dirty laundry. It’s the type of mini dress you can *actually* bend down in and not have to tug at the hems. Wear it to a dinner date with a statement belt to break up the silhouette and cinch your waist, then cycle it back into the weekend rotation with a pair of wide-leg jeans.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Colors: 11
12. Saks Fifth Avenue Linen Midi Shirtdress
Saks Fifth Avenue
This Saks Fifth Avenue midi shirtdress—exclusively sold at Saks Off Fifth—is 100 percent linen, 100 percent comfortable and ideal for days when you don’t want any fabric clinging to your body. The straight silhouette looks great belted or left as-is when you’re relaxing at the beach in the Hamptons. It has functional front patch pockets, side slits to break up the hem and buttons down the front that you can leave undone and style over a bathing suit for a darling cover-up.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Colors: 4
13. Tuckernuck Linen Callahan Dress
Tuckernuck
“I just love this dress” raves Tuckernuck customer Molly D. “The fabric is soft and airy, and the color is beautiful. It’s perfect for a spring day, however it’ll be wonderful in the summer, as well, because of the light fabric. It’s stylish but not over the top frilly!” This easy, classic frock is a luxe addition to your linen collection. If you look closely, you’ll notice that it features a whipstitch detailing at the cuffs, collar and hemline; a small detail that elevates the look of this shift dress entirely, along with the long, streamlined sleeves and fluttery hemline, of course. Just note that some buyers say it’s quite short, particularly on anyone 5’7” and up.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XXXL
- Colors: 9
14. Anthropologie Maeve The Mona Linen
Maeve
Color-loving fashionistas will adore this belted maxi shirtdress from Maeve. It has all the features I love in a shirtdress, such as the breast pocket, belted waist, button closures and collar, but in a gorgeous maxi length that feels luxe and semi-formal, not to mention three fits (standard, petite and plus). “It is high-quality, comfortable and so soft,” notes an Anthropologie shopper. I especially like that you can change up the buttons, making a high slit one minute for a leggy moment and a modest maxi dress the next. My only qualm is that the linen blend is purportedly heavy, so it might be too thick for some people who live in warm or humid climates.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XXS to XL
- Colors: 2
15. Old Navy Linen-Blend Shirtdress
Old Navy
One reviewer raves of this $40 no-brainer, “It's lightweight, comfortable, has pockets and I got compliments from multiple people while wearing it.” Made with a linen and viscose rayon blend, this easy, breezy dress is designed to sit a few inches above your knees and has relaxed, short sleeves that won’t bunch or squeeze your arms in the slightest. There are pleats at the back, adding structure and texture to the design to break up the monotony of the shift silhouette. “It does run a little big, so go for your regular size if you want it loose, and size down if you want it more fitted,” the shopper adds.
Fast Facts
- Size Range: XS to 4X
- Colors: 4
