Linen and I have a long-standing relationship; I’ve worn it several times on the blog. During the warm temperature months it’s one of my favorite fabrics to slip in to. I write often about how comfortable it is for keeping cool and dry in the heat, but I haven’t talked about it in terms of sustainability. As I wrote in my last post, this factor is becoming more important to me as I seek a wardrobe of more cultivated and sustainable style.
So how good is linen? Linen is a natural fabric that comes from the flax plant, which is an extremely sustainable plant for many reasons. Flax is a hardy crop that doesn’t need irrigation, pesticides, fertilizers, etc. It reduces carbon in the air, regenerates soil, and every bit of the plant is used (i.e. no waste). In other words, it’s a great eco-friendly option versus many synthetic fibers that clothes are made of. It’s important to note, though, that while the crop is grown sustainably, some linen fabrics aren’t processed in a way that’s good for the earth (i.e. using chemicals), so it’s something to keep in mind when you’re buying linen pieces.
That’s why I’m shopping more from brands that have a mission of sustainability, like this linen off-the-shoulder dress from Reformation. I can’t get enough of all the perfect details about it — the dainty purple floral print, the sleeves that can be worn off-the-shoulder or as cap sleeves, the tiers in the skirt, the ruching in the back. I’ve worn it to my nephew’s Easter baptism and again to my best friend’s baby shower where I dressed it up with espadrille wedges. We also took photos in the Texas bluebonnets where I dressed it down with a floppy straw sunhat and my classic leather Keds sneakers.
I have a few Reformation dresses now and one thing is sure about them: they’re beautifully and thoughtfully made. Reformation’s stated mission is to make “effortless silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure”, and there’s no doubt that their dresses fit incredibly. I’ll be shopping and wearing their pieces for many years to come!
In talking on sustainability and thinking about our impact on the earth, I wanted to leave you with a little hump day inspo from a book I recently read that has given me a new perspective on life. It’s a reminder to get grounded, let go of all the noise and clutter in your mind, and focus on the things that really matter.
Why should anything that anyone says or does cause you to get disturbed? You’re just on a planet spinning around the middle of absolutely nowhere. You came here to visit for a handful of years and then you’re going to leave. How can you live all stressed out over everything? Don’t do it.
-MICHAEL SINGER , “The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself”
Leave a Reply