When it gets hot outside, I rely on one fabric exclusively: linen. I own several pairs of the best linen pants available and turn to them as a go-to between May and September. But I’m always looking for new lightweight pieces to add to my rotation, and there are a few brands I look to repeatedly for a wardrobe refresh—Banana Republic, Gap, and Uniqlo. This week, I perused their newly stocked sections for the best linen essentials to pick up before the weather gets sweltering.
This edit will help create the perfect, street-style favorited all-linen outfit. I found a few linen dresses alongside breezy linen shorts to keep in your travel capsule wardrobe. If you need a new summer work outfit, I found more than one linen blazer that will keep you cool but offers a great layering piece for the office air conditioner.
Keep scrolling to shop all of the affordable picks—they’re all priced well under $200, with some priced under $50—but they’re also well worth the money. You'll hang onto these fundamental wardrobe basics for years to come.
Shop the Best Linen Pieces at Gap
These pull-on cargo pants from Gap come in a few colors, but this tan shade is the ideal summer neutral.
While you could shop this maxi skirt in black or white, this trendy red shade adds a great pop of color to your closet.
Gap's "Big Shirts" are a staple in my wardrobe year-round, so I'll snag this one in the linen fabrication.
These linen pants are the perfect option for the office thanks to the structured waistband and pleated detail.
Style your new linen pants with this square-necked crop top from the brand—it's an easy weekend outfit.
Opt for this one-and-done '60s-inspired shift dress if you don't know what to wear on a scorching summer day.
This romper breathes new life into the 2010s-era wardrobe staple thanks to the slouchy fit and lightweight fabrication.
Headed to the beach? Pick up this fiery red linen sarong to wear over your swimsuit.
Cropped button-down shirts are perfect for layering over the top of slip dresses and skirts. This one is great because it comes in a versatile neutral color.
This collared tank from Gap is perfect for layering underneath a sweater in the fall, but you can wear it styled alone right now.
Shop the Best Linen Pieces at Banana Republic
How gorgeous is this kaftan from Banana Republic? It's a great swimsuit coverup and would easily pair with strappy sandals.
While staples like linen trousers and skirts are always popular, it's always a good idea to pick up a tank top in the same lightweight material.
Menswear-inspired shirts are the perfect layering piece over a white slip dress.
This spaghetti-strapped top is the upgraded, date-night version of your usual white tank top. It also comes in black.
Let this be your reminder that a lightweight jacket is never a bad investment. This one matches the cargo pants on this list, too.
These bell-bottomed linen pants come in several shades and are the perfect '70s-inspired piece for summer.
Opt for a pair of pastel-hued linen pants to add color to your collection. Basic pieces don't have to come in basic colors!
Saying you need a sweater in the summer might sound contradictive but yes, you do. This option from Banana Republic comes in the sweetest pale pink hue.
Play with prints by buying this striped button-down top. It's called the "Perfect Linen Shirt" for a reason!
Shop The Best Linen Pieces at Uniqlo
Behold these minimalist linen shorts. The elasticated band in the back makes them supremely comfortable.
"Easy" is the perfect way to describe these linen pants from Uniqlo.
Linen blazers make layering a breeze because they offer coverage without causing you to overheat. This pastel yellow one will work perfectly with white jeans or trousers.
A jumpsuit is a great piece to throw on when you're running late but still want to look put-together. This olive green one is proof.
Who needs plain linen shorts when you can have striped ones?
Yes, your linen collection should extend into your sleepwear drawer. This lightweight set is perfect for the nights where your air conditioning doesn't cut it.
Consider this stripy jumpsuit if you're a casual bride or looking for an easier way to wear all-white this summer.
I own this long-sleeved shirt from Uniqlo and can attest that it only gets softer every time you wash it.
Build up your white T-shirt collection with this linen one. You can snag it now for just $30.
