Summer’s here, and so is linen. Hot weather’s #1 hallmark, linen is everyone’s favorite summertime uniform. Airy, absorbent and low maintenance, its natural fibers make steamy heat waves easy-breezy — literally. It’s summer’s most popular fabric for that very reason — airflow. Sophisticated and timeless, linen should be in everyone’s summer capsule. Here’s why:

1. Airflow
   Linen is a natural, absorbent fiber that has high air permeability. This allows air to circulate around the body so it breathes, which is a lifesaver when temps are sweltering. Pick linen for garden weddings, open air ceremonies and pool parties when dress codes are high but chances of air-conditioning are low. Linen’s natural habitat is nature, so never store it in plastic.

2. Lightweight
   Linen’s lightweight, flowy fabrication feels great on the body. It drapes and skims without being clingy, making you forget what you’re wearing altogether. To keep your linen top-quality, avoid dryers as they degrade fibers over time, making the handle abrasive. Hang dry only!

3. Easy care, wash & wear
   Linen’s imperfections make it perfect so don’t overthink it or, even worse, be precious with it — especially when it comes to dry cleaning. Avoid the chemicals, and the fuss. Instead, wash, hang dry and repeat. Period.

4. Versatility
   While match sets are smart looking, don’t hesitate to break them up to mix and match. Try a linen shirt as a beach cover-up, then pair its matching drawstring, wide leg pants with a classic French bateau tee and espadrilles. Linen is great to layer too, so try an over-sized linen blouse as a pseudo-jacket for more protection from the blazing summer sun.

5. Travel-friendly
   Linen makes the ideal travel companion since it’s already wrinkled. It’s also easy to hand wash, ring out and hang dry in a pinch. Never ignore stains, though. Address immediately so they don’t set by dabbing with warm water, a sprinkle of baking soda or a few drops of vinegar — or all three. It’s the best way to keep your summer whites white.