Our editors curate highly rated brands that are first assessed by our rigorous ratings system. Buying through our links may earn us a commission—supporting the work we do. Learn more.

Heatwave? Look no further than linen if you’re seeking an outfit to keep cool in. Linen is not only a lower-impact material, it also makes for excellent summer and holiday clothing. Today, we’re sharing our round-up of the best, more sustainable linen dresses from brands rated highly by Good On You for their impact and transparency. 

Why linen dresses are a smart choice for summer and beyond

Ah linen. We could wax lyrical about its benefits all day, what with the material’s lightweight, cooling properties, its durability, and its lower environmental impact than other fabrics.

Linen is made from the inner stalk fibres of the flax plant, which is resilient and can grow in poor soil, using far less water in its growth than cotton. Flax plants don’t require lots of pesticides or fertilisers, but that doesn’t mean chemicals aren’t used in the cultivation and production of linen. In fact, the retting and dyeing processes in linen manufacturing can often be chemical-heavy, so it’s best to seek out organic linen that is certified to a credible standard, like GOTS.

Another benefit of linen? In its natural form it is biodegradable, but synthetic dyes, bleaching, and other chemical treatments can affect this, so be sure to find out the details of your garment, and check out our explainer on compostable and biodegradable fashion to get clued up on these terms.

Linen is sometimes blended with other fibres to achieve certain qualities or to reduce how easily it crinkles. But fibre blends are notoriously difficult to recycle, so you’re best opting for pure, or 100% linen where possible.

One other major perk of linen is that it stands up to loads of wear and tear, meaning you’ll be able to wear a linen dress for years to come if it’s cared for properly. Keep that in mind when you’re shopping for trend-driven styles, and consider whether you’ll still want to wear that cut or fit in a few seasons’ time.

How to shop for more sustainable linen

If you’re looking to add a linen dress, or any other garment for that matter, to your wardrobe, then follow these pointers to find the most sustainable option.

• Opt for organic linen that’s certified by a credible standard
• Choose pure, 100% linen over fibre blends—check the garment’s label or online product page for this info
• Plant-based dyes are preferable, since chemical treatments can change linen’s biodegradability
• Favour timeless silhouettes for maximum longevity in your wardrobe
• Before you buy, check out a brand’s sustainability credentials in our directory: lower impact materials is one thing, but to be truly responsible, a brand should be taking action elsewhere in its supply chain too

12 more ethical linen dresses you’ll love

We’ve selected linen maxi dresses, mini lengths, loose linen dresses, more formal options, and shirt dresses from brands that’ve been independently rated by Good On You. Scroll on to see our 12 more ethical linen picks.

1. Artknit Studios The Linen Twill Special Black Dress

2. JAN N JUNE Linen Mini Dress

3. TWOTHIRDS Formentera Linen Dress

4. OhSevenDays Holly Linen Dress

5. Whimsy + Row Lainey Striped Linen Mini Dress

6. Beaumont Organic Cotton and Linen-Blend Dress

7. Lanius Organic Linen Dress

8. Sui Golden Palm Line Maxi Shirt Dress

9. The Summer House Suhjan Embroidered Linen Dress

10. SeamsFriendly Contrast-detailed Linen Shift Dress

11. Pangaia A-line Linen Dress

12. LA Relaxed Linen Pinafore

Looking for more dresses? Bookmark our ultimate guide

Editor's note

Feature image via Whimsy + Row, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.