This summer feels more impatient than usual. The moment the sun appears, it rushes to cover every inch of skin, making me crave outfits that are light, airy, and utterly unrestrictive. The other day, while reorganizing my wardrobe, I realized that I keep reaching for the same two pieces over and over again: my classic white cotton tee and a pair of beige linen trousers. That got me thinking—when it comes to summer, is linen better, or does cotton win?
Linen has this effortless charm, a relaxed elegance that never tries too hard. Unlike cotton’s smooth and orderly surface, linen carries subtle wrinkles, as if it couldn’t care less about neatness or perfection. Wearing it slows me down; it feels like I’m syncing with the summer breeze. Even under the blazing sun, the wind slips through its loose weave and lets my skin breathe. Of course, linen comes with its quirks—it wrinkles easily and stubbornly resists the iron. But I’ve come to love those wrinkles; they give linen its soul.
Cotton, on the other hand, is softer and more forgiving. It’s gentle against the skin, like a glass of cold milk on a hot day—familiar, soothing, and deeply comforting. Cotton absorbs sweat well, keeping you from feeling sticky even on humid afternoons. It’s also incredibly versatile—whether it’s a basic tee, a breezy dress, or a fitted shirt, cotton pulls it off effortlessly. And unlike linen, cotton is easier to care for; a quick wash and dry, and it’s ready to wear again without fuss.
I’ve learned that linen is perfect for those slow summer moments—weekend walks along the beach, lazy afternoons at an open-air café—while cotton is my go-to for days filled with movement, like commuting to work, shopping, or biking with friends through bustling streets.
So, if you ask me whether to choose linen or cotton for summer, my answer is: keep both. Summer is many things—calm and breezy, bright and intense. And your wardrobe, like your summer mood, shouldn’t have to choose just one side.
