7 Breezy Brands Making Linen Wedding Guest Dresses (2024)

It’s love at first sight with linen wedding guest dresses that keep you consciously cool on the big day.

But is it OK to wear linen to a wedding?

Absolutely! Saying “yes” to a linen dress on this special occasion actually makes a lot of sense.

It’s light, breathable, and effortlessly elegant. For summer weddings, linen is the fabric of choice ensuring you’re comfortable through the longest nuptials (and late into the wildest receptions).

You can wear it for plenty of other occasions, too: Sunday brunch, beach picnics, your next vacation, or warm weather at home. Less is more with a versatile linen piece that can be dressed up or down and even layered in cool weather.

Before you type “linen dress for wedding guest” into your search bar, let us save you time with our curated list of formal linen dresses to mark the occasion.

Hot off the press (err…dress?), here’s our lovely linen favorites.

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Linen Wedding Guest Dresses For Summer Weddings

We’re head over heels for MagicLinen’s breezy dresses that are made-to-order in a small family-run Lithuanian studio.

Linen Handmade Studio brings plenty of color to the occasion with its vintage-inspired designs, handmade from 100% European-grown and OEKO-TEX-certified linen.

Why Choose A Linen Dress To Wear To a Wedding?

It’s no secret that we’re in love with linen. It’s one of the most sustainable materials on the planet (and also one of the oldest).

The fast-growing flax plant requires minimal inputs for growing (read: can be grown organically), and the resulting fabric is durable and breathable, making it one of the healthiest and most comfortable materials you can wear.

Wait, can a linen dress be formal?

Absolutely! Like other natural fabrics (such as hemp and organic cotton), linen can be used for practically any style you can imagine. The brands on this list offer plenty of options for linen formal dresses as well as casual dress styles for every day.

So what dress is not appropriate for a wedding?

We’ll leave that to your imagination. Suffice to say, just don’t wear anything that could be mistaken for a wedding dress!

Avoid white and off-white colors so as not to detract from the blushing bride, and remember to check the dress code for any specifics.

How We Chose The Best Linen Dresses For Wedding Guests

For all lovely linen items—from linen sheets to sustainable suits—we use our sustainable and ethical fashion criteria to inspect the ethical fibers of a brand, through and through.

That’s why we also used these to find the best linen wedding guest dresses for keeping you consciously cool in all weather.

Materials:

Sustainably-sourced linen produced without harmful chemicals makes for one of the best sustainable fabrics.

We ideally like to see it in 100% pure form, but if it blended with other fibers, these should be natural, too.

Supply chain and labor practices:

Ethical manufacturing is non-negotiable. Many of these brands produce their linen clothing in-house, meaning full control over worker conditions and pay.

When outsourcing production, we ideally look for third-party manufacturing certifications that ensure workers receive living wages and have healthy and safe working conditions.

When these aren’t available, transparency, traceability (i.e. small supply chains), and comprehensive codes of conduct help avoid potential greenwashing.

Carbon commitments & green practices:

Beyond small supply chains and sustainable sourcing of the linen fabric, green manufacturing can include practices to limit textile waste, renewable energy, carbon offset programs, and eco-friendly packaging materials.

Inclusivity:

Linen wedding outfits should fit all bodies, and we’re pleased to see more brands embracing a more extensive range of sizes, though some could still stand for a little improvement.

On the plus side (pun intended), many of these brands also offer custom options so you can achieve a perfect fit.

Community & charitable giving:

Not all brands are of a size to give back, but those that do help feel-good frocks feel even better.

Final Thoughts On Linen Wedding Guest Dresses

When you’re invited to celebrate a happy couple, deciding what to wear is a big part of preparing for the occasion.

From linen mini dresses to floor-length maxi dresses, linen is a sustainable and versatile material for wedding dresses, wedding guest dresses, and dresses for any other special occasion.

Of course, the most sustainable wedding guest clothing is already hanging in your wardrobe. Before you buy new, consider local second-hand stores or check out one of the online thrift stores.

When you need to buy new, opting for a linen dress for wedding guest attire keeps you and the planet consciously cool.

Know someone with a summer wedding to attend?

Share this article and spread the word about brands passionately turning their love for linen into formal dresses for the big day.

7 Breezy Brands Making Linen Wedding Guest Dresses (2024)

FAQs

Is a linen dress OK for a wedding guest? ›

Can I Wear Linen Dress to a Wedding? Absolutely yes! Whether you are a wife to be, family member or a friend, and if you enjoy natural fabrics on a daily basis, linen dress is a perfect choice for a wedding celebration.

Is linen formal enough for a wedding? ›

If the invitation specifies a black tie or formal attire, linen might not be the best choice. These dress codes generally call for more formal fabrics like silk or satin. However, if the dress code is more casual (for example, "cocktail attire" or "beach formal"), linen can be a great option.

What length dress to wear to a wedding? ›

Women are more than welcome to wear a floor-length dress, but if you prefer a dressy, knee-length cocktail dress, then feel free. Just make sure the dress isn't too revealing.

What should a guest wear to an outdoor summer wedding? ›

When it comes to comfort on a hot summer day (especially if the celebration is outside), a casual dress code is ideal. But don't forget this is an important event. Showing up in shorts and a T-shirt is not a good idea. Pretty, flowy dresses paired with sandals works for women.

When should you not wear linen? ›

The traditional thinking is, never wear linen clothing before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. While most people adhere to this, there really is no reason – especially in Southern California – not to wear it year round. So, get your “summer” linens out and enjoy the light, airy feeling of this natural fabric.

What is the rule of wearing linen? ›

Traditionally, linen is less commonly worn in very formal or cold-weather settings due to its light and airy nature. However, these rules are becoming more flexible, and with the right styling, linen can be adapted for various occasions and climates. Can linen be dressed up for formal occasions? Absolutely.

Does linen make you look expensive? ›

In conclusion, linen undoubtedly possesses the ability to make you look expensive and sophisticated.

Is linen considered dressy? ›

The nature of linen means that linen clothing is usually saved for casual occasions, but when worn in the correct mix of fabrics can also be great for work – or slightly dressy affairs. The smarter linen pieces are a tailored blazer, a-line dress or button down shift dress.

Is linen too casual for wedding? ›

Linen is ideal for daytime weddings, as it's casual and easy to wear. It also provides a sense of elegance and sophistication. The best time to wear linen is in the morning when you're still feeling fresh but not too hot or bothered by the heat.

Can I have bare legs at a wedding? ›

I have advised readers that while bare legs are fine even at the most formal events, hosiery also is perfectly acceptable as long as it's skin tone and sheer. I've just returned from a wedding where I wore my new bargain ($10!) black sequined mini and consignment store jeweled black shoes (also $10).

What is the attire for a 5pm wedding? ›

If a wedding is taking place at 4 or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night. A dark suit and tie are appropriate for men, while a cocktail dress or a long skirt and top combination would work perfectly for women.

What are the best colors to wear to a wedding? ›

Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.

What do you wear to a 4pm wedding? ›

The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly cocktail.

What should a female guest wear to an outdoor wedding? ›

If attending an outdoor summer wedding, it's important to dress as if you're expecting to be hot the entire celebration (after all, it is the summertime). Meaning, strapless or sleeveless dresses made with linen, chiffon, or lace are perfect for women, while linen suits are a lovely choice for men.

What should a female guest wear to a summer wedding? ›

Casual. "Floral and flowy" is Grotts's motto for a casual summer wedding. In particular, she recommends dresses that are "Strapless, halter, or sleeveless but with a wrap." For footwear, go for sandals or wedges, especially if the terrain isn't suitable for heels.

Can I wear linen dress to summer wedding? ›

Absolutely! Linen clothing is a great choice to wear to a summer destination wedding, because linen is a lightweight fabric. Linen is also very versatile and can be worn in many different styles. Amazing thing about linen is that even though it is such a simple fabric, it can look very elegant.

Can you wear beige linen to a wedding? ›

In general, it's best to avoid wearing white or any shade that may be too similar to white, as this is typically reserved for the bride. However, beige is a neutral color that can be appropriate for a wedding, especially if it is a more casual or outdoor event.

Is linen considered formal? ›

Linen clothing tends to denote a casual vibe, but in the right structured garments it can be interpreted in a more dressy sense too. Business casual slacks, jackets, shirts and suits are available every year and I especially see a resurgence of linen dresses.

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