If you've ever spent time here in Wilmington between the months of March and October, you know that it can get hot around these parts. On top of that legendary Carolina heat, our little beach town gets tons of humidity, too. It could be bright and sunny outside, but we have to check the weather app for the temperature, how hot it feels, the humidity level, etc. before picking out an outfit for the day, because standard clothes can feel heavy and get uncomfortable very fast. That's why we're declaring linen as the breezy beach town savior. Read our guide on why linen is the best, and how/when/where to wear it!
The "Wrinkle Worry"
Let's address the elephant in the room. Linen is the quintessential coastal fabric, but people are afraid it, because of wrinkles! The thing about natural fibers, especially linen, is that they're, well, from nature (for example, linen is made from the flax plant). They are, by design, not perfect.
There are loads of polyester fabrics and satin weaves out there for smooth, sleek styles, but natural fibers are, in many cases, meant to have a slight crinkle. It's part of the charm, and shows that the fabric is real, high-quality, relaxed, and soft. Still, these fabrics can be steamed to have a similarly smooth, seamless appearance.
The Benefits of Linen
Again, linen is a natural fiber, which (in our mind) makes it superior to cheap synthetics. It breathes more, it drapes more beautifully, and it's more sustainable, so shopping/wearing natural fibers is better for the planet, too!
Linen is made from the flax plant. Flax has hollow fibers, which allows for more airflow. You know that magical sports bra that has fancy moisture-wicking technology that makes it so you never feel gross and sweaty after a workout? Guess what. Those hollow flax fibers make it so that linen is naturally moisture-wicking, so you'll never suffer in the Wrightsville heat and humidity!
Linen is able to worn again and again without degrading (unlike cheap synthetic pieces that fall apart after a few wears) and stands up to multiple washes, too. Even better, the fabric becomes softer, gentler, and more beautiful after each wear. Nice linen pieces not only keep you comfortable in the heat, but they're a multi-year investment, not a one-season throwaway piece.
Linen Works for Everything
You can find a linen wardrobe piece for any occasion, from the coffee shop to work to a dinner date. A loose, oversized linen button-down shirt is the hardest working piece in a coastal closet and can transition perfectly from sand to sidewalk. You can wear it open and flowing over your swimsuit for a morning walk on the beach, and simply button it up halfway over a ribbed cotton tank and pair it with your fav vintage-wash denim cutoffs when it's time to head to brunch or grab coffee.
There are a million linen rompers and matching short sets out there, too. They're simple and preppy, and easy to dress up, too. Giving a linen romper some boho edge is easy. Skip the flip flops and slide into some cute suede ankle booties, and top it off with a brimmed felt or straw hat. Boom, you're ready for a stroll through a farmer's market or a day downtown! Linen's a great layering option for "fake spring" weather we get in Wilmington around this time of year, too.
Caring for linen isn't difficult, either. With natural fibers, we get a little tense when it comes to washing and drying because we don't want to ruin the fabric. Linen is easy. Put your linen items in the washing machine, and wash it on a cold, gentle cycle. After that, you just need to hang it to dry. If you don't have time to wait for something to air dry, you can tumble dry on low for a few minutes to soften it, then hang. Don't fully dry your linen clothes in the dryer!
Once you experience how cool, breathable, and effortless a good linen piece feels on a humid July afternoon in Wrightsville Beach, you'll understand why it's a coastal fashion superhero! Part of curating our collection at Wrightsville Ave is finding pieces that work with our wild Carolina weather, not against it. It's time to stop sweating through synthetic fabric and start investing in natural clothes that actually get better with every single beach day!