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Are you on a mission to find the most affordable linen dresses in 2023? 100% linen clothes made in Europe and the USA might be known for their hefty price tag, however, our ethical linen dress list below is filled with pretty attainable options (that are, of course, sustainable!).
Looking for more linen love? Check out our full round up of gorgeous sustainable linen skirts here!
This is your guide to the best ethical & affordable linen dresses
It’s no secret that when spring rolls around, most eco-conscious women lean on casual linen dresses to keep them comfy and cool throughout the warm-weather season.
Each spring, I want to give myself a sartorial initiative to find the best of the best affordable linen dresses women will throw on for years to come.
Because apart from the obvious style factor, a quality ethical linen dress is long-lasting, moisture-wicking, highly breathable, and biodegradable – all the qualities that make our beloved fashion staples sustainable. In fact, ethical linen clothing is one of the top six fashion materials that could help save the planet.
In today’s round-up, there are more than enough 100% linen clothes made in Europe and in the USA that promise to accompany you from your future city strolls to date nights, seaside adventures, and everywhere in between.
Why are linen dresses so expensive?
Linen is a high-quality, natural fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. The production of linen requires a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, which can make the material more expensive than synthetic fabrics or even other natural fibers such as cotton. Let’s not forget that, flax plants –aka the source of linen fibers– are only grown in certain regions and require specific growing conditions. This limited supply can drive up the cost of linen. Luckily for us, there are plenty of affordable linen dresses out there at our disposal. Granted, you won’t score a beautiful frock for $20, but some options are well under $100.
Is linen good for dresses?
Linen is a natural fiber made from flax plants, a blue-purple flowered plant predominately grown in Northern Europe (85% of the world’s flax is grown in Europe).
In fact, linen is one the oldest, most beloved textiles, dating back centuries. Farmers can easily grow sustainable linen without the use of chemicals such as pesticides. This makes linen a renewable resource, which means that it can be produced without damaging the environment. Durable, naturally moth resistant, and fully biodegradable, linen is sustainable and eco-friendly by nature.
However, not all linen is considered “sustainable”.
While it can be farmed with no chemicals. Some farmers choose to accelerate production by adding pesticides or fertilizers. In other cases, toxic dyes are used to give linen the desired, colorful hues. So when you decide to opt for affordable linen dresses, look for The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, or for the USDA ORGANIC certification to ensure that your ethical linen dress was created in the most eco-friendly way possible.
Does linen breathe better than cotton?
Yes! Linen is surprisingly more breathable than cotton! This natural fiber is woven more loosely. On top of that, flax fibers are known for being more hollow, which means that, when turned into ethical linen dresses, and 100% linen clothes, they offer way better air circulation than cotton.
This post is about the best linen dresses for spring and summer.
The Best Ethical & Affordable Linen Dresses in 2023
1. Linen Handmade Studio
Linen Handmade Studio is such a slow fashion gem that makes the most stunning and breathable linen dresses from the best European linen. We are huge fans of this brand and adore their wrap dresses!
If you’re particularly looking for long linen dresses or long sleeve linen dresses, they have plenty of stunning options in a wide variety of colors that are made to order!
Price: $100+
Size Range: S-XL
Ethics: Oeko-Tex 100 Certified, Linen Fabric, Women owned, Small batch production
Location: Lithuania, ships worldwide
Best Affordable Linen Dresses:
2. Whimsy and Row
Whimsey and Row’s affordable linen dresses are made from natural flax plants grown in Belgium and dyed in LA using recycled water and certified low-impact dyes. But that’s not the only reason why we love this sustainable fashion brand so darn much! Most of their ethical dresses are convertible and can be worn in three ways !”
The Sidney, for example, has detachable sleeves, and straps, so you’ll be sure to turn heads with each wear. You can also find slip, midi-length dressed “drenched” in palm prints, ideal for warm-weather gatherings.
Last but not least, you can buy and sell pre-loved Whimsy and Row clothing to help Clole the loop thanks to the brand’s “Wear It Again Whimsy“ initiative.
Price Range: From $132
Size: XS-XL
Ethics: Sustainable materials, low-impact dyes, made in LA, pre-loved pieces available
Location/Shipping: USA, worldwide shipping available
Secondhand and New Linen Dresses:
3. Linen Fox
Linen Fox’s range of 197 non-toxic and OEKO-TEX-certified ethical linen dresses is lovingly crafted in Lithuania.
You can find wrap linen dresses in beautiful neutral hues, classic black styles, flirty open-back options, and even yellow gingham options for your summer strolls.
You’ll be pressed to find another ethical brand with a higher number of linen dresses at our disposal. Apart from creating beautiful affordable linen dresses women swear by, the brand also sells its fabric scratches to reduce waste.
Price: $75+
Sizes: XS-XL
Ethics: OEKO-TEX certified linen, ethically made in Lithuania, Fair Wages
Location: Sold from EU, worldwide shipping
Spring Linen Dresses from Linen Fox:
4. Oh Seven Days
Oh Seven Days is one of our most favorite slow fashion brands for ethical linen dresses that elongate and enhance the figure in the most feminine way possible.
From strappy back midi dresses and night-out approved maxis with side pockets and knee-high side slits, the silhouettes are simply dazzling.
Plus, the warm-weather hues of emerald, lemon, red, and pale blue will look stunning against your tan skin – just saying.
Keep in mind that the Turkish-based company ensures that each garment is made under safe and fair labor conditions on top of using fast fashion’s leftovers’ to create to help divert textile waste destined for landfills.
Price Range: From $150
Size: S-XL
Ethics: Safe & fair labor standards, upcycled headstock materials
Location/Shipping: Turkey, worldwide shipping available
Slow Fashion Linen Dresses:
5. Simply Grey Life
As the name suggests, Simple Grey Life is every eco minimalist’s dream.
The Etsy shop carries an array of 100% linen clothes made in Europe soaked in summer-ready, neutral-colors.
You can shop for 70+, made-to-order, affordable linen dresses for women including country-chic dropped shoulder silhouettes, wrap dresses, shirt dresses, and more. On top of that, there are over 30 color options available for each style.
Price: Under $125
Sizes: XL-L (Made to Size Options)
Ethics: Woman Owned, living wages, handmade in Slovakia, low waste packaging
Location: Ships from EU, Worldwide shipping
Sustainable Yet Affordable Linen Dresses:
6. Reformation
Lauded as one of the best American clothing brands for timeless wardrobe staples, Reformation offers affordable linen dresses in a slew of different styles and colors.
The brand ethically makes some of its clothes in its LA factory, and some at partner factories around the world.
No worries, even their dying facilities are Bluesign certified and OEKO-TEX® 100. We absolutely love their flora-adorned midi dresses with puff sleeves, flirty red minis, and neutral color maxis!
Clean, classic yet easy to wear to casual and formal gatherings, these ethical linen dresses are next-level pretty!
Price Range: From $200
Size: 0-12
Ethics: Sustainable materials, Transparency, living wages, certified Climate Neutral
Location/Shipping: USA
Elevated Linen Dresses from Reformation:
7. Magic Linen
Magic Linen is the e-home of all-things-linen. Apart from their extensive range of sustainable home goods, the brand also offers 45+ affordable linen dresses for women who cherish the comfort of ethical linen clothing.
From pleated linen dresses and pinafore styles to vacation-ready tie strap dresses, the options are so many.
Plus, everything is crafted from OEKO-TEX certified 100% European flax sourced ethically from Lithuania.
Price: Under $90
Sizes: XS-2XL
Ethics: OEKO-TEX Certified Fabrics, Ethical Sourcing, Made-To-Order, Biodegradable Packaging
Location: Lithuania, ships worldwide
Budget-Conscious Linen Dresses:
8. Love and Confuse
For Love and Confuse, sustainability and ethical manufacturing are non-negotiable. The Etsy brand creates clothing that keeps you and our planet smiling.
Their ethical linen dress options run the gamut from night-out-ready wrap dresses and kimono silhouettes to affordable linen dresses for women who prefer relaxed, oversized styles.
Thus far, they have sold over 26,225 products. For 100% linen clothes made in Europe, this Lithuania-based shop is for you!
Price: Under $115
Sizes: XS-XL
Ethics: 100% Lithuanian Linen, Family owned business, recycled packaging, ethical manufacturing
Location: Sold from EU, ships worldwide
Lithuanian Linen Dresses Under $115:
9. Velvety
If you are on the hunt for a wear-me-everywhere shirt, midi, and maxi affordable linen dress, look no further than Velvety.
The Australian slow fashion marketplace for men & women offers a great range of options, including comfy maternity dresses and party dresses. What’s more, most of the ethical linen dresses are Peta Approved Vegan, Fair Trade Certified, and Organic Certified by GOTS.
Whether you’re into dusty pink long-sleeve dresses, burgundy belted styles, or breezy tunics, Velvety has something for every taste. Also, don’t forget to check out their “pre-loved” collection to find discounted clothing and accessories and help expand their life circle.
Price Range: From $199
Size: XS-XL
Ethics: Sustainable and recycled materials, certified sustainable, vegan, fair trade,
Location/Shipping: Australia, ships to the USA
Sustainable Linen Dresses from Australia:
10. Not Perfect Linen
Not Perfect Linen’s assortment of affordable linen dresses is crafted ethically with OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, ensuring quality, and transparency.
Additionally, the family-run brand keeps the entire operation of designing, sewing, labeling, and shipping local to not only keep an eye on the entire production process but also minimize its carbon footprint.
On their virtual shelves, you can find comfy slip dresses, front-snap styles, as well as many maxi dresses for the summer days ahead. As soon as you make up your mind, you can then request customizations free of charge!
That’s right –send them your own measurements, ask them to take off or add extra inches, add or remove pockets, and so much more.
Price Range: From $106
Size: XS-XL
Ethics: Sustainable materials, locally made, free customizations, donations
Location/Shipping: Lithuania, worldwide shipping available
Best Minimalist Linen Dresses:
11. Art of Simplicity
The high-quality minimalist clothing brand Art of Simplicity offers ultra-chic linen mini dresses that guarantee to catch everyone’s attention.
The collection also includes going-out and party dresses enhanced with figure-flattering cut-outs on the side and on the back!
Need a silk-linen ethical linen dress for your next outing? They’ve got you!
Seriously, they perfectly suit any type of occasion, from a romantic stroll at the beach to a more formal event. Plus, all breathable lightweight frocks are made responsibly and consciously in Bali.
Price Range: From $129
Size: XXS-XXL
Ethics: Sustainable fabrics, ethically made in Bali, donations
Location/Shipping: Indonesia, worldwide shipping available
Ultra-chic Linen Dresses:
This post was all about ethical & affordable linen dresses women adore.
With so many 100% linen clothes made in Europe and the USA, the options are in your favor. Now that you have a list of affordable linen dresses women absolutely adore, you can opt for your next work-appropriate attire, chic casual or beach-side ensemble knowing that your ethical linen dress will be a part of your closet for years to come.
If you enjoyed this article on linen dresses, check out these other articles below!
I love linen whilst not the most travel friendly material. Worth it for the comfort and breathability factor. Add to that these are ethical and sustainable outlets just makes it even better. Thanks for sharing.
With graduation season coming up good info to have!
Love linen dresses and I love how many Eastern European brands you have included ( being Latvian) as we grow up with linen clothing. It last the longest and just get better with age. We also have great selection on MiliMilu (www.milimilu.com) with linen dresses and we work with Magic Linen as mentioned above and their Toscana dresses are the best, have it for 4 years and I wear weekly.
Thank you so much for your comment and recommendation – super helpful!