Women’s Summer Linen

Woman in black sitting against concrete wall

A reimagining of the everyday wardrobe in linen calls for a fresh
approach to summer dressing.

THE ENDURING QUALITY OF LINEN BY COS.

Naturally breathable and distinctively tactile, linen’s
appeal is eternal. The COS women’s linen collection
explores the summer staple fabric through a series of
wardrobe archetypes; interchangeable tailoring, shorts,
shirts and dresses, designed with an emphasis on expert
craftsmanship and purity of form.

This season, the collection reinterprets classic ready-to-
wear pieces in a pared-back palette that echoes linen’s
versatility – an edit created to coexist with the daily
wardrobe.

woman in sleeveless blazer with matching wide leg shorts

Placeholder for: woman in sleeveless blazer with matching wide leg shorts

LINEN TAILORING

Tailoring's new mood evokes a studied nonchalance
through the contrast of linen textures. Signature relaxed
proportions with refined pleats, ties and wrap fronts
reframe the COS suit for summer workwear, weddings
and events. The striking simplicity of black, light pink and
butter yellow reinforces an easy sophistication that
places materiality and silhouette in the spotlight.

HOW TO STYLE WOMEN’S LINEN SUITS

Suit pairings in matching tones bring cohesion to the
summer wardrobe. The linen waistcoat signals a
seasonal shift from the traditional blazer, acting as both
a jacket and shirt, styled with wide-leg shorts in a
longline cut for a modern take on work and event
dressing. The classic tailored jacket is redrawn in an
elongated silhouette, accompanied by trousers with a
more defined slim leg, entirely crafted from premium-
quality flax linen with a soft hand feel.

woman in black linen button down and tan wide pants

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woman white linen long sleeve top with aviator sunglasses and black bottoms

Placeholder for: woman white linen long sleeve top with aviator sunglasses and black bottoms

AIRY LINEN SHIRTS

Drawing from linen’s diaphanous qualities, the COS shirt collection explores the art of silhouette. Oversized shirts act as easy summer cover-ups, while shirts in boxy cuts with winged sleeves make a more intentional statement. The classic COS shirt is redefined in linen with a fluid, longline cut in a sophisticated chocolate-brown shade. Linen blouses with sweeping necklines and intricate bow ties capture the essence of romantic summer dressing.

HOW TO STYLE WOMEN’S LINEN SHIRTS

One of the key proponents of the linen shirt is its versatility. Style a classic shirt in a deep shade with ecru denim, complete with a raffia tote and sandals for a lesson in daytime ease – the elongated length of the shirt plays off the cropped cut of the jeans for contrast. A refined linen blouse feels naturally at home with smart tailored trousers, styled half-tucked at the waist, defined by a leather belt. Linen shirts also act as a summer foundation for suits and work equally well with skirts – consider a maxi length to complement linen’s fluidity.

women standing in black spagetti strap dress

LIGHT LINEN DRESSES

The eternal appeal of the COS dress – a considered balance of simplicity and elevated design, reimagined in linen for every summer eventuality. From refined A-line styles in midi and maxi lengths to mini dresses that cater to the practicalities of city life, the dress collection celebrates the versatility of a summer staple through a studied palette of base notes.

HOW TO STYLE WOMEN’S LINEN DRESSES

Made for the summer minimalist, the signature COS midi dress in striking black linen is a canvas for accessories – the unexpected addition of an arm cuff or a statement pendant necklace takes the piece from day to evening. Bring an A-line maxi with voluminous box pleats into day with leather sandals and the season’s undulating textured jewellery, swapping for heels or understated leather ballet flats for evening. Riff on the ease and comfort of an oversized linen shirt dress in the city with sunglasses and a raffia tote, styled with the minimal trainers of the season.

woamn in navy vest with matching wide pants

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RELAXED LINEN TROUSERS

A study in volume, proportion and tailoring codes, trousers are explored through the COS design handwriting and translated for the season in lightweight linen. The collection spotlights the return of the capri pant, a city staple perfected with a clean cut, contrasted by the ease of wide-leg trousers that celebrate linen’s fluidity.

woman in white wrap top and black bottom with belt on

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HOW TO STYLE WOMEN’S LINEN TROUSERS

Elevate the season’s capri pants for evening with contemporary tailoring, such as the wrap-front waistcoat with drawstring hem, which riffs on the refined yet sporty nature of the silhouette. Linen trousers should be a staple for a women’s holiday wardrobe – consider styling a flowy pair with a more minimal shirt or top for contrast. An alternative to a coordinating suit for summer occasions, create harmony with a matching blazer or waistcoat in a tonal shade, using leather accessories and sleek gold- or silver-plated jewelry as accents.

TAILORED LINEN SHORTS

A sophisticated spin on the summer staple, the season’s shorts are modernised through tailoring codes. Notably longer in cut, these summer foundations feature smart pleats, pressed creases and signature buttoned tab waistbands that mirror tailored suit trousers, crafted in linen for comfort and ease.

HOW TO STYLE WOMEN'S LINEN SHORTS

Linen shorts paired with a coordinating vest in the key earthy tone of the season reinvent the city uniform for balmy weather. Similarly, style an elasticated pair of shorts in butter-yellow linen with the matching boxy shirt as an alternative to a summer shirt dress. A longline pair with precise tailoring can be dressed down with a simple T-shirt tucked in at the waist for a modern contrast; complete the look with leather loafers to achieve the balance of smart and casual.

FAQ

Q. What is linen made from?

A. Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant which are harvested, extracted and then spun into yarn to create fabric. Linen is known for its strength, durability and breathability, making it a popular choice for warm-weather clothing.

Q. How do you wash linen?

A. Avoid washing linen and instead ventilate between wears. Only machine wash on a low spin at 30°C to retain the fibre’s strength and any dyes. Use lukewarm water when washing by hand.

Q. Can you tumble dry linen?

A. You can tumble dry linen if the care label allows, but it’s generally not recommended due to the risk of shrinkage and damage. Instead, air dry the fabric, avoiding direct sunlight.

Q. Does linen shrink?

A. Yes, linen can shrink when exposed to high heat during washing or drying. It’s recommended to air dry linen or use a low heat setting in the dryer to retain the fabric’s integrity.

Q. Can you iron linen?

A. Consider using the steam from a hot shower to help reduce creasing before reverting to ironing. Linen is easier to iron when it’s slightly damp and can be ironed on a high heat setting. For delicate linen pieces or dark colours, use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric and always iron on the wrong side of the fabric using smooth, even strokes.

Q. How to care for linen shirts?

A. Wash linen shirts in cool or lukewarm water with a mild detergent on a delicate cycle. Ensure to fasten all the buttons to prevent damage and turn the shirt inside out to prevent colour fading and any damage to the outside layer. After drying, hang linen shirts on padded hangers, or fold loosely when storing.

Q. Is linen good for summer?

A. Yes, linen is naturally breathable and lightweight. The flax fibres are moisture-wicking and dry quickly, making the fabric a perfect choice for warm or humid conditions. Due to its strong characteristics, linen will withstand frequent wear and washing.