13 Linen Clothes I’m Packing for a Month in France

After nearly 15 years of traveling around the South of France in the summer, there’s one thing I tell everyone to pack for their own stays: linen. Piles of it, preferably. It’s the perfect fabric for surviving the scorching summers in a country where air conditioning and iced drinks can be hard to come by. The lightweight fiber’s natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties are ideal for keeping cool, whether you’re exploring the produce markets of Aix-en-Provence or the beach club scene in St. Tropez. Plus, linen clothes are supremely packable, given their soft shape and thinner weave, so you can fit weeks’ worth of clothing into a small bag. I managed to pack a month’s worth of clothes into my carry-on luggage for my upcoming trip, including several of the items on this list.

Below, I’ve rounded up the best French-inspired linen finds at Amazon, several of which are currently on sale, up to 40 percent off. From ultra-versatile dresses to trendy two-piece setsthese breezy picks will help you channel the casual-yet-polished aesthetic that the French have mastered.

Best Overall Picks

Cider Linen Boat Neck Backless Top

Boat neck tops are a timeless staple of French style, first popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1930s as a tribute to the French naval uniforms of the previous century. I love the backless, knotted design of this slightly-cropped top from Cider, which offers much-appreciated ventilation, particularly given France’s aversion to air conditioning. The ties in the back add an elegant touch, and better yet, can be adjusted to find your perfect fit. As someone who prefers to go braless, I’m always looking for lightweight tops that aren’t too sheer—this one delivers with breathable double lining in the front, even in the lighter colors. Given the affordable price point, I’m tempted to stock up on both the white and black versionswhich I’m envisioning with high-waisted trousers and sandals for a breezy day-to-night look.

Shy Velvet Linen Maxi Dress

Minimalist, airy dresses like this linen maxi dress are the foundation of my summer wardrobe. I’ll wear them over a swimsuit at the beach or with sneakers for a stroll through the morning market, then slip into heeled sandals and my Great Aunt’s vintage jewelry for dinner in town. The breathable linen fabric is a lifesaver on hot days, yet has just enough weight to wear in shoulder seasons as well; on cooler evenings, this maxi dress looks great layered under a cropped sweater. It’s available in a rainbow of 16 shades, all topped off with black contrast trim and travel-friendly details, like adjustable spaghetti straps and hidden side pockets.

Faleave Cotton‑linen Palazzo Pants

Linen pants are my airport uniform of choice in the summer, thanks to their laidback-yet-polished look and pajama-like comfort. These wide-leg pants are a perfect dupe for my favorite pair from Reformation—except you could buy numerous pairs of these for the low $30 price. (Tempting, given that they come in 15 colors, from Neutral Khaki to rosy pink.) The elastic waistband is easily adjustable, so you can comfortably indulge in the miracle that is the French cheese cart when dessert rolls around. Plus, deep side pockets offer plenty of space for storing your phone, keys, or sunglasses while you’re out on the town.

Anrabess Drawstring Linen Shorts

A day trip to Calanques National Park is all but mandatory on a trip to Marseilleand these lightweight linen shorts are perfect for keeping cool while hiking down the limestone cliffs to the gleaming turquoise swimming holes below. Linen is naturally moisture-wicking and quick-drying, so it’s a chic alternative for athleisure, which is generally frowned upon in France. They’re available in 13 different summer-ready shades, including red-brown and classic navy.

Idealsanxun Drawstring Linen Midi Skirt

After spotting this calf-length linen skirt on sale, I immediately added the beige and black styles to my cart. I’ll be living in this all summer long, pairing it with tank tops or wearing it over my favorite one-piece swimsuits so I can easily shimmy out of it for a quick swim between courses at Tuba Cluba dreamy seaside hotel and restaurant in Les Goudes. The skirt’s elastic waistband and modest side slit ensure comfort and full range of movement, and there’s even a silky lining for added coverage. Plus, as a petite traveler, I’m a sucker for bottoms I can toss in my suitcase without a trip to the tailor first, and this midi-length skirt is ultra-flattering.

Idealsanxun Linen Cropped Tank

For a full linen ‘fit, the Idealsanxun skirt boasts a matching cropped tank that comes in 19 colors—and they’re all on sale. It’s a steal for the price, considering that you can wear it two ways: forwards for a more streamlined look or backwards to show off the chic button-down design (which is decorative rather than functional).

Aeneontrue Linen Wide-leg Pants

These ankle-length trousers offer a more sophisticated alternative to drawstring linen pants, thanks to a stylish button closure and flattering cropped fit. Luckily, they don’t sacrifice comfort, as there’s an elastic waistband on the back that makes them easy to pull on. Two side pockets offer a convenient place to stash small travel essentials as well, like hotel keys or earbuds. Just note that the lighter shades tend to be somewhat sheer.

Anrabess Matching Linen Set

It doesn’t get more effortless than this trendy two-piece setconsisting of flowy palazzo pants and a square-neck tank that you can throw on for long travel days or afternoons of sightseeing. The boxy top looks just like my favorite linen tank from Reformationwith a slightly looser fit that allows for plenty of air flow on stuffy days. I love the versatility of matching sets, as you can maximize your outfit potential by wearing the pieces together or separately. I’d also pair the top with denim shorts or a silk midi skirt, while the pull-on pants—which feature a stretchy elastic waistband and two side pockets—would look great with a vintage scarf top. Given the low price point, you could even buy two colors (there are a whopping 17 vibrant hues available) to mix and match the tops and bottoms.

Marie Mapis Linen Tote Bag

Crafted from 100 percent French flax linen, this ultra-chic tote reminds me of a fabulous home goods shop in Marseille, Emperor house, where I picked up a handful of linen tote bags on my last visit. Soft yet sturdy, linen bags like this are durable enough to hold a laptop, books, and other travel essentials, yet they can be tucked into your pocket when empty. I carry one at all times while traveling, in case I pick up picnic supplies or souvenirs during the day and need a stylish, more sustainable bag to carry them in.

Siliteelon Linen Button‑down Shirt

Everyone should own at least one linen button-down shirt, especially if you’re headed to France in the summertime, where it seems to be the uniform of choice. They’re incredibly versatile, and this cotton-linen blend top comes in 23 different colors and sizes ranging from XS to 5X. Wear it open over a bathing suit or partially buttoned with high-waisted shorts or trousers. For a nostalgic twist, take a cue from Jean Seberg in Hello sadness and grab one in light blue, then tie a knot at your waist with the shirt ends.

Chouyatou Adjustable Spaghetti Strap Midi Dress

Flirty, feminine dresses like this midi style always wind up on constant repeat in my summer wardrobe, whether I’m visiting vineyards or lingering over a long lunch with friends. I’m all about sleeveless styles and breezy fits to avoid potential sweat stains, and this A-line dress delivers on both fronts. Plus, it has side pockets and adjustable straps (that can be tied in a sweet little bow) for added convenience.

LNX Linen High-waisted Trousers

Another irresistible option for my fellow linen pants lovers: these cropped trousers. I’m eyeing the adorable striped patterns, which give me classic beach club vibes. The elastic waistband and dual side pockets make these a great travel pant, especially given how easy they are to pack. Just note that this cotton-linen blend looks best after a quick steam to smooth out any creases.

Idealsanxun Linen Blazer

For a more elevated alternative to a button-down, a soft linen blazer adds structure and style to any outfit. Wear it over a mini dress or a tank top and wide-leg pants for an instant outfit upgrade, complete with two handy pockets for extra storage. I love the summery look of the three-quarter-length sleeves and the relaxed fit, which adds polish without looking too fancy.

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