The official start of Spring has just arrived, and the Summer Solstice will be soon to follow, both seasons marked by warm weather and more time spent outside.  As the weather gets warmer and the days get even longer, the need for comfortable, breathable clothing is reaching a fever pitch. As our loyal customers know, much of the linen clothing that FLAX offers is specifically designed for the warmest weather, as the lightweight linen fabric contains inherent properties that perfectly complement a hot Summer day. 

For one, linen is breathable and encourages great airflow. Due to its construction, linen is naturally permeable to the air, which encourages the circulation that keeps you cooler for longer. Furthermore, linen can absorb up to 1/5 of its weight in liquid without feeling noticeably damp. Meaning, while you sweat, the linen will actually wick away the moisture! These dual mechanisms of linen create a natural cooling effect, which makes FLAX an essential for any Summer wardrobe. While all linen is naturally lightweight, FLAX offers several styles in a Handkerchief-weight linen, more delicate and lightweight than any other linen they offer, ensuring you won’t feel bogged down by a heavy fabric in the heat. Rather than feel inhibited by the hot weather, you can stay cool and comfortable in FLAX linen clothing while looking stylish to boot! Keep in mind that 100% linen fabric gives slightly as you wear it, adding comfort as the day goes on, and is durable enough to be machine washable without the worry of shrinkage -- an effortless choice for a hot Summer day. 

For a relaxed day out in the sunshine, the Midtown Dress from the more contemporary FLAX Urban II 2021, the Gallery Dress from FLAX Urban 2021, or the Horizon Dress from the FLAX Urban 2020 collection, are just a few of our Top Picks!  Featuring 100% Handkerchief Linen that has been steam-crunched to achieve the signature "crinkled" look, these dresses are ideal for achieving high style with low maintenance, and are offered in soft and summery shades.  In these dresses, you can forget all about the heat, slip on a pair of sandals, and just enjoy the sun! 

Finally, the change of the seasons can signify new beginnings and a dynamic vitality.  With an unusual year behind us, we can move into the Spring and Summer seasons by looking towards the future with unrelenting hope. I would like to end this week’s post with the poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African American poet and playwright of the late 1800’s, who wrote about this palpable buzz of energy in an excerpt of his poem In Summer.   

~ Sophia,  J.Fenton Gallery (Williamsburg, VA)

Oh, summer has clothed the earth

In a cloak from the loom of the sun!

And a mantle, too, of the skies' soft blue,

And a belt where the rivers run.

And now for the kiss of the wind,

And the touch of the air's soft hands,

With the rest from strife and the heat of life,

With the freedom of lakes and lands.

Here at LinenWoman, we recognize that wellness is more than just physical. Wearing comfortable clothing has the power to genuinely ease your mind, allowing you to focus on things other than your outfit. Naturally, wearing FLAX, our 100% linen clothing, is more than just about style. It can help you feel more grounded physically and mentally, especially if you practice other wellness activities such as yoga while also wearing FLAX. As we navigate a changing world and dream for better, finding this inner piece is an absolute necessity. 

Yoga is the noble practice of unifying one’s mind, body, and spirit through a series of postures and poses. Derived from the writing of ancient Indian sages, the discipline of yoga can be both a spiritual and physical activity. Yoga encourages you to foster an awareness of your body through measured, thoughtful breathing and movement. At times, practicing yoga can help quiet the mind and achieve much-needed clarity.

Any yoga instructor will tell you-- comfortable clothing is key to the practice of yoga. For instance, itchy, uncomfortable fabrics can leave you irritated both physically and mentally, pulling your attention away from your body and your practice. Breathable, non-restrictive clothing like linen allows you to move freely and get the most out of every movement. Naturally, this makes FLAX the ideal outfit for yoga-- you may even forget you’re wearing anything at all! The comfortable, airy linen can help you breathe into the relaxation. As well, our sustainably made FLAX reflects a commitment to loving and respecting the earth, a tenet embedded within the discipline of yoga. 

For your yoga needs, I recommend the sporty Urban Crop, or the even more relaxed Full Time Pant. As all three are part of our Urban FLAX collections, they have a cotton knit trim and a natural wrinkle perfect for comfortable, flexible movement. Whether practicing yoga at home or at Yogaville where many of our regular customers in Charlottesville retreat to, yoga can help you lean into the current moment and arrive at even greater revelations. At the present moment when we can genuinely affect the world with our every action, wellness is more paramount than ever. Why let uncomfortable clothing stop you when you can wear FLAX? 

Happy Yoga and Namaste!

Now more than ever, wearing clothing that helps you feel comfortable and relaxed is a top priority...

With much more time spent at home and an increasing need to destress, the phrase “Dress How You Want to Feel!” has never felt more relevant! As we navigate the changing landscape of community health restrictions, our Flax clothing is perfect for feeling unrestricted. The breathable and flexible linen of our Flax clothing allows you to connect with the natural world, without feeling contained by harsh and stiff fabrics. Our linen fabric is inherently lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating, and our thoughtful Flax cuts emphasize those qualities for the best possible wear. Whether taking a stroll in your neighborhood, lounging on the couch, or simply stepping out to get some air, Flax is the ideal clothing for you. For those days when you want to get out of your pjs and slip into something just as comfy (& even more stylish!), Flax is the perfect fit. You’ll never want to wear jeans again!

~ Sophia, J.Fenton Gallery (Williamsburg, VA)