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.