The Burda Style Selection: Linen

An iconic fabric of the summer season, linen finds its place in both our wardrobes and our homes.

Primarily grown in France and Western Europe, linen is admired for its natural appearance and its many benefits. Breathable, durable, and long-lasting, it effectively regulates moisture and provides a pleasantly cool feeling in warm weather. Its low environmental impact also makes it a highly valued fiber. Not to mention its relaxed elegance and summer charm, which make it instantly recognizable.

In both men’s and women’s summer wardrobes, linen has become an essential fabric. For suits, shirts, trousers, and dresses, this lightweight material promotes airflow, quickly releases body heat, and dries fast. These qualities ensure optimal comfort throughout the day.

Our tip when buying fabric

By choosing a linen/viscose blend, your finished garment will wrinkle much less over time.

Recommended supplies:

• The choice of needle depends on the weight of the linen: a universal needle size 70/10 to 80/12 is perfect for lightweight to medium-weight linens, while sizes 80/12 to 90/14 are better suited for heavier fabrics.
• For stitching, use a high-quality polyester thread or a cotton-polyester blend.
• For machine sewing: use a stitch length between 2.5 and 3 mm to prevent marking or puckering the fabric.

Naturally elegant and easy to wear, linen remains the go-to fabric for enjoying summer in style and comfort. To inspire you, the Burda Style editorial team has selected the most beautiful designs to sew and wear throughout the sunny season.

Linen Blouse No. 113 | Burda Style 06/26

This shirt stands out with its straight, fluid cut and its boldly summery style, enhanced by a vibrant lime-green shade that instantly brightens the silhouette. Made from lightweight linen, it offers a soft drape that moves elegantly with the body.

The neckline is shaped with stitched-down pleats. The slightly puffed three-quarter sleeves also feature pleated detailing at the hems, enhancing its relaxed appeal. The discreet front loop closures highlight the simplicity of its design with refined elegance.

To learn more about the different types of buttonholes, watch our video tutorial: Everything You Need to Know About Buttonholes!

Worn buttoned up as shown here or tied at the waist and left open, this shirt adds a relaxed touch that perfectly balances the generous volume of the trousers.

Linen Trousers No. 115 | Burda Style 06/26

The high waist beautifully enhances the silhouette, while the front pleats add elegant structure. The wide-leg cut moves effortlessly and provides absolute comfort, making it ideal for sunny days. Presented in a bright lime-green shade, the design brings freshness and modernity to a summer wardrobe.

Total look: Combined together, the oversized shirt and wide-leg trousers create a striking monochromatic ensemble. The play on proportions results in a feminine and contemporary silhouette, while the lightweight linen enhances the feeling of fluidity and lightness. This total look is ideal for anyone seeking an elegant, comfortable outfit that is easy to wear both every day and on vacation!

Made from soft linen, this long shirtdress captivates with its flowing drape and naturally elegant silhouette.

Linen holds its pleats very well and particularly highlights the stitched pleats at the waist. As they gradually open up, they add volume to the skirt and create a slightly flared silhouette that is both feminine and airy. The short sleeves, accented by wide cuffs, reinforce its casual look. With its terracotta color, the dress evokes sunny landscapes and natural materials.

Linen frays easily, so the finishing touches are almost as important as the sewing itself. French seams work very well with fine linens, while folded seams, overlock stitching, or bias tape are excellent choices for heavier linens.

Dress 106, made from linen, charms with its feminine summer silhouette, enhanced by a vibrant anise-green shade. Naturally breathable, the fabric offers a soft, lightweight drape, making it ideal for sunny days. The V-neckline delicately highlights collarbones, while the wide shoulder yokes, created with stitched-down pleats, add character to the design.

The waist is subtly defined to shape the silhouette without compromising its fluidity.

With its relaxed fit and effortless style, this fine-linen T-shirt is perfectly suited to a design that reinterprets a timeless womenswear classic. The dropped shoulders and integrated short sleeves enhance its laid-back appeal.

When you prepare your fabric, don't forget a crucial step when working with linen! To achieve the best results with linen, it is important to anticipate shrinkage, stabilize the fabric before cutting, and choose neat finishing techniques. Pre-washing is essential, as linen may shrink during its first wash. After washing, press the fabric thoroughly so it lies completely flat before marking and cutting. When cutting, work along the grain whenever possible and use a stable surface—placing paper underneath the fabric can also help if the linen tends to shift.

You may also find our article How to Cut Pattern Pieces? helpful, as it covers the essential basics for a successful sewing project.

This blazer, made from soft linen canvas, reinterprets the codes of classic tailoring with a modern and streamlined approach. It is an ideal piece for warm weather: lightweight, breathable, and elegant without feeling heavy. A linen blazer works just as well for a polished office look as it does for a more relaxed dinner outfit.

Gently shaped with princess seams, the cut creates a feminine silhouette without sacrificing comfort. The classic notched lapel collar and single-button closure reinforce its timeless appeal.

The softly flared A-line shape, enhanced by the inverted pleat at the front, offers excellent freedom of movement while creating a fluid and airy silhouette. The horizontal yoke across the upper bodice subtly structures the design and highlights the purity of its lines. The short sleeves with turn-up cuffs provide a polished finish and reinforce its relaxed-chic look. A Curvy design available in sizes 46 to 56.

Tip: Press each seam as you sew to keep them crisp and properly opened. Avoid pressing linen that's too dry or directly on the fabric, as it can become shiny; using a pressing cloth is highly recommended.

These wide-leg trousers, available to sew in sizes 44–52, stand out with their fluid silhouette and distinctly contemporary cut. Made from soft linen with an elegant drape, they move gracefully while visually elongating the figure.

The high waist is highlighted by a wide self-tie belt integrated into the waistband, gently accentuating curves and adding a feminine touch. In a luminous saffron yellow, these trousers bring warmth and character to any outfit.

The sewing detail we love? The wide hem at the bottom of the legs, which adds structure and a beautifully polished finish.

A must-have this season, linen is also making its mark in men’s wardrobes. This shirt, designed to be sewn in sizes 48–56, is the perfect example. Lightweight and breathable, linen keeps you cool and comfortable all day long.

Its open, Cuban-inspired collar enhances its casual vibe, while the visible button placket adds a touch of understated structure to the silhouette. The short sleeves and two chest pockets highlight its casual-chic character and add a very on-trend utilitarian touch.

Easy to wear, it’s perfect for any summer occasion, from lunch on a terrace to an evening with friends, or a getaway by the sea.

These lightweight men's linen Bermuda shorts, available in sizes 46–56, focus on clean lines and exceptional comfort. Their above-the-knee length and understated finish allow for complete freedom of movement while maintaining a refined silhouette.

The front design remains streamlined with a discreet fly closure, while the welt pockets at the back provide an elegant and structured finish.

Discover our sewing technique article Burda Sewing Technique: How to Sew a Welt Pocket? to create professional-quality welt pockets.

Presented in a soft natural beige shade, these Bermuda shorts pair effortlessly with a matching linen shirt, a polo shirt, or a simple T-shirt.

All of these designs are available as PDF patterns with just one click on our Burda Style website!