This Is the Only Material Europeans Love More Than Linen in the Summer
When it comes to summering in Europe and wanting to look like a local, linen is often the material you think of first. That makes sense—the billowy fabric is very Talented Mr. Ripley and Call Me By Your Name. And while lightweight linen dresses, shirts, pants, and skirts are certainly warm-weather staples across Italy, Spain, and France, they aren't the only frequented options for staying both physically and aesthetically cool when the temperatures peak in said countries come June, July, and August. In fact, there's one other material that might be even more trusted by Europeans during the summer months than linen: cotton poplin.
Like linen pieces, a cotton poplin blouse or pair of trousers is guaranteed to be extremely breathable and lightweight. Plus, if you pick a soft color like white or pastel pink or blue, you'll benefit from the fact that lighter colors reflect most of the sun's wavelengths, keeping them from heating up throughout the day. Linen, however, tends to wrinkle—like, immediately—whereas the tightness of the weave of cotton poplin makes it practically wrinkle-proof. It's no wonder then that so many brands (and chic European passport holders) are choosing the latter breezy fabric option for the summer season ahead.
Below, shop the only material Europeans love more than linen this time of year in the form of dresses, skirts, and more.
Cotton Poplin Tops
Cotton Poplin Dresses
This dress is giving Prada nightgown vibes, and I'm 100% here for it.
Cotton Poplin Skirts
Cotton Poplin Pants
Cotton Poplin Shorts
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
-
You Had Me at 50% Off—25 Chic Gap Sale Finds That Will Be Instant Summer Closet Staples
One step closer to effortless outfits.
-
I'm Not a Fan of Showing My Arms—40 Incredibly Chic Summer Finds That Keep Them Covered
One less thing to think about.
-
Put Down the Boring Leather Tote—Every Stylish New Yorker Is Carrying This Colorful Bag Trend Instead
Spotted in London and the French Riviera, too.
-
This Is the Skirt Fashion People Are Going to Be Wearing for the Next 3 Months
Here's how to style yours.
-
32 Affordable Ashley Olsen Coded Picks That I Have My Eye on for Summer
Effortless, luxe, and incredibly chic.
-
I'm Obsessed With TikTok Micro-Trends—8 I'm Shopping for Summer
From my For You page.
-
I Proved It—Everyone Thinks These 39 Old Navy, Gap, and Zara Items Are Designer
Run and swipe.
-
8 Trends East Londoners Are Wearing Every Time I Leave My Flat
Like clockwork.