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
This crisp white shirt will get so much wear all throughout the year, not just during the summer.
I don't know about you, but I'm weak for puffy sleeves.
When a jersey T-shirt feels too heavy and soft for a hot day, toss on this more breathable blouse.
Cotton Poplin Dresses
As you can see from this photo, this dress belongs in a seaside town in Italy.
Nothing's easier than tossing on a white minidress in the summertime.
If you love a T-shirt dress but hate how jersey can cling to your body, this poplin alt from The Row is the summer splurge for you. When you consider price per wear, by the end of the season, it'll be practically free.
A classic choice. All you need to go with it is a vintage headscarf and some cat-eye sunglasses.
This dress is giving Prada nightgown vibes, and I'm 100% here for it.
Cotton Poplin Skirts
The fact that this skirt has the word "paperbag" in its title says it all.
Oh, I already know of six ways to wear this skirt, and that's just off the top of my head.
It might trap a little bit more heat because of the color, but it's never a bad idea to buy a black version of something you love.
I just imagine that this skirt will move in the prettiest way while I speed walk around Manhattan this summer.
I own the non-eyelet version of this skirt, and let me tell you it's so worth the price. It's truly perfect.
Cotton Poplin Pants
I love poplin pants because they feel like pj's but when styled correctly can appear extremely elevated and put together.
I went to a presentation for this brand during fashion week a few seasons ago and was blown away by the quality of its pieces.
Cotton Poplin Shorts
I'm going to end up wearing these at least three times a week for the entire summer. I just know it.
If you're a fan of Almina Concept's knits, you'll love its boxers even more.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Eliza Huber is a New York City based fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and Replica Handbags . She joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing in 2021 after almost four years on the fashion editorial team at Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a marketing degree from the University of Iowa. She has since launched two monthly columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled the likes of Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, and Sabrina Carpenter for WWW's monthly cover features; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top trends from fashion month, season after season. Eliza now lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, running in Central Park, and scouring eBay for '90s Prada and '80s Yves Saint Laurent.
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