Your Linen Wardrobe and How to Get There...

My transition to clothing made from linen, was a gentle one.  It began long before The Handmade Closet was conceived.   I was on a personal mission to create a wardrobe that not only let me feel continuously comfortable, one that looked good and that also aligned with a better more sustainable way to do my clothing.  My journey, and the one I share with others,  can be summarised with this five step introduction to building your sustainable wardrobe.

Step 1: Conscious Curation

Begin by thoughtfully considering the curation of a selection of garments that resonate with your personal style. Think about how your clothing needs to work for you each day.  Explore  designs and styles you feel comfortable in, or that you know work for you, choosing pieces that reflect your individuality.

This is also the time to let go of or repurpose the items you've held on to that don't work for you anymore.  I do this process at least every second year even now.

Make a list (or create a pile) of the staple items that you wear most often, the ones that can be mixed and matched to create a multitude of purpose driven outfits. Give them pole position in the wardrobe.  Easy to wear and purposeful clothing will be what you want to choose more often.  Make them accessible. 

By consciously considering your needs prior, you can shop confidently knowing any new purchases will lay the foundation for a wardrobe that makes the most of your clothing budget.  Only buying what works, from as local as possible and with a mindset for sustainability, and quality over quantity.

During this stage, list which specific new pieces are needed sooner rather than later, based on the gaps you find in your existing choices.  Well worn items that need replacing or pieces that need something else to make them work for you.  What immediate needs do you notice?  That's your new linen garment shopping list.  

Step 2: Quality Craftsmanship

I've already mentioned this.  It's worth highlighting as a step of its own.  Seek this out at all costs.  Quality considered items that you'll wear again and again, have a greater chance of outliving other less well made garments and will stretch your dollar resources further.  Choose well made clothing, you'll be ensuring that your wardrobe has longevity at its core.    That’s our commitment to you.  Investment in everyday pieces that work hard for you for many years.   

Linen's durability and inherent beauty make it the perfect fabric for long-lasting pieces that become treasured wardrobe staples.  It will also feel good each time you wear them, appreciating the craftsmanship of the hands that created your clothing.  Customers tell us that knowing who designed, cut and made their clothing is a fantastic feeling. 

 Step 3: Customisation for Perfect Fit

Does your clothing fit you well or are you continuously hitching or adjusting to feel comfortable.  They aren't the pieces we reach for .... are they!  Flicking through your clothing options in the morning and not finding anything you want to wear is not the best way to start your day.  Let's change that.  Set aside the pieces that don't feel right, and take a note of why.  Knowing why your clothing isn't working is what I'm interested in when we make new clothing choices for you.    

One of the unique aspects of The Handmade Closet is our commitment to the fit you need. Every garment can be made to your measurements while honouring the design, ensuring the perfect fit for you.   We want to make clothing that solves the problems you've faced in the past. 

We invite you to select your preferred length, sleeve style, and neckline finish or if individuality is important to you, a request to "surprise me" option for unique 'bespoke to you'  items. 

By helping to clothe you this way, we give you the opportunity to create a wardrobe that truly reflects your personal taste. 

Step 4: Versatility and Timelessness

Will your current wardrobe transcend trends and remain relevant for years to come?  That's a great question to ask!  It's also a good one to take with you when making new purchases.

Linen has been the fabric of choice for centuries.  It's reputation is steeped in traditional elegance.  Linen clothing also bridges the gap between seasons, with its naturally insulating properties.  Making your linen garments versatile year-round essentials, cool in summer and warm in winter.  It's truly a magical fabric. It's the reason it has earned its long tradition as a fabric of choice and quality. 

The practical, relaxed, and comfortable nature of linen ensures that your wardrobe will be adaptable to different seasons and occasions.  That has to be a good thing.  Less pieces that will do more for you year after year, season after season. 

Review what you currently choose to wear - separates or dresses; sets or mix and match.  Consider the best outfit silhouette for you.  Decide what neckline, sleeve and length proportions work for you.  Then spend some time building a wish list of dream outfit combinations that work for you, blending current favourites with new linen pieces. 

Do you need a work day office look that can do double duty as weekend wear:  the relaxed tailored Stickler trousers and the traditional button up Go Anywhere linen shirt for the work week, and styles with a smart casual Weekender top or Dearest Tee for relaxed weekend style. 

Dresses more your style?   Layer a Serendipity Dress with the Mahoney Slouchy jacket for the work week and combine the jacket with our Slip Dress for the weekend and you’ve achieved two looks with the one jacket.   

For hundreds of years linen has been loved for clothing and it will always be a good choice. 

Step 5: Mindful Care and Longevity

Let's shoot this reputation in the foot!  "Linen needs ironing... and I don't iron!"  I don't iron either!  Linen is easy care.  Modern linen fabrics are designed for a wash and wear approach. 

Embrace eco-friendly laundering practices, choosing short and gentle machine wash cycles, hanging on a clothes hanger in the shade or indoors. I also have a spot for airing between wears which means I'm laundering less. Bonus!  Forget the ironing, linen prefers to go a-la-natural.  Double bonus!

Linen garments can last for years, becoming cherished pieces that age well.  A little gentle loving or mend when required and they will comfortably serve you for longer.

Summary: 

Building a sustainable wardrobe of linen garments is a journey grounded in conscious choices. When you take the time to build a collection of versatile, high-quality pieces and embracing your preferences and clothing for purpose, you create a wardrobe that is a true reflection of your values and personal style.  Follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before you at The Handmade Closet and create a wardrobe that will stand the test of time.  Get on board with reducing the time you spend shopping for clothing, and the need to regularly discard items that end up in landfill, thinking about the lifespan of your garments before you purchase.

Begin your journey today, use these tips or book a wardrobe consultation with me.  I’d be thrilled to be part of your journey to curate a collection of clothing that works for you.  Personalised Clothing Consultations are available in person by video call by appointment.

Garments featured in images: Shop Displays - Linen Chemise - Duck Egg, Serendipity Dress - small black natural gingham, Whimsy Skirt and Button Bolero in Black Natural Gingham , Flow Pop Over - Black, Pathfinder Dress - knee length in Milk. 

Wendy wears a "Surprise Me" Journey Coat Dress, and Nancy Wears Hepburn Pants  in Black with the Go Anywhere shirt in Milk.