Layering Linen for Fall
We often think of linen as solely a summer fabric, but as I welcome the brisk breeze on these fall mornings, I find myself reaching for my favorite extra layer, my linen jacket, as I run out the door.
Linen is known for its breathability, strength, and ability to evaporate water quickly, making it a top choice for hot summer days. However, paired with other natural fibers like cotton and wool, your linen garments can easily be worn in colder seasons.
When purchasing or sewing new clothing for my capsule wardrobe, I try to choose high quality textiles and styles that can easily flow from season to season. This is especially important while living in the Midwest, where we experience four very different seasons and every type of weather. I own every type of jacket under the sun, seriously.
Of course, buying natural fibers and handcrafted items often results in higher cost, so learning how to layer textiles and extend the life of those garments is important to maintain a wardrobe you love to wear. It’s also fun to get creative and try different combinations and silhouettes. Linen has become a staple in my seasonal closet for its comfort, versatility, and the beautiful texture it adds to any outfit. Over the years of living in Wisconsin, I have discovered a few tricks for wearing linen in colder months.
Quick tips for layering linen:
1. Start with a warm base layer like a cotton crewneck or turtleneck sweater and layer with a linen jacket or long vest. The extra layer will trap heat and keep you warm, adding interest without looking bulky. Win, win.
2. Wear high socks or leggings under your wide leg linen pants. Wool socks are a must-have in Wisconsin.
3. Not sure about mixing fibers and textures? Keep it simple by choosing a monochromatic look (ex. black on black is a good place to start!)
4. Have fun with it! Mix colors and textures you love and document what works best for your lifestyle.
How do you style your linen items for fall? Let me know in the comment section below. Would love to know what is working (or not working) for you. Hope you found these tips helpful!
Happy sewing and styling,
Morgann
P.S. Outfit details: my favorite linen jacket by Dallas Daws Designs paired with a thermal cotton turtleneck and black denim from Everlane.
About Author
Morgann McCoy
Morgann is the owner, designer, and seamstress behind A Well Worn Story, a sewing studio in southern Wisconsin creating handcrafted leather and canvas bags inspired by adventure.Leave a comment
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17 Comments
Lorraine Rovig
I’ve been wondering whether quilted layers of a linen “sandwich” with a cotton layer in the middle would be warm enough for a jacket here in MN, where we are already below 30 degrees too often. Such a jacket would be lighter in weight than wool, which sadly I’m allergic to anyway.
Morgann Mccoy
I have been wanting to make a quilted linen jacket with this exact idea in mind! I found one at a thrift store that’s all cotton and keeps me super warm without looking bulky. I’d say give it a try!
Janet Campbell
Thank you for the ideas. I love your jacket – the style, fabric and color. Did you make it? Is it an available pattern? You may start seeing multiple people wearing jackets identical to yours.
Summer Donovan
It sounds like she bought it ready made, but there is a pattern called the Wiksten Haori that looks similar.
Morgann Mccoy
I actually bought this one from a friend of mine, Dallas Daws Designs, based in MN. She makes beauitful clothing. The Wiksten Haori pattern would be very similar to this style!
Toby Sterman
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately as I sew a new wardrobe based around linen. Thanks for the tips!
Morgann Mccoy
Of course! Thanks for reading!
Barbara MacRobie
Thanks for this article! Do you think an underwear-style camisole would be an effective first layer under the sweater? I have a lot of FabricsStore’s handkerchief linen stocked up.
Morgann Mccoy
Yeah I think that’s a great idea for a base layer! I love making pieces that I can layer in every season.
Gayle Gray Doyle
Thank you for the post. Informative and helpful. At the young age of 72
I have returned to sewing. The motivation was moving to southern AZ, and the cost of purchasing pre-made linen clothing…..just way too expensive. We have a high elevation in Sierra Vista and experiene cold winters. Layering it will be!
Morgann Mccoy
So happy to hear you’ve returned to sewing and that you found this information helpful. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself buying a lot of linen haha!
Gaylyn Kaufman
Gratitude! Living in Michigan, layering is essential! Your reflections simply and elegantly raised the process to an art! What joy!
Morgann Mccoy
Fun to meet a fellow Midwest gal who loves layering! Hope you’re enjoying fall!
Anita Vigorito
Is that jacket pattern available?
Morgann Mccoy
I actually bought this jacket from a friend of mine who makes clothing under her brand, Dallas Daws Designs. I’ve had it for years and love it. I would recommend checking out this Wilksen jacket: https://shopwiksten.com/collections/sewing-patterns/products/womens-haori-sewing-pattern It’s very similar!
Suzanne Browne
Love the colors! Love natural fiber fabrics! Thank you for your collections!
Morgann Mccoy
Thank you for reading!