Comfortable, natural and a little bit different — three linen pieces I’m wearing this spring
There was a time when you wouldn’t have caught me wearing much linen.
Why? Because linen creases!
I used to find myself ironing a beautiful linen garment, putting it on, and then wondering why I’d bothered when five minutes later it was covered in creases. I wanted my clothes to look neat and polished, and linen’s relaxed, slightly rumpled appearance wasn’t really my thing.
But somewhere along the way, I’ve changed my mind.
Perhaps it’s because I’m now much more interested in comfort, natural fabrics and clothes that fit into my lifestyle rather than spending time worrying about whether every crease is in place.
I’m also someone who generally gravitates towards more fitted clothing. Because I’m petite, I often feel that a more structured or fitted silhouette works better for my shape. So the relaxed, flowing style of some LINTICO pieces is a little different from what I would normally choose.
But I have to say, I really like that flowing feeling for summer.
There’s something wonderfully easy about a lightweight fabric moving with you rather than clinging to you on a warm day. It feels relaxed without necessarily meaning you have to compromise on looking stylish.
At 69, I still love fashion. I love putting an outfit together, adding a necklace or a great pair of shoes and feeling good when I walk out the door.
But I also want to be able to move, breathe, travel, have coffee with friends and enjoy life without feeling restricted by what I’m wearing.
And I’ve realised that maybe those linen creases aren’t something to fight after all.
They’re part of the charm.
So when I was invited to try some pieces from LINTICO, a brand specialising in linen and relaxed contemporary clothing, I was interested to see whether this former linen sceptic could be converted.
I chose three pieces, all in a size Small:
And rather than simply showing you the clothes on a model, I’ve photographed myself wearing them because I think that’s much more useful.
This is how they look on a real woman at 69 — and what I really think about them.
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Before I get to the clothes, let’s talk about the fabric.
What actually is linen?
Linen is a natural fibre made from the flax plant. The fibres are processed and woven into fabric, producing the slightly textured material we know as linen.
It’s one of the oldest textile fibres and has remained popular because of its natural qualities.
According to LINTICO, flax fibre has a structure that allows air to circulate and helps moisture move away from the skin. The brand also describes linen as a strong, enduring natural fibre that becomes softer with time. (LINTICO)
That makes linen particularly appealing to me for warm-weather dressing, especially living in Queensland, Australia where the summers are hot and humid.
Some of the benefits of linen include:
- Breathability – it allows air to circulate around the body
- Moisture management – it can absorb moisture while still feeling relatively cool
- Lightness – lightweight linen can feel beautifully airy
- Durability – flax is a strong natural fibre
- Softening with wear – linen can become softer and more comfortable over time
- Natural texture – that lovely relaxed look is part of its appeal
And then there’s the elephant in the room…
Linen wrinkles!
Yes, it does.
And I’m learning to be okay with that. In fact, I’ve decided that the wrinkles are part of the personality of linen. I like that slightly relaxed, lived-in look.
For me, linen says:
“Relax. Enjoy yourself. Life isn’t supposed to be perfectly pressed.”
1. KATYA 100% Linen Buttoned Slit-Hem Pants
Size Small | Navy Blue
Let’s start with the pants.
I really like the design of the KATYA pants. They’re a relaxed wide-leg style, with an interesting row of buttons running down the outside of the leg and a slit detail towards the hem. LINTICO currently describes them as a 100% linen style and includes them in its relaxed linen collection.
The buttons give them something a little different from the usual wide-leg linen pant. They’re not just a basic pair of summer trousers.
But here’s my honest sizing experience…
I ordered a Small and found the pants very generous. For my height and waist, they are going to need some alterations. I’ll have the waist adjusted and the length taken up so that they sit better on me.
And I think that’s worth mentioning because relaxed sizing can be wonderful — but proportions don’t always work perfectly for every body shape or height. I’m not particularly tall, so the length is an issue for me.
But would I send them back?
No.
I really like the pants and think they’re worth having altered. Once they’re adjusted, I can see myself wearing them regularly through spring and summer.
I also love the way the pants look when I’m sitting down. They’re comfortable enough for a relaxed coffee but have enough detail to make the outfit feel considered.
And that’s really what I’m looking for. Comfort without sacrificing style.
My KATYA notes
Fabric: 100% linen
Colour: Navy Blue
Size: Small
Fit for me: Very generous
Alterations: Waist and length
What I love: The button detailing, wide-leg shape and relaxed feel
Size Small | Navy Blue
This is the top which matches perfectly with the KATYA pants. At first glance, it’s a fairly simple navy linen top. But then you notice the details.
The asymmetric hem and button trim give it a little bit of personality, which is what attracted me to it. LINTICO lists the NYLA as a 100% linen top and currently offers it in several colours, including Navy Blue. (LINTICO)
I like the relaxed shape and the three-quarter sleeves, particularly for spring and summer. It’s comfortable without feeling like I’ve simply thrown on an oversized shirt. And I think the asymmetric hem is flattering because it breaks up the straight line of the outfit.
Styling it
I’d happily wear the NYLA with:
- The KATYA pants
- White or natural linen pants
- Jeans
- Straight-leg trousers
- A simple skirt
And then change the shoes and accessories depending on where I’m going.
That’s something I look for when I’m buying clothes now. Can I wear it more than one way? If the answer is yes, it earns a place in my wardrobe.
My NYLA notes
Fabric: 100% linen
Colour: Navy Blue
Size: Small
Fit for me: Relaxed and comfortable
What I love: The asymmetric hem and button details
Size Small | Navy Abstract
Now for something a little more fun!
The NOREEN is definitely the statement piece of the three and I think it is my favourite. I was immediately drawn to the navy and white abstract pattern. And I love wearing a print.
Just because I’m 69 doesn’t mean I’m ready to disappear into beige!
LINTICO describes the NOREEN as a relaxed design with overlapping asymmetric layers and a high-low hem. One important detail is that this particular garment isn’t 100% linen: the fabric is a 55% linen and 45% cotton lightweight blend. (LINTICO)
That combination gives the top a lovely lightweight feel and drape.
I particularly like the way the print works with the navy KATYA pants. It’s coordinated without being too matchy-matchy, which I believe is one of the easiest ways to wear a statement print:
Let the pattern do the talking and keep the rest of the outfit simple.
The asymmetric layered shape also gives the top plenty of movement. And the longer back provides a little extra coverage, which is another practical detail I appreciate.
My NOREEN notes
Fabric: 55% linen / 45% cotton
Colour: Navy Abstract
Size: Small
Fit for me: Relaxed
What I love: The print, lightweight feel and asymmetric shape
One of the things I like about these pieces is that they don’t have to be worn as complete outfits.
- The navy KATYA pants become a wardrobe basic.
- The NYLA gives me a simple but interesting navy top.
- And the NOREEN adds pattern and personality.
I can mix them with pieces I already own and that’s important because I’m not interested in constantly buying more clothes.
I’m interested in creating a wardrobe that works harder for me.
Something has changed in the way I think about fashion. When I was younger, I probably tolerated uncomfortable clothing because I liked the way it looked.
At 69, I know what I like — comfortable, stylish clothes that let me move freely and enjoy my day. And I want to feel good while I’m doing it. That doesn’t mean I’ve given up on style. Quite the opposite.
I think it’s about finding my style rather than following every fashion trend.
One of the messages I often share here at Women Living Well After 50 is that getting older isn’t about shrinking our lives.
It’s about continuing to grow into who we are and I think that applies to our wardrobes too. We don’t suddenly reach 50, 60 or 70 and receive a memo telling us what we’re allowed to wear.
There are no fashion police waiting at the door!
If you love colour — wear it.
If you love linen — wear it.
If you love a bold print — wear it.
If you prefer classic neutrals — wear them.
The goal isn’t to dress younger. It’s not to dress older.
It’s to dress like yourself.
After wearing these pieces, here’s what stood out to me.
Natural, comfortable fabrics
I love the feel of linen and the relaxed nature of these pieces.
Interesting design
The asymmetric shapes and button details give the clothes personality.
Easy styling
The pieces can be mixed with other items in my wardrobe.
Great for relaxed living
They’re suited to the sort of lifestyle I enjoy — casual, social and active.
Check the sizing
My experience with the KATYA pants was that the Small was very generous, particularly for my height and waist. I’d recommend checking the garment measurements carefully before ordering.
And remember that relaxed clothing is designed to have room — so don’t assume you need to size up.
Yes.
The KATYA pants are going to the alterations shop first, but I’m looking forward to wearing them once they’re adjusted.
The NYLA is an easy, elegant navy top that I can see becoming a wardrobe staple.
And the NOREEN? That’s my “let’s have a little fun” piece. Because sometimes an outfit just needs a bit of personality.
I think one of the best things about getting older is becoming more comfortable with yourself.
- I know what makes me feel good.
- I know I want to be comfortable.
- I know I still enjoy fashion.
And I know that I don’t need to dress according to someone else’s idea of what a 69-year-old woman should wear.
I want to dress for my life.
And my life includes running, strength training, travel, family, friends, coffee, gardening, going out… and occasionally dressing up just because I feel like it.
So perhaps my fashion philosophy these days is quite simple:
Don’t dress for your age. Dress for your life.
And if that means adding a little linen, an interesting print and a great pair of shoes along the way… I’m all for it.
Now I’d love to hear from you…
Which of the three looks is your favourite — the classic navy NYLA, the relaxed KATYA pants, or the patterned NOREEN?
Are you a linen lover? Do you embrace the wrinkles, or do they drive you crazy?
And has your approach to fashion changed as you’ve got older?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Until next time…….
Disclosure
Disclosure: LINTICO provided these garments for me to try and review. As always, the opinions and observations in this article are my own. This post contains links to LINTICO. If these are affiliate links and I receive a commission from purchases made through them, there is no additional cost to you.
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