It’s rare for a brand to be known for everything it makes. Oftentimes, they’ll be famous for a specific thing, from Levi’s and denim to Bottega Veneta and braided leather goods. For Reformation, the area that really got the brand to the top was its linen, whether it’s crafted into a dress, a set, or separates. Just take a look at the brand’s best-sellers page if you want proof. A majority of the items listed there are crafted out of the summertime-favorite fabric. But since I’ve never been one to blindly accept the word of the masses, I decided that it was time to finally put Reformation’s linen offering to the test and see if all that hype is justified.
To do so, I took home four of the brand’s most talked-about linen pieces—the Will Oversized Linen Shirt, the Mason Linen Shorts, the Tagliatelle Linen Dress, and the Robbie Linen Two-Piece Set—and tried them on, actually feeling the material, physically experimenting with the fit, and experiencing IRL the silhouettes. And of course, I couldn’t keep my findings to myself. Below, read my honest review of Reformation’s linen.
Wearing: Reformation Will Oversized Linen Shirt ($128) and Mason Linen Short ($128); Bottega Veneta Sardine Metal-Handle Intrecciato-Leather Bag ($4200) and Drop Earrings ($1350); Brilliant Earth Organica Cuff Bracelet ($7. Because I wear button-down shirts at least three times a week, I own a lot of them from a lot of different brands and have extremely high expectations. This shirt exceeded them, even overtaking some of the designer shirts I have in my collection. What I love about it most is how stiff and thick it is. So many linen pieces aren’t 100% linen these days, so they don’t have that starchy way about them and are, instead, flimsy and sheer. This is nothing like that. I just know that it’ll get better as I wear and wash it. The shorts are equally high quality, and I love how they are tailored in a way that allows them to be worn casually and more formally. The length is also great for anyone who isn’t obsessed with the hot-pants trend going around, but equally doesn’t want to wear Bermuda shorts. They’re just right.
Wearing: Reformation Tagliatelle Linen Dress ($278); Margaux The Demi ($225); Bottega Veneta Cobble Intrecciato-Leather Shoulder Bag ($4600) and Drop Earrings ($1350). I never used to be a sundress person, finding them to be a bit too feminine for my dressing taste, but recently, I’ve noticed takes that feel far chicer than those I usually associate with the summer dress style. Case in point: Reformation’s Tagliatelle Linen Dress, which has a gorgeous corset-like bodice with hook-and-eye closures up the front and a midi-length, A-line skirt. It’s simple, yet elegant, and is made of really heavy linen that feels expensive and luxurious instead of casual.
Wearing: Reformation Robbie Linen Two Piece ($248); Jenny Bird Doune Hoop Earrings ($128); Prada Re-Edition 1995 Carolyn Nappa Leather Bag ($3500) and shoes. Unlike most linen pieces that can feel very summery and low-key, this set is extremely elevated and perfect for a night out. The black-and-white color palette has long been known as one of the chicest combinations, made significant by Chanel, so it’s no wonder that this set is one of Reformation’s best sellers. I love it just paired with heels and a great black bag, but it would definitely still work with brighter accessories. As an added bonus, even though it’s a set, you can mix and match the top and bottom with other pieces to get more bang for your buck.
If you want a top you can wear again and again in a million different ways, you just found it.
