Handmade Staples: not Perfect Linen Review
Recently I received a much anticipated package, carefully wrapped in wax paper and tied with twine with a paper envelope full of color swatches and a sweet little linen fabric scrap printed with the phrase, “the beauty of linen is that it is not perfect.” This package contained a few handmade pieces all the way from Lithuania, my selection from a wonderful small business operating through Etsy called not Perfect Linen. Today I wanted to share these new wardrobe staples with you and talk a bit about the process of ordering custom made pieces, a very enjoyable experience indeed!
Rimini Camisole | Amsterdam Coat | Athens Pants
About not Perfect Linen
Now for a bit more about not Perfect Linen. As I mentioned above, this small label can be found on Etsy, which makes ordering very easy. It is a Lithuanian family run business making simple and elegant linen pieces with a slow and conscious approach. They use OEKO-TEX certified linen fabrics from local manufacturers and simplified designs to reduce waste and create pieces that suit all ages, shapes and sizes. Each piece is minimal (no unnecessary hardware or intricate designs) and has a classic, timeless feel to it, features I always look for in my wardrobe staples. They come in a variety of linen weights, colors and patterns. With nearly 200K reviews and a 5-star rating, this is a standout Etsy seller and sure to be an instant favorite.
At a Glance
I tried four styles from not Perfect Linen, all of which I could wear both as loungewear for this time of year and out and about during the warmer months. But before we go into specifics, here is a look at the brand at a glance.
Price: $55 - $120 USD
Sizes: XS - XXL (US 2 - 16)
Available in 50 colors, prints and weights
100% OEKO-TEX certified linen
Machine wash in cold water and hang to dry
Ordering Custom Pieces
In a true slow fashion approach, each piece is handmade to order so you can expect to wait a few weeks for your package to arrive. I placed my order at the end of September and it took just under a month to arrive. Many of the Etsy reviews mention design and fit variations that were requested to truly customize these handmade pieces, several of which not Perfect Linen does free of charge (see Shop Policies for a full list). This is one of the many benefits of ordering custom pieces, being able to add pockets, lower hemlines and change out buttons to get exactly what you want.
Fit & Sizing
I referred to the size guide, which had precise measurements for each unique piece. I was pleased to find all the pieces fit as expected. If you do run into a sizing problem, not Perfect Linen has a 30 day return window but the buyer will be responsible for shipping costs, so it’s better to measure twice before ordering. One aspect of all their designs is the relaxed fit and minimal shapes meant to flatter a wide variety of ages, shapes and sizes. Most of their styles range in size from XS to XXL (US 2 - 16+), which is perhaps not the most inclusive brand I’ve found, but each piece can be customized to add several inches to the measurements free of charge and I assume these requests are fairly common.
Styling Tips
Linen is, in my humble opinion, one of the best natural materials to wear all year long. Keep these handy tips in mind to style linen like a pro.
Experiment with color: Wearing one unifying material throughout your outfit helps tie together bold color combinations. Alternatively, a more neutral color palette will accentuate the natural material.
Go for a relaxed fit: Linen looks best when worn loose and relaxed. Tightly fitted styles tend to wrinkle and bunch more easily. Look for pieces with streamlined designs and oversized silhouettes.
Contrast the softness: A lightweight material like linen pairs well with more rigid, structured materials such as leather and denim.
Embrace the wrinkles: Linen is naturally wrinkle prone. Don't worry too much about keeping your look crease-free and instead embrace the casual feel of this natural fiber.
Rimini Camisole Review
The first piece is the Rimini Camisole which I ordered in the color Cream, size medium. This is a simple round neck camisole that’s great for layering under knitwear or on its own during summer. On me it’s more of a relaxed fit but it does contain chest darts and while the strap length is not adjustable I found it to fit just right.
Old London V-Neck Shirt Review
The second piece I ordered is the Old London V-Neck Shirt in the color Cream, size medium as well. This is described as a Japanese Haori-style top, meaning that it has a wider, boxier and slightly cropped fit. It also has a wide three-quarter sleeve and drop shoulder, a fit that I particularly love on my angular frame but which would likely suit several body types. The oversized shape makes it one size fits most, with only two length options. This is one of their most popular styles and comes in a round neck option as well.
Amsterdam Coat Review
The third piece I chose is the Amsterdam Coat in the color Beige, size small. This is a lightweight, mid length duster style coat with three-quarter length wide sleeves and a relaxed fit. I absolutely adore this light grey color (listed as Beige) as it pairs well with both warm and cool-toned neutrals. This piece also comes with a wide linen belt to cinch it at the waist. It doesn’t have button closures but the straight neckline drapes quite nicely when worn open or closed. This pieces looks great layered over the Rimini Camisole and the Old London V-Neck Shirt as there is plenty of room in the sleeves and body to accommodate larger tops underneath.
Athens Pants Review
And finally, the last piece I chose are the Athens Pants in the color Beige, size small. These are perhaps my favorite piece of the lot because they are super comfortable, soft and fit like a dream. I went back and forth between this style and the more tailored, tie waist Boyfriend Pants but ultimately decided on the drawstring style. The relaxed, tapered fit of these pants are casual enough to wear as loungewear and pajamas or dressed up as an everyday pant.
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