I Tried All the Linen I Could at Banana Republic
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Last year, I couldn’t stop telling everyoneBanana Republichad finally returned to the same brand that had Nora Ephron and Hunter S. Thompson write product reviews for its mail-order catalogue. I’ve wondered how the linen is under theGapaissance— or rather, underZac Posen, who was appointed creative director of Gap, Inc., which includes Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy, in 2024. A whole tab of its online storefront isdedicated to the fabric, and I’ve noticed new styles being added regularly. It would be impossible to try every single piece of Banana Republic linen, but I did try at least one thing in all the linen-related categories, including tops, shorts, pants, and dresses. Everything here is 100 percent linen (no linen-viscose blends allowed), and a good rule of thumb is that it should be aseasy and breezy as a CoverGirl ad. And for the most part, Banana Republic’s linen was; nothing was scratchy. For reference, I’m about five-two and wearing either a size medium or 10 unless otherwise noted below.
WhatILiked
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To know me is to know I don’t like to show off my arms (they aren’t as toned asMichelle Obama’s). But for the sake of journalism, I did. Thistankis cut to bare some collarbone and the whole shoulder. What can’t be helped is VBS (as invisible bra strap) unless you’re wearing a straplessbraor racerback. The arm holes aren’t low, at least — nothing’s peek-a-boo-ing here. Banana Republic suggests getting a size up as the tank has a slimmer fit, but while it does hug, it doesn’t cling. That’s in no small part thanks to the linenjerseyfabric.It feels like a sea breeze. I can’t imagine anything better for a humid midsummer night. I would brave sleevelessness for that comfort.
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The Relaxed Linen T-Shirt is made from the same linen jersey as the Linen Cutaway Tank and is the summer-appropriate version of your favoriteT-shirt. I have a small qualm about the crewneck itself: It’s hard to put your head through. It does stay put and lay flat, however. (Is there anything worse than a neckline that flops like a wilted orchid?) In this cream white, it’s a little bit sheer. I don’t mind that — it’s not so sheer that you can tell where my bellybutton is. I think you’d see even less in the other available colors:black,chocolate brown, andcactus-grove green). The big thing is it’snotcropped. This is like finding a unicorn.
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With all the affection in my heart, I can’t help but think of a peach Melba here (or at least a melting creamsicle). I’d like nothing more than to be Ina Garten, and I’m getting close toBarefoot Contessa–dom with this shirt. Next stop: Amagansett! Or Sagaponack! This just may get me through the summer of 2026, as Gap’slinenBig Shirt did in the summer of 2024. In an age when everybutton-downis oversize, I appreciate this one being slightly fitted. If you prefer to wear it over abikini, you should consider sizing up at least one size. Unlike the Linen Cutaway Tank and Relaxed Linen T-Shirt, it uses Banana Republic’s European flax linen rather than linen jersey. It feels a little sturdier. It should be able handle going through the wringer — i.e., being stuffed into acarry-on.
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I may be having a Banana Republic–pant summer after last year’sGap-pant summer: I’m thinking of getting multiples of thiswide-leg. It’s the right width. It’s the right length (it swooshes over the tops offlip-flops). And you can get the right fit with the help of the elastic waistband and inner drawstring. My pants are prone to waist gapping, and I didn’t need to cinch these in; do with that information what you will. It’s very laissez-faire, like a failed-actress character yachting on the Riviera or staying at aWhite Lotus, and it’s another instance of Banana Republic’s European flax linen. The white pant necessitates flesh-toneunderwear, but there is a lining to keep your butt from completely showing.
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This is spiritually a grown-up version of a Lilly Pulitzer shift. Aren’t I rather jaunty? I imagine you can dance in this. Initially, the wordtrapezein the product copy didn’t inspire confidence, but I was wrong. You still get the semblance of a corporeal form. I have a chest that’s on the bigger side (a 36D), and when I first tried this, it felt a little snug, but when I tried with aminimizer, that helped. It’s not a dealbreaker for me when everything else works. This is easy to wear when it’s too hot to think about what you’re wearing. Keep in mind, though, it’s unlined. And I almost forgot: the front pockets! They’re big enough to hold anything from an iPhone to a small Mason Pearson brush (yes, I checked), but miraculously, they don’t stick out when empty.
WhatIKindofLiked
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Last September, I included theMid-Rise Relaxed Painter Pull-on Pantin cotton in an installment of our “Strategist Haul.” I think theMid-Rise Relaxed Painter Pull-on Pantinlinenis a little narrower through the hips. There’s some give, but I had to wiggle. I don’t know about Banana Republic’s European flax linen here; I think the cotton version better holds the shape of the exaggerated barrel leg. These are just okay. Not terrible, but not amazing.
WhatIDidn’tLike
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It’s a lot of leg for me at my ripe old age of 29. These are ashortthree inches. These shorts wouldn’t even meet the fingertip rule in my high-school gym class. It’s no small exercise to get the invisible side zipper up, either. Not helping matters is the back elastic. (I spent at least a few minutes trying to get them on, anyway.) I can’t say they’re made for anyone wide-hipped (like yours truly).
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I was hoping this would be something akin toMara Hoffman. Banana Republic had me with the scoop neck (that’sperfect), the three-quarter sleeves (elegant), and the slit (which shows a tasteful amount of calf). Instead, it fits me like a Roman column. I’m built way differently from the model. Trying a large might have fixed some problems I had, but this would need a lot more hemming. It’s for someone taller than I.
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I could not show a photo of myself in this without being put on trial for obscenity. I’ll say the entirety of my chest was out (a literal bodice ripper!). I mistakenly asked for a size small, thinking it ran large based on a customer review, butno. I don’t think a medium would have solved the problem since the rest of the skirt was huge on me. Just an overall weird fit. I almost needed the Jaws of Life to take it off.
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I’m one-for-three on Banana Republic’s linensummer dresses. Again, no photo here for decency’s sake. I should not be thinking of the wordssausage casingwhen looking in a mirror. It didn’t zip up! I dare anyone to figure out the wrap situation.
WhatI’dTryNext
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I would be happy to pack this for the Dominican Republic later this summer. It’s not unlike my dad’sguayaberas.
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Aruba, Jamaica… Bermuda (shorts)? I wouldn’t mind channeling my inner Beach Boy.
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There comes a point in the middle of July when you don’t want anything near your sweat-laden body. This may be ideal for that.
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