Applying these fresh fragrances feels akin to putting on a white linen dress.

      (Image credit: Byredo, MFK, Replica, Philosophy, Guerlain, Loewe)

      Selecting the ideal perfume is a deeply personal choice. Some individuals may lean toward warm, woody aromas, while others might prefer floral or fruity fragrances. Nevertheless, there’s one category of scent that nearly everyone seems to appreciate, and I consider myself well-versed in this arena. Yes, I am referring to those clean, fresh perfumes that give the impression of having just emerged from the shower. As someone who enjoys soft, subtle, and lightweight scents just like anyone else, I've sampled numerous clean-girl fragrances and consulted with various experts over the years to discern the key notes to seek for a light and airy aroma. While some of these fresh scents are more suitable for winter, there is a select group of clean fragrances that I reserve for the warmer months due to their gentle, buoyant qualities. I like to call these linen perfumes. Spraying on a linen perfume feels as refreshing as donning a cool linen shirt after a day at the beach. Don’t be misled, as these clean, lightweight fragrances are still incredibly elegant. They are just as classic as your summer wardrobe essentials and are guaranteed to remain favorites for years to come. If this resonates with you, continue reading for my all-time favorite linen perfumes...

      **The Best Linen Perfumes**

      - **Best overall linen perfume:** Maison Margiela Lazy Sunday Morning

      - **Best budget linen perfume:** The Body Shop White Musk

      - **Best luxury linen perfume:** Loewe 001 Woman

      - **Best timeless linen perfume:** Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis

      - **Best linen body mist:** Fenty Fragrance Parfum Hair + Body Mist

      1. **Maison Margiela Lazy Sunday Morning**

       Maison Margiela

       Lazy Sunday Morning Eau De Toilette

       Key notes: Lily of the valley, white musk, iris, ambrette seeds

       First on the list is a true classic. This fragrance from Maison Margiela is cherished for its fresh, comforting, linen-like aroma. If you were to ask me to describe it, I'd compare it to waking up on a sunny Sunday morning in crisp, white, freshly laundered sheets with an entire day free ahead. It's an eau de toilette rather than eau de parfum, which means it has a lower concentration of fragrance oils, resulting in a lighter and fresher scent on the skin. Yes, it may not last as long, but who worries about reapplying when it smells this delightful? Notes of lily of the valley blend with comforting white musks for the ultimate clean-girl fragrance.

      2. **Loewe 001 Woman**

       Loewe

       001 Woman Eau De Toilette

       Key notes: Sicilian lemon, bergamot, peony, linen chord, jasmine, sandalwood, musk

       Next is a luxury favorite of mine. Loewe offers many stylish scents, but this particular fragrance feels like putting on a designer linen shirt on a hot summer day. Another eau de toilette, it feels light and crisp against the skin. It opens with notes of mandarin and bergamot, beautifully balanced by florals such as peony and jasmine. A base of musk adds a warm, comforting scent, while a bespoke linen accord makes this a perfect choice for warmer weather.

      3. **The Body Shop White Musk**

       The Body Shop

       White Musk® Eau De Toilette

       Key notes: Clean aldehydes, lily of the valley, jasmine, white musk

       A great perfume doesn’t have to be expensive. This affordable, fresh fragrance from The Body Shop exemplifies that. One of the brand’s most iconic scents, it has all the hallmarks of a clean-smelling perfume, featuring notes of lily of the valley, jasmine, and white musk. The inclusion of aldehydes gives this fragrance a soapy quality reminiscent of white linen trousers swaying in a gentle breeze on the washing line outside.

      4. **Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle**

       Acne Studios par Frederic Malle

       Eau de Parfum

       Key notes: Aldehydes, rose, violet, sandalwood, peach, white musk

       I never thought I could justify spending £290 on a fragrance until I encountered this one. A collaboration between French perfume house Frédéric Malle and Stockholm-based fashion house Acne Studios, it represents the quintessential it-girl perfume. Similar to the previous fragrance, it features fresh aldehydes, but these are complemented by delicate florals, sweet peach, and creamy sandalwood. If I had to associate this scent with clothing, I would envision an oversized cream linen blazer worn by the trendiest person around.

      5. **Philosophy Pure Grace**

       Philosophy

       Pure Grace Eau de Parfum

       Key notes: Waterlily, bergamot, jasmine, lavender, musk

       I adore wearing linen during the summer