Sets Appeal: A Review of Almost Every Linen Top and Bottom from Quince

Sharing an unsponsored review of Quince linen tanks, tops, shorts, and pants.

Here in the Carolinas, temperatures continue to inch closer to triple digits, and there is little else to do except move slowly and reach for light, breathable layers (and, of course, do our very best to explore the great indoors!).

Linen has long been a summertime staple, and this summer, I’m doing my very best to embrace it, wrinkles and all.

Note: this post is not sponsored and I purchased these items myself, however, this post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links (at no additional cost to you!). Thank you for your support!

One brand (and a frequent topic of discussion on this blog) offers a range of linen styles, all at what I consider to be an affordable price: Quince.

At the start of summer, I ordered eight linen garments from the DTC brand – four tops and four bottoms – all ready to pair together in sets or to be mixed in with the rest of my wardrobe. It’s a lot, especially for me, but as I’m always traveling to a variety of climates, I purposely chose pieces that offer varying degrees of coverage. And, if my past Quince reviews have taught me anything, it’s that the brand’s fit can be hit or miss (oh – if it’s helpful for navigating this post, my current measurements are here).

Looking for more honest style reviews? Check out my index of reviews, sorted by brand

I definitely won’t be keeping all of the items I’m showing you today and will be sharing my decision to keep or return each piece as I make my way through it.

Speaking of today’s post, it’s kind of a long one and I think we should just jump right on in!

QUINCE LINEN TANK REVIEWS

100% European Linen Boxy Cropped Tank

100% European Linen Boxy Cropped Tank
Color | Sand
Size | S
Material | 100% Linen
Also wearing, top photo | 100% European Linen High Waisted Short | Slides* | Necklace* | Opal Studs | Gold Studs
Also wearing, bottom photo | 100% European Linen Tapered Ankle Pant | Slides* | Necklace* | Opal Studs | Gold Studs

After watching the 100% European Linen Boxy Cropped Tank go in and out of stock faster than my fingers could click “check out”, I finally snapped one up (torn between sizes, I let fate decide by choosing the only option remaining, a small). Based on the reviews, I fully expected to need to alter it a little to fit as I’d like, regardless of size, so it really didn’t matter.

The 100% European Linen Boxy Cropped Tank is very cropped and very boxy, and just from the model photos alone I could picture a gust of wind blowing it up from below to reveal everything. After it arrived, my suspicions were confirmed: despite a double layer of linen and the added weight of buttons in the back, the top doesn’t nip in enough at the waist to stop things from moving around.

My sewing skills are adequate and this would be a simple fix, but frankly, I’m not sure if it’s worth it. This top is very cropped, and for me, needs to be paired with ultra high-rise bottoms (find a review of these matching linen shorts and pants further down!). Versatility is really the only thing holding me back from ripping the tags right off; otherwise, I’m quite happy with the overall look, adjustable straps, and double-layered linen fabric.

Verdict: Leaning towards return – but feel free to try to convince me otherwise!

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100% European Linen Tank

100% European Linen Tank
Color | Black
Size | XS
Material | 100% Linen
Also wearing | 100% European Linen Shorts | Panama Hat | Bag | Sneakers℅ | Necklace | Hoop Earrings | Stud Earrings

I’ll let you in on a little behind-the-scenes blog secret (at least, for this blog!): any time you see review photos taken anywhere outside of my home, it’s a sign that I’ve truly worn the piece IRL and am thus keeping it.

Now that the secret’s out, let’s look at the 100% European Linen Tank! Since it’s sleeveless, I suppose that it is appropriately named, but if I were in charge of naming things at Quince, I’d be more likely to label this as a shell (especially considering how items are named so generically yet confusingly on the site). But in essence, this is a sleeveless linen top with a relaxed fit.

As someone who’s on the curvier side, the seemingly universal category of “relaxed fit” can be the most challenging thing to wear. If a top doesn’t nip or drape correctly, it quickly ends up looking like a sack. This tank has no shaping (no bust darts, no darts in the back, etc.) and is made of a substantial fabric, and thus gapes at my bust and bags out around my waist in a way I don’t typically love.

But… I kept it anyway. The linen used in this top is thicker than other ones I’ve tried in recent memory, and somehow, it wrinkles less than others, too. Adding darts is a new-to-me sewing skill I’m excited to learn, and this is the perfect project to start with.

Verdict: Keep, but alter.

QUINCE LINEN TOPS REVIEWS

100% European Linen Short Sleeve Shirt

100% European Linen Short Sleeve Shirt
Color | Black
Size | XS
Material | 100% Linen
Also wearing | Cropped Knit Tank* | 100% European Linen Shorts | Sandals | Necklace*

The 100% European Linen Short Sleeve Shirt caught my eye for its price ($34.90 at time of purchase) and the possibility of creating a DIY romper or jumpsuit when paired with Quince’s other linen bottoms (minus the awkward bathroom visits).

I was nervous about gaping at the bust when I ordered an XS, but was even more concerned about having too much fabric around my mid-section so I went for it anyway. It ended up being the right call – this top fits exactly as I’d like, and is opaque enough that I don’t even bother with a cami underneath. I’ve worn it with khaki shorts (for full camp counselor vibes), partially tucked into relaxed denim, and open with a crop top peeking out underneath. It’s cool, it’s comfortable, and it feels lived-in (but not sloppy) as it picks up its characteristic wrinkles throughout the day.

Verdict: Keep!

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100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt

100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt
Color | Black
Size | S
Material | 100% Linen
Also wearing, top photo | 100% European Linen Pants | Sandals
Also wearing, bottom photo | Ponte Dress* | Sandals | Necklace* | Opal Studs | Gold Studs

When I pulled the 100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt from the bag, I assumed Quince must have accidentally shipped me the oversized version instead. There is a lot of fabric here (I can only imagine the amount of pinning and tucking they must have done to accomplish taking this model photo!), but I trudged ahead, trying not to let that cloud my opinion.

The first thing I noticed after buttoning it all the way is that it fully covers my bum, which even though I’m 5’4″, I wasn’t expecting. The next thing I noticed is the fit in the chest and shoulders. The shoulders are wider than my frame and the arms are a smidge too long. There’s no gaping at the bust, but the large armholes make moving around a bit uncomfortable. And finally, I found that leaving the bottom button undone was the only way to accomplish a comfortable fit in the hips.

As a button-down top, it’s kind of a dud for me. The only way I could see myself wearing it is fully unbuttoned as a topper over a tank, dress, or swimsuit. Basics should at least be versatile, and I’m just not sure that it’s worth it.

Verdict: Return.

QUINCE LINEN SHORTS REVIEWS

100% European Linen Shorts

100% European Linen Shorts
Color | Black
Size | S
Material | 100% Linen
Also wearing, top photo | 100% European Linen Short Sleeve Shirt | Sandals | Necklace* 
Also wearing, bottom photo | 100% European Linen Tank | Bag | Panama Hat | Sneakers℅ | Necklace | Hoop Earrings | Stud Earrings

Yep, there’s me out and about in the 100% European Linen Shorts – so you know I’ve kept them!

I had pretty low expectations for my first pair of non-athleticwear Quince bottoms, but I was pleasantly surprised with the fit in the waist and hips. I can wear them at my natural waist, or if I want a more relaxed look, I can loosen the drawstring and wear them a little lower. The inseam is 3.25″, which is honestly about as short as I see myself going these days. The pockets are reasonably deep, and the fabric is pretty opaque in black.

Aesthetically I wish the drawstring was on the inside of the shorts for more versatility in styling, but it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. I’m happy to embrace the more relaxed look in exchange for a pair of shorts that will get me through record-breaking temperature days.

Verdict: A keeper!

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100% European Linen High Waisted Short

100% European Linen High Waisted Short
Color | Sand
Size | M
Material | 100% Linen
Also wearing | 100% European Linen Boxy Cropped Tank | Slides* | Necklace* | Opal Studs | Gold Studs

Like the Boxy Cropped Tank above, I had to let fate decide which size of the 100% European Linen High Waisted Short I could order (fate chose a size medium).

Right away I noticed that I prefer the slightly dressier elastic waistband on these shorts than the 100% European Linen Shorts, and not just for the lack of a drawstring. The thicker band adds a bit of additional interest, and the slight ruffles at the top render this pair a little less casual.

But that’s as smitten as I can allow myself to be with these shorts, which have two issues: the fit and the fabric.

In the medium, there is just too much fabric around the hips and belly, which doesn’t suit me, especially when seated (dare I say, the effect is a bit… diapery). Worst of all, though, is that the linen is incredibly sheer in this colorway. I wound up photographing these while wearing a pair of slip shorts to keep things modest for the camera (this being the internet and all!) because otherwise, very little is left to the imagination.

It’s a shame, really, because I am happy with the length and the styling potential.

Verdict: Return… or exchange for a different color and a size down? Hmm…

QUINCE LINEN PANTS REVIEWS

100% European Linen Pants

100% European Linen Pants
Color | Black
Size | S
Material | 100% Linen
Also wearing | Crop Tank | Sandals | Necklace* | Opal Studs | Gold Studs

There have been a number of linen pants that have made their way into my home and then out of it over the years. No matter the brand, I always tend to blow through the fabric irreparably (and somehow never in the same place!). It’s too soon to tell if the 100% European Linen Pants from Quince will meet the same fate, but I can tell you that this pair is significantly less expensive than the pairs from Eileen Fisher or Tahari that have landed in my compost pile and I think it might hurt less.

Taking a cue from the 100% European Linen Shorts, I took a size small in these pants – and found the sizing runs slightly small in the long-legged version. But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my past linen pants ownership, it’s that linen tends to relax over time and magically grow in size. It’s hard to tell if that will be the case here without ripping the tags off and putting them through their paces, but I have a hunch these will do the same and loosen that smidge of snugness in the hips and bum.

Styling this pair is not unlike styling a pair of straight-leg trousers, especially since these have belt loops (a happy surprise to me – I can’t find it mentioned anywhere in the description). I especially like the idea of wearing these on travel days when I can’t even fathom wearing hard pants. No, they’re not an especially exciting pair of pants, but they seem like they’ll be a good workhorse.

Verdict: Keep, and cross my fingers that the linen will relax

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100% European Linen Tapered Ankle Pant

100% European Linen Tapered Ankle Pant
Color | Sand
Size | S
Material | 100% Linen
Also wearing | 100% European Linen Boxy Cropped Tank | Slides* | Necklace* | Opal Studs | Gold Studs

The 100% European Linen Tapered Ankle Pant feels a lot like the linen pants that made their way around the slow fashion circuit five years ago, and I’m not mad about it. The soft white color and chic seaming also feels very coastal grandma, so naturally, they’re the perfect foil to the 100% European Linen Boxy Cropped Tank.

Once again I was torn between a small and medium, and landed on a small because that was what was in stock. Like the 100% European Linen Pants above, the fit is a touch snug in the hips, but I have hope these would relax a little with wear. What can’t easily be changed, though, is the sheer fabric. Once again, I wore my slip shorts to shoot these photos because the linen is so see-through. The tag is easily visible through the fabric, as were my nude-to-me thong and bikini underwear. Linen should be effortless, and having to carefully pair your undergarments with your pants kind of defeats the purpose.

Verdict: Return

*This item is no longer available and a similar product is linked.

IS QUINCE LINEN WORTH IT? MY FINAL THOUGHTS:

Boy, this review is kind of a mixed bag, huh?

There are a lot of things to love about Quince’s linen – the designs offered, the styling possibilities, the ability to create your own matching set, the nature of this incredible fiber, and of course, the price.

But that doesn’t mean everything is perfect in Linen Land.

Fit is my biggest issue with Quince’s linen, followed soon after by quality (specifically, the density of the fabric in the lighter colors). Something has to give to keep prices low, and it seems like they chose to skimp out on attention to detail and tailoring to achieve the under-$40 prices. I’m probably more critical than most, of course, and my opinions on fit are largely influenced by my curvier figure (personal tastes are just that – personal!).

But what about wrinkles? They’re famously a blogger’s biggest foe, and I’ve yet to meet a linen that doesn’t wrinkle – but somehow Quince’s linen seems to wrinkle less than others. So, yes, it’s gonna wrinkle, but it’s up to you to embrace it.

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Questions for you

What Quince styles have you tried?

Are you leaning toward wearing matching sets, or do you prefer to keep things separate?