Brenda Dress - Basil Paisley

Is Linen a sustainable material?

Yes, linen is one of the most sustainable fabrics in the world. It's grown from flax, needs very little water, no irrigation in most regions, and every part of the plant gets used. It's also fully biodegradable at the end of its life. 

At HIHO we build our linen collection, tops, bottoms, and dresses, around lightweight, superior-quality linen that's cool, breathable, and made to last. We're a small family-run brand on Tortola, and the way we source and produce is part of what we call our Island Ethos. 

What makes HIHO's linen different from other linen brands? 

Three things. First, the weight. HIHO linen is lightweight by design, cut for hot weather, not for autumn-in-the-city styling. Second, the cut. Our pieces are designed for life on the water, on-board, off-board, on-water, so they pack flat, move easily, and look intentional in a beach bar. Third, the source. We work with smaller family-run suppliers who share our standards, not the cheapest mill we can find. 

HIHO linen is built by people who wear linen seven days a week on a Caribbean island. That's the difference. 

What should I pack for a coastal vacation? 

Whether you're heading to the British Virgin Islands, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport or any other sun-and-sea destination, the brief is the same. Pack light, pack quick-drying, and pack for the sun. 

HIHO's island packing list, written by people who actually live on one: two UPF50+ sun shirts (long sleeve and short, both in the proprietary piqué knit so they stay cool), a pair of swim shorts or a swimsuit, two terry or linen cover-ups, a wide-brim hat, lightweight linen for evenings, a rash guard if you're snorkelling. Skip anything heavy. Coastal places run on linen and terry for a reason.