You can’t go wrong with a linen shirt for summer.
It’s a magical fabric. With a low thread count and the ability to wick away excess sweat and regulate temperature, it’s perfect for those who are prone to under-arm patches when the summer’s approaching – and its antibacterial qualities mean it won’t cause odour either.
There’s one catch, though - no matter how much you steam (good luck!) or iron it, it’s impossible to achieve creaseless perfection. So, instead of stressing about looking dishevelled, we’d recommend embracing the slightly crumpled finish to add to your relaxed look. Beachside nonchalance at its finest.
When it comes to styling, you’ve got a few options. In the spring, pair with straight-leg jeans and a blazer to nail a smart-casual brief. When the mercury starts to rise, though, it’s time to drop the extra layers. For a casual affair, you could size up and pair it with little shorts for an easy look à la Call Me By Your Name. Or, if you prefer looking smart, use Sean Connery’s wardrobe in Thunderball as your moodboard (tailored shorts, trousers, and Rolex Submariner, included).
Pure linen is best for lightweight breathability, but if you want a little extra weight, opt for a cotton blend, which is also generally less prone to creases. Whichever you decide on, we’re sure it will make an appearance in your outfit rotation for many summers to come.
Keep scrolling for the best.
Best Long Sleeved Linen Shirts
Asket The Linen Shirt
Transparent brand Asket’s linen shirt comes in six colours and is made using 100 per cent linen, making it a natural choice for a relaxed look. Not only is it 100 per cent traceable, but the linen, which is grown along the coastline of northern France, only needs rainfall with no extra irrigation, fertilisers or pesticides. A guilt-free wardrobe addition.
Buy now £130.00, Asket
Mango Pocket Linen Shirt
There’s no better time to wear a bright colour than summer, so why not update your shirting collection with Mango’s green linen take? It’s a classic fit, so size up if you want an extra louche finish.
Buy now £49.99, Mango
Love Brand & Co Men’s Sky Blue Hoffman Linen Shirt
If you’re a linen shirt stan, Love Brand & Co should certainly be on your radar.
With a comprehensive range of colourful prints and classic block colours, all of which are inspired by the natural world, there’s something for everyone. Even better, the brand donates two per cent of the brand’s annual net revenue to charities helping endangered wildlife.
Our favourite is this half-buttoned design.
Buy now £175.00, Love Brand & Co
Uniqlo 100% Premium Linen Shirt (Regular Collar) - white
Every man needs a white linen shirt at their disposal. Made using 100 per cent premium linen, at £39.90, Uniqlo’s design is a steal. Coming in 12 colours and sizes XS - XXXL, the brand offers a selection to please even the fussiest of shoppers.
Buy now £39.90, Uniqlo
Loual Irish Linen Unisex Shirt in Holm Blue
Loual’s entire collection is constructed using premium Irish linen, from shirts to shorts to trousers. Not only do the shirts feel super luxe, but if you’re really into the fabric, you can invest in coordinating bottoms for a full set. All of the handmade pieces are available on pre-order for delivery in up to six weeks.
Buy now £240.00, Loual
Reiss Linen Cutaway-Collar Shirt in Paprika Red
For those who like packing light, this is the shirt you need in your suitcase. From the colour to the cut, its versatility means it will deliver some serious outfit mileage - whether you dress it up with tailored trousers or down with sports shorts.
Buy now £98.00, Reiss
Velasca Fagagna
When designing clothes, there are a few hard and fast rules Velasca follow. The Milan-based label makes timeless pieces which won’t go out of style – a great blazer, strong jeans, classic knitwear et al. – and makes them all in Italy, naturally. This shirt is no exception.
Buy now £160.00, Velasca
Collars & Co Monterey Cotton & Linen Overshirt Navy
If you’re after an extra layer for the transitional season, Collars & Co have just the shirt for you. Since it’s an overshirt, it’s a little heavier than the others in this edit, but the linen-cotton blend makes it breathable enough for warm summer days too.
Buy now £151.00, Collars & Co
Luca Faloni Portofino Shirt
Word on the street is butter yellow’s the shade of summer 2025 – and by the street, we mean the spring/summer 2025 runways, celebs, TikTok, Instagram etc etc – so now’s the time to give your wardrobe a sunny addition. Enter: Luca Faloni’s Portofino Shirt, which, like the brand’s entire collection, is handcrafted using first-rate fabrics.
Buy now £175.00, Luca Faloni
Best Short Sleeved Linen Shirts
Gusari Monte Carlo Shirt
Starting out with luxury swimwear in 2019, Gusari now offers a great range of shirts to go with their shorts. In a light green, this pleated design would look great paired with the brand’s London trunks in calke green (£145).
Buy now £150.00, Gusari
The Resort Co Linen Resort Shirt Sandalwood
You can’t go wrong with this season’s most popular shade, chocolate brown – so this shirt by The Resort Co, which is made from a luxurious Irish linen, is an easy win. Black trousers and leather sandals would be a nice finishing touch.
Buy now £151.00, The Resort Co
Percival Olive Tapestry Cuban Shirt
A brand we’re sure needs no introduction, Percival’s range of menswear is perfect for guys who like classics with a twist. A part of The Tuck Shop selection, this one’s for those with a taste for the sweeter things.
Buy now £149.00, Percival
Samsøe Samsøe Sataro NJ Shirt
If you’re not yet familiar with Samsøe Samsøe, you’re in for a treat. In true Scandi style, the Copenhagen-based label designs collections full of timeless classics season after season. The only problem? You’ll want everything on the website – including this textured linen navy style.
Buy now £110.00, Samsøe Samsøe
Wax London Newton Ecru Paradise Stitch Short Sleeve Shirt
With a boxy fit, patch pockets, a split hem and tropical embroidery, Wax London’s short-sleeved shirt is begging for a summer holiday.
Buy now £135.00, Wax London
