You can’t go wrong with a quality linen shirt.
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 - 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 a louche look à la Call Me By Your Name. Or, if you prefer a more formal take, use Sean Connery’s wardrobe in Thunderball as your mood board. He wears linen with tailored shorts and trousers throughout - not forgetting the Rolex Submariner, naturally.
To lean into the laid-back look, it’s pure linen that should be on your wishlist. Or if you’re after a breathable shirt to wear with tailoring, opt for a cotton blend which isn’t quite as prone to creases.
The good news? The sheer volume out there means you’re spoilt for choice. 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.
Long sleeved
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 £115.00, Asket
Mango Linen tencel mix striped shirt
A striped shirt is a wardrobe staple, so why not swap your Oxford with linen for the upcoming summer season? Mango’s even features a touch of Tencel for a super soft 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 £150.00, Love Brand & Co
Uniqlo 100% Premium Linen Shirt (Regular Collar) - white
Every man needs a white linen shirt in their shirting arsenal. Made using 100 per cent premium linen, at £39.90, Uniqlo’s design is a steal. Coming in 12 colours and sizes XXS - XXL, they offer a selection to please even the fussiest of shoppers.
Buy now £39.90, Uniqlo
Gusari Safari Teal Green Shirt
Starting out with luxury swimwear in 2019, Gusari now offers a great range of shirts to go with their shorts. In a muted teal green, the safari style would look great paired with the brand’s khaki trunks.
Buy now £125.00, Gusari
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
Short sleeved
Bode Peak cross-stitched linen shirt
Emily Adams Bode Aujla, the founder of Bode, often takes inspiration from the past, so it’s no wonder many of her designs wouldn’t look out of place in an antique flea market. This shirt, which is inspired by an embroidered vintage tablecloth, is no exception.
Buy now £500.00, Mr. Porter
Percival Lemon Kreme 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
Reiss Holiday Slim Fit Linen Button-Through Shirt
For those who like packing light, this is the shirt you need in your suitcase. From the light khaki hue to the simple silhouette, 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 £88.00, Reiss
Samsøe Samsøe Saemerson shirt 15141
If you’re not yet familiar with Samsøe Samsøe, you’re in for a treat. Every season, the Copenhagen-based label designs collections full of timeless classics which are given a distinct Scandi makeover. The only downside? You’ll want everything on the website.
Buy now £150.00, Samsøe Samsøe
