Linen is the best way to stay cool — and look cool — during warmer weather, and these 10 shirts prove it.
For most men who don’t have the confidence of a professional model, summer is a tough season to dress for. Men’s style relies heavily on layering, so when that’s taken away, there are really only a few options left. (If you’re not a T-shirt and shorts kind of guy, it’s even more difficult).
Enter the linen shirt. This lightweight and surprisingly durable garment is a perfect choice for when you need to look good and stay cool.
Linen is a great breathable fabric thanks to its open weave and natural moisture-wicking properties. It also tends to drape when worn significantly, which enhances its breathability.
And yes, linen does wrinkle easily, but that shouldn’t put you off the fabric.
For one, its easygoing rumpled look is particularly summery. In addition, it’s fairly easy to keep wrinkles at bay by either regularly washing or steaming your clothes (using a steamer like this one) or by choosing linen blends or heavier linens.
All of this is to say that unless you live within a stone’s throw of the Arctic Circle, you should have at least one linen shirt in your closet. There’s plenty to choose from out there, so I’ve done the hard work for you and picked out some of the best linen shirts you can buy today.
Quick Take
Here are our top recommendations from the list:
For a looser fit in button-down shirts, explore Todd Snyder's Classic Fit Sea Soft Irish Linen Shirt. Its ample cut suits plus-sized men and those desiring an oversized style. Crafted from pre-washed Baird McNutt linen for a soft, worn-in feel.
The shirt boasts a relaxed fit, with a tidy button-down collar, offering a smart choice for those who desire a short sleeve style without an overly beachy appearance.
A standout choice for summer, this shirt is made from Baird McNutt linen. Its slightly oversized design and half-button placket blend the elements of a classic popover and a polo shirt.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
The Best Linen Shirts for Men
Ready to grab some flax shirting for your wardrobe? Here are 10 excellent linen shirts that are ideal for summer:
J. Crew Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirt
In terms of value for money, it’s hard to beat the Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirt from J. Crew.
Irish linen is widely considered some of the best, softest linen in the world, and Baird McNutt is widely considered the best manufacturer of Irish linen. Add J. Crew’s classic style sensibilities into the mix, and get a timeless, versatile linen shirt.
If you need to beat the heat, check out the short-sleeve and camp collar versions offering even more breathability.
Everlane Linen Short-Sleeve Standard Fit Shirt
Everlane is another brand with a clean, modern aesthetic that looks great on anyone, and the Linen Short-Sleeve Standard Fit Shirt exemplifies this.
The shirt’s casual silhouette isn’t too snug or too loose, and the button-down collar keeps things looking neat. This is a nice option if you like the idea of short sleeve shirts but don’t want to look like you have a timeshare in Key West.
ASKET The Linen Shirt
If you want a linen shirt that’s as sustainable as it is stylish, look no further than The Linen Shirt by ASKET.
Made from 100% French linen and adorned with mother-of-pearl buttons, The Linen Shirt is cut in a relaxed fit with a box pleat at the back. It’s a shirt that’s easy to dress up or down, so it can effortlessly cover both your recreational and business casual needs during summer.
As with all of ASKET’s garments, The Linen Shirt includes traceability information on the product page as well as data about manufacturing cost and carbon impact — all of which is incredibly helpful if you’re aiming to up your sustainable fashion game.
Original Fibres
Lots of brands make linen shirts, but few brands specialize in linen. Enter Original Fibres, a British company that exclusively makes linen clothing meant to be worn all year long.
While all Original Fibres’s shirts are suitable for warmer weather, the Short Sleeve Smock stands out as a particularly good summer option.
Constructed from Baird McNutt linen, this shirt features a slightly oversized fit with a half-button placket, putting it somewhere in between a standard popover and a polo.
The short sleeve option is ideal for hotter temps, but if you want something that’s even more versatile, you might want to go for the long sleeve smock.
Portuguese Flannel Linen Camp Collar
Portuguese Flannel shirts are widely considered to be some of the best you can buy today, and the reason why is pretty simple — this family-run heritage brand strikes an almost unbeatable balance of quality and affordability.
Despite its name, Portuguese Flannel makes all kinds of shirts, and one relevant here is the vacation-ready Linen Camp Collar.
The shirt’s subtly spread collar, simple design, and just-relaxed-enough fit give it a degree of versatility you usually don’t get with camp collar shirts, and the rich color options all look fantastic.
Todd Snyder Classic Fit Sea Soft Irish Linen Shirt
If you like button-down shirts but prefer more relaxed fits, check out the Classic Fit Sea Soft Irish Linen Shirt from Todd Snyder.
The generous cut makes this shirt great for plus-sized guys or for anyone who digs an oversized look. It’s made from Baird McNutt linen that’s pre-washed for a soft, broken-in feel right out of the package.
It’s available in black, white, navy, or blue stripe, all of which are great color choices for summer (or any season, for that matter).
Alex Crane Playa Shirt
As its name suggests, the Playa Shirt from Alex Crane is ideal for the beach but just as suitable for wearing at the office or even around the house.
This breezy shirt is made from 100% French linen and naturally dyed with GOTS-certified pigments. With a more tailored fit and curved hem, the Playa will fit right into your wardrobe.
You can choose from an incredible 21 color and pattern options, so there’s truly something for everyone.
Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Linen Camp Shirt
The Classic Fit Linen Camp Shirt from Ralph Lauren is a triple threat: 100% linen construction, short sleeves, and a camp collar. It’s cut in the brand’s classic fit, which helps optimize airflow and creates a more relaxed silhouette.
The pleated back yoke keeps the shoulders contoured, and the low-cut armholes result in fuller sleeves that complement the shirt’s roomy cut.
Wear it on its own to endure scorching weather, or layer it up with an undershirt or a safari jacket for extra flair.
Orvis Pure Linen Long-Sleeved Shirt
When it comes to menswear, Orvis tends to fly under the radar, but the brand’s catalog has some wardrobe staples that are surprisingly stylish.
Orvis’s Pure Linen Long-Sleeved Shirt is one of those staples. This 100% linen shirt features a classic fit, two-button cuffs for easy rolling, and a hidden button-down collar.
It’s fashionable enough to wear with most outfits but also durable enough to hold up to outdoor adventures.
Reiss Rufus Regular Fit Linen Cuban Collar Shirt
The Rufus from Reiss is another great camp collar option that nails the tropical vibe.
This all-linen shirt is cut in a slim fit for a slightly dressier look that can easily be paired with a suit for that much-loved sprezzatura look.
The Cuban collar (another name for camp collar) and fitted sleeves make for a clean, crisp silhouette that will satisfy any classic menswear enthusiasts.
Conclusion
If you tend to overheat during the summer, then you should strongly consider picking up a linen shirt or two. When the forecast nears triple-digit temperatures, a linen shirt will be your best friend.
It’s true that good linen is expensive, but because it’s a naturally resilient material, it’ll last for years, if not decades.
Also, linen shirts are amazing for layering in the cooler months, especially if you prefer long sleeve shirts. You can get lots of mileage out of linen shirts by pairing them with everything from overshirts to chore jackets.
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