By Gabi Meyers | Last Updated: Apr 20 2024 | 4 min read
Summer is the perfect time to add a few lightweight pieces to your wardrobe.
Like? Linen.
The natural fiber just exudes ease, guys. You can literally wear linen-anything and feel cool, calm, and collected in 100ºF weather.
A good place to start is a long-sleeve linen shirt, which is what I’ll be covering in this #SGapproved guide.
What is linen, anyway?
Made from the fibers of a flax plant, linen is a type of textile, like cotton or wool.
It’s very absorbent, drying faster than cotton, which is what makes it such a popular warm weather wardrobe swap.
What to look for in a linen shirt
If you’re worried about looking like a ’90s boy bander crooning about love when wearing linen, this is for you.
As GQ pointed out, “A linen shirt might be a breezier look than your standard broadcloth shirt, but that doesn’t mean it should be flapping in the wind as you walk down the street.”
Instead, go for a more modern-looking linen shirt in a slim (but not tight) fit.
And if you’re not the ironing type? You can keep the wrinkles to a minimum but still hit a high Easy-Breezy Quotient™ in a linen-cotton blend.
How to wear a linen shirt five ways this spring and summer:
MONDAY
Shop the outfit:
SG Says: Linen means business when it’s paired with a smart, summerweight suit and sophisticated accessories.
TUESDAY
Shop the outfit:
SG Says: Linen works as a great base layer on mercurial spring or summer days that shift from sunny to breezy in what feels like a matter of minutes.
A pair of drawstring shorts works great with a button-front linen shirt. I promise you won’t look like a tourist on vacation, unless you’re trying to order a mai tai at the bar.
WEDNESDAY
Shop the outfit:
SG Says: I love the high-low mix of a rumply linen shirt with really structured, tailored trousers.
The sneakers keep things modern, and the chain is a “if you want to” accessory.
THURSDAY
Shop the outfit:
SG Says: Throw the sweater over your shoulders, or layer it if the weather calls for it.
FRIDAY
Shop the outfit:
SG Says: Take your linen shirt to the beach for a stylish Summer Friday.
Shop the best linen shirts for men
Want more summer style? Check out five ways to wear espadrilles, and the best swim trunks under $100.
