Right now is the perfect time to add a few lightweight pieces to your wardrobe. Like? Linen.

The natural fiber just exudes effortless, stylish ease. 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 lost 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.

Keep scrolling for ideas on how to wear a linen shirt five ways this spring and summer:

with a suit

Shop the outfit:

• linen shirt: Todd Snyder
• suit pants: Umit Benan B+
• suit jacket: Umit Benan B+
• loafers: Vince
• pocket square: Tie Bar

SG Says: Wear an elegant, double-breasted suit and sophisticated accessories for a beach wedding this summer.

to the pool

Shop the outfit:

• linen shirt: Todd Snyder
• ribbed tank: Gap (3-pack)
• shorts: J.Crew
• sandals: Birkenstock

SG Says: The versatility of linen at work. I love how this shirt seamlessly transitions from dressy to casual. As you can see, 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.

for cocktails

Shop the outfit:

• linen shirt: Todd Snyder
• trousers: Suitsupply
• sneakers: Clae
• chain necklace: Mejuri

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.

on the weekend

Shop the outfit:

• linen shirt: Todd Snyder
• 5-pocket pants: Gustin
• sweater: Long Wharf Supply Co.
• shoes: Nisolo

SG Says: Throw the sweater over your shoulders, or layer it if the weather calls for it.

beach day

Shop the outfit:

• linen shirt: Todd Snyder
• shorts: Patagonia
• shoes: Nike
• sunglasses: Le Specs
• boat and tote bag: L.L. Bean
• sunscreen: Vacation

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.