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.
