A lust for linen: four ways to wear a linen shirt
Whether you’re relaxing on a beach or mooching in the city, here’s how to style a linen shirt for every occasion
Words: Jemima Wilson
From its ease of wear to its nonchalant cool, a linen shirt is without doubt one of the most versatile, classic, effortless and practical items in your summer wardrobe. And, rather than wearing the same style over and over again, there are myriad ways to wear a linen shirt, and a range of variations to choose from.
Not only is the lightweight linen material perfectly suited to summer months and warmer destinations, but a perfectly styled linen shirt gives the impression that, while you’re well put together, you haven’t tried too hard. Whether you dress it up with smart tailored trousers and loafers, or dress it down with shorts and sandals, it conveys an understated elegance that is refined, yet relaxed.
So, from jersey linen to short-sleeved styles, here’s our pick of the best linen shirts and how to wear them.
The casual linen shirt
For a slightly sportier, more contemporary take on the classic linen shirt, the jersey linen shirt is an elegant yet casual staple for those who like to look sophisticated even for informal occasions – a brunch with friends, a walk in the park or a road trip, for example. Luca Faloni’s jersey linen shirt is crafted in Brescia, in Northern Italy, from one of the world’s finest linen jerseys, which makes it exceptionally airy and comfortable, even in the warmest temperatures. Despite it being made from 100% linen, it’s finished with a premium Aloe treatment, which creates a nourishing, soft and lightweight feel.
Available in an array of refined blue hues, this shirt is perfectly paired with Kit Blake’s off-white, straight-cut, mid-rise chino trousers and Duke + Dexter’s Italian tan suede Hunt loafers, also designed for any occasion where comfort and style is a priority.
The short-sleeved linen shirt
You probably already have a long-sleeved white linen shirt in your wardrobe, so if you don’t have a short-sleeved version, this should be the next linen purchase you make. Sometimes misconstrued as a style your dad might wear to work, or a reminder of your school uniform, the short-sleeved shirt has a lot more street cred nowadays, thanks to more fashionable, unstructured silhouettes and flowing drapes. A signature Loro Piana piece that exudes casual elegance, the short-sleeved André shirt is anything but uniform – characterised by its lapel collar, which is designed to be worn open, and it’s available in a fresh linen canvas treated with an aloe finish that resists wrinkles.
For those relaxing days on a boat or at the beach, a chic yet short-sleeved shirt is an ideal layer for wearing with Orlebar Brown’s iconic bulldog cotton shorts and a pair of Tod’s sumptuously soft slip-on shoes in Nubuck.
The linen holiday shirt
Whether you’re discovering Asia, exploring Africa, or sailing in the Med, for those thrill-seeking getaways and adventurous escapes, a linen shirt inspired by exotic locations is an especially fitting choice. Cut from crisp 100% French linen, New & Lingwood’s relaxed neckband collar shirt (often described as a grandad collar) features split yoke construction in an alluring green, while Gusari has created an essential safari style holiday shirt made from 100% organic linen, that would look as at home on the Serengeti, as it would in St Tropez.
Wherever you travels take you, ensure you globetrot in style, with a pair of Mr Marvis’ Concrete Jungles shorts and Brioni’s Khaki green slide sandals as trusty companions to complete your look.
The formal linen shirt
While white, navy and neutral linen shirts are all summer wardrobe staples, a brightly-coloured option is ideal for adding flair to your outfit for more formal or special occasions – or for times when you just want to stand out. This luxurious Shell Pink Italian aloe vera-finished linen shirt is a perfect complement for a more tailored look, hand cut and sewn in Emma Willis’ English sewing rooms and finished with real mother-of-pearl buttons. The collar lining is soft but still structured for a sharp look, whether worn casually or with a jacket for a smarter look.
It is only apt that such a finely-crafted shirt should be worn with equally beautifully hand-tailored trousers, and Ralph Lauren Purple Label’s vintage-inspired linen-and-silk canvas trousers, along with Crockett & Jones’ Nice Penny Loafer make for an exquisitely elegant ensemble for lavish lunches and sophisticated soirees.
Want more inspiration on linen shirts?
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