The best linen shirts to make styling a breeze
Easier and breezier than anything else in your wardrobe, a good linen shirt will keep things casual, cool and comfortable while the sun’s out
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Nothing is as smart as an Oxford button-up and lightweight as a T-shirt...right? You’ll never be happier to be wrong: the best linen shirts for men are both of these things and so much more: more breathable than a tee; just as dressed up as an Oxford. In the first blush of warm weather, nothing is more satisfying to pull out of your wardrobe.
Anyone who has ever put linen to skin in the form of summer shirt will be unsurprised to hear that this summer staple first came into being in the arid conditions of Ancient Egypt, used as a catch-all breathable fabric for surviving sky-high temperatures. The material has stood the test of time: thousands of years later and we’re still throwing on white linen, now in the form of a nice button-down as opposed to a toga.
Why has this material gone the distance in men’s wardrobes from thousands of years BC until the present day? It’s simple, really: a linen shirt is the most comfortable way to look and feel cool in the heat. Sure, like a linen suit or blazer, there is the small issue of creasing, but many modern iterations come blended with cotton to see off that problem. There are two options for those in the market for the pure linen alternative: up your ironing game or embrace the wrinkles. On more casual styles, we'd go so far as to say a slightly creased linen shirt adds to the laid-back aesthetic.
What are GQ’s best men’s linen shirts?
- Best affordable linen shirt: Uniqlo, £39.90 at uniqlo.com
- Best versatile linen shirt: Reiss, £98 at reiss.com
- Best unusual linen shirt: Percival, £179 at percivalclo.com
- Best striped linen shirt: Arket, £59 at arket.com
- Best smart linen shirt: Drake's, £196 at drakes.com
SKIP TO: What to wear with a linen shirt? | What are the benefits of wearing linen? | Which type of linen is best? | Does linen shrink when washed? | How did we choose linen shirts?
What to wear with a linen shirt?
The beauty of the linen shirt is that it’s laid-back enough to keep stickiness at bay in the glare of the sun but smart enough to elevate even a pair of swim shorts. Wear one underneath a suit — linen or not — for a tieless ‘fit at a summer wedding, or unbuttoned and sized up with chinos and loafers for that coveted The Talented Mr. Ripley look. Few pieces are quite so versatile as part of a summer wardrobe: you can choose a more tailored fit for wear as part of a business casual look or a relaxed fit with more drape for that louche French touch — with additional breathability.
Unlike other kinds of shirt, the linen shirt is defined more by the material its made of than strict parameters on how it looks. As such, you’ll be able to choose from a number of different collars: those on the hunt for biz-casj should opt for a classic spread collar, while men wanting something a little more fun can try a (summer fashion staple) camp collar or even more laidback grandad collar.
What are the benefits of wearing linen?
Highly absorbent and majorly breathable, wearing linen is not only comfortable, but effortless. Made up of hollow-shaped fibres, linen can absorb up to 20 per cent of its weight in moisture before anything can be seen by the naked eye. Put simply, there are no sweat stains to be had. Additionally, linen is one of the greenest fabrications on the market. Constructed from the flax plant, it can be produced with a fraction of the water, chemicals and fertilizers of its cotton-based cousins.
Which type of linen is best?
Generally speaking when it comes to linen, the tighter the weave, the higher the quality. A tighter weave makes for an even, smoother texture, ideal for tailoring and a rich, Italian feel that sits closer and softer on the skin thanks to its higher thread count.
Does linen shrink when washed?
Lucky for us linen lovers, the fabric is one of the few that actually becomes softer and more supple with every wash. Having said that, it's important to wash linen at low or lukewarm temperatures, in a gentle cycle with a mild detergent to ensure the fibres are protected.
How did we choose linen shirts?
Well, dear reader, it's rather simple. We at GQ know our stuff, and we've compiled a collection of the biggest names in linen, unsung heroes and designer offerings to bring you a well-rounded image of what are truly the best linen shirts for men in 2024.
Fan of the fabric? Check out our other guides to the best linen suits, linen shorts, and linen trousers for more on linen-based luxury.