Linen fabric has long been a durable, dependable summer-friendly fabric made from the flax plant. According to Encyclopedia Britannica: “Flax is one of the oldest textile fibers used by humans; evidence of its use has been found in Switzerland’s prehistoric lake dwellings. Fine linen fabrics have been discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs.”
Thanks to its ability to conduct heat well by absorbing and releasing moisture quickly, garments and fabrics made from linen feel cooler in warmer months, making them the ideal option for men looking to elevate their style above the ofttimes chosen cotton t-shirt. This is why come summertime, you'll see linen pants, a blazer, a jacket, and even a full on linen suit - the breathability of pure linen natural fiber makes linen shirts a classic menswear staple for the warm weather wardrobe. Whether it be for a special occasion, that extra hot summer day, or even everyday wear, there seems to only be one real drawback of natural fabric texture Wrinkles.
It's time you forget what you’ve been told about the fiber from flax you know as linen. Times have changed, and it's time to appreciate the very look and nature of the loosely woven classic fabric. The wrinkles of linen are actually what make it great. When someone wears the flowy fabric, it’s showing an ease – a comfort in wearing a fabric that couldn’t be too formal if it tried. Sure, suits and dress shirts can be found frequently made from linen, but its inherent qualities keep it apart from a tightly woven super 150’s wool-silk or a 100% Egyptian cotton broadcloth.
How to Wear Linen Men's Shirts
Introducing a linen shirt into your wardrobe – warm weather wardrobe, everyday wear, or somewhere in between – might seem intimidating. If you are used to swapping out your button front shirts for a simple polo style, then you can easily grab one of these and wear it just about the same way.
Do: Wear it untucked, with casual jeans, chinos, or shorts whenever you feel the need to be cool - both literally and figuratively.
Don’t: Take it too seriously. Relax. There is a common misconception that linen is an unforgiving luxury fabric that needs to be reserved for a special occasion. That is simply not true. Linen can be washed and dried just like all of your other clothes (although always read washing instructions) so it should be worn like all your other clothes.
Do: Consider wearing it into the fall. Much like linen sheets (we are a big fan), linen clothing is actually great to incorporate into your cold weather wardrobe as well. It’s a sturdy fabric that can actually help regulate temperature all year long, not just during the hot summer days.
Don’t: Overthink it. Pick a style that you think you would wear and then go for it. The nature of this style is to be lightweight and airy, so don’t go for anything too “slim fit.” Fabric does stretch out a bit over time, but you should still aim to buy the size that fits you naturally.
If you want to feel safe, grab a solid option and ease into the stye. If you’re looking to dive into the deep end of this trend, go for a bold floral print that will surely get you noticed. If you are feeling somewhere in between, don’t worry, there are plenty of options for you guys too.
We’ve picked out 11 men's linen shirts that we think that you should take a serious look at for the warm temperatures that remain.
