What to wear when you just absolutely have to wear a collared shirt, but can’t possibly bear suffocating through a stifling dress shirt? Think you’ve run out of answers? Fear not, as we’ve got our picks for the best linen shirts for summer outlined below. They come from brands big and small, and each are fit for the hot months ahead — no matter what’s in store. Whether you seek relief from your workday grind, or a casual option to toss on during a weekend bar crawl, finding warm-weather style that’s sharp, effective and yes, significantly cooler than normal is as easy as read-click-buy. Grab the essential linen shirt you need in your closet, and kick back the rest of summer.
Todd Snyder Linen Shirt in Indigo [$168]
Does it seem counterintuitive to throw on a dark shade of blue when it’s so hot out? That’s where the easygoing, premium nature of American menswear designer Todd Snyder comes into play. The rich indigo color is eye-catching, the linen is lightweight, the fit is tailored but not overly tight — what’s not to like? This is the perfect shirt for relaxing on the beach, then grabbing a patio drink.
Related: Jack Erwin Just Launched Your New Favorite Boat Shoe
Grayers Terence Linen Tencel Shirt in Blue Marl [$98]
As far as prep style staples go, Grayers and its selection of shirting check all the right boxes. A modern, tailored fit? Check. A light blue color that’s perfect for summer? Check. Nice texture and a fabric that’ll keep you cool? Triple-check. This shirt is easygoing, stylish and perfect for pairing with slim stone chinos and suede chukka boots starting now and ending in September. Don’t believe us? Pick one up for under a hundred bucks and give it a try.
Zachary Prell Tobias Linen Shirt [$228]
High-fashion sensibility meets crisp, clean design in this Zachary Prell linen shirt that’s certainly ready for refined outdoor dining and lazy days by the pool. A button-down collar ensures those collar points won’t flop as the day goes on, and that also means you can rock it confidently with a classic navy blazer sans tie. It’s the perfect shirt to wear on with slim white jeans and loafers, or light wash denim and suede Oxfords. Plus, the price makes it investment-worthy and durable.
Bonobos Washed Linen Shirt [$98]
Like Grayers, Bonobos nails it when it comes to modern updates to preppy classics. The Natural Rockaway Plaid Shirt seen here sits right in that happy summer style medium — it boasts a tailored Bonobos fit, plus a nice pattern and lightweight fabric that are ready for beaches, barbeques and all kinds of style adventures in between. Rock this with slim light wash denim and classic sneakers for a reliably put-together look.
Bridge & Burn Fulton Linen Pinstripe Shirt [$118]
Is it worth it to pay more than $100 for a linen shirt? When the alternative is sweating right through your suit or rain jacket, the answer is unequivocally yes. That’s twice as true when the shirt is made by the terrific men’s (and women’s) style purveyors at Bridge & Burn, who have added subtle pinstripes and a visually interesting chest pocket to the classic linen shirt.
JACHS NY Red Linen Chambray Shirt [$99]
If the above picks throw too much blue into your wardrobe, reach instead for a stylish linen shirt that switches up the color palette and looks darn good doing it. JACHS NY crafts stylish knitwear, shirting and outerwear with a continental twist — translation: This red linen shirt is going to keep you cool, sharp and tailored when paired with classics like a navy blazer and slim khaki chinos, or even classic summer shorts.
