Best Overall Linen Shirt
Uniqlo Premium Linen Long-Sleeve Shirt
Pros
- Designed with wrinkle-resistant processing
- Can double as an overshirt
- Super affordable, but not cheaply made
- Available in 10+ colors and sizes up to 3XL
Cons
- Requires dry cleaning for best care
After testing over 40 different linen shirts, our fashion team declared Uniqlo’s premium long-sleeve option the ultimate winner among the competition—thanks to its flowy feel, slender fit and versatile style. We love that the fabric is like a gentle breeze on your skin, keeping you cool and collected, even when the sun’s blazing. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, the cut looks flattering on most body types. Not to mention, a crisp white shirt is a must-have in anyone’s wardrobe—and you don’t have to spend a small fortune to own more than one, either.
Style-wise, it’s designed to be worn tucked in or out, giving you the freedom to switch up your look whether you’re attending a business meeting or lounging by the shore. Like most of Uniqlo’s apparel, this linen shirt has a classic, timeless appeal meaning you rock it season after season without looking outdated. We’ve opted for this shirt on multiple occasions; beach outing, office day, weekend brunch—you name it.
The piece looks great worn by itself, but it also layers perfectly over a simple tee or tank especially when it gets nippy at night. Speaking of its wearability, the shirt drapes neatly with a curved hem and gives us plenty of room in the shoulder area to move freely. Plus, it has been treated for wrinkle-resistance, so we don’t have to spend extra time ironing or steaming to look clean and crisp.
Read More: Best Dress Shirts for Men
Fabric | 100% Linen |
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Fit | Regular |
Care Instructions | Machine wash cold, Dry clean |
Best Camp Linen Shirt
Alex Mill Camp Shirt in Flax Linen
Pros
- Flowy, breathable feel
- Works with jeans, shorts or swim trunks
- Made with real shell buttons
Cons
- Only comes in one color
Linen shirts can exude the utmost levels of casual cool—especially when they incorporate an open camp collar. What’s even cooler: camp shirts that can blend into dressier fits too. That’s exactly what you get with this one from Alex Mill.
In general, camp shirts dominate our warm-weather rotation. Their relaxed fits are ideal because they offer better air circulation than most cuts, especially when outside is blazing. As for this one in particular, we’ve worn it with our favorite jeans as well as our swim trunks for a chill day spent by the pool.
Read More: Best Short-Sleeve Shirts for Men
Fabric | 100% Linen |
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Fit | Relaxed |
Care Instructions | Dry clean |
Best Cotton-Linen Blend
Banana Republic Giorgio Linen-Cotton Sweater Polo Shirt
Pros
- Roomy fit throughout the body
- Button-less style is on trend right now
Cons
- One might be prefer something a little lighter
If you’re after an airy shirt with a bit more structure, a cotton-linen blend offers the best of both worlds. That’s exactly what you can count on in this Banana Republic garment. In fact, the polo shirt makes for a great alternative to your collection of camp collar shirts, considering this button-less style is very much in right now.
It has a spread collar and v-neck opening, which delivers the right amount of style and airflow to keep you from feeling stuffy down in a crowded concert venue or subway station. We also like that it has a pretty roomy fit throughout the chest, waist and arms, giving you a more laid-back and effortless look.
Billed as a “sweater polo”, but it doesn’t have that dense knit weight of heavier options. In fact, you’re bound to feel more at ease and comfortable wherever you go, thanks to its relaxed silhouette. Take note: While you can get away with wearing it with shorts, pairing this linen shirt with light-colored pants would make for a chic resort ensemble.
Read more: Best Polo Shirts
Fabric | 56% Linen, 44% Cotton |
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Fit | Relaxed |
Care Instructions | Machine wash |
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Best Classic Linen Shirt
Todd Snyder Slim-Fit Sea Soft Irish Linen Shirt
Pros
- Suitable for professional and casual occasions
- Timeless white and blue striped style
- Easy to mix and match
Cons
- Pricey, but the fabric feels luxurious and lasts long
Most of the long-sleeve linen shorts that we’ve tested boast a relaxed fit, but not this one. If you prefer a slimmer cut to streamline your silhouette, here is your best bet. This white and blue stripe number is like the ultimate style hack; it’s super easy to mix and match, has timeless appeal, and brings a sense of sophistication to any outfit without having to put in too much effort. In other words, it’s a wardrobe staple that belongs in your closet with other menswear essentials.
Thanks to the renowned Irish linen mill Baird McNutt, this shirt feels incredibly luxurious, compared to the rugged, coarse linens we’ve tested. In addition to casual outings like catching a movie or visiting a museum, we like to wear this shirt to the office because it also maintains a professional appearance. That’s especially true when it’s coupled with a pair of khaki trousers and dress sneakers.
Fabric | 100% Linen |
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Fit | Slim |
Care Instructions | Machine wash gentle cycle, do not bleach. Do not tumble dry, lay flat to dry, warm iron as needed. Dry clean. |
Best Dressy Linen Shirt
Mango 100% Linen Regular-fit Shirt
Pros
- Super chic
- Drapes neatly on the body
- Versatile enough for many dressy occasions
Cons
- Not ideal if you want a short-sleeve option
It’s all about presentation and some linen shirts are luxe enough to hold their own at dressier events. Just take this sleek option from Mango for example. The chicness of this shirt lies in its relaxed yet refined appearance. We love that it’s not too tight or baggy, rather has an effortless drape that gives it a laid-back charm, while still maintaining a polished look.
To be honest, you’ve got yourself an extremely versatile shirt here. Just think about how you can throw it on for several occasions: cocktail parties, resort dinners, summer weddings, the list continues. The garment is made from 100% linen fabric, so we’ve never broken a sweat in it. And with that classic allure, you know it’ll never go out of style and can be worn for several seasons to come.
Fabric | 100% Linen |
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Fit | Regular |
Care Instructions | Machine wash. Do not tumble dry. Dry clean |
Best Vacation Linen Shirt
Faherty Short-Sleeve Palma Linen Shirt
Pros
- Lightweight and naturally cooling
- Pop of color looks great for vacation attire
- Easily transitions from day to night
Cons
- On the pricier end, but goes with looks beyond vacation
Nothing quite captures the essence of a cool, relaxing vacation like a swanky linen shirt. That’s why we recommend checking out this vibrant striped version from Faherty. The top hits all the right summer notes, embodying the perfect combination of style, comfort and breathability. Plus, it can inject a pop of color into your warm-weather lineup, while also taking you from daytime adventures to nighttime festivities at the resort.
Aside from a quick weekend jaunt, we found that this linen shirt looks great in just about any informal setting; think a backyard barbecue, happy hour or music festival. The fit is a little tailored to the body, but not to where you lose a good portion of ventilation. You will still be able to catch those summer breezes, while looking sharp.
Fabric | 100% Linen |
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Fit | Tailored |
Care Instructions | Machine wash cold with like colors. Gentle cycle. Do not bleach. Lay flat to dry. Cool iron if needed. |
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Best Henley-Style Linen Shirt
Bonobos Italian Linen Henley
Pros
- Helps show off your chest
- Placket offers a good amount of airflow
- Can be layered in the colder months
Cons
- Not the best linen shirt for dressier settings
For those hot days when you want to show off your pecs without feeling suffocated, opt for a henley shirt. We’ll do you one better: try this linen version, which will help you stay cool under the sun. Not only does it have a casual vibe, but also features a three-button placket that provides several benefits: adjustable ventilation, ease of wear, layering options and style versatility.
This is the type of shirt that you can wear year-round. During transitional seasons like spring or fall, we prefer to layer it under a lightweight jacket or cardigan for extra warmth and style. Whereas in the summer, we’ve sported it on its own with the first two buttons undone.
Read more: Types of Shirts for Men
Fabric | 100% Linen |
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Fit | Relaxed |
Care Instructions | Dry clean |
Best Linen T-Shirt
H&M Regular Fit Linen-blend T-shirt
Pros
- Bold stripe pattern spruces up your look
- Simple to dress up or down
- Best for guys with big biceps
Cons
- May opt for a button down to get even more airflow
When it comes to both dressing up or down, a decent variety of tees are key to getting the most out of your outfit choices. And when you throw a good linen T-shirt or two into the mix, like this one from H&M, you’re set to stay cool on all fronts. Speaking of which, we appreciate its roomy sleeves that allow optimal airflow to keep your pits feeling and smelling fresh. Plus, the extra space in the arm area means it’s a solid choice for guys with bigger biceps.
The bold striped pattern adds personality and style points to your outfit, making you stand out and feel confident. Our editors have sported this tee to dinner and scored several compliments. Pro tip: tuck it in into a pair of pleated trousers and layer with a blazer for an even more elevated look.
Fabric | Linen 55%, Cotton 45% |
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Fit | Regular |
Care Instructions | No dry clean. Medium iron. Machine wash cool Line dry |
Best Wrinkle-Free Linen Shirt
Wills Wrinkle-Free Linen Long Sleeve Shirt
Pros
- Packable and ideal for frequent travelers
- Saves you time from having to iron
- Resistant to stretch, shrinkage and wrinkles
Cons
- A bit costly, but you won’t have to worry about creasing
A wrinkle-free linen shirt that saves you the hassle of constant ironing is a godsend. Enter this button-down that’s produced from a blend that also includes polyester, which is known to be resistant to shrinking, stretching and wrinkling. It’s a convenient choice for frequent travelers, especially since it easily packs down and doesn’t add any bulk to your luggage. After you’ve reached your destination, you can throw it on and head out the door without having to worry about a single crease.
Believe it or not, our editors have packed it for a trip and didn’t need to steam it before venturing out for festivities. It’s also worth noting that it pairs nicely with jeans, chinos and even shorts. Despite its high price point, this linen shirt is incredibly low maintenance and won’t have you step out looking crinkly compared to others we’ve tested.
Fabric | 65% Polyethylene, 35% Linen |
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Fit | Regular |
Care Instructions | Machine Wash Cold Non-chlorine bleach when needed Tumble dry low Cool iron Dry cleanable |
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