There’s no more iconic summer staple than the best linen shirts for men. They’re versatile, stylish, and give off an air of “my boat is docked just over there.” Even if you’re not wearing them to the yacht club, linen shirts will carry you through any warm weather situation with ease. From the summer weddings lining your calendar to breezy, smart casual office days, these shirts are the ideal pick through it all.
If you’re ready to take your summer wardrobe to the next level, then these are the best linen shirts for men, covering various fits to ensure that you end up with exactly what you want.
Key Takeaways
To make sure this guide was as reliable as possible, I researched dozens of brands and read too many reviews to count. From the beach to the bar, the best linen shirts can do it all.
For the absolute wear-anywhere pick, we love the Italian-made Luca Faloni Portofino Linen Shirt. It’s reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast without the thousand dollar plane ticket.
If you’re balling on a budget, the Perry Ellis Roll Sleeve Linen Shirt is a solid option that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. Don’t worry; it will look just as good on the beach as its more expensive counterparts.
Keep reading to discover more of the best linen shirts for men.
Why it’s great: This is the top pick among the best linen shirts for men, striking an unmatched balance of quality materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and plenty of color options (twenty four, to be exact). Made from pure Italian linen in Northern Italy, this shirt features mother of pearl buttons, a one-piece collar, and two fits to choose from: slim or regular.
Who this is for: Stellar for men seeking a staple linen shirt in a vast range of sizes, this top is available from extra small to 4XL.
How to wear it: As the ultimate summer staple for men, wear this linen shirt with light colored chinos and espadrilles, or pair it with a suit and loafers for breezy formal attire.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Linen nearly always comes at a higher cost than cotton shirts. However, this button-down will easily become a new summer go-to, making it a worthy investment, especially if your July and August are full of beach weddings or warm weather getaways.
Material: 100% Italian linen | Sizes Available: XS – 4XL | Colors Available: 20+
Why it’s great: Casual summer style is at its most timeless with linen polos for men. This choice has a sporty look to it, making it easy to wear daily in the summer. Made from pure linen, it’s a touch more sophisticated than a cotton polo, with a softer feel and buttonless construction.
Who this is for: Golfers, beachgoers, and summer street slickers alike will make great use of this linen shirt for men. It’s far more casual than standard linen button-downs but a standout alternative to a classic tee.
Though if you do prefer a T-shirt, Wahts also makes one of the best linen T-shirts for men (the Reese) if you’re hankering for an even more casual style.
How to wear it: This linen shirt works well with anything you style it with. To keep it relaxed, wear it with shorts and sneakers (colored high tops will help make a statement). You can also dress it up with a sports coat, trousers, and your favorite summer loafers.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: There isn’t much choice in terms of color options for this linen shirt.
Material: 100% linen | Sizes Available: S – XXL | Colors Available: 3
Why it’s great: A high-quality, durable linen shirt is hard to come by, especially one that’s this stylish. Decked out in muted summer colorways with a Mandarin collar, this is one of the best linen shirts for men who are seeking a unique silhouette that will carry you through the hottest time of the year with ease.
Who this is for: This Italian-made shirt is the choice for men seeking something a bit different than classic gauzy linen button-downs. The Mandarin collar gives it a standout look while still being suitable for formal wear.
It’s also noteworthy for the man who appreciates the finer things in life. The linen that makes up this shirt is grown in Normandy for optimal cultivation conditions and then woven in Bergamo, Italy.
How to wear it: Despite the lack of a collar, this linen shirt still looks great with jackets, especially light colored blazers for dressy wear. It’s easy to dress down as well, with light denim, sneakers, or leather slides.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Because there’s no collar, you can’t wear this shirt with a tie. It’s also a bit more casual than some other linen button-downs because of this feature.
Material: 100% linen | Sizes Available: XS – 3XL | Colors Available: 3
Why it’s great: As the most wearable linen shirt for men on this list, you’ll find this an apt choice for summer workwear, warm weather weddings, and an all-arounder for the dog days.
It has a bit of stretch to it and is softer than classic linen shirts, thanks to the addition of cotton and elastane. It even comes with a full year of complimentary repairs under Lestrange’s Lifecare scheme.
Who this is for: This is the best linen shirt for the sophisticated man who wants to look sharp but stay cool in the heat.
How to wear it: Since this button-down is designed for everyday wear, it’s easy to style with anything in your wardrobe. Throw on jeans and sneakers for a casual look, or dress it up with Lestrange’s 24 Blazer and Trousers for a full suit.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you don’t want to be pulling at your collar as temperatures start to rise, choose the same shirt but in the collarless version for a unique twist on this summer staple.
Material: 55% linen, 42% organic cotton, 3% elastane | Sizes Available: XS – XXL | Colors Available: 4
Why it’s great: Living up to its name as the ideal companion for the seaside, this is one of the best linen shirts for men seeking a bit of luxury. Featuring a tailored slim fit, a collar that actually stays in place, and a hefty dose of timeless elegance, this button-down will be your most cherished companion for summer fashion. It also beats a stuffy oxford shirt for the office.
Who this is for: This is for the guy seeking an upscale wear everyday piece that will stand the test of time. It also comes in ten colorways for the man who loves choice.
How to wear it: Wear this linen shirt with warm weather basics like khaki shorts, chinos, and even tailored linen pants. It’s perfect for summer events like weddings, and cocktail parties, or even for a sharp date night. Finish it off with leather sneakers or gauzy loafers.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: It’s definitely on the pricier side, but quality craftsmanship comes at a cost.
Material: 100% linen | Sizes Available: S – 3XL | Colors Available: 10
Why it’s great: Designed for the pinnacle of relaxed beachwear, this is one of the best linen shirts for men who are going for a casual look. It’s slightly sheer, with rollable sleeves and a shorter hem than most button-downs, making it easy to wear untucked. It’s a particularly breathable linen shirt and has inclusive sizing up to 5XL.
Who this is for: This linen shirt is for the man on the budget. It offers a quality piece without an enormous price tag, allowing you to look and feel your best on the hottest summer days.
How to wear it: Wear this button-down with shorts, leather sneakers, and the sleeves rolled up for a laid-back look. Or pair it with a blazer and slacks for a resort-inspired dinner ‘fit. This shirt looks great with any modern trouser style.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some men may find this shirt to be a bit sheer, especially given the white colorway. If you prefer an even more easygoing ensemble, Perry Ellis also makes a nice popover style linen shirt to give you the same comfort and style, minus the buttons.
Material: 100% linen | Sizes Available: XS – 5XL | Colors Available: 5
Why it’s great: Lacoste are the polo masters, so it’s no surprise that they have one of the best linen shirts for men out there, following the classic style of their well-known pullovers. Swapping cotton for linen, this short sleeve button-up features the iconic crocodile (no, it’s not an alligator) and a breezy design to rock throughout the steamy months of the year.
Who this is for: As a more high end short sleeve pick, this is a practical choice for the man who doesn’t want to sweat through his shirts this summer.
How to wear it: This linen shirt for men is great as resort wear, for the country club, or boat days. It has a preppy look and a slim fit, allowing you to pair it with shorts, chinos, or even suit pants with leather loafers.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The color options leave a bit to be desired, but the pink and yellow are a fun way to brighten up a summer wardrobe.
Material: 100% linen | Sizes Available: XS – XXL | Colors Available: 5
Why it’s great: Summer layers can be tricky, but this is one of the best linen shirts for men to wear over tees or tank tops. Whether there’s a slight breeze or you’re looking to upgrade to a more relaxed outfit, this linen top is a stylish addition to any summer rotation.
Who this is for: Since this garment has a classic fit, this shirt is for any guy seeking an upgrade for boat, beach day, or summer dinner outfits. It won’t feel constricting but doesn’t look baggy, either.
How to wear it: The beauty of this shirt is you can throw it on top of just about anything. It looks stylish with light colored T-shirts worn open or buttoned all the way up. On the bottom, choose jeans to compliment the beige colorway or dark colored slacks with espadrilles or slides.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Given the classic fit, this shirt has a range of sizes, but guys with a little more around the midsection may find it a bit tight.
Material: 100% linen | Sizes Available: S – XXL | Colors Available: 6
Why it’s great: Gap is making a major comeback, so much so that I even bought some of their stock recently. The selection is modern, the clothes are affordable, and they make some of the best linen shirts for men, especially if you’re balling on a budget. Crafted from a blend of flax and cotton, this shirt is soft, stylish, and ready for the beach.
Who this is for: As a more casual linen shirt style, this is a strong contender for the man looking to stay cool this summer. The breezy linen cotton blend is complemented by a short sleeve button-down style, making it easy to beat the heat thanks to the construction.
How to wear it: This short sleeve rendition can be worn open over a T-shirt or buttoned up on its own. It looks equally good with pants or shorts, and the four neutral colors to choose from make it easy to pair with your classic wardrobe staples.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The short sleeve linen shirt look is far more casual than a long sleeved top, so I wouldn’t wear this pick for formal wear or under a suit unless you’re headed to a beach wedding.
Material: 55% linen, 45% cotton | Sizes Available: XS – XXL | Colors Available: 4
Buying Considerations for the Best Linen Shirts for Men
Fit
The first consideration for buying a linen shirt is how it fits. The best linen shirts will have a tailored but never constricting fit to lean into the breezy nature of the garment.
Many linen shirts will also have a spread collar, designed to stay in place, even through several wears.
It’s important to consider the fit because the nature of linen fabric is quite wrinkly. The right fit ensures that the shirt maintains a nice look, even through all day wear.
Color
Color is also a prime consideration because linen shirts come in all hues. Beyond having plenty of options, color is worth thinking about because linen can be rather sheer, so the lighter the color, the more see-through the shirt may be.
However, the most classic linen shirts are bright and airy, with colorways of white, eggshell, beige, and light yellows. These are top choices for daily summer wear, beach trips, and an overall European look. You can also wear lighter colored linen shirts under darker suits.
For more sophisticated evening wear, opt for deeper colors like navy or forest green that look sharp with contrasting chinos.
Style
Finally, linen shirts come in all sorts of styles, from the classic button-down to short sleeve and polo designs. Long sleeve linen shirts are the most versatile choice and can be dressed up or kept casual. Simply roll the sleeves for a breezier look, or pair a long sleeve linen shirt with a sports coat for a sophisticated getup.
For a more resort-inspired look (though a far cry from Hawaiian shirts), opt for a short sleeve linen shirt which will keep you cool through the hottest months and the steamiest beach days.
Linen polos are a wonderful choice for summer office wear since they’re nicer than a standard T-shirt but less stuffy than a full button-down.
How We Chose
After scouring the internet for the best linen shirts for men, I quickly realized that many of the top options are Italian-made, which is why you’ll see several throughout this list (it’s only natural that the Italians have a thing for linen).
However, not everyone looking for a linen button-down is after this type of shirt (no shame), so the picks on this list are balanced out with more affordable options that don’t sacrifice quality or ease of wear.
Through my extensive research, I also aimed to include various styles of linen shirts for men to cater to all types of guys. The shirts on this list range from some of the most high end on the market to casual choices that will keep you feeling fresh even in the high heat of summer.
Why Trust Us?
Jane Elmets knows her fashion inside and out. An experienced writer here at FashionBeans, Jane has written on all things fashion, from the most comfortable shoes to the best niche fragrances for men and everything in between. She has traveled extensively and has certainly seen these linen shirts in action in exotic places around the world.
Jane’s dedication to providing you with the best fashion advice is second to none. Trust her to deliver the goods.
Final Verdict
As far as the best linen shirts for men go, the ultimate choice is the Luca Faloni Potofino Linen Shirt, inspired by the Italian coast. For a more budget-friendly option, the Perry Ellis Roll Sleeve Linen Shirt is a foolproof pick that will keep both your closet and wallet happy.
FAQ
-
-
Men can absolutely wear linen shirts. In fact, they’re one of the best summer staples, providing a sleek yet effortless look that can be dressed up or kept casual. Men can wear linen shirts anywhere from the beach to summer weddings, the office, and date nights with ease.
-
Linen shirts can be worn throughout the year; however, because of the extremely lightweight nature of the fabric, they’re typically reserved for summer and springtime wear.
-
