How to Wear a Linen Shirt: 5 Guys’ Outfits

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Right now is the perfect time to add a few lightweight pieces to your wardrobe. Like? Line.

The natural fiber just exudes effortless, stylish ease. You can literally wear linen-anything and feel cool, calm, and collected in 100ºF weather.

A good place to start is a long-sleeve linen shirt, which is what I’ll be covering in this #SGapproved guide.

What is linen, anyway?

Made from the fibers of a flax plant, linen is a type of textile, like cotton or wool.

It’s very absorbent, drying faster than cotton, which is what makes it such a popular warm weather wardrobe swap.

What to look for in a linen shirt

N*Sync, image via Pinterest

If you’re worried about looking like a ’90s boy bander crooning about lost love when wearing linen, this is for you.

As GQ pointed out, “A linen shirt might be a breezier look than your standard broadcloth shirt, but that doesn’t mean it should be flapping in the wind as you walk down the street.”

Instead, go for a more modern-looking linen shirt in a slim (but not tight) fit.

And if you’re not the ironing type? You can keep the wrinkles to a minimum but still hit a high Easy-Breezy Quotient™ in a linen-cotton blend.

Keep scrolling for ideas on how to wear a linen shirt five ways this summer:

with a suit
How to Wear a Linen Shirt: 5 Guys' Outfits 2

Shop the outfit:

SG SAYS: Wear an elegant, double-breasted suit and sophisticated accessories for a beach wedding this summer.

to the pool
How to Wear a Linen Shirt: 5 Guys' Outfits 3

Shop the outfit:

SG SAYS: The versatility of linen at work! I love how this shirt seamlessly transitions from dressy to casual.

As you can see, a pair of drawstring shorts works great with a button-front linen shirt. I promise you won’t look like a tourist on vacation, unless you’re trying to order a mai tai at the bar.

for cocktails
How to Wear a Linen Shirt: 5 Guys' Outfits 4

Shop the outfit:

SG SAYS: Here at SG HQ, we love the high-low mix of a man in a rumply linen shirt with really structured, tailored trousers.

The sneakers keep things modern, and the chain is a “if you want to” accessory.

on the weekend
How to Wear a Linen Shirt: 5 Guys' Outfits 5

Shop the outfit:

SG SAYS: When it comes to how to wear a linen shirt, off-duty style is a no-brainer.

Throw the sweater over your shouldersor layer it if the weather calls for it.

beach day
How to Wear a Linen Shirt: 5 Guys' Outfits 6

Shop the outfit:

SG SAYS: Take your linen shirt to the beach for a stylish Summer Friday.

Shop the best linen shirts for men


More men’s summer style from SG HQ

Check out five ways to wear espadrillesand the best swim trunks under $100.

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