Men's linen shirts often get a bad rap, and for good reason. They can be ill-fitting, billowing garments that are far from flattering. The linen shirt is often an afterthought, the default ‘summer’ shirt that’s worn simply because of the lightweight, breathable fabric it’s made from.
But the linen shirt deserves so much more than this, and thankfully, a handful of brands are giving it the attention it deserves. Men's linen shirts are being produced in all manner of interesting cuts and shapes, and, as ever, they remain a great option as the weather heats up. Scroll on for our pick of the best linen shirts for men, plus a few helpful styling notes.
Why you need a linen shirt
Made from the fibres of the flax plant, linen has always been popular because of its natural breathable and moisture-wicking properties. It’s an ideal fabric for wearing in spring and summer as it won’t weigh you down and will keep you from overheating, unlike more traditional shirting fabrics such as poplin or Oxford cloth.
Linen also happens to be a planet-friendly alternative to cotton, as it requires a whole lot less water to produce and its durability means it will stand the test of time. Well cared for, linen should last you a lifetime. And it will only get better with age.
How to wear a linen shirt
Shake off connotations of baggy-shirted holidaymakers and look out for linen shirts with slimmer, more tailored fits, which will allow for the natural stretch of the fabric while flattering the wearer. The beauty of the linen shirt is its inherent versatility: it will serve you just as well on a sun-drenched holiday – teamed with swim shorts and espadrilles – as it will in the office, as part of a more polished look with matching linen trousers and loafers. If you're going down the casual route, embrace linen's natural creases in all their glory – they'll enhance the laid-back aesthetic you're after. For those more formal occasions, you might want to consider a cotton or Tencel blend, which will be less prone to creasing.
For a twist on the classic linen shirt, keep an eye out for retro-style Cuban collars, linen overshirts and functional pocket detailing that will inject your outfit with a workwear-style edge.
Best men's linen shirts to buy in 2025
There's a lot to love about linen shirts. Check out the best men's linen shirts on our radar right now.
The Resort Co
Swedish precision meets Mediterranean fantasy. The Resort Co. is very much about clean lines and good choices – sustainable linen, mother-of-pearl buttons, an open camp collar that behaves exactly as it should. If you want the best version of the shirt you already imagine yourself in, this is it.
Besnard
Textbook tailoring heritage, now on holiday. Besnard’s linen shirts come with the same attention to pattern cutting you’d expect from a made-to-measure suiting house. Made in Portugal with Belgian roots, they’re a serious option for anyone who wants their summer shirts to still whisper "Savile Row" over sangria.
ISTO
ISTO is for men who want their clothes to come with footnotes – where the fabric is from, what the factory looks like, why it costs what it does. Its linen shirt is pared-back and unfussy, but there’s rigour behind it. Like a really good flat white from an independent café in Lisbon.
Velasca
Mostly known for its Italian-made footwear, Velasca’s linen shirts channel the same ethos – honest craftsmanship with a bit of poetry. A touch more rustic, often with a grandad collar or relaxed fit, these are shirts for the countryside as much as the coast.
L'Estrange
London-based and systemised to within an inch of its life, L’Estrange approaches the linen shirt like a tech start-up would. Every detail is considered, from the collar shape to the carbon offsetting. The shirt is clean, modern, and utterly sensible – ideal if you want to look polished on a 30-degree day.
ASKET
A linen shirt stripped down to its essence. ASKET obsesses over transparency and permanence, so this isn’t just about summer style – it’s about cost-per-wear, garment traceability, and whether you’re still going to like it in five years. You probably will.
Luca Faloni
Luca Faloni treats linen the way Brunello Cucinelli treats cashmere – with reverence and restraint. The shirts are made in northern Italy using premium fabrics, finished with subtle details like gussets and engraved mother-of-pearl buttons. Not loud, not trend-driven – just well-made and quietly elevated.
Polo Ralph Lauren
The original prep king. Polo’s linen shirt is the blueprint: cut just right, available in every colour under the sun, and somehow capable of spanning beach bars and business class. It’s not niche, but that’s the point – it's reliable, iconic, and still just louche enough.
Massimo Dutti
High-street done with a bit of taste. Massimo Dutti makes linen shirts that feel grown-up without the grown-up price tag. Not quite luxury, but if you want a sharp-looking shirt for a city summer, this is where the smart money goes.
Frescobol Carioca
Brazilians know a thing or two about dressing for the sun, and Frescobol’s linen shirts are soaked in that Carioca nonchalance. These aren’t just beach cover-ups – they’re tailored, sophisticated, and often come in the sort of colour palette that looks best with sand underfoot.
Loro Piana
The top of the pyramid. Loro Piana’s linen isn’t just linen – it’s a whisper, a caress, a performance in fabric innovation. These shirts are obscenely soft, perfectly cut, and priced like a short-haul flight. But if you’re after the absolute best, this is the one.
For more shirting styles, read our ultimate guide to men's shirts.
For the ideal footwear to pair with linen shirts, check out our guide to minimalist sneakers.
