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It's that time of year again when you suddenly realise that most of what you've been wearing for the past six months is redundant, destined for hibernation and a well-earned rest. But the biannual wardrobe churn doesn't just mean a goodbye to overcoats and the like, but a warm "welcome back" to all those summer bits you feel fantastic in. On inspection, you might need to refresh your shorts collection, and grab a three-pack of Sopranos-esque vests, but you needn't start over. Having said that, a new linen shirt would not go amiss.
Thanks to its supreme lightness and breathability, linen has long been the go-to fabric for summer. And though plain linen shirts are still a solid go-to, especially for those looking to keep things smart when the temperature goes up, Summer '23 is all about linen shirts with character.
As you (probably) already know, a 100% linen shirt (or suit) will be very susceptible to creasing, which is why we'd suggest looking for a blend. Silk is a good option: it makes the garment even lighter, but it's at the more expensive end of the spectrum. Alternatively, cotton-linen blends deliver on price, but offer a 'drier' feeling fabric that won't drape and waft around quite so well. (but do bear in mind that it will soften after a few washes.) A mix of linen and lyocell is always a solid middleground as it delivers on cost and wearability.
Discover our top picks of linen shirts for summer '23 below.
Reiss
Reiss is renowned for its summer linen shirts range, and this year, the designs are seemingly inspired by Mediterranean home decor. Think that hand-painted decorative bowl you carefully brought back from Greece just to put your car keys in; the tiles that ornament your favourite Sicilian eatery.
£128; reiss.com
General Admission
General Admission channels the laidback vibe of its home state, California, into this summer shirt via a breezy linen blend fabric, a relaxed fit and artwork by illustrator Sam Himmelrich.
£185; endclothing.com
Jacquemus
The thing about Jacquemus linen summer shirts is that they never feel dated – so cop one now and wear it every June/July/August for the foreseeable future.
£330; selfridges.com
Harago
Artisanal craftsmanship is at the core of Harago’s identity, and this particular piece – a blue linen shirt that we love for special occasions – is brought to life by traditional Indian hand-stitched embroidery.
£330; matchesfashion.com
Another Aspect
Copenhagen-based brand Another Aspect works with responsibly sourced materials to create timeless hits – this sandy-hued linen treasure, for example.
£195; ssense.com
Ralph Lauren
Say yes to colour this summer with Polo Ralph Lauren’s candy stripe shirt that’s surprisingly easy to style.
£115; flannels.com
Kapital
Kapital – a label renowned for putting a Japanese spin on Americana style – delivers a linen shirt manifestly inspired by vintage denim.
£469.46; mrporter.com
James Perse
Sometimes a simple, frill-free linen shirt is exactly what’s needed. In this case, do a James Perse number.
£195; mrporter.com
Bode
A damn handsome Old West-inspired Bode shirt rounds up our linen shirt round-up in spectacular fashion.
£571; mytheresa.com
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