We Found The 13 Best Linen Shirts for Summer (2024)

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This Aritzia linen shirt is the quintessential summer button-down: it's relaxed, as the name suggests, while still looking put-together.A quick cuff of the sleeves adds an effortless feel. This option stood out to us for its sustainable sourcing. Aritzia blends the linen with a special fabric called Lenzing Ecovero Viscose, which is made from certified renewable wood sources. The manufacturing process uses both 50 percent less water and carbon dioxide emissions than other materials. Reviews call the quality impeccable and the fabric super soft — which may be thanks to the Viscose, which is known to be smooth, lightweight, and cooling. They also rave about how simple the shirt is to care for: you can just throw it in the wash, no dry cleaning or consistent ironing needed.

The shirt comes in 24 colors — white, pastel blue, and strawberry puff are in my cart right now. Aritzia also sells shorts and pants in the same fabric and many of the same colors, so a cute matching set is just a click away.

Size: 2XS–2XL | Colors: 24 | Materials: Linen, lenzing ecovero viscose

In the summer, you need a white linen button down in your wardrobe. The effortless silhouette looks equal amounts crisp and relaxed, which makes it ideal for both dinners at a nice restaurant and trips to the beach. The best part? No one would be any wiser that you spent less than $40 on your look. Despite the affordable price tag, this top doesn’t lack all the sophisticated details, like buttoned cuffs, a chest pocket, and structured collar, you typically find on more expensive models. Blended with a little bit of rayon, you get the benefits of the soft-to-the-skin material with the lightweight breathable properties of linen. We only wish we could choose from more than white and black (and a tropical palm tree printed version). But we do appreciate how versatile the colors it does come in are.

Size: XS–4XL | Colors: 3 | Materials: Linen, rayon

Let us start by saying: the quality of linen on this shirt is phenomenal. While many white tops tend to be a bit see-through, you can skip the undershirt all together with this one thanks to its heavyweight material and thick stitching. That’s not to say the fabric isn’t lightweight and breathable for the summer, though. The high-end linen sourced sustainably from flax plants in Normandy, France, will feel equally breezy as its thinner counterparts, but it will be more long-lasting and heat-regulating, thanks to the natural climates in the region the plants grow. We only wish it came in a wider size range, as it’s currently only offered in extra small to large.

Size: XS–L | Colors: 7 | Materials: Linen, corozo

You should never have to sacrifice quality in order to not blow your budget to find a well-fitting shirt — especially a size-inclusive one. This piece (which by the way, is made of 100 percent linen) from Amazon’s line The Drop is cut in an oversized relaxed fit— so much so that some have suggested sizing down — that gives you an effortless stole-it-from-my-boyfriend look. Sizes go up to 5XL, remaining oversized with dropped shoulders across the board. When it’s time to wash, just throw it in the washer and hang dry to let the wrinkles smoothen out on their own.

Size: 2XS–5XL | Colors: 4 | Materials: Linen

When it comes to oversized button downs, Gap understands the assignment. With a long hem that covers your entire bottom, extended and oversized sleeves that reach past your palms, and a drapey fit throughout, the shirt is ideal for an easy-going day or casual bathing suit cover-up. The only thing it doesn’t have are dropped shoulders. Perhaps that helps it from looking too unstructured, giving you the best of both worlds in some casual elegance. You could easily order the tall version — it comes in tall, petite, and regular — for an even roomier fit, though.

Regardless of fit, though, we appreciate that this 100 percent linen button down comes in nine different colors, instead of just basic white and black. We suggest picking the punchy pink or cheery yellow for an extra summer-y vibe.

Size: XXS–XXL | Colors: 9 | Materials: Linen

For stylist and fashion editor Indya Brown, this J.Crew beach shirt is a no-brainer piece to pack for a trip. "J.Crew is a really solid retailer that I recommend for a go-to," she says. "If you're going to the beach and you throw an oversized linen shirt over a bikini, that's such a classic, easy, no-fuss look that's still polished and intentional." Tsui agrees: "I love linen shirts as swim cover-ups since they dry quickly, offer some sun coverage, and it makes my one-piece turn into an outfit appropriate enough to go to a nearby restaurant for a drink." This shirt is made to be slightly sheer, perfect for showing off your favorite new suit.

This shirt is also made of a blend of linen and cotton, so it's softer and less likely to crease. J.Crew supports the Better Cotton Initiative, too, which advocates for more responsible cotton via less water use and harmful pest control, as well as better soil health, fiber quality, and working conditions.You can also have a bit of fun with this shirt by monogramming it for a personal touch.

Size: XXS–3XL | Colors: 5 | Materials: Linen, cotton

One thing about Uniqlo: they’re going to make quality basics in just about every color imaginable. They also won’t hike up their pieces, so feel free to stock up on all your linen shirts for many summers to come right here. We’ve previously gushed about their white button-downs, thanks to their expert tailoring — and their linen shirts are no exception. The top is offered beyond your favorite neutrals, but in pinks, purples, and greens as well. The shirt is also thoughtfully cut shorter in the front than the back, so it will remain tucked in if you bend over. But there's no lining, which may make it see-through, especially in the lighter colors.

Size: XXS–XXL | Colors: 10 | Materials: Linen

Incorporate a little pattern into your look without leaving the comfort of your minimalist wardrobe with this striped Everlane top. This color, which Everlane calls “Brazilian Sand”, is a stellar alternative to basic white, as it alternates between two shades of muted yellow. It’s almost too good not to wear to the beach because it allows you to blend in with the scene and embrace the summery, care-free moment. Thanks to the fully linen material, you can continue to feel the breeze through the airy shirt and keep cool while staying protected from the sun. For anyone not into stripes, you can find plain color options as well, although we wish there were more colors in the striped pattern.

Size: 00–16 | Colors: 5 | Materials: Linen

Button downs are nice and all, but sometimes we crave something a bit more easygoing. Buck Mason heard our request and swooped in to offer a different take on the classic look, with a crossover linen shirt — sans buttons — and a boxy fit. The fully linen piece has a lived-in look, thanks to its loose fit and washed texture. Something that further sets it apart are the two chest pockets, instead of just one. The sleeves are a bit shorter than usual, ending just before your wrists, which might be a bit too short on anyone somewhat taller. We recommend taking the opportunity to wear a chunky bracelet. When paired with the matching pants for a top to bottom linen outfit, you’ll have a complete beachfront-ready look.

Size: XS–XXL | Colors: 2 | Materials: Linen

As breathable as linen is, sometimes a long sleeve is still too hot for the summer — that’s where this linen short sleeve shirt comes in. Your shoulders remain covered, so you can still wear it to the office, but you won’t be sweating up a storm on your way there. We love how the collared lapel dips a little lower into the chest as well, inviting a little bit more of that elusive breeze. Made of 100 percent European flax, the linen used here is actually a more sustainable option that uses fewer resources in order to grow — the resulting fabric is softer and sturdier, too. While it does come with matching pants, we recommend sticking with jeans or a skirt in order to avoid looking like you’re wearing pajamas (especially due to how soft they are).

Size: XS–XL | Colors: 10 | Materials: European linen

T-shirts are most commonly made of cotton, so it’s a refreshing change to see a nice, standard jersey made of organic linen as well. The lightweight and breathable top comes in a modest design, with longer sleeves and a hem cropped right at the hips (although a longer version is also available here). It adds a little more texture to your outfit in a summery way with the added bonus that you won’t overheat while wearing it. And as a little cherry on top, it’s made sustainably and without hazardous chemicals. It is, however, ever so slightly see-through in the white and the Capri colors, so prepare yourself with the correct undergarments.

Size: XXS–3XL | Colors: 4 | Materials: Organic linen

This linen shirt from Athleta won the best white category for its thicker and sturdier makeup. The superior structure is evidence for how long it will last, and the fact that it’s more of an off-white (rather than a pure white) will hinder dirt from showing too quickly. It is, however, a little see-through, and works best over undershirts. The name, Playa, hints that it’s intended to be worn as a beach cover up, and offers a long hem and oversized fit. It’s not unlikely that you’ll find yourself reaching for the easy-going fit to go over just about anything — a black summer dress, some biker shorts, or your swimwear.

Size: XXS–3XL | Colors: 1 | Materials: Linen

You typically have to sacrifice comfort for structure, but not with this polo. The smart shirt features a collar, a V-neck, and a loose silhouette, and can easily be paired with pantsuits. And still, you can melt into its comfort thanks to the 100 percent flax linen material. You get all the benefits of looking professional without any of the uppity discomfort. Just be aware that the white version is ever so slightly see-through — not enough to need a shirt underneath for everyday wear, but something to consider if you hope to wear it to the office. Otherwise, the black and navy options are perfectly opaque.

Size: XXS–3XL | Colors: 3 | Materials: Linen

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