I hear from guys all the time that the outfits I post or recommend would make them too hot. Whether they live somewhere warm, or just run warm, if they tried to add a layer they’d be a ball of sweat. As I’m writing this, the high temperature today is 50 degrees. In Dallas it is 86, and Phoenix its 90. So I get it, things are different for sure! But, I do think with some intentionality, you can still look great, even when the temperatures are high. Enter, The Linen Edit.
Linen is a natural fiber derived from the flax plant. It is one of the earliest materials used for clothing in history. Its loose weave and natural properties allow for a high level of air flow and breathability when it is made into a garment. That makes it a natural choice for clothing when temperatures warm up! Whether it is a lightweight linen shirt or even a sweater blended with linen, it will keep you even cooler than cotton. When compared to something like polyester, linen is the far better choice.
But the benefits aren’t just functional. Linen clothing also looks cool.
It naturally wrinkles, but not in a “just pulled out of the hamper after a few days” type of way. It wrinkles more naturally as it moves with your body throughout the day. Think of the relaxed nonchalance of Pinterest guy on European summer. That’s the vibe we’re going for!
So without further ado, here are some awesome linen pieces you should check out for spring and summer. Some of these I own, and some I currently have my eye on!
Shirts
Banana Republic Standard Castello Linen Shirt
One of the first linen Items I personally bought was this classic casual linen shirt. The collar doesn’t have buttons, which makes it feel very casual. But it’s a solid price point, especially if you can grab it on sale. It also comes in a wide variety of color options. I have the Olive Green color!
J. Crew Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirt
J. Crew’s classic linen shirt offering is another solid option. This one does feature a button-down collar, which I think is a bit of a smarter look. It’s under $100, and again, available in a plethora of color options. I am particularly partial to the blue stripe – no shock there!
Gap Linen Shirt
Gap is leaning into linen hard for the summer. A lot of their silhouettes are oversized and a bit more contemporary. This one, though, is a more classic fit. It looks solid and is at a more entry-level price point. For $55 full price, it’s a good option if you want to try the style.
Camp Collar Shirts
Abercrombie Camp Collar Linen-Blend Shirt
This shirt was one of my go-to’s last summer, and I don’t see that changing this year. These fit so nicely. They are really lightweight and breathable. They’re the perfect slight upgrade from a t-shirt without sacrificing any comfort. It’s just an all-around great shirt. And while I do wish it was more than 55% linen, viscose is a breathable synthetic material. For $60 (and often on sale for less), it’s a solid price point for what you are getting!
Portugese Flannel Camp Collar Linen Shirt
If you want to get serious about your camp collar game, this option from Mr. Porter looks fantastic. It comes in a bunch of color options. It has the perfect relaxed fit you want from a camp collar. But, it is $130, so it definitely falls outside the affordable category.
Easy Short Sleeve Shirt in Stripe Linen
For a colorful and relaxed vibe, this shirt from Madewell Mens is an awesome option. I love the vertical stripes as a slimming option for guys of all body types. Wear it unbuttoned with a tank top under it, or buttoned all the way up and you’ll look awesome.
Pants
Linen Blend Pull-On Pant
I just got these pull-on pants from Abercrombie, and they’re such an awesome laid-back option. The elastic waistband is comfortable but still has drawstrings to keep them at your waist. They’re a slightly loose fit, but not so much that you’re swimming in them. I think they’re a really nice option – and would be perfect for a tropical vacation as well.
Linen-Cotton Traveler Pull-On Pant
For a slightly more sophisticated option, this linen-cotton pant from Banana Republic is one step up from Abercrombie! They are still pull-on with a drawstring, just like the last pair. But, I think they are a bit more refined – especially the navy pair! They are a slightly slimmer fit, which obviously could be a positive or negative depending on your preference.
Slim Fit 100% Linen Pants
These linen pants from Mango have a fixed waist instead of elastic and drawstring. It gives them a more elevated look – and options if you want to add a belt! These would be a solid option, especially if you are going for a smarter look with the linen pants.
Arroyo Cotton-Linen Suit Pant
These suit pants from Banana Republic are just awesome. I tried them on in the store and they fit like a glove. Adding the 45% cotton to the trousers will probably make them a bit more low maintenance. I like that they have small pleats in the front too. Pleats are a design element that has definitely been on the comeback lately. But, it’s not for everyone so your preference on that front may vary!
Shorts
Lino 7″ Linen Shorts
I just got these shorts in white and immediately ordered 2 other colors! It’s a great pair of linen shorts that will be heavy in my rotation this summer. They’re 100% linen, but the fabric is substantial enough to not be see-through, even in white. They also offer the Lino Shorts in lengths from 5 to 11 inches, so you can find one that’s the perfect length for you!
Sand Pleated Bosa Shorts
These are definitely *out there.* But, I’ve been intrigued by pleated shorts this summer based on a few photos I have saved on Pinterest. Something about the extra volume just makes them look simultaneously relaxed and refined. I feel like it’s a very European look, which you can take or leave. Will I probably buy these? No. Should I? Maybe. Should you? That’s up to you! But they’re cool for sure!
Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts
Ok, back to the land of reality. These were some of my most worn shorts last summer! They are SO easy to throw on and go. They are the perfect elevated but casual blend. The 6-inch length is pretty great for casual outfits. They also offer them in an 8-inch relaxed fit this year, which isn’t my thing, but if you wanted a bigger pair of shorts, it could be cool. As a side note, they also have the Seersucker pull-on short which is another one of my favorites! Seersucker is another great summer material, and these shorts are super comfortable!
Knitwear
Giorgio Linen-Cotton Blend Sweater Polo
I get questions all the time about living somewhere warm and still adding knitwear to your closet. Enter, the linen-cotton blend sweater polo. It has short sleeves, a breathable blend, and looks fantastic. I think this is an awesome option. I do wish they had some less noisy colors. But the light blue and navy are both solid options. Or, be more adventurous than me! Life is short, wear fun clothes!
Giorgio Linen-Cotton Sweater
This linen-cotton sweater is in the same family but with a different silhouette. This would be an awesome option for all of the same reasons listed above. Go true to size for a more fitted look, or size up for a more casual relaxed vibe. You can’t go wrong here!
I hope this Linen Edit was helpful! Stay cool out there, summer will be here before we know it! If there are any other “edits” you would like to see, let me know! A couple I have in mind are the European Summer Edit and maybe an office edit. Drop any ideas you have in the comments.
Be The First To Comment