- July 29, 2022
This is sexy: a breezy linen button-down with the sleeves rolled up ever so nonchalantly. This is not sexy: an oversized, boxy linen shirt that hangs to halfway down your thighs. The first is cavalier, a guy who could maneuver a sailboat and speak several languages would wear this. The latter is utterly amiss, with as much sex appeal as a high schooler trying to lose his virginity, as much finesse as navigating directions with a paper map.
Don’t be this guy:
![How To Wear Linen The Right Way | The GentleManual (3) How To Wear Linen The Right Way | The GentleManual (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.ties.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/beverly-hills-90210.jpg)
Don’t wear this beautifully constructed fabric like a loose and frumpy sheet. Linen, made from flax plant fibers, is so light and breathable that people make bedding out of it. Imagine being wrapped in bedsheets an entire day, while you’re still out and about. This durable, moisture-absorbing fabric, perfect for warm weather and humidity, is an absolute wardrobe essential.
There’s a correct and incorrect way to wear this staple item, so we’re going to give you the consummate rundown.
Table of Contents
Slimmer Fit
![How To Wear Linen The Right Way | The GentleManual (4) How To Wear Linen The Right Way | The GentleManual (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.ties.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Linen-Shirt-slim-fit.jpg)
Sale
ZEROYAA Men’s Long Sleeve Dress Shirt Solid Slim Fit Casual Business Formal Button Up Shirts with Pocket
- Cotton & Polyester
- Soft/Breathable Thin Fabric/Good Choice for Spring ,Summer and the early Autumn/Long Sleeve/Design By Korean
Linen shirts are inherently light and airy, so a baggy fit will look sloppy. Instead, choose a slimmer cut for a modern and buoyant look. If you’re wearing the shirt untucked, just make sure it isn’t too long, hugging awkwardly around your hips.
Shorter Sleeves
![How To Wear Linen The Right Way | The GentleManual (6) How To Wear Linen The Right Way | The GentleManual (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.ties.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Linen-Shirt-Long-Sleeves.jpg)
The long baggy sleeves pictured above are a hard “no.” If you’re going with a short-sleeved shirt, have the cuff end at your bicep. If you’re wearing a long-sleeved shirt, make sure the sleeves are fitted. To avoid parachute arms, you can leave your cuff buttons undone or roll up your sleeves.
Colors and Prints
![How To Wear Linen The Right Way | The GentleManual (7) How To Wear Linen The Right Way | The GentleManual (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.ties.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/pink-linen-shirt.jpg)
Sale
Oliver Herringbone Pink Dress Shirt
- Flat felled seams
- Reinforced side seam gusset
- Double layer back yoke
- Subtle herringbone weave
Try different colors. A neat white button-down could look slick, but white linen that’s too free-flowing will make it look as if you’ve drifted in on a river raft with a rose between your lips. Cut the romance novel aesthetic, and instead, try a hip color like pastel pink.
Rule of the Buttons
![How To Wear Linen The Right Way | The GentleManual (9) How To Wear Linen The Right Way | The GentleManual (9)](https://i0.wp.com/www.ties.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Lucky-Brand-Linen-Shirt.jpg)
Sale
Lucky Brand Men’s Short Sleeve Button Up One Pocket San Gabriel Shirt
- Spread Collar
- Short Sleeve
- Patch Chest Pocket
How many undone buttons is just one too many? With an untucked linen shirt, you should always keep the very bottom button undone. As for the top, we advise one to two undone buttons, max. Three is pushing it, unless you’re wearing anundershirt or you’re out by a lake all day. Four undone, and you’re past the red zone, Sir.
How do you like to wear the staple linen shirt? Tucked or untucked? Sleeves rolled? How many buttons do you undo? Let us know below.
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