Stylish, Easy, and Airy—These 19 Linen Shirts Are Perfect for Summer (2024)

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Material: 100% linen | Size Range: 00-16 | Colors: Black, White, Classic Blue, Brazilian Sand/Canvas Tan, Kalamata | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

A crisp, loose-fitting button-down shirt is a must-have for your summer wardrobe, and this option from Everlane earned the top spot. This summer staple is perfect for day or night thanks to its lightweight fabric and wide range of colors, including everything from timeless black and white to tropical Brazilian Sand. Wear it with the brand's coordinating pants and sandals for a monochromatic look, or rock it solo with your go-to shorts and favorite sneakers.

Material: 100% linen | Size Range: XS-XXL | Colors: Light Yellow, Light Beige, White | Care: Machine wash cool, line dry, medium iron, wash with similar colors, use non-chlorine bleach when needed, can be dry cleaned

This H&M top is the epitome of summertime chic with its oversized-yet-cropped silhouette (but without the hefty price tag). The dropped shoulders and wide, elbow-length sleeves give off major picnic vibes. So if you’re not a fan of tank tops because they show too much skin, this cropped option is a happy medium. There are also two light, airy hues to choose from.

Material: 100% linen/flax | Size Range: XS-M | Colors: Cream | Care: Dry clean only

The Swedish brand Toteme is known for its minimal designs, which can be seen in this gorgeous linen shirt. But just because a shirt is more subdued doesn’t mean it’s lacking eye-catching details. For instance, this top is long and oversized, adding drama to any outfit. It's made from 100% linen, so you’ll want to dry clean it to ensure you take the best care of the garment.

Material: 100% linen | Size Range: XS-M | Colors: Green multi-colored | Care: Machine wash

Wearing linen feels like perpetual summer because of the fabric’s breathability, so why not pair that texture with a print that feels like warmer months and sandy beaches, too? This 100% linen top from Birds of Paradis does just that. The print is colorful and floral and looks like happiness in print. Plus, the top’s loose-fitting, relaxed style will hopefully inspire a vacation mood no matter where you’re sporting it.

Material: Linen | Size Range: XXS-XL | Color: White | Care: Machine wash

This season, we're going big or going home, especially when it comes to embracing the "puff-sleeve" trend. This linen blouse comes in a crisp white color that can be paired with tan slacks and a woven hat or dressed up with fun heels and jeans. Details like the cinched sleeves and half-buttoned front exude chicness and class.

Material: 100% European flax linen | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Deep Navy, Mist, Blue Pinstripe, Golden Brown, Martini Olive, Light Blue, Driftwood, Black, White, Washed Olive, Terracotta | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low, warm iron, don’t bleach

With Quince's 100% European linen short sleeve shirt, you won't ever have to give up the carefree spirit of summer. This collared top can be worn anywhere—from the office to a beach resort—instantly upgrading any outfit. Also, you can forget about your clothes sticking to your skin on humid days, as the fabric is lightweight and breathable.

Material: 100% linen | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Oatmeal | Care: Wash cold and line dry

Linen is already such a roomy fabric, but you can feel even more breezy with the help of this 100% linen tank top from Reformation. The oatmeal color is a fabulous neutral that can pair easily with any other shade in your closet, but it also comes with matching linen bottoms if you prefer wearing a set.

Material: 55% Linen, 45% Rayon | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Navy Stitched Stars, Echo Stripe, Rhone Stripe, White Eyelet Stars, Shore Stripe, Nevis Stripe, Black Eyelet Stars, Merida Stripe, Ivory Jungle Cats, Stripe Palms | Care: Hand wash cold, hang dry

If you want to shine bright like a star in your linen shirt, you’ll want to check out this option from Rails. The white top is embroidered with light and dark blue stars, which will immediately make a statement. It’s a lightweight, long-sleeve, button-down that’s perfect for summer days. Plus, it’s a part of the brand’s Eco Collection—meaning it’s made with sustainable raw materials.

Material: 100% linen | Size Range: XS-XXL | Colors: Natural, White, Black | Care: Hand wash in cold water

A linen vest is the perfect top for a warm summer day or to wear in the office. It pairs sophistication with airy breathability in an already comfortable material. This option from Faithfull The Brand comes in neutral and black shades and is made with local, sustainable materials.

Material: 100% organic linen | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: White | Care: Machine wash

There’s something special about a classic, crisp, white linen shirt—it’s the epitome of timeless style. This 100% organic linen top from Asceno delivers that aesthetic. The buttons, which run down the front and cuff the sleeves, add eye-catching pops to the look. A large chest patch pocket also elevates the white top even further.

Material: 100% linen | Size Range: XXS-XL | Colors: Coconut | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors and mild detergent, warm iron, dry clean if necessary

To have a proper vacation, your wardrobe must match the trip's atmosphere. So, if you’re going on a beach trip soon, you’ll want to consider Tommy Bahama’s tropical-patterned, 100% linen button-down top. It’s made with a lightweight material and brightly colored, making it the perfect shirt for a relaxed beach day.

Material: 55% flax linen, 45% rayon | Size Range: XXS–XXL | Colors: Tree Grove, New Off White, Neon Dragon Fruit | Care: Machine wash

A band collar blouse is the best choice if you don't have enough jewelry to accessorize your outfit. This button-down from Banana Republic embodies professionalism, with long sleeves and a large chest pocket. Featuring a luxurious linen and rayon construction, this top comes in a wide range of sizes and colors—including bright pink, olive, and more.

Material: 80% cotton, 20% linen | Size Range: S-XXL | Colors: Sky Blue, Army Green, Beige, Pink, Black, White, Mint Green, Light Pink | Care: Hand wash only

If you’re looking for a quality shirt in multiple colors, look no further than this find from an Amazon clothing brand. It comes in nine colors, including shades of blue, green, and pink, so you’ll have a color option for any occasion. The top also has unique details like the V-neck and rollable sleeves for added comfort while you’re wearing. It’s no wonder this shirt was given an almost five-star rating by wearers.

Material: Linen and cotton blend | Size Range: XXS-3X | Colors: Navy, White, and Sheer Flax | Care: Machine wash

Are you heading on a beach trip? Don’t forget to pack this linen and cotton blend cover-up from J. Crew. It comes in three colors and can be tied up in the front or worn like a dress. The brand also lets you monogram for an added fee to add your initials or trip hashtag to the top. It has an almost five-star rating because of its high-quality material and fit.

Material: Cotton and linen blend | Size Range: 00-20 | Colors: Light Indigo | Care: Machine wash

This linen and cotton blend denim shirt will surely turn heads. It’s inspired by classic workwear, but has elevated details like engraved mother-of-pearl buttons and faded coloring. If you wear it to work, there’s also a pocket to store pens or important notes. The shirt has a relaxed fit with lightweight material that’s anything but chill because of its chic aesthetic.

Material: 100% linen | Size Range: XS-L | Colors: Neutral Tan Stripe, Pink Gingham, Multi Color Stripe, Black, Iconic Khaki Tan, Resolution Blue, Sugar Pink, Maize Yellow, New Off White, Meadow Green | Care: Machine wash

If you’re looking for a relaxed fit that’s simultaneously casual and elevated, this boyfriend-style shirt from Gap is the one for you. The fit isn’t the only great part about this top. It also comes in ten spring-inspired colors and is made of 100% linen for comfortable, airy wear. However, the brand suggests sizing down if you want a slimmer fit.

Material: 100% linen | Size Range: XXS-5XL | Colors: Hummus, Black, Lilac, White | Care: Machine wash

Amazon is known for having several fabulous clothing brands, so finding a quality linen shirt from The Drop (one of such brands) was a no-brainer. This 100% linen top is a loose-fitted option that maximizes comfort. It comes in neutral colors that’ll pair with several outfits and has a cute pocket detail on the front of the shirt.

Material: 100% Linen | Size Range: XXS-3X | Colors: Calla Lily, Black, Aspen Olive | Care: Machine wash and dry

Because of linen’s ability to keep you cool, this Athleta top is a great option to throw on post-workout. Since it's 100% lightweight linen, you’ll feel comfortable and won’t have fabric sticking to your sweaty skin. However, if you want to wear it into the evening, it has details like a collar and front buttons to elevate any dinner party look.

Material: European linen and corozo | Size Range: XS-L | Colors: Snow, Night, Dusk, Lines, Chalk, Moss, Light Green | Care: Wash with cool water and hang dry

This Alex Crane top is made from European linen, and the buttons are crafted from Brazilian nuts (referred to as corozo). When people compliment you on the gorgeous design of the top, the fact that you’re wearing nuts will be the perfect follow-up statement. It comes in several colors—unique names like Moss, Chalk, and Dusk–and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

FAQ

• What is the difference between cotton and linen?

  Linen is derived from flax seed versus the cotton plant. This essentially means that it’s more durable and has better moisture-wicking capabilities than cotton clothing.

  “Cotton is derived from the cotton plant, is highly breathable, lighter weight (due to a lower thread count), and is extremely absorbent as well,” Volpe explains. “Although cotton is absorbent, it does not share the moisture-wicking ability like linen, so it can take longer to dry.”

• Can you wear linen shirts in the winter?

  “Linen is heavier weight and has a thicker fiber count than cotton making it easily wearable in the winter months if paired sensibly with other weather-appropriate wardrobe items,” says Volpe. “Linen is also notably a temperature regulating fabric, meaning it helps you stay cool in the high heat summer months and cozy, comfy, and warm during the frigid winter.”

• Can you put linen shirts in the washing machine?

  “Check your item's care label prior to washing [it], but most linens can be machine washed safely if you follow certain instructions,” Volpe says. She recommends a mild detergent, a low temperature, and turning the garment inside out to keep the material in the best shape.

  However, one downside is that linens become softer with each washing cycle, she points out. Hand washing is a safe alternative to maintain the fabric’s quality and durability.