Rustic. Primeval. Comforting. These are compliments we’ve been paying linen for thousands of years – and, in 2022, there isn’t a single good reason to stop doing so. Favoured by ancient civilisations and designers of the modern day alike, we’re almost positive there isn’t a better fabric in which to take on those toasty 40-degree days that are right around the corner.
A natural fibre derived from flax plants (woven with a distinctive crisscross texture), a frankly incessant amount has been written about how linen keeps conscientious dressers cool during the height of summer. In anticipation of Christmas then, Myer has put together a grip of shirts made of this hot-weather stalwart. For best results, we’d recommend pairing any one of these with a fresh pair of plimsolls and your favourite pair of shades.
The ‘Nero’ button-down by Article One
Cut in a discreet regular fit, Article One’s ‘Nero’ button-down is the perfect piece for all occasions as 2022 comes to a close and the mercury rises. Made using pure linen fabric in a natural shade, the beauty of this piece of kit lies in its versatility. Whether worn with a sharp pair of denim or layered with a tee underneath, it shall fare equally well.
The ‘Lovejoy’ Short Sleeve by Kenji
Comprised of 52% linen and 48% cotton, the ‘Lovejoy’ by Kenji gives you the best of both worlds, with cotton’s soft handle and robustness and the breathability of linen. Details like the medium-sized point collar and shield-shaped chest pocket nudge this gently into dress shirt territory, but the contemporary fit and cropped sleeves mean it’ll get the job done whenever you reach for accompanying casualwear. Also available in navy.
The ‘Capri’ Short Sleeve Print Shirt by Blazer
Embrace your inner Freddie Miles with the Blazer ‘Capri’ – a sportif summer joint made in the classic camp-collar style, and emblazoned with a blue oceanside print. The fabric itself is a mixture of cotton (70%) and linen (30%) meaning that its appearance is a little more poplin-esque than a number of other recommendations to crack our list. Not to worry: in a pinch, it’s still a reliable match for most cotton shorts, and – with a little creativity – even goes the distance alongside summer tailoring.
The ‘Tenneriffe’ Long Sleeve by Industrie
Cut in Industrie’s take on a relaxed and forgiving fit, the ‘Trinidad’ utilises a 100% linen cloth that is milled using a distinctive twill treatment. Up close, this shirting has a stepped texture that helps it to resist the rumpling commonly found in most linens, without forgoing the comfort and cooling properties you’d all but expect in the first place. Your man above has opted (wisely) to dress the piece down, though you can also choose to take things in a different direction with softly tailored trousers and a statement slip-on.
The ‘Donovan’ Long Sleeve Overshirt by Blaq
Though wearing multiple layers in the sweltering heat might initially appear to be a fool’s errand, Blaq’s ‘Donovan’ linen overshirt brings several features to the table that just might convince you of the move’s stylistic credentials. A rounded hem and decently sized spread collar give this an immediate edge over most high street ephemera, while the two large chest pockets – a feature typical of military-inspired overshirts – allow you to carry a number of daily essentials upon your person. Bags, who needs ’em?
‘Bodega’ Button Down by Reserve
With six shades to choose from – including this surprisingly versatile hue of pale pink – Reserve’s ‘Bodega’ button-down will be a staple addition to any tailored summer wardrobe. The narrowed collar points and chest pocket imbue this style with a dash of American prep: an aesthetic wearers could well lean into (think linen sportcoat, cotton trousers) just in time for the summer wedding season. Exclusively available at Myer.
This article is sponsored by Myer. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
