A light shirt is essential in summer: it keeps you cool, looks well-groomed and is surprisingly versatile. Whether you choose breathable linen or lightweight cotton — below are the brands, materials and ways to wear it.
Short answer: in summer, opt for a shirt in linen or lightweight cotton with a relaxed, breathable fit. Solid, natural colours are most versatile and keep you cool on warm days.
Linen or lightweight cotton?
Linen is the quintessential summer fabric: it breathes excellently, feels cool and has a relaxed, natural look — wrinkles are part of it and give it character. Lightweight cotton or a cotton-linen mix is slightly more formal and wrinkles less, ideal if you wear the shirt to the office as well.
Choose based on the occasion: pure linen for holiday and terrace time, a cotton mix for a neater, more versatile look. Think of Stone Island, Valenza, C.P. Company, Casablanca and Woolrich. View the full range at men's shirts.
Fit and collar
A summer shirt can be a little roomier than a formal shirt — it wears more breathably and coolly. Pay attention to the shoulder seam: it should fall exactly on your shoulder. A soft, unlined collar suits the relaxed summer look best.
With rolled-up sleeves and the top button undone, a shirt immediately looks summery and relaxed.
Colour and print
Natural, understated tones — white, ecru, light blue, olive, sand — are most versatile and radiate summery calm. A subtle stripe or understated print adds character without becoming too busy.
Stick to one striking element: a printed shirt you pair with a solid pair of trousers, and vice versa.
How to wear it
A linen shirt sits loosely over a t-shirt with shorts, or neatly tucked in with linen trousers and loafers. This way it goes from beach to dinner.
For a smart occasion, choose a solid shirt in a natural colour; for a relaxed day, a print or light texture is fine.
What to look for when buying
- a breathable fabric: linen or lightweight (mix) cotton
- a fit that feels airy without being too loose
- a shoulder seam that falls exactly on your shoulder
- a natural, understated colour for versatility
- a soft collar that suits the summer look
A good summer shirt is versatile, cool and timeless. Invest in a few in natural colours and you'll be well-dressed all summer long.
At Eleganza you shop at an official retailer with free shipping, fast delivery and easy returns.
Frequently asked questions
Is linen or cotton better for summer?
Linen breathes best and feels coolest, but wrinkles more easily; lightweight cotton or a cotton-linen mix wrinkles less and is slightly more formal. Choose linen for relaxed moments, a cotton mix for smarter occasions.
Should a summer shirt be loose-fitting?
A bit roomier than a formal shirt wears more breathably and coolly, but the shoulder seam should fall exactly on your shoulder for a well-groomed fit.
