15 of the chicest linen shirts to invest in right now

They're a staple for a reason.

linen shirts
(Image credit: L-R: @thandimaq, Reiss, With Nothing Underneath)

No capsule wardrobe is complete without a linen shirt (or three). The style is timeless, classic and will both keep you cool during the summer months and warm when temperatures drop.

Linen is a particularly popular fabric during spring and summer due to the fact that it is a natural fibre and also happens to be highly breathable. On cold days however, linen fibres contract, trapping warm air close the body helping you to stay snug. Yes, it may not keep you as warm as say your favourite jumper, but a linen shirt is ideal for those days when the weather feels a little all over the place, or, if you're hopping between air conned offices and hot, sticky commuter trains. 

Not to mention, a linen shirt can be endlessly versatile. The same item that can be worn to work alongside your favourite jeans and sneakers, can also be worn at the beach as a cover-up for your favourite bikini or swimsuit.

@marikokuo

(Image credit: @marikokuo)

When it comes to investing in a linen shirt, you can rest assured, it is definitely the kind of item you will wear for years to come. The staple completely transcends trends and will always maintain its relevance, making it the ultimate investment purchase. 

Need a little extra proof? Whether it be a 1970s, Jane Birkin styling a linen shirt alongside wide-leg jeans and a basket bag, or a current-day Zoë Kravitz wearing the staple over a slip dress with ballet flats, stylish women have been championing the item for decades. And they don't seem to be slowing down any time soon. 

From contemporary brands to high-street labels, so many designers have created tailored linen shirts that are perfect for summer and beyond. If you're looking for the best styles to invest in, we have done the hard work for you and tracked down a few linen options, from pure linen to linen blends, taking into account varying price points. 

Without further ado, keep scrolling to shop the best linen shirts to invest in now. 

Shop the best linen shirts:

How do I care for my linen?

If you're planning to invest in a linen shirt, it's important to understand the best way to care for it, in order to preserve its longevity. According to the experts, when machine washing, it's best to wash the item on a gentle wash at no higher than 30°C. Once the cycle is finished, lay it flat to dry.

Zoe Anastasiou
Fashion Editor

Zoe Anastasiou is a Fashion Editor with over eight years of experience working across digital publications in New York, London and Australia. She has contributed to publications including Harper’s BAZAAR and ELLE Australia, and was the Fashion and Social Media Editor at Who What Wear UK before joining Marie Claire. 

With contributions from