The 18 Best Linen Shirts for a Breathable, Less Sticky Summer
Originally Published on Byrdie
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By: Casey Clark
There are a few fashion staples that everyone knows they absolutely need—like straight-leg jeans and a pair of white sneakers—but we'd like to invite linen shirts to this exclusive club. The likelihood is pretty high that you already own a linen shirt, but if you don’t, there is no better time than the present to invest in one.
“Linen shirts are airy and effortlessly chic," says expert Chelsea Titzer. "They are a great addition to any closet and can be styled for the office, beach, and even a night out."
If you’ve never dabbled in the world of linen shirts, then you might feel a bit overwhelmed with anything new. With that in mind, we’ve tapped some of the industry’s top stylists to get the low down on this closet must-have.
Keep on reading to discover Byrdie's edit of the best linen shirts, as well as styling advice from Titzer and other experts.
MEET THE EXPERT
Chelsea Titzer is a creative director and senior designer at Bella Dahl.
Katie Schmidt is a fashion designer and owner of Passion Lillie.
Leena Alsulaiman is a style coach and stylist at Anthropologie.
Arielle Charnas is the Founder and CCO of Something Navy.
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What is the difference between cotton and linen?
When it comes time to shop, it’s important to know what you’re buying. Yes, you might be looking for a linen shirt, but how does that differ from a cotton one? We tapped style coach Leena Alsulaiman to weigh in:
“Both cotton and linen are natural fibers. However, linen is made from the stalks of the flax plant, while cotton is a fiber that grows as fluff around the seeds of the cotton plant,” she says. “Linen also differs from cotton because it is a highly breathable fabric, more absorbent, and around 30 percent stronger than cotton, making it last longer.”
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