THE WHITE LINEN SHIRT FOR MEN
THE WHITE LINEN SHIRT
It's summer in southern California, so tourism is in full swing here.
Because of that, I've had the chance to see what a lot of guys are wearing on vacation. More often than not, they're choosing a top like this...
The Golf Polo.
This piece of clothing has infiltrated its way into more social settings than any other type of item. Guys think it's sort of dressy and sort of comfy, so they wear it for sort of everything. In reality, this shirt has one occasion: golf.
You want to wear stuff that suits the occasion. This isn't about "dressing up"; it's about using the right tool for the job. When I go surfing down here in San Diego, I'm wearing a wetsuit because that's what it calls for, just like if I went to a black tie event, I'd wear a tux.
On vacation, the setting calls for linen - Lightweight, breathable, casual, and comfortable.
Enter the white linen shirt...
All these guys who wear the ultra-sweat-wicking-synthetic-stretchy golf shirts could make an easy, stylish swap for a white linen shirt and look great.
Linen is a natural fiber made from Flax. It's highly breathable, doesn't stick to your skin when you sweat, and it's a good conductor of heat and absorber of moisture.
It's been used in summer menswear for ages. Couple that with a crisp white color that reflects light and pairs with anything; you're good to wear a white linen shirt all season long. And you probably should.
This is actually a piece that you can dress up or down to a certain extent either way.
The only issue I have with linen is how prone it is to wrinkling. But that's sort of its charm, and actually looks better with a few light creases, just like an old pickup truck looks better with a bit of dirt and rust than it does overly pristine. If you're worried about it, hit it with a quick steam (you own a steamer, right?), and you're set. No need to iron these things ever.
Your white linen shirt should fit a bit looser than you take your other shirts to provide airflow. It looks best worn casually - untucked, sleeves rolled up, and at least a couple of buttons undone.
I wear mine with other lightweight summer items, notably chinos or chino shorts, or a pair of linen pants. I'll even wear something like this with a nicer swimsuit (I've been using this one a lot).
Standout favorites...
Todd Snyder
Banana Republic
Olebar Brown
Farhety
If the white linen shirt is good enough for all these celebrities, it's good enough for you.