Construction — what makes a good linen shirt
Most linen shirts are either too formal to wear casually or too relaxed to work dressed up. Blankdays linen shirt solves this with a straight, regular fit with slightly dropped shoulder seams and a rounded hem it can be worn untucked or tucked in without looking wrong in either direction.
The collar is a button-down with a soft structure that does not require ironing to sit correctly. The chest pocket on the left side is a construction detail that breaks up the garment without dominating it. The button placket runs all the way down and allows the shirt to be worn half-open as a layer over a t-shirt.
Linen as a material absorbs up to 20% of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet the property that makes it superior to cotton and synthetics in warm weather.
Materials and specifications
Blankdays linen shirts are made from 100% pure linen from Somelos, Portugal. The weave is slightly heavier than standard linen to give the garment better drape and structure it looks considered rather than creased.
Long sleeve specifications:
Material: 100% pure linen, Somelos Portugal
Fit: Straight, regular — true to size
Collar: Button-down
Pocket: Chest pocket left side
Hem: Rounded, can be worn tucked or untucked
Colours: White, navy, black, army olive
Care: Wash at 30°C, hang to dry
Made in: Portugal
Short sleeve specifications:
Material: 100% pure linen, Somelos Portugal
Fit: Straight, regular
Collar: Button-down
Colours: White, black, army olive
Care: Wash at 30°C, hang to dry
Made in: Portugal
According to the European Confederation of Linen and Hemp, linen fibres grow in most European climates without irrigation and with minimal pesticide one of the most environmentally efficient textile materials available.
Long or short sleeve — which works when
Blankdays offers the linen shirt in both lengths because they serve different functions in the wardrobe, not just in different weather.
The long sleeve linen shirt works throughout the season. Sleeves can be rolled up in the heat and down on a cooler day or evening. That makes it the more versatile choice for travel and situations where you do not know what the day requires. It also works better as a formal garment tucked in with linen trousers or chinos.
The short sleeve linen shirt is more direct. Nothing to roll up, no extra warmth. The cleanest summer choice for when you know it will be warm and relaxed. Works well as a layer over a t-shirt on a cooler day.
How to style a linen shirt for men
A linen shirt for men moves between more occasions than any other summer garment but only when the fit is right.
Relaxed everyday look: Linen shirt half-open over a white t-shirt with linen trousers or shorts. The natural linen layer gives the outfit structure without looking forced.
Smart-casual: White or navy linen shirt tucked in with linen trousers and loafers. Works at the office, at a restaurant and at a wedding without looking overly formal.
Monochromatic in linen: Linen shirt and linen trousers in the same tone. Army olive on army olive, white on white. Requires the garments to hold the same shade Somelos linen does.
Seasonal transition: Linen shirt under an unstructured jacket or overshirt on a cooler day. Linen handles moisture and temperature better than cotton under an outer layer.
Frequently asked questions about linen shirts for men
Should a linen shirt be creased?
Yes. Creasing is a natural property of pure linen and part of the material's character. Blankdays linen shirts are 100% pure linen without synthetic content they crease and that is correct. A linen shirt without creasing almost always contains polyester.
How should a linen shirt for men fit?
The shoulder seams should sit at or just outside the shoulder point. The chest should have enough room to move without being loose. The length of a long sleeve linen shirt should cover the waistband by a few centimetres so it can be worn tucked or untucked. Blankdays fits regular take your normal size and it will sit correctly.
Can a linen shirt be worn to work?
With the right combination tucked in with linen trousers or chinos and loafers a linen shirt works in most modern office environments during summer. White or navy gives a more formal impression than army olive.
Should I choose a long or short sleeve linen shirt?
Long sleeve is the more versatile choice it works across more situations and temperature ranges. Short sleeve is the more direct summer choice for warm days and relaxed occasions. If you have room for one, choose long sleeve. If you have room for both, they complement each other without overlapping.
Do linen shirts shrink in the wash?
Pure linen can shrink slightly at the first wash if washed at high temperature. Wash at 30°C and hang to dry. Blankdays linen shirts are made from pre-washed Somelos linen which minimises shrinkage after purchase.
Which colour linen shirt is most versatile?
White is the classic choice and works with everything. Navy gives a cleaner and more Scandinavian expression. Black is unexpectedly versatile and works both casually and formally. Army olive is the strongest character choice but still easy to combine in a neutral summer wardrobe.
Production and sustainability
Blankdays was founded in 2018 with the goal of making fewer but better garments. The linen shirts are produced in Portugal using Somelos linen and ship with climate-compensated delivery. Every construction detail is considered so the garment works in more situations and lasts longer.
See our Linen trousers men and Linen shorts men.
