A conversation broke out on my Facebook Group (not a member of the group? Find out about joining here) about linen blend t-shirts. It evolved into a thread about t-shirts in general, but I found the linen part of the conversation intriguing because I tend to avoid linen anything because of how high maintenance it can be. Does anyone have time to deal with wrinkles?
Yet, when I thought about how hot and humid it was in New York City last summer, linen t-shirts sounded like heaven to me. I don’t think you can truly get high humidity until you live in it. Case in point, I was in Las Vegas last August when it was 107 degrees. Hot, to be sure, but I still found it more bearable than in the 82 degrees with 90% humidity days I was living through in New York.
Linen T-Shirts that will Keep You Cool this Summer
Considering some linen t-shirts for the summer? Here are some styles to consider along with some outfits. In addition, you can shop for even more styles at the end of this post.
Outfit #1
Shorts can be a hard sell for many women. That said, when it is hotter than Hades, they can be a lifesaver. I styled this 100% linen t-shirt from J. Crew with paper bag belted shorts. I finished the look with metallic Gizeh sandals from Birkenstock, a yellow crossbody bag from Madewell and this scarf from Nordstrom.
You may be wondering why I included a scarf if it is so hot. Something to know about 100% linen is, while it will keep you cool and from overheating, the breathability of the fabric also doesn’t insulate, which can make you freeze upon entering an air-conditioned room.
Outfit #2
This next linen t-shirt from Eileen Fisher is also 100% linen. It has a boxier and forgiving shape, making it a favorite for many. When it is hot, it’s also nice to wear something that doesn’t cling.
I styled the shirt with a pair of cotton Piazza Sempione ankle pants (a total summer favorite for many clients of mine), a layering piece, also from Eileen Fisher, for cooler evenings or frigid indoor temperatures and finished the outfit with a pair of red sandals from Boden, printed bag from Tumi and long necklace from Nine West.
Outfit #3
Rag & Bone linen tees are one of the styles a Facebook Member cited as her favorite, so I decided to include it. It’s 100% linen. Not a fan or showing your legs and want an alternative to pants? I styled the t-shirt with this modern summer maxi skirt from Vince, a pair of comfortable sandals from Söfft, almond colored bag from Rag & Bone and tortoise hexagon necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane.
Outfit #4
I styled this 100% linen t-shirt from Vince with a pair of wide-leg cropped pants from Club Monaco. I finished the outfit with a pair of grey flat sandals from Lucky Brand, grey crossbody from ALLSAINTS and grey drop earrings from Neiman Marcus Last Call.
You may have noticed that t-shirts are getting shorter and boxier. There is a reason for this, pants rises are also getting higher. In addition, many pants have paper bag waists and tie fronts. You have two options: tuck or wear shorter t-shirts.
Outfit #5
In addition to pure linen t-shirts, there are plenty of linen blend styles to choose from as well. Like this one from Rails which is 70% linen, 30% Tencel® lyocell or 62% rayon, 38% polyester. Linen blend t’s can be softer and may wrinkle less.
I styled the fun Rails star tee with a pair of wide-leg cropped pants from Lafayette 148. These are great for those who prefer a clean finish and wear shaped t-shirts untucked with their pants. They’re super flattering on a variety of body shapes too (three clients bought them last week). I finished the outfit with a pair of yellow sneakers from Boden, linen blend scarf and handbag from MCM.
Shop for linen t-shirts
Looking for some linen t-shirts? Check out these additional styles.
