Buyer's Guide: How to Choose The Best Linen Shirt

When the sun is high, and the temperatures soar, nothing compares to the comfort and elegance of a high-quality linen shirt. Linen's natural breathability and timeless appeal make it the ideal fabric for those seeking sustainable, comfortable, and casually elegant summer wear. But with a myriad of options available, how do you select the perfect linen shirt that aligns with your values and meets your expectations for quality?

Why Choose Linen?

At Faros Linen, our mission is to promote high-quality linen as the natural choice for those who value sustainability, comfort, skin-friendly materials and effortless style. Linen is more than just a fabric; it's a lifestyle choice that reflects a respect for nature, a desire for quality, and an appreciation for timeless design.

Key Features to Look for in the best Linen Shirt

1. Superior Fabric Quality

Long vs. Short Fibers

• Long-Fiber Linen: High-quality linen shirts are made from long fibers, resulting in a smoother, more durable fabric with a refined appearance. Long fibers contribute to the fabric's strength, allowing it to withstand wear while maintaining its elegance.
• Short-Fiber Linen: Short fibers produce a coarser fabric that may not drape as well and is less durable. These are often found in lower-quality linens that are more affordable.

Fabric Weight

• Lightweight Linen (Below 120g/m²): Known as fine linen, this is perfect for hot climates, offering maximum breathability and a luxurious feel against the skin.
• Mid-Weight Linen (140-190g/m²): Balances breathability with structure, making it suitable for most occasions and providing a comfortable drape.
• Heavyweight Linen: Offers more structure and is ideal for cooler evenings but may be less breathable and comfortable.

Texture and Softness

• Quality linen should feel soft and smooth, not stiff or scratchy. Pre-washed or softened linen provides immediate comfort and saves you from any initial stiffness.

Yarn-Dyed vs. Piece-Dyed Fabric

• Yarn-Dyed Linen: Indicates that the yarns were dyed before weaving, resulting in richer, longer-lasting colors and better color fastness compared to piece-dyed fabrics but typically adds to the costs.
• Piece-Dyed Linen: More affordable than yarn-dyed linen the fabric is woven or knitted first using undyed (grey) yarns, and then the entire piece of fabric is dyed afterward. Piece-dyed fabrics may not retain color as well as yarn-dyed fabrics because the dye does not penetrate as deeply into the fibers.

2. Exceptional Construction and Tailoring of Linen Shirts

Stitching

• High Stitch Density: A higher number of stitches per centimeter results in denser seams, which are stronger and more durable. Linen, while breathable and lightweight, can be prone to fraying. Using a higher stitch density like 5 stitches per cm ( 12.7st in) ensures that the seams are secure and can withstand wear and tear without unraveling easily.
• Specific Techniques: Features like flat-felled seams or French seams not only enhance the shirt's appearance but also add strength to the garment.

Seams and Finishes

• Reinforced Seams: Areas subject to stress, such as shoulders and armholes, should have reinforced seams for added durability.
• Clean Finishes: Well-finished seams without loose threads or raw edges are a hallmark of quality.

Buttons and Buttonholes

• Natural Materials: Buttons made from mother-of-pearl (look for pinctada maxima rather than trochus for quality) or other natural materials add a touch of sophistication and are more durable.
• Secure Attachment: Wrapped shanks under buttons keep them securely fastened and increase the shirt's longevity.

Collar and Cuffs

• Collar Styles: Choose from Italian Spread, One Piece (California), or Button-Down collars to suit your personal style and occasion. At Faros Linen, we chose the Button-Down collar as this gives it a laid-back yet structured look adding to the versatility of the shirt. The buttons keep the collar in place, preventing it from flaring out
• Cuff Design: Beveled cuffs or other unique designs add character and elegance to your shirt.

Functional Details

• Back Pleats: An inverted back pleat allows for ease of movement without compromising the shirt's tailored look.
• Yoke Construction: A duplicated rear yoke that is turned over inside enhances comfort and provides a better fit across the shoulders.

3. Perfect Fit and Comfort

Movement Allowance

• Since linen has no natural stretch, it's important to choose a fit that allows comfortable movement while maintaining an elegant silhouette. Look for shirts that include room for movement in the fit.

Pre-Washed Fabric

• Pre-washing reduces the risk of shrinkage and allows you to rely on the shirt’s size chart for an accurate fit from the first wear.

Sleeve and Side Seams

• Single Side Seams: Provide a clean look and reduce irritation against the skin.
• Armhole Construction: Properly set sleeves enhance mobility and comfort, essential for all-day wear.

4. Commitment to Sustainability

Choosing a high-quality linen shirt is also an environmentally conscious decision.

Eco-Friendly Fabric

• Linen is made from the flax plant, which requires less water and fewer pesticides than other crops, like cotton. It's fully biodegradable, making it a sustainable choice.

Certifications and Transparency

• Look for brands that offer transparency in their production process and hold certifications such as European Flax™, Masters of Linen™  or OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, ensuring no harmful chemicals were used and the production is traceable.

Natural Dyes

• The environmental impact of fabric dyes is profound, particularly due to the widespread use of synthetic dyes that pollute water systems, degrade soil quality, contribute to air pollution, and pose serious health risks. Fabrics dyed with low-impact or natural dyes are better for the environment and your skin. 

Brand Mission

• At Faros Linen, we are dedicated to promoting European fine linen as a sustainable and cooling alternative for summer shirts. We believe in transparency, ethical production, and providing products that align with your values.

5. Visual and Tactile Indicators of Quality

Even Coloration

• High-quality linen should have rich, consistent color without fading or uneven spots, indicating good dyeing practices and fabric quality. On average those fabrics dyed in the European Union need to conform to stricter standards under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) framework.

Natural Slubs

• Slubs are tiny knots in the fabric characteristic of linen. In premium linen, slubs are minimal and add to the fabric's natural charm without compromising its smoothness.

Luster and Drape

• Quality linen has a subtle sheen and drapes elegantly over the body, enhancing the shirt's aesthetic appeal.

Caring for Your Quality Linen Shirt

Proper care will extend the life of your linen shirt and maintain its appearance.

• Washing: Machine wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.
• Drying: Air drying is best. If using a dryer, select a low heat setting to prevent shrinkage.
• Ironing: For a crisp look, iron your linen shirt while it's slightly damp. Alternatively, embrace the natural wrinkles for a more relaxed vibe.
• Storage: Hang your shirt to maintain its shape and prevent deep wrinkles.

Experience Sustainable Elegance with Faros Linen

At Faros Linen, we craft our shirts with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each piece embodies quality, comfort, and sustainability.

Our Commitment

• Fine Linen Fabric: We use 100% long-fiber linen weighing 115g/m², offering exceptional breathability and a luxurious feel that's perfect for warm to hot climates.
• Expert Tailoring: Our shirts feature precise stitching (5 stitches per centimeter), single side seams, and thoughtful details like inverted back pleats and rounded hems.
• Tailored for Fine Linen: Our "Natural Cool Cut" merges the natural cooling effect of fine linen with an elegant silhouette.
• Attention to Detail: Features like wrapped shank buttons, beveled cuffs, and a duplicated rear yoke ensure both functionality and elegance. The sunglasses holder is another invention to secure your sunglasses in the shirt.
• Sustainable Practices: From sourcing to finishing, we prioritize eco-friendly methods and transparency, aligning with our mission to offer sustainable, comfortable, and stylish summer wear. We have full transparency with our production (we list all suppliers) and only use European Flax™ certified  linen woven in Italy.
• Immediate Comfort: Pre-washed and ready to wear – no shrinkage after the first wash.

By choosing Faros Linen, you're not just purchasing a shirt; you're embracing a lifestyle that values style, quality, transparency, and sustainability.

 

FAQs

1. How does the construction of a linen shirt impact its durability?

• Answer: Quality construction techniques like flat-felled seams, high stitch density, and reinforced stress points enhance a linen shirt's durability, ensuring it withstands regular wear and washing.

2. Are there specific stitching techniques that indicate a high-quality linen shirt?

• Answer: Yes, look for tight, even stitching with a stitch count around 5, flat-felled seams, and single needle stitching. These techniques contribute to the shirt's strength and longevity.

3. How can I tell if my linen shirt is of high quality?

• Answer: Assess the fabric's feel and weight, examine the stitching and construction details, check for natural fiber content, and consider the brand's transparency and commitment to quality.

4. How does the weight of linen affect the comfort of men's shirts?

• Answer: Lighter weights offer maximum breathability ideal for hot climates, while mid-weight linen balances comfort and structure. The right weight enhances comfort by providing the appropriate level of airflow and drape.

5. Why should I choose a linen shirt for summer wear?

• Answer: Linen's natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties make it perfect for warm weather. It's comfortable, stylish, and helps regulate body temperature, keeping you cool. 

Elevate Your Summer Wardrobe with Faros Linen

Ready to embrace comfort, style, and sustainability this summer? Discover our collection of premium linen shirts designed for those who value high-quality products and transparency. Perfect for warm climates and summer occasions, our shirts offer casually elegant attire that aligns with your lifestyle.

Visit our shop and choose your next favorite linen shirt today.

Experience the natural elegance of linen. Choose Faros Linen for quality you can feel and sustainability you can trust.