Casual linen shirts

Weather is rapidly improving and I have been toying with the idea to purchase a few linen shirts for the summer. To be honest I have never worn one so my knowledge of the matter is limited at best.

I do however quite like the look and feel of linen, and can imagine it being very nice during warmer days. I am looking for mostly casual versions, not planning on wearing them with a suit. Maybe even one or two with short sleeves.

What brands do you recommend? Input on colours and matching are also welcome.

A one-piece "camp collar" is a nice feature if you don't ever plan to wear it with a tie. Basic white or cream works well with most summer colors.

Ermenegildo Zegna has some shirts in heavy linen, long sleeves and camp collars. I think thay haven't sold too well - I've seen tham for sale at deep discounts.

I have heard that some people think that short sleeves are for pederasts.

I am not sure of what a camp collar is. I have two linen (or maybe linen&cotton) shirts with "Mao" collars. Very nice for informal summer wear (however, I think it is a local brand and the quality is not very nice, so I will not recommend it). I have also one striped "formal" linen shirt (maybe with some cotton in it) that I like a lot (it is an MTM shirt so I cannot recommend the "brand"). I use it for work (with my only cotton&linen odd jacket) in summer (with or without tie). I intend to get more linen shirts and linen based odd jackets and maybe even suits. I really like the look in summer. Maybe a bit informal, but very nice.
I was in the Zegna store recently, and they have several linen outfits (jackets, trousers and shirts). I liked the combination of brown jackets/blue trousers and viceversa. Also the shirts looked nice. I think the jackets costed around EUR 600. A bit expensive, maybe, as they looked quite "simple" in what regards the construction. I may have a look when the sales start, though, although the problem is that their jackets do not normally fit me very well; and I am not sure that I would like to pay the MTM price for this stuff.

Originally Posted by epa

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I am not sure of what a camp collar is. .

I have been in the Dominican Republic for the last 3 weeks and wore linen shirts often. Very comfortable and light in the hot weather.

Jantzen's linen range is quite good, with a good selection of solid colours. (Example attached). Mind you, it might be winter again before you see your linen shirts.

CD, what is weight like, and how porous is the linen? Will it wear very cool?

Originally Posted by California Dreamer

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Jantzen's linen range is quite good, with a good selection of solid colours. (Example attached). Mind you, it might be winter again before you see your linen shirts.
Dude, you singlehandedly just started a run on Jantzen linen shirts. Unless I missed something, they've never carried linen before.

Tom

If you're looking for a true casual shirt -- where the linen need not be so refined -- Old Navy usually offers some for $25. The small fit me surprisingly well, considering most OTR shirts are like tents.

The ones at Old Navy last summer were at least as nice as the ones at BR that retailed for three times the price. I picked up a few on sale and should be set for this year as well. Great for beater shirts/outdoor activities.

Originally Posted by tiger02

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Dude, you singlehandedly just started a run on Jantzen linen shirts. Unless I missed something, they've never carried linen before.

Tom

They've had them for a while, at least six months.

Originally Posted by chorse123

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They've had them for a while, at least six months.
I'm good at missing things

I need to call Ricky anyway, this is just gravy.

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

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If you're looking for a true casual shirt -- where the linen need not be so refined -- Old Navy usually offers some for $25. The small fit me surprisingly well, considering most OTR shirts are like tents.

The ones at Old Navy last summer were at least as nice as the ones at BR that retailed for three times the price. I picked up a few on sale and should be set for this year as well. Great for beater shirts/outdoor activities.

Yeah I got a few of those too great for the $10-$15 I spent on them at the end of the season.

Originally Posted by tiger02

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Dude, you singlehandedly just started a run on Jantzen linen shirts. Unless I missed something, they've never carried linen before.

Tom

I have to disagree. Last time I was there my friend picked up a couple of linen shirts, and I do remember seeing a linen swatch book.

You can get a linen "Irish grandfather" shirt (band collar), which is very casual indeed.

http://www.shopirishwithmoytura.com/fashion/shirts.html