There are only two seasons in India: hot and somehow hotter. And while most of us power through with ceiling fans and wishful thinking, your wardrobe deserves better. Enter: linen. A fabric so breathable it might as well come with its own AC. But this isn’t your granddad’s crumpled resort shirt—we’re talking smart, structured linen pieces that are as stylish as they are sweat-friendly. Whether you’re heading to brunch, boardroom or just battling your morning commute, these linen staples work hard without trying too hard.
Essential Linen Pieces Every Man Needs for Summer
The Everyday Linen Shirt
A classic button-down made in pure linen should be the first thing you reach for when the mercury rises. It’s relaxed without looking lazy, structured without feeling stiff. Wear it tucked with trousers or untucked with jeans—it does both.
Fit tip: Go for a slightly relaxed cut to let the fabric breathe.
Care tip: Skip the dryer. Let it air-dry for that natural, lived-in texture.
Our Picks:
- Uniqlo Premium Linen Striped Shirt Long Sleeve
- Brooks Brothers Irish Linen Polo Button-Down Collar Striped Shirt
- BOSS Regular Fit Linen Shirt
The Linen Kurta
Gone are the days when kurtas were reserved for festivals or forced family dinners. A short or mid-length linen kurta is the modern Indian man’s answer to summer dressing. Pair it with chinos, pyjamas or even jeans for a no-fuss, culturally confident fit.
Style tip: Roll the sleeves and leave a couple of buttons open
Our Picks:
- Saphed Sky Linen Men's Shirt Kurta
- Andamen Zorba Linen Kurta
- Jaypore Men Beige Brown Linen Applique Mandarin Collar Regular Fit Kurta
The Linen Co-ord Set
Yes, co-ords. Yes, for men. A short-sleeve linen shirt with matching drawstring trousers or shorts is the easiest way to look put-together without having to, well, put anything together. Great for holidays, Sunday errands, or pretending you’re on holiday while running Sunday errands.
Fit tip: Slightly boxy, slightly oversized. Keep it breezy.
Our Picks:
- Cord Studio Bloomer Set
- Amala Earth Pure Linen Hand Embroidered Co Ord Set For Men
- Coords Company Men Cotton-Linen half-sleeves shirt and pants Coord Set
The Linen Trousers
Swap those heavy denim jeans for airy linen trousers. Go for tapered or straight-leg cuts that work with both shirts and T-shirts. Choose neutrals like sand, olive or navy so they mix with literally everything you already own.
Pro tip: Avoid overly thin white linen unless you’re fully prepared with the right innerwear situation.
Our Picks:
- Pant Project 100% Linen Pants
- H&M Regular Fit Linen-blend trousers
- Polo Ralph Lauren Men Navy Polo Prepster Slim Tapered Linen Pant
The Linen Blazer
Hot take: you can still wear a blazer in 35-degree heat—if it’s linen. Unlined or half-lined blazers in linen or linen blends are a game-changer for Indian formalwear. Dress it down with a tee or up with a shirt—either way, you won’t melt by midday.
Style tip: Go for softer shoulders and breathable linings. This isn’t the time for stiff tailoring.
Our Picks:
- H&M Slim-Fit Linen Jacket
- Mango Amalfi 100% linen slim-fit suit jacket
- Cord Studio Dusker Blazer
The Linen Drawstring Shorts
Whether you're lounging or living your best coastal-core fantasy, linen shorts with a relaxed waistband are the unofficial uniform of summer. Pair with polos, oversized shirts or even a vest if you’re feeling brave.
Fit tip: Keep the inseam just above the knee. Nothing too long, nothing too tight.
Our Picks:
- Uniqlo Linen Blend Easy Shorts
- Andamen Earthy Linen Shorts
- H&M Regular Fit Linen-blend shorts
Linen isn’t just about beating the heat—it’s about doing it in style. The right pieces will last you years, age beautifully, and give you that effortless ease we’re all secretly chasing. Crinkles? Embrace them. They’re part of the charm.
