Women's Linen Shirts: Oversized, Boyfriend, Cropped or Mandarin Collar?
The most versatile women's linen shirt is a relaxed collared shirt with long sleeves, because it works open, buttoned, tucked and untucked. Choose an oversized, cropped or boxy shirt when you know how you will wear it, since those cuts are easier to get wrong.
Here are five styles from the range, what each one does, and when it is not the right choice.
1. The oversized shirt
The oversized linen long sleeve shirt is 32 inches (81 cm) long, with a straight collar, shell buttons, a side slit and full 21 inch (53 cm) sleeves. The boyfriend fit and the other oversized shirts follow the same idea: a drop shoulder and plenty of ease.
Good for: wearing open over a vest, belting at the waist, or using as a beach cover-up. It is the most forgiving shape for anyone who dislikes anything fitted.
Not so good for: a petite frame in a very long cut, which can look swamped. The drop shoulder also means the seam is not where your shoulder ends, which is by design. Tell us if you want it less oversized.
2. The relaxed collared shirt
The relaxed fit shirt with an elastic cuff is the classic: a collar, a front button closure, one pocket at the bust and a length of 27 inches (68 cm). The long sleeves are 20 inches (50 cm) and end in an elastic cuff that stays put when you push the sleeves up.
Good for: work, travel and every day. It tucks in or hangs out and holds its shape through a long day.
Not so good for: a casual beach look, where it can feel a little formal.
3. The cropped shirt
The cropped linen shirt has an oversized collar, long sleeves of 21 inches (53 cm) and a button-down front. It measures 21 inches (53 cm) at the front and 22 inches (56 cm) at the back, which is genuinely short.
Good for: high waisted trousers, skirts and shorts, where it shows the waistline and keeps the outfit light.
Not so good for: anyone who wants cover over the hips. Check the length against your own torso before ordering, as a crop sits at a different point on every body.
4. The mandarin collar shirt
The mandarin collar shirt in a relaxed fit is loose and oversized, with drop shoulders, full sleeves of 23 inches (58 cm), a classic button front and a length of 31 inches (79 cm) at the front and 32 inches (81 cm) at the back.
Good for: a cleaner neckline without a collar to manage. It is also a good partner for a layered look.
Not so good for: anyone who wants a full collar to frame the face.
5. The boxy half sleeve shirt
The loose fit collared shirt is a boxy half-sleeve shirt, 25 inches (64 cm) long, with dropped shoulders, a hidden button-down front and a soft rounded hem at the back.
Good for: warm weather, holidays and wearing over a swimsuit. It is the coolest of the five.
Not so good for: cooler days, unless you plan to layer it. For that, see how to wear linen in cooler weather.
How women's sizing differs from men's
Our women's sizes are body measurements, so you find your bust, waist and hip in the size guide and pick the row. Men's shirts are the opposite: the sizes describe the shirt laid flat. If you want to borrow a men's shirt cut, our men's collection and the guide to how a men's linen shirt should fit explain how to use the flat measurements.
Three things that apply to every linen shirt
- Linen creases at the elbows and across the back. That is how the fibre behaves, and it is part of the look. If you want it crisp, iron it while slightly damp.
- Linen can shrink a little in heat. Wash cold and dry it flat or tumble on low. Our answer to does linen shrink has the detail.
- Linen softens over time. A new shirt is crisper than one worn a few times.
The verdict
If you want one shirt, buy the relaxed collared one. If you want a second, buy the boxy half sleeve for warm days or the oversized one for layering. Our women's shirts are medium weight OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified pure linen, which means the cloth has been tested for harmful substances. Browse them all in linen shirts, and send your measurements through the custom order page if no size fits you in the shoulders, bust and length at once.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most versatile linen shirt for women?
A relaxed collared shirt with long sleeves. It works open, buttoned, tucked and untucked, and it suits work, travel and everyday wear.
Should a linen shirt be oversized?
Only if you want that look. Linen has no stretch, so any shirt needs some ease, but a truly oversized cut is a style choice. A relaxed fit is the safer default.
Can I change the sleeve length on a linen shirt?
Yes. We can change sleeve length on most styles. Tell us before you order, or send your measurements through the custom order page.
Do linen shirts go see-through?
We cut in medium weight linen partly for this reason, because lighter cloth can go sheer in strong daylight. Paler colours always show a little more than darker ones.
How should I wash a linen shirt?
Cold or lukewarm, on a gentle cycle, with a mild detergent. Hang it to dry, or tumble dry on low. The garment care page has the full instructions.