A Guide To Linen Shirting

Linen dates back to roughly 36,000 years ago, when artisans in Georgia wove flax fibres together to make cloth. Throughout history linen has been associated with luxury and is known to be a high end fabric. In some civilizations linen was considered to be a symbol of purity and wealth to be worn only by the upper class.

To this day linen is made from flax plant fibres, also known as linseed. The fibres of flax are crushed then woven together. These long and soft fibres result in the naturally absorbent fabric, making it perfect for hot, humid weather of the kind that New Zealand sees plenty of during the warmer months. It’s remarkably tough stuff as well, holding up well to steady wear, and is also biodegradable and exceedingly sustainable to produce.

For summer we’re working with our principal partners Thomas Mason and the Albini Group. Albini’s linen flax is grown in Normandy, spun, dyed, woven and finished in the Italian plants of the Albini Group. From start to finish it is a 100% made in Europe fabric.

Linen does wrinkle - due to the fact that it doesn’t possess the natural stretch of other fibres. This makes it a more relaxed, less formal choice - perfect for the summer season. It also means that it does not bag or deform with wear, meaning that whilst it may crinkle around the elbows in time, it will also retain its fundamental shape exceptionally well.

A linen shirt looks best paired with trousers in a different material - denim, a drill cotton trouser or a five pocket pant all make excellent choices.

Our new linen shirts have been thoughtfully considered to wear either with shorts or trousers - and for special occasions this summer.

Shop our linen shirts in-store and online now.