August can be an unpredictable month for menswear. While we might currently be in the grip of another heatwave, often the days lean towards a gentler warmth, with a subtle shift in the air - the occasional breeze, a cooler evening, or a sudden summer shower - that calls for a little something extra.
The trick? Add a layer, and keep it light, and nothing fits that brief quite so well as a long sleeved shirt over a t-shirt.
Why It Works
Natural fabrics such as Italian linen and cotton-linen blends are summer staples because of their breathability, but they offer more - they bring a little variety in the texture of a summer outfit. These shirts are soft enough to layer over a tee, yet tailored enough to look smart even on cooler evenings.
Isn’t August Too Hot For Layering?
Layering isn’t just for the colder months. In August, it’s an insurance policy that means you're ready to tackle almost any eventuality (with the exception of a true monsoon, in which case you will need to seek shelter). A lightweight cotton, linen, or chambray shirt over a soft crew neck T-shirt keeps you cool in the sun, yet gives just enough warmth once the temperature dips.
Choosing the Right Shirt
Think of your long sleeve shirt as a hybrid piece - part jacket, part top layer. Look for:
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Breathable fabrics: Linen for maximum airflow, cotton poplin for crisp structure, or a fine chambray for a soft, casual drape.
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Relaxed fits: Slightly looser cuts promote comfort and make it easier to throw on over a T-shirt without feeling restricted - a "borderline" slim fit will usually pass the border by some distance when layered over a good-quality t-shirt.
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Seasonal colours: Warm neutrals, soft blues, or earthy greens pair effortlessly with light summer trousers or shorts.
Our Pick to Complete the Look
Eton - White Italian Linen Long Sleeve Shirt: Made from 100% linen with breathable, relaxed tailoring and a crisp cut-away collar - ideal for refining a casual layered look.
Robert Old - Steel Blue Cotton & Linen Long Sleeve Shirt
A blend that marries structure and summer ease. Slim fit, mother-of-pearl buttons, and Italian craftsmanship make it perfect for pairing with jeans, shorts, or lightweight trousers.
Robert Old - Grey Check Linen Button-Down Long Sleeve Shirt
Slim-fitting and constructed in Italy, this shirt brings pattern into play while maintaining breezy comfort - great for building depth in your layers.
Eton - Light Blue Filo di Scozia T-shirt
A Filo di Scozia t-shirt embodies comfort and durability, and this light blue example is no exception. Recommended to pair with the Eton shirt in white linen.
Paul & Shark - Almond Pure Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
Selected to pair with our Robert Old steel blue cotton and linen long sleeved shirt, this soft, breathable shirt is a complementary shade of almond cream.
Belstaff - Silver Birch Jersey Cotton T-shirt
This organic-cotton t-shirt is soft to the touch, and is selected in "silver birch", a neutral tone which will offset either of the Robert Old shirts featured in this article.
How to Layer with Precision
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Base layer: Begin with a clean, well-fitted T-shirt - as above, white, soft blue, or a neutral tone is recommended.
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Shirt layering: Wear one of the featured lightweight shirts unbuttoned over your tee; roll the sleeves just below the elbow for a relaxed vibe.
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Bottoms: Pair with chinos or tailored shorts - natural tones or light indigo work beautifully.
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Finishing touches: Add minimalist sneakers, espadrilles, or suede loafers. A slim leather belt or a cap adds polish without heaviness.
This layered pairing is the perfect summer-to-autumn transition. Our linen or cotton-linen shirts ensure quality, texture, and make it easy to personalise your outfit. Whether you’re heading for a weekend getaway, a late-summer barbecue, or just enjoying an evening walk, it’s a look that can multi-task.
