At £40, the Pure Linen Relaxed Shirt from Marks & Spencer is earning praise from shoppers who say it works as both a beach cover-up and a smart office layer. Made from 100% pure linen, the shirt is breathable and sweat-wicking, helping wearers stay cool and dry in warm weather.
Shopper feedback
One shopper described the shirt as versatile, writing: "This is a lovely shirt, good as a cover up or worn over a top but also smart tucked in. The linen is good quality. It comes up big so I got a smaller size that is perfect."
Another reviewer noted: "What's not to like, its a lovely linen shirt. Ideal for covering up my arms from the sun. Well made and the right size."
A third added: "Great shirt, relaxed fit and dropped shoulder looks really nice. Looks great with tailored trousers or jeans. 100% recommend this, it’s great value for a lovely linen item."
Sizing complaints
However, the main criticism centres on the fit. The shirt is described as having a very oversized fit, and several shoppers have said it runs larger than expected. One customer wrote: "The linen was good quality, someone didn’t check the size, I am a size 12/14 bought a Size 12 and it was more like a size 16, even if you like to wear them big, someone could fit it with you!"
Another agreed: "Nice shirt. Quality linen but excessively large, which isn’t the impression given by the model photo. I am a broad shouldered size 14 and buy a size 14 frequently struggling with shoulders. This swamped me. It is also very wide at chest and really wasn’t the look I was aiming for. I have returned and will maybe buy a size smaller."
Fit and styling
The shirt comes in a crisp white colourway and is available in sizes 8 to 24, with only the size 6 currently sold out. Its lightweight design means it can be folded up tightly into a bag for cooler evenings or used to protect arms and shoulders from direct sun. It pairs well with denim shorts and sandals on holiday, or with palazzo trousers and loafers for work.
Other linen options
For those seeking more colour, Uniqlo’s 100% Premium Linen Shirt is priced at £39.90 and comes in 14 shades, including blue, red and mint green. Next’s Linen Blend Long Sleeve Shirt is currently half price, reduced from £32 to £16, in lime green, light blue and hot pink. Jigsaw’s Classic Linen Shirt, in a bright orangey-red, has been cut from £99 to £39.
