What to remember
— Linen is 3x more breathable than cotton, 10x more than polyester
— Its hollow fibers allow air to circulate naturally
— You stay cool from 9 AM to midnight, even at 35°C
— Normandy linen = the best quality fiber available
Do you sweat in your shirts as soon as the temperature exceeds 25°C? Your body isn't the problem. It's your fabric. Here's why a linen shirt changes everything.
Why does linen breathe better than other fabrics?
Short answer: its fibers are hollow. Air circulates through the fabric like through a grid. Polyester, on the other hand, is a solid, impermeable fiber — it traps heat against your skin.
Linen absorbs up to 20% of its weight in moisture without appearing wet, then quickly wicks it away. The result: you sweat, the fabric absorbs, the air evaporates. Your skin stays dry.
Linen vs. Polyester vs. Cotton: the true ranking
| Fabric | Breathability | Absorption | Comfort at 35°C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normandy Linen | ★★★★★ | 20% of weight | Excellent |
| Cotton | ★★★☆☆ | Absorbs, retains | Sticky |
| Polyester | ★☆☆☆☆ | 0.4% of weight | Suffocating |
Normandy linen: why is it better?
Not all linens are created equal. Normandy linen produces longer, more regular fibers — which results in a more airy, softer, and more durable fabric. It is the raw material for all our Galiéno linen shirts and sets.
Learn more: Normandy linen, the exceptional French fiber →
3 tips to maximize the comfort of your linen shirt
01 — Choose white or beige
Light colors reflect heat. Our white linen shirt is the coolest choice for summer.
02 — Wash at 30°C
High temperatures damage fibers and reduce breathability in the long term.
03 — Air dry
No tumble dryer — the hollow fibers responsible for breathability flatten under heat.
Quick questions
Is linen suitable for the office?
Yes. It naturally regulates temperature — no more sweat stains in meetings, even during a heatwave.
Is a linen set more breathable than a shirt alone?
Yes. With a Normandy linen shirt and trousers, your entire body benefits from natural ventilation — from shoulders to ankles.
Is linen suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. Naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial — ideal for skin that reacts to synthetic materials.
Does linen wrinkle?
Slightly. It's its natural character — and everyone knows it. It's not a flaw, it's a signature.
