The Cuban Collar Linen Shirt: How to Wear It
A Cuban collar linen shirt is a short, open, camp collar shirt in a breathable linen blend that you wear buttoned low, untucked, and relaxed. To style one, keep the rest of the outfit simple: light trousers or tailored shorts, clean loafers or leather sandals, and minimal accessories, so the collar and the fabric do the talking.
The Cuban collar, also called a camp collar, sits flat and open at the neck with a small notch, which makes it one of the easiest warm weather shirts to wear well. At House of Suave, the Cuban linen shirt comes in three striped shades, Ravenna Noir, Amalfi Sky, and Portofino Dune, each cut in a linen cotton blend that stays cool through an Indian summer. Prices start from Rs 1,949, and every shade is made to order in sizes L to 10XL.
Ravenna Noir striped Cuban linen shirt, from Rs 1,949
What is a Cuban collar shirt?
A Cuban collar shirt has a flat, notched collar and a straight, boxy hem meant to be worn untucked. It was born as resort and holiday wear, so it is built for heat: an open neckline, a loose drape, and a fabric that breathes. The result is a shirt that reads as put together without ever feeling stiff, which is exactly why it has become a warm weather staple far beyond the beach.
The fabric matters as much as the collar. A Cuban shirt in a linen cotton blend keeps the airy, textured look of linen while the cotton adds a little softness and structure, so the shirt holds its shape instead of clinging. That balance is what makes the House of Suave Cuban linen shirts comfortable to wear from a midday lunch through to a late evening.
How to wear a Cuban collar linen shirt
Everyday casual
For a relaxed daytime look, button the shirt about halfway and leave the collar open and flat. Pair it with straight fit trousers or tailored shorts in a neutral tone, and finish with loafers or leather sandals. Because the collar is already a statement, keep everything else quiet: no busy prints, no heavy jewellery. A striped Cuban shirt over plain stone or white bottoms is a complete outfit on its own.
Smart evening
The same shirt dresses up easily. Choose a darker stripe like Ravenna Noir, wear it with well cut trousers and clean leather shoes, and tuck a thin belt into the mix. The camp collar keeps the look easy rather than formal, which is the point: it is smart without trying too hard. This is where the linen blend earns its keep, since it drapes cleanly for photos and stays cool in a crowded room.
Beach and resort
On holiday, the Cuban shirt is in its natural home. Wear it fully relaxed over swim shorts or linen trousers, sleeves as they fall, collar open. A lighter shade such as Amalfi Sky or the sandy Portofino Dune suits bright coastal light and pairs well with sunglasses and espadrilles. Layer it open over a plain tee if the evening cools down.
Amalfi Sky striped Cuban linen shirt, an easy resort and evening option
Styling the three House of Suave stripes
Ravenna Noir is the darkest of the three, a deep striped shade that works for evenings and city settings where you want the shirt to feel a little sharper. Amalfi Sky is a cooler, brighter stripe that leans holiday and daytime, and sits well against tan and off white bottoms. Portofino Dune is the warm, sandy neutral of the set, the most flexible choice if you want one Cuban shirt that moves from beach to brunch to dinner without a second thought.
All three share the same relaxed cut and the same linen cotton blend, so the choice really comes down to how loud you want the shirt to be. If you are buying your first Cuban shirt, Portofino Dune is the safe all rounder. If you already own neutrals, Ravenna Noir adds contrast to a wardrobe.
Fit, fabric, and sizing
The Cuban collar shirt is meant to sit relaxed, not tight. It is cut to skim the body rather than hug it, with a straight hem you can wear untucked. House of Suave makes each of these shirts in a linen cotton blend, and offers them in a wide size range from L to 10XL, so bigger builds get the same easy drape rather than a compromised fit. These shirts are made to order, which means you can buy your size even when stock looks low. If you usually wear a linen shirt fitted, you will find the Cuban cut a touch roomier by design, and that is part of its charm.
For more warm weather options beyond the camp collar, the wider premium shirts range carries the brand's other linen blend styles in the same generous sizing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Cuban collar shirt?
It is a short sleeve or half open shirt with a flat, notched camp collar and a straight hem worn untucked. It began as resort wear and is designed to be worn open and relaxed in warm weather.
How do you wear a Cuban collar linen shirt?
Button it about halfway, leave the collar open and flat, and keep the rest simple with light trousers or tailored shorts and clean loafers or sandals. Let the collar and the fabric be the focus.
Can you dress up a Cuban shirt?
Yes. Choose a darker stripe like Ravenna Noir, wear it with tailored trousers and leather shoes, and it reads smart casual for dinners and evenings without feeling formal.
What size Cuban linen shirt should I buy?
House of Suave offers these Cuban linen shirts in sizes L to 10XL. The cut is relaxed by design, so pick your usual size for an easy fit, or size down slightly if you prefer it closer to the body.
Are House of Suave Cuban shirts pure linen?
No. They are a linen cotton blend, which keeps the breathable, textured feel of linen while adding a little softness and structure from the cotton.
Shop the Cuban linen shirts
Browse the full range in the Cuban linen shirts collection to see all three stripes and every size.
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