Your Perfect Summer Shirt, Unveiled

The Ying and Yang of summer: lovely sunny days and sweat. Yes, it's not the most eagerly anticipated aspect of the season, but fear not, we've got your back comfortably covered: a shirt that won't leave you looking like you've just emerged from a steam room five minutes into the first warm day of the year.

Picture this: a blue-flowered herbaceous plant, cultivated for aeons across Eurasia. Unlike your run-of-the-mill plants, it's not the leaves that steal the show; it's the stems. From these stems, we extract fibres, weaving them into threads, and ultimately, fabric. But here's where it gets interesting: these fibres are longer, more absorbent, and resilient the than most other plants. In fact, linen-based fabrics can soak up to 40% of their weight in water without getting flustered. Plus, their natural thermoregulatory properties make them the ultimate summer essential.

Europe, particularly France, is proudly at the centre of the global linen industry. Last year, we partnered with the esteemed Alsatian mill Emanuel Lang , sadly now closed. But fret not, our allegiance to European craftsmanship remains unwavering. Say hello to TMG, nestled in Portugal – a factory holding firm against the tide of offshoring. With French fibres, and Portuguese finishing, our linen journey remains firmly rooted in European excellence.

Ah, linen – beloved for its breathability yet infamous for its creasing. To ensure you don't resemble a sack of potatoes next time you take your partner to the local Italian, we've developed a denser 165g/m2 weave. Strength, lightness, and impeccable fit – our linen boasts it all. Bid farewell to unsightly creases and hello to a fabric that drapes flawlessly, without being see-through.

Breathable fabric? Check. But what about fit? Well, there too we've left no stone unturned. We went for a tailored cut that’s not too clingy. Furthermore, our Summer Shirt boasts two discreet pleats at the back, offering just the right amount of roominess without tiptoeing into parachute territory. And as for length, it's versatile enough to tuck into your trousers or not – your call.

After rigorous testing, the verdict is in: the button-down collar reigns supreme for our Summer Shirt. Generous and commanding, it adds a touch of sophistication to your get up. And to keep it behaving, we've added a light fusing. Because let's face it, linen can be a tad unruly at times.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday at 10 am CET – that's when our Summer Shirt makes its grand entrance. And you'll want to snag one sharpish. Why?

• Firstly, to be first in line for delivery in time for summer
• Seconds, to get our 89€ preorder price. Miss out, and they’ll be 119 € from stock if available at all.

Need to know anything else? Ask away via the comments below, or alternatively, you can check our international Instagram page for more info.

The Asphalte Team