A men's silk shirt is one of the most versatile pieces a wardrobe can hold. It feels cool in summer, adds warmth under knitwear in winter and turns a simple pair of trousers or joggers into an evening outfit. Yet not every silk shirt is made equal. This guide explains what to look for, from fabric and fit to pattern and care, so you choose one that lasts.

Why wear silk?

• Comfort. Silk is smooth, light and gentle on the skin.
• Temperature. It feels cool in heat and helps hold warmth in cold weather when worn close to the body.
• Drape. Silk falls fluidly, which gives even a relaxed cut a refined line.
• Sheen. Its natural lustre adds depth to colour and print.

How to choose a silk shirt

1. Check the fabric

Look for 100% silk. Blends and imitation satins made from polyester can look similar at first but lack silk's breathability and feel. Satin silk, woven to create a smooth, lustrous face, is the classic choice for a shirt with real presence.

You may also see silk weight given in momme, the traditional unit for silk. A higher momme generally means a denser, more opaque and more durable fabric.

2. Decide between print and solid

A solid silk is the more versatile choice and easier to layer. A print makes more of a statement and carries the outfit on its own. Many wardrobes benefit from one of each.

3. Think about fit

Silk is unforgiving when too tight, as it pulls across the chest and shoulders. A slightly relaxed fit lets the fabric drape as it should. Check the shoulder seam sits at your shoulder and the sleeves end at the wrist bone. Our size guide gives full measurements.

4. Look at the details

Neat seams, well-placed patterns and careful finishing show the attention given to the shirt. Embroidery or in-house artwork adds character and makes a piece genuinely distinctive.

5. Consider care

Silk needs gentle handling but rewards it with years of wear. Read our step-by-step guide on how to wash a silk shirt before you buy, so you know what to expect.

Our silk shirts

Every Parhela silk shirt is cut from 100% satin silk, designed for all genders and crafted in London. Each carries an in-house design with a story behind it.

The Gaia Silk Shirt

The Gaia Silk Shirt features a pattern inspired by the ancient earth, its sacred groves, living forms and the invisible forces of the natural world. It was designed as a tribute to Gaia, the primordial Greek goddess of the Earth, through intricate botanical motifs and sinuous tendrils.

The Matiasma Silk Shirt

The Matiasma Silk Shirt draws on the rich colours of traditional Greek and Ottoman textiles, designed as a tribute to the evil eye, long cherished as a protective emblem. Read what the evil eye means and why we put it on silk.

The Parhelion Silk Shirt

The Parhelion Silk Shirt, in navy or ivory, drapes with effortless grace and carries a meticulously embroidered patch on the back: two moons flanking a central sun. Discover the phenomenon behind it in what is a parhelion.

Silk shorts to match

The Matiasma and Gaia patterns also come as shorts, cut from the same 100% satin silk: the Matiasma Silk Shorts and the Gaia Silk Shorts. Worn with the matching shirt, they form a complete warm-weather outfit. Browse them in our matching sets.

How to wear a men's silk shirt

• Summer: worn open over a tee, or buttoned with the matching shorts.
• Evening: tucked into dark trousers or joggers, with clean shoes.
• Winter: layered under a knit or sweatshirt with the collar showing, or under a coat. Our guide on how to wear a silk shirt in winter covers six looks.

Is a silk shirt worth the investment?

A well-made silk shirt, cared for properly, can be worn for many years and across every season, which brings its cost per wear down considerably. We explain the logic in what a £15 T-shirt and a £400 hoodie are really paying for.

In short

To choose a men's silk shirt that lasts, look for 100% silk, choose between a versatile solid and a statement print, pick a slightly relaxed fit and check the finishing. Care for it gently and it will work in every season. Our Gaia, Matiasma and Parhelion silk shirts are cut from 100% satin silk, carry in-house designs and are crafted in London. Explore them in silk shirts and shorts.