In warmer months, half your suits become too hot to wear. Enter the linen suit, an unsung hero that saves your summer wardrobe — and helps you keep your cool.
ORIGINS
Humans started producing linen — a versatile, breathable fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant — as many as 36,000 years ago. By the time of the Ancient Egyptians, it was as ubiquitous as hieroglyphics. Though the process for making linen hasn’t changed much since the days when King Tut rocked it, styling has evolved to suit the modern man.
A HISTORY OF ELEGANCE
In Hollywood, linen suits have a long lineage. From Robert Redford’s iconic pink Jay Gatsby style and Cary Grant’s double-breasted class to present-day iterations such as Leo DiCaprio in the new “Great Gatsby” and Daniel Craig as James Bond in “Spectre”, the silver screen proves that linen stands the test of time.
A CASUAL AFFAIR
Linen and summer go together like the Kentucky Derby and mint juleps. The material’s porous weave and moisture absorption properties leave you cool, comfy and dry despite the heat.
Linen suits are ideal for summer weddings and social gatherings such as business outings, brunches, day parties and nights out. Though there’s some debate on linen’s place in an office environment, if your company’s dress code allows for casual attire, a sharp linen suit or a linen blazer with jeans or chinos will definitely make the right impression.
MORE THAN JUST WHITE AND TAN
Everyone knows linen looks good in beige and eggshell, but you shouldn’t be afraid to don it in grey, blue, black and — if you feel like channeling your inner Redford — light pink. Just make sure to avoid super bright colors; linen speaks loudly enough on its own.
NO IRON DEFICIENCY HERE
Yes, linen will wrinkle — the linen look is, by its nature, casual, and a few wrinkles are par for the course. The thing to avoid is excessive wrinkling, and this can be accomplished simply by sending your suit to the dry cleaners and having it neatly pressed. If you take care of your suit, it will return the favor.
WEAR IT WISELY
There’s no “right way” to style a linen suit, but some guidelines can be helpful:
- Most of the time, keep it casual. i.e. single-breasted jackets with notch lapels and patch pockets. Pair it with a cotton or blended-fabric dress shirt and, if the occasion doesn’t call for a tie, go tieless with your favorite pocket square.
- For a more formal look, go double-breasted in fine Italian linen with peak lapels. Pair with a subtle shirt and tie combination, so the ensemble looks effortless.
- Feel free to go sockless with brown penny loafers, tassel loafers or drivers.
- Most importantly, have fun. Linen, after all, isn’t just about looking great — it’s about feeling great, too.
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RECOMMENDED LINENS
Vitale – 2228-72
Kerry Knoll – 6007-08
Kerry Knoll – 6007-11
Kerry Knoll – 6007-13
Kerry Knoll – 6007-73
Kerry Knoll – 6007-01
Kerry Knoll – 6007-70
Kerry Knoll – 6007-71
AVAILABLE ONLINE
CHOCOLATE LINEN SUIT
This 2-button chocolate linen suit says casual Friday… or cruising at an evening yacht party. Perfectly lightweight and breathable, it’s your go-to option to dress for the heat of the day or anytime things are heating up. Featuring a notch lapel and patch pockets, this piece is woven from 100% linen from Holland & Sherry.
Wear this suit as a 2 or 3 piece for varying looks and styles. The pants are perfect for wearing on their own for a cool summer feel.
