Hopefully, this information around the beauty of linen is something of a distraction for you from these very difficult moments for us all as we try to navigate around the day to day.
I was thinking how important we keep our hopes and aspirations up, keep dreaming of better times for us all, that the enormous sacrifices we are facing today, knowing in the light of tomorrow, that it was worth it. I am hopeful, thinking of the future that our world will be a much better place as we resurface on the other side gifting us a deeper appreciation of the simple and beautiful things.
I have always loved the beauty and feeling of wearing linen in the hot, sunny days of summer. I love its lived-in look that has a certain air of nonchalance, and cool suave that is both gentlemanly and modern at the same time. It looks great in tailoring, and has always been part of my summer go-to’s but this season I was particularly attracted the Italian shirting collections in the range of beautiful shades that seemed to me to be sun-kissed and sandy reminding me of a warm Mediterranean beach as the sun is going down.
Did you know?
Linen is derived from the flax plant. The fibers of the flax plant are known for being very absorbent which makes a garment valued for exceptional coolness and freshness in warm weather. Linen fibers do not stretch – this means your new jacket or trousers might feel a bit snug at first. It takes a few wears to break in a linen garment. Linen has a unique texture that shows “slubs” which are the small knots that you notice in a finished linen garment. This is completely normal and the sign of a quality natural product that are a sought-after texture element that many menswear experts look for in a fabric.
What you should know about linens?
Let’s address the “wrinkle” issue first and foremost. Linen will wrinkle. There’s no getting around it, there is no fix or remedy for this trait. You simply must embrace it – which is why we always say, “embrace the wrinkle.” Obviously taking care of your linen pieces will help – press the trousers after a couple wears, and always hang your linen jacket up and let it breathe after wearing. Don’t over dry clean it – and maybe don’t wear it on a plane. Believe it or not, many guys learn to appreciate the wrinkles in their summer garments – like the way a good piece of furniture ages the more you have it – adding value and sign of a well-loved piece. This is a sentiment also shared by our Italian friends who wear their clothing with a bit more attitude and panache as part of their daily lifestyle – it’s perfectly ok that their linen garments are wrinkled – it shows that they enjoyed their day and enjoy their clothing.
A linen sportcoat is a fantastic addition to your summer wardrobe. Light, easy, and versatile to wear with different looks. First things first, when interested in a cotton and/or linen fabric – complete the suit. You will get the most versatility out of having both pieces since completing the suit adds versatility to your summer wardrobe. Wear as a suit for a warm weather event, such as a wedding, or just because. Wear the jacket with pants and denim for a more business casual look or a Spring/Summer night out.
Sportcoat construction and styling is an important aspect of this piece. Our first choice for a cotton or linen jacket is Soft Construction. This option lightens up the overall weight of the jacket and adds a warmer weather “feel” to your look. We would suggest opting for half lining as this is almost an automatic when it comes to warmer weather styling.
Deconstructed construction is also an option that provides the lightest weight option. However, taking away all the canvas structure in the jacket makes the look a bit more rumpled and not as crisp. This isn’t a bad thing, but something to consider before ordering – make sure you understand this characteristic and set your expectations when receiving the jacket. We would only suggest this option if you had previously purchased and worn a Deconstructed style, as you will understand the look and feel of this style.
Linen Shirting
Linen trousers offer a nice “break” from your wool trousers for the warmer months. Think of these just as you do with linen shirts – cool and easy. Styling of your linen trousers will set these apart as a staple in your summer wardrobe. Keep in mind the trouser is a good separate piece as well – so give it an extra touch or two as well. Flap back pockets, side tabs, even a single pleat are great options for a linen trouser.
Have some fun with linen shirt styling. Long sleeve, short sleeve, even a popover is a great option for this summer fabric. In our opinion, you simply can’t beat a good white shirt. We love the subtle touches of the khaki buttons and taupe ribbon piping that add just the right amount of personalization. Pair this with a khaki color pant or trouser. The linen stripe is a nice modern take on a linen shirt. Different yet still classic in colorways make it easy to wear. The khaki button accentuates the stripe and would pair well under the wheat linen herringbone suit, or the jacket and dark denim. The linen print offers another unique way to wear your summer favorite linen shirt. Keeping it in the blue family makes it easier to wear and this combination with the navy button would look great with navy pants and a white sneaker.
Linen Trousers
Linen trousers offer a nice “break” from your wool trousers for the warmer months. Think of these just as you do with linen shirts – cool and easy. Styling of your linen trousers will set these apart as a staple in your summer wardrobe. Keep in mind the trouser is a good separate piece as well – so give it an extra touch or two as well. Flap back pockets, side tabs, even a single pleat are great options for a linen trouser.
Wear with a summer shirt for a social occasion, or casually with a knit, or even a tee. As always, the simpler the look the better – focus on solids or subtle patterns in complimentary colors to wear with linen trousers. And lastly, invest in some summer footwear – a driving shoe or casual loafer will work – just don’t wear your lace up dress shoes with linen trousers, please.
As the days grow longer and summer’s warmth wraps us all, linen is truly a testament to natures beauty. I hope you can embrace the classic elegance, the simplicity, and the balance between the sartorial details and the authentic uneven textures and characteristics of linen.
