But why? Well, let’s take a look.
It’s breathable
We all know that linen is extremely breathable hence why it’s such a favoured fabric throughout the warmer months.
This welcomed characteristic is partly due to the nature of its weave. Linen being a strong, natural fabric with
thick fibres allows for an open weave with less woven technicalities, resulting in a far more breathable garment
than most other fabrics can cater to.
And with a greater sense of breathability comes the notion of transeasonal layering this spring. Take this ecru and
brown Glen check linen jacket by Drake's, for example. Made from 100% Italian linen, the half-canvas sports blazer
is ideal for days travelling to and from the office - as well as sneaking in a cheeky Negroni or two on your way
home.
It’s adaptable
Linen has been anchored by the tenets of menswear doyens for decades. But there’s a reason that it's a fabric that is
time and time again revisited; it’s adaptable.
Whether it’s situational or occasional, linen is able to adapt to how you desire it to. Do you need to dress in a
smart manner for work but don’t want to don a full suit? Opt for a tailored, smart-casual linen shirt, like the blue
linen shirt by G. Inglese, which is clean-cut and features a classic Cervia collar. Pair this with cotton trousers
and a De Petrillo linen-wool sports jacket to boot.
Or perhaps you’re looking for a mid-layer that’s not overly warm but won’t have you catching frostbite, either. A
linen shirt jacket will appease most functionalists in this instance and there's none more ethereal than Private
White's brown linen lightweight shirt jacket.
“Considering linen a pure summer fabric is a modern idea; I like to add a linen vest to my tailored outfits at the
first sign of spring,” adds Christopher Modoo, Creative Director, Kit Blake.
“Natural linen adds texture and looks great in natural shades, also.”
It’s lightweight
One of the true characteristics of linen as a fabric is the fact that it is tremendously lightweight - there’s no
wonder the Neapolitan have embraced its airy qualities for centuries.
The comfortability factor of a pair of linen trousers - like the sand linen Hollywood trousers by Edward Sexton, for
example - is unparalleled; not only will you breeze through your day with a level of swiftness but linen trousers
will soon become a wardrobe staple, taking precedence over shorts, denim jeans and chinos. Linen trousers should be
unlined, which will improve its lightness and ease of wear.
“I am looking forward to wearing the new Kit Blake linen trousers,” adds Modoo.
“Pleated, full-cut and unlined in a heavier Irish linen.”
It can add depth
This goes without saying, but linen can add depth to one’s overall look. The drape of linen may not be to every man’s
liking but some find it completely flattering - and liberating!
The addition of a linen safari jacket will do wonders as a light-layering option to any casual/ smart-casual
occasion, as will high-rise linen shorts - should the weather accommodate - to any pique polo or camp collar
pairing.
It creases
The elephant in the room, if you will, is the fact that most linens will at some point crease and wrinkle; be it a
blazer, trousers, shirt or short. This wrinkling comes down to the fact that linen doesn’t stretch, unlike other
fabrics.
Some prefer this relaxed elegance which results from wrinkling, allowing for the perfect symbiosis of tailoring and
contemporary styling.
If the idea of a wrinkled suit does cause you some distress, perhaps consider investing in stand-alone staples like a
linen sports coat or trousers, rather than a full matching ensemble. It can be said, however, that through wear,
linen will develop in character and depth, despite the wrinkles and creases.
“Linen creases. Get over it,” says Modoo.
“But the better, heavier linens crumple rather than crease, so keep that in mind.”
