Linen Suit

The linen suit is known as the laidback, casual but still classy alternative to traditional suits during those warm months when the traditional suit is just too hot. Gentlemen on vacation in the south have used the linen suit to accomplish an elegant, yet casual style. Due to the loose fitting nature of the linen suit, tailoring is usually not required which is definitely a plus for any budget.

An elegant summer wardrobe should include a nice linen suit, a few pairs of linen pants and couple of nice linen shirts. Many traditionalists argue that the linen suit should only be worn on vacation. Wearing a nice linen suit to outdoor weddings or special events or even nice evening dates during the summer is a great way to sport that classy side. You certainly wouldn’t want to wear a linen suit during a hard day of work as this would cause a wrinkled mess.

As one of the oldest fabrics in the world, linen has a trademark for wrinkles. The stalk of the flax plant contains long fibers that pull moisture from the skin which helps create the light fabric of linen. The problem with this is that the fibers are stiff and once they bend, they stay that way. Therefore, the more you sweat, the more the linen suit wrinkles.

Linen was the favored fabric of the Pharaohs and Egyptian aristocracy. Ancient Egyptians wore linen due to its ability to deter insects, loose fit and breathability. Linen became the “Cloth of Kings” as Egyptian kings were wrapped in 1000 yards of linen for the mummifying process back before the linen suit became a summer fashion. Historical records suggest that Ireland was making linen during the Middle Ages and during the 17th Century, the Irish Linen industry was structured in the north which has led to the area being known as “The Linen Homelands.”

Back in the Victorian Era, it became common for men to wear the white linen suit during the holidays in the Mediterranean and south of France. It became a popular summer fashion by the 1920’s. The Irish linen suit is considered superior among linen suits due to its history. It is heavier than Italian linen and is less prone to wrinkle. Wealthier men typically wore the Irish linen suit as it is the more expensive linen. To date, The White House, The Sultan of Brunei, Queen Elizabeth II, the Imperial Court of Japan and the Vatican prefer the fabric of Irish linen.

Long sleeve cotton or silk shirts could also be worn with your linen suit. You’ll want to make sure to choose a color that best complements the suit. Linen suits should be dry cleaned as the best protection against wrinkles. However, they can also be hand washed or washed in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. In order to prevent wrinkles, you’ll want to ensure linen doesn’t sit too long in the washer. As it is primarily a summer suit, the linen suit may need to be cleaned more often as perspiration will build on the suit and will contribute to wrinkles. Still, its light weight and breathability make the linen suit the ideal suit for summer events.