Renowned for their lightweight and breathable qualities, linen garments provide a refined alternative to traditional fabrics, effortlessly merging style with practicality.
Whether you’re looking for a light suit for a summer wedding, an outdoor event or a garden party, linen suits ensure a polished, charming appearance.
When it comes to linen, you can choose from relaxed or sharper fits, or more formal styles. It’s essential you know how to wear and style your suit correctly so you’re always looking your best. The master tailors at Phillip Alexander have compiled their expert tips on how to wear a linen suit with confidence and ensure that you look your very best.
What is a linen suit?
Linen suits are versatile garments, worn for formal and semi-formal events. They’re known for their lightweight, breathable qualities and are therefore suited to warm weather occasions.
They’re often made in light colours, such as cream, tan, and light blue which add to the brightness of their appearance and feel. These suits can be dressed up with matching trousers and a tie or chinos for a more relaxed look. Although they wrinkle easily, they are incredibly comfortable and perfect for casual wear as well as formal occasions.
Why choose a linen suit?
A linen suit is a classic choice, especially for events during warmer seasons or destination weddings. The primary reason so many men opt for linen is that it helps keep you cool. The material’s open weave allows fresh air to flow in and heat to escape, which keeps your body cool and ventilated.
The structure of this suit fabric also means that it dries incredibly quickly, especially when compared to thicker fabrics like wool or tweed. Its moisture-wicking properties reduce the likelihood of damp patches and prevent it from clinging uncomfortably to your skin.
Linen is a durable fabric because of its strong and tough fibres. Your linen suit can be worn time and time again without losing its quality and softness. However, the one downside of linen is that it does tend to wrinkle easily. This creates a more relaxed look at casual events, but if you’re after a sharper appearance, you’ll need to check your suit carefully for wrinkles or opt for a linen blend instead.
How should you wear a linen suit?
What you choose to wear with your linen suit can have a huge impact on your outfit’s formality. For example, a three-piece linen suit with a silk shirt and necktie communicates something vastly different from a relaxed fit linen jacket paired with chinos and worn open-necked. So, what should you wear with a linen suit?
What shirt should you wear with a linen suit?
If you desire a relaxed look, you can pull your linen outfit together by wearing a matching linen shirt.
For a formal appearance, consider pairing your linen suit with a neutral cotton or silk dress shirt along with a complimentary tie. A poplin shirt is also an excellent choice, offering a crisp finish to your ensemble.
A plain white or light-coloured shirt is always an effective choice, whatever material you choose. However, if your linen suit jacket is lightly coloured, a contrasting dark-coloured shirt can add dimension to the outfit.
What shoes should you wear with a linen suit?
The most common footwear choice for pairing with a linen suit is loafers, but boat shoes and Oxfords are also appropriate. For a cohesive look, opting for neutral colours like dark brown or black has more of an impact on the suit’s overall appearance.
If you want to make more of a statement, wearing olive green or dark colours will add style and a complementary dash of colour to the outfit.
Can you wear a tie with a linen suit?
If you’re attending a wedding or other formal occasion, a white shirt, a patterned tie, and a matching pocket square will elevate your outfit. It’s not compulsory to wear a tie with a linen suit, so going open-necked is always an option, especially if you’re attending a casual event or wearing your linen suit casually.
Bespoke linen suits by Philip Alexander
At Phillip Alexander, we’re experts at dressing gentlemen for all occasions. We can craft a beautiful linen suit that fits you perfectly, whether you’re attending a specific event or would like one for everyday wear.
With locations in Cheshire and Savile Row in London, we offer a range of tailoring services, including bespoke suits, made-to-measure suits, and tailored suit hire. Whichever option you choose, our master tailors will be on hand to give you invaluable advice to perfectly style your ensemble.
Arrange an in-person or telephone consultation to speak to one of our tailors about a tailored linen suit.
