If you’re not already reaching for linen when the hottest months of the year arrive, that’s all about to change. Made from the flax plant, linen is a soft and supremely breathable fabric that dries quickly to help keep you cool. And beyond the functional benefits, it’s a luxuriously laid-back option that elevates any look while still feeling casual. Ahead, we’ll talk through the essential linen clothing pieces worth adding to your rotation and share everyday styling tips.
Linen Shirts
It’s a smart move to invest in at least a couple of linen button-down shirts for those summer days that require a little extra polish. But rest assured that linen shirts are just as easy to wear and pair as your go-to oxford. If business-casual is the goal, simply pair a white or chambray linen-blend shirt with slim chinos in a neutral shade. You can throw a tailored blazer over top, or roll up your shirt sleeves and complete the look with clean white sneakers.
Linen Pants
Your bottom half deserves to spend the summer in comfort too, and that’s where linen pants come in. If you’re a joggers kind of guy, a pair of relaxed linen-blend pants will be right up your alley. Thanks to the drawstring elastic waist and stretch-infused fabric, you’ll feel like you’re lounging (even if you’re actually hopping around town). Just pair with a solid tee or polo, and don’t forget your sunglasses du jour.
Linen Suits
When the occasion calls for a suit, you’ll be glad that you have a breathable linen option on standby. For a classic ensemble, start with a slim-cut linen-blend suit in a neutral tone and pair with a contrasting button-down shirt. Extra points for adding a pop of color (fitting for the summer months) like pale yellow, pink or blue. The great thing about linen tailoring is that you can easily mix and match the pieces throughout the season, whether it’s teaming a linen-blend blazer with a tee and jeans or matching your linen-blend dress pants to a retro-cool sweater polo.
Linen Tees
Why not put your cotton tees on pause and try out their summer-heat-friendly counterparts? Linen tees are durable, lightweight and get even softer with wear, which means that you’ll be reaching for them year after year. Here you’ll find linen-blend crew neck tees, henleys, long-sleeve tees and pocket tees with that elevated texture we can’t get enough of. Just throw on with relaxed jeans or drawstring shorts and see where the day takes you.