Summer's creeping up, and for us guys who sweat a lot, the heat can feel like a personal enemy. Winter's easy - you just layer up and throw on a scarf. But in summer? No amount of shedding layers cuts it.
When it comes to breathable fabrics for men’s clothing, linen is my go-to every season. Linen’s absorbent powers are impressive; it can hold sweat up to five times its weight, evaporating it almost instantly. Some sources even say that wearing linen can make you feel up to 3-4 degrees cooler than cotton or silk. Even if that’s a stretch, one thing's for sure: linen is refreshingly comfortable.
Let’s dive into linen’s versatility across different styles. If you haven’t yet stocked your wardrobe with linen pieces, it's time to upgrade.
T-Shirts
Who says linen is just for shirts? Imagine a soft, pull-over t-shirt made from linen instead of the usual cotton.
The jersey-knit linen tee from Aurélien in a light beige is a prime example of simple summer style.
For a classic look, tuck your linen tee into jeans and pair with loafers or sneakers
Linen tees also have a smoother drape than cotton, which can be surprisingly flattering, especially when tucked in.
Brands to consider: Aurélien, Officine Generale, Sunspel
Polos
A polo is basically a t-shirt with a collar - perfect for when you need a slightly more polished look.
Linen polos are typically blended with cotton for added softness, breathability, and just the right amount of stretch.
Brands to consider: Luca Faloni, Arket, Mango Man
Shirts
Linen shirts are perhaps the first thing that comes to mind. Lightweight and relaxed, they’re an ideal upgrade to your usual button-downs.
And don’t worry about the wrinkles; that’s all part of the look.
Brands to consider: Asket, ISTO., Uniqlo
Shorts
While I’m not a huge shorts guy, there’s no denying that linen shorts are ideal for hot days. Linen’s breathability takes shorts to a new level, so they’re hard to pass up.
Brands to consider: 120% Lino, Hartford, Ralph Lauren
Trousers
Classic linen trousers are where casual meets refined.
Keep in mind that pleats won’t last; after a few hours, they'll flatten out. Linen wrinkles, but that’s all part of its easygoing charm.
Go for light, pastel tones in the summer, or play it safe with neutrals. Ivory or cream-colored linen trousers add an instant air of sophistication.
Brands to consider: Ripa Ripa, Onia, NN07
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