Three reasons to wear linen now

If you’ve put linen in the proverbial box reserved strictly for older men attending literature festivals or scorching holidays, it’s time to reconsider. There’s a long list of reasons why this wonder fabric is a favourite of well-dressed men across the globe (including Chris Pine, David Beckham and David Gandy, to name a few). We’ve broken its appeal down into a short and succinct list – read on for three great reasons to wear linen for the rest of this summer. 

The flax fibres that linen is made from are strong, absorbent and fast-drying, so it wicks sweat quicker than any other fabric (including cotton) and keeps temperature regulated. It’s also more heat conductive, making it cool to touch, and has a low thread count which lets it be both lightweight and breathable. And because flax needs less water and pesticides than most other fabrics to grow, linen is broadly acknowledged as being a good sustainable fabric. 

By its very nature, linen is a good investment. Unlike a lot of other fabrics, it actually gets softer (and shinier) the more washes it has and it starts to come into its own after about four years of use. Its strong properties mean it’s less likely to snag or damage easily, so you can be safe in the knowledge that a linen suit, shirt or pair of trousers is a solid investment that’ll last you for years.

Linen is synonymous with a more refined and grown-up look, and is super flattering (when it fits you properly), thanks to the fineness of the fabric. So, in a room (or Zoom call) full of white shirts or T-shirts, add a point of difference by picking a lightweight linen shirt or an unstructured linen blazer. And if you’re worried about creasing, go for a cotton or silk blend – our own brand Kin and John Lewis & Partners have some excellent options.