When the weather warms up, everything changes. Invitations to weddings start appearing, those outdoor parties that seemed months away suddenly fill the diary, and the idea of sweating through a heavyweight wool suit becomes deeply unappealing. Spring and summer call for a different approach to tailoring – something lighter, looser, and better suited to the season. Enter linen suits: airy, breathable, stylish in a way that looks effortless without ever seeming lazy.
Linen has always been associated with easy, holiday-ready style. Think camp-collar shirts, breezy button-ups and even lightweight linen jackets. But today’s linen suits are sharper than ever. New fabric blends help tame the creasing. Cuts are more relaxed without tipping into sloppiness. Colours are more adventurous. In short, the linen suit has grown up – and it is ready for a starring role in your warm-weather wardrobe.
Here’s everything you need to know before buying one.
Why a linen suit belongs in your wardrobe
The most obvious reason is comfort. Linen’s loose weave allows air to circulate, making it infinitely cooler than wool or heavy cotton. It is lightweight, breathable and dries quickly. Crucial when the sun is shining or you are stuck on a packed dancefloor after the ceremony.
But linen is not just practical. There is a visual lightness to it too. A relaxed drape and texture that immediately softens the formality of a suit. In an era where even weddings have moved towards a more relaxed dress code, that counts for a lot. A linen suit looks considered without feeling overdressed.
Modern versions often use linen blended with cotton, silk or even a touch of wool. These blends offer the breeziness of linen but with improved structure and a little less crumpling. If you are worried about looking too creased by the end of the day, it is worth seeking one out.
What to look for when buying linen suits
Not all linen suits are created equal. The first thing to check is the fabric. Pure linen is the most breathable but creases easily. Not a bad thing if you embrace the relaxed aesthetic. Linen blends, on the other hand, offer a slightly crisper finish with less maintenance.
Colour is the next consideration. Classic options like navy, grey, and beige are endlessly versatile and can be dressed up or down with ease. If you are feeling braver, seasonal tones such as sage green, pale blue, or even terracotta look excellent in sunlight and photograph particularly well at summer events.
When it comes to fit, avoid anything overly skinny or stiff. A slightly softer, more relaxed silhouette works with linen’s natural drape. Look for unstructured jackets (no heavy padding in the shoulders) and unlined or partially lined designs to keep things breathable.
Finally, quality matters. Good linen tailoring will have clean stitching, well-finished seams, and thoughtful touches like lightweight horn buttons or hand-finished details. Investing a little more usually pays off in the long run.
How to style linen suits for men
For a wedding
A linen suit is a smart move for any spring or summer wedding. Stick to a crisp white or pale blue dress shirt if the dress code is more traditional. A silk tie and a pair of leather loafers or slim brogues will keep things sharp without looking heavy.
For a more modern take, skip the tie and wear an open-necked shirt or knitted polo. Choose tonal accessories and a pair of suede loafers or well-polished derbies to round things off.
If you are going for something more seasonal, like a pastel suit, keep accessories neutral to avoid looking like you are trying too hard.
For a summer party
The linen suit really comes into its own when the dress code says smart casual. Swap the shirt for a high-quality white T-shirt or a knitted polo. Minimal sneakers or espadrilles will keep things relaxed without tipping into beachwear territory.
Accessories should stay light and unfussy. A woven belt, a linen or cotton pocket square, and the right pair of sunglasses are all you need.
Linen suits for men: The best brands
Brunello Cucinelli
No one does relaxed elegance quite like Brunello Cucinelli. Its linen suits are immaculately cut with soft shoulders, natural drape, and subtle neutral palettes that make them ideal for every summer occasion.
Wax London
Wax London brings a more relaxed, contemporary feel to linen tailoring. Its linen suits are cut with an easy fit and often come in seasonal colours that feel right for garden parties, beach weddings, and city summers alike. Affordable, versatile, and designed with modern wearability in mind.
Velasca
Known for its handmade shoes, Velasca also offers impressively wearable linen tailoring. Expect soft Italian cuts, pared-back styling and suits that feel just as appropriate at a wedding as they do at an al fresco lunch.
Luca Faloni
A brand built around Italian craftsmanship, Luca Faloni’s linen suits are made using premium linen from some of Italy’s best mills. The fit is relaxed but refined. Perfect for warm-weather dressing without the fuss.
Besnard
Amsterdam-based Besnard specialises in classic tailoring with a modern sensibility. Its linen suits are made using high-grade European linen, cut in softly structured silhouettes that work perfectly for summer weddings or smart daytime events. Expect a sharp attention to detail, easy elegance, and a strong focus on fit without unnecessary fuss.
Paul Smith
Paul Smith adds a playful twist to linen tailoring, with suits available in bold colours and subtle patterns. A good choice if you want to stand out without losing the plot.
Drake’s
Drake’s masters that hard-to-nail balance between relaxed and polished. Its linen blend suits, cut with a soft shoulder and a slight drape, are perfect for events where the dress code is flexible.
Ralph Lauren
Channel old-school summer style with Ralph Lauren’s linen offerings. Think East Coast weddings, garden parties, and sun-drenched drinks receptions. The fabrics are top quality and the cuts just formal enough.
Common mistakes to avoid when wearing linen suits
First and most important: accept the wrinkles. Linen will crease – it is part of the charm. Trying to eliminate every line is pointless and will only make you look oddly stiff.
Second: do not over-accessorise. A linen suit works best when it looks effortless. A tie, a pocket square, a belt, and sunglasses? Fine. Anything more and you risk tipping into caricature.
Finally: choose your shoes wisely. Heavy, clunky footwear looks out of place with the lightness of a linen suit. Stick to loafers, slim derbies, espadrilles or minimal sneakers.
Next up: The complete guide to men's dress codes.
