How linen became the classic summer fabric

By now, every stylish man knows that linen clothing is enjoying a moment in the limelight. From beach to boardroom, linen has become a must-have material for any sartorially-inclined man, whether he’s lounging in a classic white linen shirt or living it up in a linen suit.

But what is linen and why is it used in so many different items of clothing? Is it worth investing in a linen shirt or trousers, or is this just another passing trend? If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, fear not: we’ve got the answers. Before you dive headfirst into the exciting world of men’s linen, read on to learn more about this on-trend textile.

WHAT IS

LINEN

Just like wool, leather, and any other material with an ounce of fashion credibility, linen has a long heritage. The first linen textiles date back to approximately 36,000 years ago, when artisans in Georgia first wove together flax fibres to make cloth. Since then, the history of linen has always been closely tied to luxury. In Ancient Mesopotamia, linen clothing was worn only by the upper class, who considered it a symbol of light and purity.

To this day, linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant, also known as linseed. The long, soft fibres of flax are crushed and woven together using an industrial loom to create a material that is durable, soft, and highly breathable.

WHY WE

UTILISE IT

There are many reasons why linen is still so popular after all these years, but in our opinion it all boils down to three things: Comfort, durability, and versatility.

Comfort
Anyone who has ever worn a relaxed linen button down shirt on a warm day or breezed through a poolside event in a pair of linen trousers knows that linen offers unbeatable breathability. Because it’s made entirely from natural fibres, it wicks moisture away from the body and dries quickly - qualities that make it perfect for hot, humid climates like southern hemisphere summers.

Durability
Another major benefit of linen is its durability. Contrary to popular belief, linen doesn’t require a whole lot of special care, and can be machine washed on a low spin cycle. To keep linen from wrinkling, it should always be laid flat or hung out to dry, and should never be tumbled dried. Looked after in this way, a high quality linen shirt or jacket will last you for years to come.

Versatility
One of the positives of using linen to make men’s clothes is the versatility it allows. Linen can be used to make everything from shirts and shorts to jackets, trousers, and soft accessories. It can be milled in printed and plain variations, and is easily styled to suit a range of seasons and trends.

HOW TO

WEAR LINEN

Shirts
If you’re new to the world of linen clothing, we recommend starting with a classic linen men’s shirt. For everyday wear, we recommend our Seddon Shirt, a fuller fit shirt made from finely textured Italian linen. Seddon will keep you cool during warm days and nights, and is equally apt whether you’re holidaying or on home turf.

For those who prefer a slimmer fit, you can’t go past our Sports Fit shirts. Available in a refreshing selection of bright colours and unexpected prints, Rodd & Gunn linen shirts are an easy way to dial up the luxe level of your summer wardrobe.

Jackets
Take a relaxed approach to business or occasion wear with a tailored linen jacket. Our sports fit jackets strike the balance between structure and lightness, and craft a classic gentleman’s silhouette that’s at once timeless and modern.

Attending a smart casual event or searching for a summer take on business casual? We recommend our Morris Jacket, a sports fit soft-tailored linen jacket with a versatile single-breasted closure. For weddings and other formal events, go with our Newall Jacket, a subtly textured, breathable linen blazer.

TAKE ON SUMMER IN STYLE WITH

LIGHTWEIGHT LINEN CLOTHING

Linen is a luxurious, comfortable, and long-lasting fabric that deserves a place in any stylish man’s wardrobe. Whether you choose a classic linen shirt or a slimline tailored jacket, you’ll be treating yourself to a textile with a history of excellence that literally spans centuries.

Turn up the luxury factor of your summer wardrobe by discovering Rodd & Gunn linen online now, or find your nearest Rodd & Gunn store to browse our collection in person.