Linen for Summer
by Murray Crane
With summer just around the corner, it is the perfect time to consider linen. Long valued for its breathability and natural lustre, linen is one of the oldest fabrics in the world - prized for its ability to keep you cool in the heat while still looking refined.
At its best, linen offers ease without sacrificing formality. A linen shirt works equally well under tailoring as it does worn open-necked with chinos or denim. A linen jacket or suit has a relaxed drape that is ideal for long days and warm evenings, while trousers cut in linen or a linen blend provide comfort with structure.
Wrinkles are part of the fabric’s charm - a reminder that it is meant to be lived in. Pair it with cotton or lightweight wool to balance texture, and don’t be afraid to mix colours: natural tones, washed blues, and crisp whites all highlight linen’s understated character.
The linen grown in northern Europe is regarded as the finest in the world – a result of favourable climate, rich soils and generations of expertise in flax cultivation. Beyond its natural elegance, linen is an environmentally responsible fibre with inherent qualities that make it uniquely suited to summer wear. It is exceptionally durable, highly absorbent, and offers both insulating and thermoregulating properties - keeping you cool in the heat and comfortable throughout the day.
For the ultimate in linen luxury we work exclusively with Thomas Mason - a mill renowned for its expertise and innovation in shirting cloth. Their Gold Linen combines heritage with refinement, offering a fabric that is as resilient as it is elegant, and designed to elevate warm-weather dressing. For tailoring we also look to Solbiati - the Italian specialists who have been weaving linen since 1874 and whose name is synonymous with summer elegance.
Between Thomas Mason and Solbiati we are able to draw on two of the world’s most respected mills - combining British precision with Italian artistry to deliver fabrics that embody the very best of linen craft.
Our own made to measure garments are cut from this cloth and made in Italy to the highest standards - ensuring that each piece balances craft with comfort, and is tailored to endure as part of a modern wardrobe.
This season, linen should be thought of not as a holiday fabric but as a cornerstone of summer dressing - versatile, timeless, and always effortless.
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