Linen suits are not just for summer beach weddings. If they’re good enough to keep you feeling cool under the beating sun while your best mates are exchanging vows, imagine the style points you’ve been missing out on by not getting more use out of them.
Incessant creasing however, is an issue that often deters many from wearing linen suits (and everything linen, really). But thanks to linen-blend fabrications, unsightly creasing is less of an issue. Marks & Spencer for example, has developed a linen-based fabric that boasts crease-recovery capabilities. Its Linen Miracle innovation is a linen and polyester blend that retains the breathable and cooling properties of linen with the added boon of it looking spiffy throughout the day. Not convinced? We show you how to easy it is to work linen suits into your summer attire with Marks & Spencer’s linen suits.
The Navy Linen Suit
Linen Rich regular fit suit in navy ($229.90 + $99.90)
You can’t go wrong with a navy suit. It’s a step up from the usual black or grey without seeming like you’re trying too hard. Consider this as the suit you’ll whip out when you want to liven up your office attire.
1. Linen shirt ($99.90) 2. Knit tie ($39.90) 3. Pebble Grain Leather holdall ($349.90) 4. Leather Scotch Grain derby shoes ($229.90)
Because the navy Marks & Spencer suit has little apparent slubs (another characteristic of linen fabrics), it doesn’t look too relaxed for the office. Keep things cool and comfortable with a checked linen shirt and choose a knit tie for that extra sartorial touch. Brown and black accessories shouldn’t go together, you say? Seal the deal with a darker shade of brown like the pair of derby shoes above as opposed to a jarring cognac to seamlessly match with your go-to black bags.
The Textured Linen Suit
Linen Miracle regular fit suit in grey ($399.90 + $199.90)
Made with Marks & Spencer’s Linen Miracle fabric, this grey suit is in a classic crosshatch pattern that helps to further hide the appearance of wrinkles and creases.
1. Aviator sunglasses ($69.90) 2. Cotton T-shirt ($21.90) 3. Cotton baseball cap ($29.90) 4. Flocked holdall ($249.90)
If there was one takeaway from watching Miami Vice, it has to be the unlikely but stylish suit and crew-neck combination. It’s a more casual way to wear a suit and alludes to the athleisure trend that has yet to make an exit. Top off the look with a baseball cap and white leather sneakers for an effortless update to a Sunday brunch outfit. Or pack these into your carry-on luggage the next time you’re on a business trip for a quick change after meetings and you’re ready to see the sights in comfort.
The Broken-Up Linen Suit
Linen Rich regular fit blazer in beige ($229.90)
You don’t always have to wear a suit as a full suit. Treat suits as separate coordinates and you’ll get even more bang for your buck. This blazer for example, has oversized patch pockets that makes it easy to pair with more casual pieces without looking out of place.
1. Retro plastic sunglasses ($59.90) 2. Linen-blend shirt ($69.90) 3. Cool & Fresh™ Cotton Typhoon Hat with Stormwear™ ($69.90) 4. Linen-blend chambray shorts ($89.90)
Shorts are great (and not to mention, sensible) in the summer. Go for tailored shorts like the chambray one above and wear it with a crisp white short-sleeved shirt. Elevate the look with the linen-blend blazer and have a go at the Italians’ famed sprezzatura style – upturn the ends of the blazer sleeves or carelessly pull up the sleeves or do both. It’s all about that studied nonchalance to make the blazer work for the outfit. Grab your favourite slip-on loafers (preferably in a suede variant) and you’re dressed perfect for a yacht party or a weekend jaunt.
All products shown are available at Marks and Spencer. Find a store near you here.
