Summer can be sweltering, but if you need to wear a suit and shirt, what should you do? You definitely need to know about "linen fabric," which is a lifesaver in hot weather. Did you know there are three common types of linen fabrics? In this article, a professional suit tailor will guide you on how to choose stylish and comfortable linen suits and shirts, so you can stay fresh and sharp at work and gatherings even in the heat!
Whether it's summer or winter, most people tend to opt for long-sleeve shirts. Do you know why? It’s related to aesthetics! For example, many Westerners have more body hair, and long sleeves can cover hair on the arms and hide skin scars (since boys tend to be more active and prone to injuries). Long-sleeve shirts convey a sense of formality and elevate your presence, making less skin exposure appear more professional. Try wearing a short-sleeve shirt or rolling up the sleeves to the elbow—don’t they seem more casual? Typically, people roll up their sleeves when they’re ready to tackle a challenge. Another example is Hawaiian shirts, which are always short-sleeved and certainly not formal. Therefore, for work or important occasions, long-sleeve shirts remain the go-to choice for a gentlemanly style.
However, Taiwan's summer is characterized by high temperatures and humidity, and with the long summer season, wearing long-sleeve shirts and suits can feel torturous. This makes fabric selection extremely important. Fortunately, linen is a fantastic fabric to wear in summer.
Whether in summer or winter, people generally opt for long-sleeve shirts. In the scorching summer, the choice of fabric becomes even more critical! Linen is an excellent fabric for summer.
What is linen fabric?
Linen, also known as flax (English: Flax or Linen, Scientific name: Linum usitatissimum), has a history of over 10,000 years. It is a plant widely cultivated around the world, commonly used for oil and fabric fibers. The linen fabric is derived from the stalk of the plant, and it possesses three main characteristics:
1.Linen fibers are both strong and soft.
They are five times stronger than cotton fibers and 1.6 times stronger than silk, allowing for the creation of high-twist fabrics (the higher the count, the more delicate the touch). High-count linen fabrics look smooth and tidy, making them ideal for high-end clothing. In summer, many luxury fashion brands release collections made from linen.
2.Linen fibers have moisture-absorbing and heat-dissipating properties.
Their unique ability to transport moisture means they absorb sweat quickly, reducing the accumulation of perspiration on the skin. At room temperature, linen can lower body temperature by 4–8°C, earning it the nickname "natural air conditioning." Experts confirm that the surface temperature of linen clothing in summer is about 5°C lower than that of other materials, while wearing linen in colder weather provides warmth and comfort.
Additionally, linen is resistant to abrasion and breakage, has high-temperature resistance, is non-flammable, anti-static, and antibacterial. As a result, it is widely used in aviation, military, and medical applications.
3.Linen fibers can also be blended.
This means that linen can be used in various products or applications, enhancing its value. It is often blended with cotton, wool, rayon, silk, and synthetic fibers, resulting in different textures depending on the types and ratios of materials used. This also affects the cost. When choosing products, it's helpful to check the fabric composition on the label to find your preferred blend.
Is Linen Clothing Easy to Care For?
Linen fibers are less elastic, which means linen fabric tends to wrinkle more easily and is not suitable for excessive processing. If not washed properly, linen garments can shrink or bleed color. But don’t worry! Common linen fabrics used in clothing come in three types: pure linen, ramie, and cotton-linen blends.
1. Pure Linen: This is made entirely from flax fibers and offers the benefits mentioned earlier. It's breathable and moisture-wicking but can wrinkle easily.
2. Ramie: Made from the ramie plant, this fiber is longer and stronger than linen, making it slightly more comfortable but also more prone to wrinkling.
3. Cotton-Linen Blend: This is a mixture of linen and cotton, which allows for excellent breathability and elasticity. It’s the softest of the linen fabrics.
Each of these materials has its own characteristics, and there's no definitive "better" or "worse." It's all about choosing the fabric that best suits your needs and preferences!
| Characteristics | Linen | Ramie | Cotton-linen blend |
| Comfort level | Medium | Low | High |
| Price | High | Medium | Low |
| Breathability | Medium | High | Low |
Choosing and Tips for Linen Shirts and Suits
Linen fabric is generally not recommended for "formal occasions" because 100% linen suits and shirts tend to wrinkle easily. However, it's a great choice for a smart casual look at the office or casual gatherings. You might also consider wool blends, as wool's smooth texture makes it easy to care for, and a linen-wool blend can provide both comfort and low maintenance.
Related Reading: 4 Ways to Style Workplace Shirts: Elevate Your Taste and Professionalism in One Go.
Note: Pure linen has lower stability and may lose its shape after a few wears or risk shrinking after washing. These issues depend on the fabric's properties and washing methods. Therefore, it's advisable to ask store staff which linen materials are less prone to deformation and for the correct washing instructions to extend the lifespan of your shirts.
This summer, why not try a suit or shirt made from linen? It will keep you cool and comfortable, allowing you to attend various events in breathable and refreshing gentlemanly attire. If you want to learn more, feel free to visit Leader Tailor for answers, or reach out to us on our official Line!