Properties and characteristics of linen, the natural fabric star of spring and summer outfits

Breathable, durable, versatile, and sustainable: linen is a natural fabric with numerous properties that has carved out a prominent place in new spring/summer collections. Its rustic texture adapts perfectly to casual outfits, but this characteristic doesn't prevent it from creating beautiful outfits for elegant occasions. Here's everything you need to know about the properties of linen fabric, with some tips for an impeccable look!

Origins and properties of linen: a versatile and sustainable material perfect for summer

Throughout its history, fashion has not limited itself to celebrating beauty but has known how to give aesthetic value to utility. A perfect example is linen, a material of natural origin - obtained from processing the linum usitatissimum plant - considered by scholars to be the oldest fabric in the world.

The history of its use dates to Ancient Egypt, where it was used to wrap the remains of the deceased, but its popularity has not waned over the centuries, thanks to a versatility that has allowed it to adapt to various uses, from fashion to home furnishings, with a boom during the industrial revolution of the 19th century.

Linen vs. cotton: two natural materials compared

Despite its venerable age, linen is a fabric that never goes out of style, increasingly appreciated in clothing thanks to its numerous properties, which in some cases make it better than the more common cotton. Not only does its durability make it suitable for work outfits, but it is highly appreciated in casual and elegant looks for its ability to adapt to various styles and combinations, as well as for the breathability of its fibers, which is why it's a must-have in spring and summer wardrobes. Among the main characteristics of linen is also the ability to absorb body moisture and facilitate its evaporation, maintaining a higher level of freshness compared to many other materials.

In recent years, growing environmental awareness has also placed it at the center of attention as a natural, biodegradable, and sustainable fabric, processed from a resistant plant that requires little care, little water, and minimal use of pesticides. Its durability, finally, ensures greater longevity.

What are the main types of linen?

Among the complaints of those who don't like linen fabric is the idea that it's less elastic and more rigid compared to other materials. Furthermore, its level of comfort and lightness depends on various factors, primarily the fit. Linen performs best when worn not too tight to the skin, to promote its breathability and compensate for its rigidity. This fit also looks visually more natural, as it gives it a relaxed appearance perfect for summer and casual outfits (but adaptable to slightly more elegant contexts as well).

It's also important to know the main types of this material, characterized by different processing and varying degrees of weight and thermoregulation:

• Irish linen: the most used for clothing, especially for suits, thanks to its sophisticated appearance. It generally weighs between 280-360 g per square meter.

• European linen: lighter and cooler than Irish linen, this linen weighs between 225 and 255 g per square meter. Its thinner consistency exposes it to a greater risk of creases but makes it particularly suitable for light shirts and summer pants.

• Batiste linen: weighs about 170 g per square meter and often features a two-colored weave, making it more suitable for casual looks.

Linen fabrics weighing more than 360g, on the other hand, tend to be used for bed linens or household textiles, such as tablecloths and napkins.

How to wear linen garments

With its rustic texture - which can vary depending on the processing - linen represents an excellent material for casual garments, whether they are shirts, pants, or jackets. However, this natural and genuine character should not be misleading: linen loves to show off its sober refinement even in elegant contexts, representing for example an excellent option for summer weddings and parties, especially when it comes to high tailoring garments. 

Here are some tips for wearing it without mistakes in men's and women’s looks!

Linen clothing in a casual key

Linen finds its natural habitat in casual looks, provided it is worn with the spontaneity and relaxation that characterize it.

First, it's good to pair it with garments that have an equally sober appearance, not necessarily rough, but without a shiny and sophisticated texture that would make the combination unnatural. To maintain a certain balance in the fit, moreover, it is advisable to avoid overly structured jackets or pants, in favor of lighter and softer natural summer fabrics.

Since among the characteristics of linen fabric are a certain rigidity and reduced elasticity, in casual outfits it finds a better field of application when it has a slightly oversized fit, for example in polos, shirts, pants, and light blazers, both in men's and women's looks. It is however important to find a balance in the shapes, for example by gently defining the body lines by tucking the shirt under the pants.

Depending on the level of casualness of the outfit, you can pair a t-shirt or a soft-cut polo with basic cut denim pants or give the whole a sense of completeness by combining more linen elements. A light linen shirt or blouse - the latter worn slightly unbuttoned, for a more relaxed cut - offer an excellent result when paired with linen pants with a regular or slightly baggy fit, even better if equipped with single or double pleats and a front crease, to give the whole a dynamic appearance. In women's casual looks, palazzo or wide-leg linen pants are trendy, paired with tank tops and crop tops - or, why not, a casual-cut vest - to create a dynamic effect also in the contrast between oversized and fitted. For evening outings or for not too hot days, you can complete the outfit with a not too tight linen blazer, or a soft jersey.

Summer palettes: the perfect colors to pair with linen

Colors are an important aspect in creating a good summer look. The best hues for this season and for this natural-cut material are soft ones, starting from cream white or ivory, embracing shades of beige, hazelnut, khaki, and light brown. This preponderance of light tones does not preclude a touch of color but always keeping in mind the ideal chromatic softness that characterizes this fabric. If you don't want to give up color, then opt for pastel or not too bright hues: sage green, mint green, olive, soft blue and coral, solid or with thin stripes.

Ideal accessories to complete a linen look

Since you're dealing with a rather essential outfit, it's crucial to give a touch of style with the right accessories. For both women and men, linen pants can be enriched with a belt, even better if thin and in light leather, classic or suede. Braided models are an excellent choice in this case, as you want to give tone to the look without appearing too formal. The best choice for footwear falls on sneakers, possibly a not too sporty model, while loafers risk creating a somewhat affected outfit. In summer, the female look can be enriched with a low sandal or a shoe with a not too high heel.

Tips for using linen for elegant occasions

During summer ceremonies - especially daytime and outdoor ones - linen takes on a sophisticated tone but also ensures lightness, guaranteeing the necessary freshness when temperatures are excessive for a layered suit.

However, the change of context should not be misleading: it's true that linen can be adapted to carry an aura of refinement, but even in these contexts, it's better to avoid structured garments, in favor of those with a soft fit, to facilitate their breathable nature and maintain their summer and relaxed identity. For this reason, linen outfits are not recommended in very formal contexts.

In this case too, the best colors are soft and not too dark, ideal for this season and for more sober ceremonies.

Regarding the actual construction of the outfit, you can amplify the elegance of this material by opting, for example, for linen suits for men and a pantsuit for women, refined choices for special occasions. The ideal model is one with a single-breasted jacket and a medium-weight fabric, rather light, but also more resistant to creases compared to thinner fabrics. The single-breasted also appears less formal and structured compared to a double-breasted, as well as decidedly more youthful and suitable for the carefree nature of the warm seasons.

This outfit guide concludes with the inevitable choice of accessories: men can enrich their ceremonial look with a pocket square - also in thin linen - with Oxford footwear - even better if in a light color - or suede loafers. Women can opt for the feminine versions of these shoe models or for a sandal with a heel, suitable for the warm season. Small handbags and clutches can finally be used to give a touch of color in an outfit that tends, in this case, to maintain rather neutral tones.