Stick to labels that pride themselves on the provenance of their fabrics. Any of the Savile Row names are an excellent starting point (for instance, Richard James has a fantastic collection of linen-blend blazers) but even the Row’s head tailors will concede that their Italian cousins have the edge when it comes to working with the fabric. Therefore, it would be wise to explore the likes of Loro Piana, Boglioli, Canali, Berluti, Brioni and Brunello Cucinelli.

Given linen’s longevity and tendency to get better with age, it’s a wise move to invest in quality linen, rather than penny-pinch. That said, there are many mid-priced brands producing affordable options that offer a good balance between quality and value. Suitsupply and J.Crew are two excellent examples – both source fabrics from renowned mills within Italy’s renowned Biella region (see below).

Premium Linen Pieces

• Suitsupply Black Havana Suit
• Dolce & Gabbana Linen Taormina-Fit Suit
• Brunello Cucinelli Linen Striped Suit
• J. Crew Ludlow Linen Blazer
• Brunello Cucinelli pinstripe linen jacket
• Boglioli single-breasted blazer
• J. Crew Slim Baird Linen Shirt
• Suitsupply Light Blue Plain Shirt
• Brunello Cucinelli stripe-print linen shirt
• Suitsupply Mid Green Soho Trousers
• J Crew Unstructured Linen Trousers
• Dolce & Gabbana straight-leg linen trousers

High Street Linen Pieces

• Marks & Spencer Italian Linen
• ASOS slim linen suit
• Suit Supply Mid Green Havana Suit
• Reiss Textured Linen Blazer
• Mark & Spencer Linen Rich Textured Blazer
• H&M Slim Fit Linen Blazer
• River Island Textured Linen Shirt
• M&S Pure Linen Striped Shirt
• Reiss Ruban Linen Regular Fit Shirt
• Reiss Kin Linen Formal Trousers
• Mark & Spencer Slim Fit Italian Linen
• Mango Slim-fit Linen Pants

How To Care For Linen

Since linen has no lint and doesn’t pill like wool, it’s very simple to care for. Steer clear of dry cleaning unless a blazer is obviously tarnished – it’s simply not necessary for a fabric that is so comfortable taking on moisture, plus the harsh chemicals involved in dry cleaning won’t do it any favours.