The Linen Suit

There are many fabrics used to make modern day clothing such as linen, and some of them go way back in time. Wool for example has been used for clothing ever since the first caveman killed a wooly mammoth, ate it, and used its skin to make fashionable and practical chic clothing for himself and his cave family.

Linen is somewhat different because it is a manufactured material, being made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is difficult to manufacture, but renowned as a finished fabric for being easy to turn into men's suits that are light and cool during the summer months.

Traces of linen have been found to be thousands of years old. The Egyptians often used it as a form of currency. When they died, the rich and royal were clothed in linen when mummified as a sign of wealth and purity. Yes, linen has been around for quite some time as a fabric.

Most clothes made from linen are somewhat casual in their purpose, and that includes men's suits. The reason is that linen does have a tendency to wrinkle during the course of a day's wear and its use as a business suit is therefore somewhat curtailed because of this.

Suits made from linen have often been the favored attire for men on their vacation. Whether it's the southern United States, South America itself, Cuba or the French and Italian coasts, this type of suit is perfect for the man who wants to look stylish as well as keeping nice and cool.

Linen from Ireland and Italy are the most sought after. The former is heavier, but of a finer quality and as such, suits made from this material can be less prone to wrinkling, but on the downside not as cool in the hot summer months (not a particular cause for concern in Ireland).

Because of the type of use to which linen suits are preferred (mainly casual), its rarely necessary to buy a made to measure garment. It is therefore quite feasible to purchase 'off the peg'.

Bargains can be had as well due to their mainly seasonal reputation. Towards the end of the summer months, its possible to buy a beautiful linen suit at a knock down price, especially so in stock clearance sales as retailers rush to get their winter collections on display.