The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (2024)

When the temperatures rise and you need to dress up, reach for something made of the breeziest fabric.

By Trishna Rikhy and Barry Samaha
The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (1)

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

The sun is shining, the humidity is unbearable, and you’re sweating just standing. All you want to do is reach for shorts, sandals, and the lightest top in your drawer. But there’s an event to attend, a scenario that requires you to dress up. It could be a wedding, a boardroom meeting, or an IRL job interview. You can’t get away with anything less than a two-piece. It’s time for a linen suit.

Linen—of all the standard materials used in suiting—is the lightest, the most breathable. The tradeoff being linen, in its purest form, is far less structured than other fabrics. That could work if the event at hand is casual. But if you really want to look distinguished, reach for a cut that’s mixed with cotton, silk, or even wool. A suit with these blends will hold its shape and offer the airiness you’re looking for. It’s what linen does best. We have all these options (plus a few surprises) below ready to give you some ventilation in the sweltering summer heat no matter the occasion.

Best Linen Suit for Weddings

J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Suit Jacket

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Best Linen Suit for Weddings

J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Suit Jacket

Wedding season is rounding the corner, and if the event is outdoors and the dress code calls for black tie optional, semiformal, co*cktail, beach formal, or dressy casual, J.Crew's iconic Ludlow suit—a style we endorse regularly—is as foolproof as it gets.

J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Unstructured Suit Pant

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (4)

J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Unstructured Suit Pant

Best Versatile Linen Suit

Todd Snyder Italian Linen Sutton Suit

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (5)

Best Versatile Linen Suit

Todd Snyder Italian Linen Sutton Suit

Todd Snyder knows how to do effortlessly chic, cool-guy clothes, and when it comes to a linen suit, its as if they have it down to a science. This charcoal number is a day-to-night look that'll never go out of style, and can be worn with any number of shirts underneath.

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Softest Linen Suit

Hart Schaffner Marx New York Super Soft Linen Suit

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (6)

Softest Linen Suit

Hart Schaffner Marx New York Super Soft Linen Suit

Now 20% Off

It's in the name, really—this suit is super soft. Like, more so than other linen suits, which is saying a lot. Maybe it's because of the lined interior and 10o% linen interior. This one also comes with the jacket and pants together, so don't worry about multiple items in your cart.

It's giving old money, California tan, and a suit that speaks for itself.

Banana Republic Nolan Linen Suit Pant

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (8)

Banana Republic Nolan Linen Suit Pant

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Best Affordable Linen Suit

Quince 100% European Linen Blazer

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (9)

Best Affordable Linen Suit

Quince 100% European Linen Blazer

For under $100 per piece, Quince's linen suit is one you might just want to get in every color available. The single-breasted style has crisp, clean tailoring and a slim silhouette.

Best Linen Suit for Work

Ted Baker Onich Linen Blazer

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (10)

Best Linen Suit for Work

Ted Baker Onich Linen Blazer

There are still many professions that mandate a two-piece suit. Anything less just simply doesn't cut it, no matter how hot the temperatures might get. For those in corporate environments, Ted Baker has a sleek linen suit in navy, which looks just as structured as the traditional wool styles.

Best Tailored Linen Suit

Polo Ralph Lauren Soft Slub Linen Suit Jacket

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Best Tailored Linen Suit

Polo Ralph Lauren Soft Slub Linen Suit Jacket

If you've watched Gosford Park, Downton Abbey, or anything created by Julian Fellowes, you know that going to the countryside is an event. The men in these movies and shows never disappoint with their fits, wearing suits that are richly textured, expertly tailored, and reflect their sprawling woodland estates. Capturing all of this is this beautiful linen suit from Ralph Lauren.

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Best Comfy Linen Suit

Theory Clinton Blazer

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (12)

Best Comfy Linen Suit

Theory Clinton Blazer

Now 56% Off

Some men like to let things hang, preferring styles that drape over the body. And if that describes you, Theory's breezy linen suit, which features a drawstring waistband, is just what you need.

Ted Baker Grinton Linen Trousers

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Ted Baker Grinton Linen Trousers

Best Linen Suit for Summer

Banana Republic Nolan Linen Suit Jacket

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (14)

Best Linen Suit for Summer

Banana Republic Nolan Linen Suit Jacket

Banana Republic is a master at offering styles that are equal parts disheveled (in the best sense) and distinguished, the kinds of pieces that have character and won't annihilate your bank account. This linen suit is a prime example.

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Best 100% Linen Suit

Mango 100% Linen Slim-Fit Suit Blazer

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Best 100% Linen Suit

Mango 100% Linen Slim-Fit Suit Blazer

Keep things light and spiffy with this slim-fit suit from Mango. It feels nice to get dressed up—especially in linen that feels this good.

Best Go-To Linen Suit

Reiss Single Breasted Linen Blazer

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Best Go-To Linen Suit

Reiss Single Breasted Linen Blazer

Sometimes, you just need a basic suit—in summer, pray that its linen. Reiss has one that's classy and timeless, and you can (and should) even mix and match the pieces to get maximum wear with your other clothes.

Best Casual Linen Suit

Nautica Modern-Fit Cotton/Linen Blend Suit

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Best Casual Linen Suit

Nautica Modern-Fit Cotton/Linen Blend Suit

It's summer—go bold! A pop of color never hurt anybody, and this breezy, blue linen suit was basically made for beach weddings, co*cktail hour, boat parties, and an Aperol spritz in-hand.

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Fastest Shipping Linen Suit

Perry Ellis Linen-Blend Suit Jacket

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (18)

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (19)

Fastest Shipping Linen Suit

Perry Ellis Linen-Blend Suit Jacket

Now 37% Off

Need a classy linen suit in a pinch? Amazon never fails. Perry Ellis has an option that's chic, versatile, and incredibly easy to style and wear.

Most Laidback Linen Suit

Alex Mill Mercer Linen Blazer

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Most Laidback Linen Suit

Alex Mill Mercer Linen Blazer

If you're not ready to squeeze into a slim-fit suit just yet, Alex Mill has a looser option. The two-piece is less structured and gives off a laidback vibe, but still looks presentable to wear out and about.

Mango 100% Linen Suit Trousers

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (21)

Mango 100% Linen Suit Trousers

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Chicest Linen Suit

Percival Linen Tailored Blazer

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Chicest Linen Suit

Percival Linen Tailored Blazer

This 100% linen suit in gorgeous green is an eye-catcher for sure—pair with a crisp shirt and skinny tie (and, of course, the matching pants below) and you're sure to secure Most Stylish Guy At the Function status.

Perry Ellis Suit Pant

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (23)

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (24)

Perry Ellis Suit Pant

Now 38% Off

The 20 Best Linen Suits to Keep You Cool Under the Sun (2024)

FAQs

Is a linen suit cool? ›

Linen vs Other Fabrics

Its durability, absorbency, and ability to release heat from the body make it the top choice for staying cool and stylish during those hot months.

What suit blend is best for summer? ›

Silk-Linen Blends

Lead with comfortable luxury this summer in a silk-linen blend suit. This combination of materials will help you keep cool during hot and humid conditions. As both silk and linen are moisture-wicking, a suit made with this blend will help to keep you dry and comfortable all summer long.

What is the best color for a linen suit? ›

Everyone knows linen looks good in beige and eggshell, but you shouldn't be afraid to don it in grey, blue, black and — if you feel like channeling your inner Redford — light pink. Just make sure to avoid super bright colors; linen speaks loudly enough on its own.

What shoes to wear with a linen suit? ›

Whether it's dark blue, tobacco or olive green, well worn burgundy loafers like Boston in Burgundy Cavalry Calf, or mid-brown suede Oxfords make for a comfortable partner to a classic linen suit like this. By contrast, the typical Italian linen suit comes in off-white, ivory or the colour of coffee with milk.

Are linen suits good for hot weather? ›

Linen suits are ideal for the hot summer months, as they are extremely thin and breathable.

Are linen suits good for summer? ›

The Advantages of Making Suits in a 100% Linen Fabric

This attribute makes it an ideal choice for summer suits. Moreover, linen fabric possesses excellent moisture absorption and wicking properties, effectively keeping wearers dry and comfortable, whether dealing with perspiration or unexpected rain.

What suit is best for hot weather? ›

Consider linen or cotton

Plant fabrics such as cotton, linen or bamboo are light and highly comfortable, as well as breathable. Linen suits are worn in hot European summers and well-suited to hot or humid weather.

What is the best suit to wear in hot weather? ›

Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or tropical weight wool are ideal for suits in hot weather.

What suit material is best for hot weather? ›

Science tells us that natural fibres like linen, wool and cotton tend to be the best for regulating body temperature.

Should a linen suit be ironed? ›

The only downside to linen its tendency to wrinkle, but you can help it to stay looking sharp by giving it a good iron. Don't be afraid to turn the heat up and go over it a few times to make sure all the creases are out. Once it's ironed, keep it hung in a dry place so it's ready for when you come to wear it.

Should a linen suit be tight? ›

Making sure your linen suit fits your shoulders well is crucial. Since linen suits are a good deal more relaxed than, say, tailored business suits, they don't have to hug your figure. In fact, too figure hugging and they'll look all wrong.

When should you stop wearing linen? ›

The traditional thinking is, never wear linen clothing before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. While most people adhere to this, there really is no reason – especially in Southern California – not to wear it year round. So, get your “summer” linens out and enjoy the light, airy feeling of this natural fabric.

Should I wear socks with a linen suit? ›

It's important to wear the right socks and shoes with a linen suit. A good rule of thumb is to wear socks in the same color as your trousers. This allows your socks to blend into your trousers, making them less visible.

What tie to wear with a linen suit? ›

Any tie will be more professional than an open collar, but a closely-pressed wool or silk tie will help offset any wrinkles in the fabric of the suit. If you're wearing a lightly-colored suit—like mauve, cream, or a light blue for example—a burgundy or navy silk tie will draw the eye and formalize the entire look.

What kind of shirt to wear with linen suit? ›

To pair up with the wedding suit a white, cream or very light blue plain shirt in Linen, cotton or linen cotton blend works perfectly fine. Get a tie matching the colour of the suit in linen. As for more colour options, you can always be experimental depending on the formality of the wedding.

Are linen suits less hot? ›

Made from natural flax fibres and with an open weave, linen fabrics are breathable. That means your body heat escapes while the fresh air flows in for a cooling effect. It's also naturally moisture-wicking, which helps to get rid of that unpleasant sticky feeling when you're a bit hot.

When should I stop wearing linen suits? ›

The traditional thinking is, never wear linen clothing before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. While most people adhere to this, there really is no reason – especially in Southern California – not to wear it year round. So, get your “summer” linens out and enjoy the light, airy feeling of this natural fabric.

Are linen suits too casual? ›

A linen suit may feel more casual and relaxed when you put it on, but you can still achieve a more formal, business-ready look while wearing one. In professional occasions, the way you accessorize and finish your suit will go a long way toward determining the mood it communicates.

Is linen a warm or cool color? ›

If the flax is harvested early the processed natural linen color will have a greeny-yellowish tone. A green tinge can also be the result of soil that's high in nitrogen, or a very early harvest before the plant is fully ripe. If the flax is harvested late the natural shade will be a warm brown.

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