The touch of linen

With temperatures rising up to 40⁰C across Pakistan, it is crucial that our wardrobes maintain their sartorial standards. Unless you are content with a wardrobe full of sloppy T-shirts, jeans and shorts, you need to make a transition. It’s wiser to go with looks that are put together and sophisticated in a seasonally appropriate manner. Linen is a natural fibre made from the stalks of the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum. Durable, strong, breathable and resistant to stretching, linen is unarguably the perfect summer fabric. It’s light texture and propensity to crease and wrinkle truly give it personality, as linen’s relaxed crumpled-ness is the epitome of Italian sprezzatura. Keeping style and comfort in mind, it’s better to experiment with one linen piece, rather than going for whole head-to-toe look in this fabric.

1. Contemporary cuts

(Anita Dongre linen band collar shirt and Brooks Brother’s white linen shirt with gingham shorts)

A band collar slim-cut linen shirt gives a contemporary feel and can prove to be the perfect accompaniment to some cool-coloured shorts and woven sandals, an instant upgrade from your staple t-shirt. It gives you the comfortable solution of looking refined in the heat.

2. Brighten up

(Etro linen pink shirt and Ralph Lauren linen shirt)

Rather than going for summer overhaul, a few versatile pieces like pastel linen shirts in mint green, sky blue, or lavender can be combined with the khaki chinos in your closet. Pair them with brown tasselled, or suede, penny loafers, to channel a hedonistic Tuscan vibe.

3. Laid-back lower

(Republic linen pants and Gentlemen at Pitti Uomo)

Ditch your denim jeans and opt for tailored linen pants in neutral hues. Pair it with a printed cotton shirt and espadrilles. This is a great look for an impromptu afternoon outing or perhaps, a summer garden party.

4. For the suave and sophisticated

(Hassan Iqbal in Fibonnaci menswear and Brunello Cucinelli suit)

Woollen suits with heaving padding can feel overtly stuffy and add fuel to the summertime heat. For a suit that feels light and airy, consider getting one in linen. As it is slightly see-through, darker shades such as slate-grey and ink-blue are winners here, as they add to a truly laid-back, summer feel.

5. Dare to be different

(Deepak and Fahad and Anita Dongre printed linen jackets)

For those who feel solids are a bit too prosaic, there is a range of printed linen pieces that lend the necessary pizzazz to any summer look vying for attention. The trick is to pick one bold colour or print and pair it with subdued classic pieces to keep the look from getting out of hand.