Effortlessly cool: why linen Is the secret to Summer style, according to Charles Tyrwhitt

Warm-weather style just got a tailored upgrade from Charles Tyrwhitt. From lightweight jackets to breathable shirts, the fashion brand has just a new spring/summer collection that makes looking good in the heat seem effortlessly easy. 

Clearly, linen isn’t just for Mediterranean holidays.  

Not overly slouchy, not too crisp, the retailer’s latest drop includes refined linen cotton jackets, pure linen shirts, textured smart trousers, and easygoing polos, all designed to carry you from the weekday commute to Saturday drinks without missing a beat. 

The palette is full of subtle summer hues: soft blues, earthy greens, confident neutrals.

“These are pieces you can live in all season long,” Spencer Riley, Charles Tyrwhitt’s Director of Product Design, told us. “We wanted the collection to feel polished, but never overdone, something that works just as well for a summer wedding as it does at a rooftop bar.”

The key player? The Linen Cotton Jacket (£249), available in shades like Limestone, Coral Pink, and Steel Blue. It’s a blend of two breathable fabrics, linen for its cool, dry-hand feel, and cotton for structure and resilience. Paired with one of the brand’s crisp pure linen shirts (starting at £34.95), it’s a combo that says, “I made an effort,” without making a scene.

The expert angle: Relaxed but refined

Linen’s appeal, Riley says, is as much about attitude as it is about airflow. “Linen is ideal for warmer weather due to its lightweight and breathable nature,” he explains. “It’s perfect for summer weddings, outdoor parties, and any event where you want to look sharp without overheating.”

But pulling it off is about balance. “The key to wearing a linen suit well is finding the right harmony between relaxed and refined. While a full linen on linen look can sometimes appear too relaxed, pairing a linen suit with another summer appropriate shirt, like a non-iron poplin or a luxury Egyptian cotton twill, works beautifully.” 

Even a simple T-shirt can look modern and clean when paired with the right jacket. “Its simplicity pairs seamlessly with the textured flax yarn of a linen suit, achieving a modern, understated aesthetic,” says Riley.

Texture plays a quiet but crucial role. Knitted or grenadine ties are brilliant if you want a touch of polish without being overly formal, says Riley. “Both have a rich texture that reinforces the natural weave of the suit while adding a touch of polish without feeling overly formal.”

Even care is a breeze if you lean into the fabric’s lived-in charm. “Wrinkles are part of its charm,” Riley says, but hanging it properly after wear and using a trusted cleaner who understands natural fibres will keep it looking fresh.

“Linen can wrinkle easily, which is part of its charm, but keeping it on a good quality hanger when not being worn to allow any light creases to fall out naturally. Ensure the suit is professionally dry cleaned with a cleaner that has experience with handling natural fabrics such as linen. Make sure your suit has room to breathe on the hanger and is not pressed up against other clothing to avoid it being crushed.”’

Our smart casual pick: one jacket, two worlds

We took the collection out for a spin and landed on a go-anywhere, feel-great trio that straddles the line between sharp and casual.

We started with the Linen Cotton Jacket in Limestone, a soft neutral. Underneath, a black pure linen shirt adds just the right amount of edge and contrast. Then we finished it off with Smart Stretch Texture Trousers in Airforce Blue, a welcome alternative to chinos that still feels pulled-together.

Wear it to the office with loafers, or swap in white sneakers and sunglasses for drinks after hours. It’s a look that works anywhere, anytime.

Linen’s not fussy. It’s practical, breathable, and quietly stylish. It doesn’t demand perfection; it just asks for a little care and a bit of confidence. And this ensemble shows just how versatile and refined this humble fabric can be. Whether you’re heading into a summer meeting, hopping a train for the coast, or simply dressing for a sunny day in the city, linen’s the easy upgrade your wardrobe didn’t know it needed.

And as always, the best-dressed man in the room isn’t the loudest. He’s just the most comfortable.

For more, visit Charles Tyrwhitt here.