Linen Suit Shopping Advice

So I'm new here and a complete novice, but I'm interested in purchasing a linen suit. I don't know where to start. I live near Philadelphia and travel to New York often so I could even use some names of shops.

I'm not looking for top of the line, so what's a modest price to pay for a half decent linen suit? Also, I've been told that linen isn't supposed to fit like other suits, is this true?

Any other advice?

Thanks in advance

$115-$129 at http://www.suits4menonline.com/linen_suits-c-81.html

Just got mine today (tan "Bianco Brioni" for $129). Not bad for what will ultimately be a "going out" suit.

I don't know about how linen suits should fit, but this one ran large for me. I'll be exchanging the 38S for a 36S and then letting out the pants (there's enough material to let out 2").

^ too good to be true. that's like a 91% discount.

Originally Posted by gotlighters

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^ too good to be true. that's like a 91% discount.
Notice Bianco Brioni. Its not too good to be true. It is exactly what they say it is.

Originally Posted by chrisb0109

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Notice Bianco Brioni. Its not too good to be true. It is exactly what they say it is.

Exactly. Hence my quotation marks.

For what it costs, though, the suit is quite nice. Working button holes, pick-stitching, and a nice-looking, self-colored paisley lining.

If you're just looking for a linen suit to knock around in over the summer and aren't concerned about the brand, it'll do just fine.

RoyalPaJamas, what is the sleeve length like on these? I usually end up with sleeves that are about 24.5" after alterations (on a size 40R)? For the price and out of curiosity I was thinking about ordering one of these, but with the working button holes it could be iffy.

thanks.


As a side note on linen suits.. There is a scene in Die Another Day, when Broz is chasing H. Berry outside the clinic in Cuba. He is wearing a linen suit and is soaking wet. In some shots the suit pants are about 1-2 inches too short from them shrinking. So, I guess the lesson is to not get wet in a linen suit.

Originally Posted by josh1233

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As a side note on linen suits.. There is a scene in Die Another Day, when Broz is chasing H. Berry outside the clinic in Cuba. He is wearing a linen suit and is soaking wet. In some shots the suit pants are about 1-2 inches too short from them shrinking. So, I guess the lesson is to not get wet in a linen suit.

This is the only thing I can actually remember from the DVD commentary to Die Another Day...

Originally Posted by GoPhils

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I'm not looking for top of the line, so what's a modest price to pay for a half decent linen suit? Also, I've been told that linen isn't supposed to fit like other suits, is this true?

Well, linen can be used as a more casual material than wool. It will tend to wrinkle more and the sometimes slubby texture and more open weave will make it look more casual too. In those cases, you might choose more casual style details to complement the material. If you go really casual, and go for a really unconstructed feel, it will be difficult to pair that with a really slim fit.

On the other hand, there are smooth, relatively tightly woven linens that would work very nicely with a very structured look and very trim fit.

In short, as with any item of clothing, judge the garment as an overall package rather than focusing too much on just one element.

FWIW, I just ordered a new linen jacket - the fabric I chose is closer to the formal than the non-formal end of the spectrum, but has just enough slubbiness and open-ness to take a few casual style details, like patch pockets. However, the fit will be the same as my usual bespoke jackets (a fairly typical Row cut). I think the material and style details will hopefully be enough to let it be used in more casual situations as well as with more smart-casual looks. I'll judge that better at the first fitting, and consider any changes to increase its versatility then. That sort of thought process may give you some insight into how to judge whether any linen suit you see in front of you will work well for your intended usage.

Anyone know if the J Crew linen suits are decent? Was thinking of getting one of the linen jackets to wear as an odd jacket in the warmer months.

Originally Posted by josh1233

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RoyalPaJamas, what is the sleeve length like on these? I usually end up with sleeves that are about 24.5" after alterations (on a size 40R)? For the price and out of curiosity I was thinking about ordering one of these, but with the working button holes it could be iffy.

thanks.

I've already sent back the 38S and am awaiting the 36S. I can let you know the length of those sleeves once it arrives.

You may also have luck contacting their customer service department. Ask for Ray - he was quite helpful with my order.

I like my linen suit from H&M. Fits me perfectly. Will run you 150 dollars after a trip to the tailor.

By the way, no one seems to answer my question, which is:

Is it OK to wear a linen suit to a concert in the evening? It's rather warm in L.A. these days. Feels like summer.

Originally Posted by acecow

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I like my linen suit from H&M. Fits me perfectly. Will run you 150 dollars after a trip to the tailor.

By the way, no one seems to answer my question, which is:

Is it OK to wear a linen suit to a concert in the evening? It's rather warm in L.A. these days. Feels like summer.

....unless tickets to the show clearly state a dress code that prohibits linen suits, why not?

Originally Posted by acecow

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I like my linen suit from H&M. Fits me perfectly. Will run you 150 dollars after a trip to the tailor.

By the way, no one seems to answer my question, which is:

Is it OK to wear a linen suit to a concert in the evening? It's rather warm in L.A. these days. Feels like summer.

you live in l.a. do you need to ask?

Does anyone have any experience with BB Irish Linen Suit (Regent Cut I believe).

Originally Posted by RoyalPaJamas

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$115-$129 at http://www.suits4menonline.com/linen_suits-c-81.html

Just got mine today (tan "Bianco Brioni" for $129). Not bad for what will ultimately be a "going out" suit.

I don't know about how linen suits should fit, but this one ran large for me. I'll be exchanging the 38S for a 36S and then letting out the pants (there's enough material to let out 2").

Hmmm, this is actually quite intriguing. Those suits are so inexpensive that it almost sound worth it, seeing that I would just be wearing this suit to work. Anyone know what the quality is actually like? I am a bit skeptical...

Originally Posted by RoyalPaJamas

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Exactly. Hence my quotation marks.

For what it costs, though, the suit is quite nice. Working button holes, pick-stitching, and a nice-looking, self-colored paisley lining.

ugh, its a *************.