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Unlined or half-lined linen suit

tombking

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what's are the advantages and disadvantages of an unlined linen jacket? Half-lined?

I am moving to Washington D.C. for a new job beginning in June (Business-casual environment). D.C.'s summer is quite hot (90 F+) and humid. That is why I plan to either buy a couple of linen suits or have them made. My goal is to stay as cool as possible while wearing the linen suit. Thank you.
 

Nicola

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Only possible con is higher cost for unlined. A well made unlined jacket will have a more finished inside. The area normally hidden by the lining needs to be finished to a higher standard.

I'd suggest instead of worrying about lined/unlined to pay attention to the fabric selection. Weight weave whatever else might matter. Then get it unlined.
 

Svenn

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As far as I know the only advantage of lining is to ensure the jacket doesn't catch as much on your shirt when you move... but it would of course create an additional layer around your body and make you hotter.

I've always been intrigued by the idea of a hot weather suit, partly because it just seems so implausible... the problem being the lighter and more open of a weave you go, the more wrinkly, ripple-y, and frumpy the suit becomes. To me, one would like tidier and more comfortable in a nice crisp shirt with carefully rolled up sleeves, than trying to pull off a suit.
 

RogerC

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I remember reading somewhere that back in the day, most if not all jackets were unlined, and that full lining was introduced for cost-cutting purposes, as it meant that it was no longer necessary to tidily finish all the inside seams and edges.
 

Infrasonic

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I remember reading somewhere that back in the day, most if not all jackets were unlined, and that full lining was introduced for cost-cutting purposes, as it meant that it was no longer necessary to tidily finish all the inside seams and edges.


Yeah, skeleton lined or just taped seams. Looks good if done properly.
 

meister

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Pliny

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what's are the advantages and disadvantages of an unlined linen jacket? Half-lined?
I am moving to Washington D.C. for a new job beginning in June (Business-casual environment). D.C.'s summer is quite hot (90 F+) and humid. That is why I plan to either buy a couple of linen suits or have them made. My goal is to stay as cool as possible while wearing the linen suit. Thank you.

I have a number of unlined linen jackets- half-lined really, most of them- lined sleeves, a very lightly structured and lined shoulder and floating canvass chest panel. the rest is unlined, with taped seams. Tremendously cool - linen is a loose weave, and I like the texture. If there's a disadvantage I don't know of it, other than a little more likely to crease at the tail when u sit. I wouldn't recommend as a substitute for a city suit tho, but if you're looking for something casual, perhaps try this with patch pockets.
 
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mjjo

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Linen is preferable during summer although it tends to crease but it should keep you cooler.
 

XFactor

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Only possible con is higher cost for unlined. A well made unlined jacket will have a more finished inside. The area normally hidden by the lining needs to be finished to a higher standard.

I'd suggest instead of worrying about lined/unlined to pay attention to the fabric selection. Weight weave whatever else might matter. Then get it unlined.


Yeah, skeleton lined or just taped seams. Looks good if done properly.


I have a number of unlined linen jackets- half-lined really, most of them- lined sleeves, a very lightly structured and lined shoulder and floating canvass chest panel. the rest is unlined, with taped seams. Tremendously cool - linen is a loose weave, and I like the texture. If there's a disadvantage I don't know of it, other than a little more likely to crease at the tail when u sit. I wouldn't recommend as a substitute for a city suit tho, but if you're looking for something casual, perhaps try this with patch pockets.


With linen, I'd go for a half-lined suit.

 

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