White pants- cotton or linen

[nelly]

I want to pick up a pair of PLRL Madison pants in white. But I was wondering whether they would be better in cotton or linen. Any thoughts?

http://www.polo.com/product/index.js...entPage=family

http://www.polo.com/product/index.js...entPage=family

 

[texas_jack]

Too bad they don't have both. My favorite pants are 65% cotton 35% linen.

 

[DocHolliday]

Have you seen the cotton ones in person? I sold a couple of pairs of PL white cotton trousers not long ago, and they were pretty lightweight. That might factor into your decision.

Personally, I lean toward linen.

 

[Manton]

I'm not a fan of dead white trousers, personally, but if I had to have some, I would definitely go with linen. They just drape so much better. And white cotton just strikes me as precious, unless we're talking about tennis shorts.

 

[PITAronin]

Have to agree with Doc. I got a pair of the white cotton PL pants on eBay and, while they're nice, they are also awfully thin. If I had to do it again I'd probably opt for the linen.

 

[nelly]

The cotton is a little more stiff or khaki like. I'm just concerned about which one will look and wear better in the spring/summer. Thanks

 

[LARon]

Linen, hands down.

 

[itsstillmatt]

I have some linen cotton blend. I like them well enough.

 

[Lucky Strike]

Yes, linen.

Linen can normally handle a hotter wash, and is easier to get most stains out of. It wrinkles somewhat easier than cotton, but that's much of the charm; wrinkled cotton is just wrinkled, wrinkled linen can often have some flair to it.

 

[nelly]

I think you guys are onto something. I'll see if I can try on the linen ones.

On a similar note. I was driving with a friend the other day (in snowy Philly) and saw a guy in a white suit and pink shirt, no tie. Is it too early for the Miami look?

 

[DocHolliday]

The Polo linen trousers are actually pretty nice, if you're looking to save some cash. (Though I don't demand much from casual linen trousers.)

 

[Teacher]

I'm also in the "blend" camp. I have all-cotton and all-linen, and while I'd choose the all-linen if I had too, I much prefer my blends which give better wrinkle-resistance but retain the lovely characteristics of linen. Of the fabrics I've had experience with, I prefer blends that are about 60-65% linen.

 

[kitonbrioni]

Both. Linen has a certain look that I really like, but cotton has that white-on-white look that's great also.