So, why opt for linen over silk? Both are featherlight and adept at temperature regulation, ensuring comfort through the balmiest of summer days - qualities prized since the Regency era, when gentlemen sought breathable elegance amid unairconditioned salons. Linen’s trump card, however, lies in its texture. That characteristic slubby weave, a legacy of flax’s organic imperfections, lends depth and contrast when paired with a fine wool suit jacket or morning coat. This tactile richness is only heightened by the interplay of a glossy silk tie and the crisp purity of a white cotton shirt, creating a harmonious symphony of fabrics that’s as timeless as it is modern.
Historically, linen waistcoats trace their roots to the 18th century, when flax was a staple of European wardrobes, prized for durability and coolness. By the Victorian era, they had evolved into a summer staple for the discerning, a counterpoint to silk’s formality. Today, we’ve reimagined this heritage with a fresh collection of linen waistcoats, available in both single-breasted and double-breasted styles. The latter holds a special allure: the generous swoop of shawl lapels reveals more of the linen’s rugged beauty beneath a morning coat or blazer, granting it a broader stage to captivate. The double-breasted cut, with its echoes of Edwardian grandeur, adds a dash of gravitas to any outfit.
