Style: the summer linen suit

There has been something of a hiatus in this blog, and for that I can only apologise. What better way to regain this blog's momentum, and to bring a summer feel to these pages, than by discussing the summer linen suit. In days gone by, before the advent of air-conditioning, men would resort to their hot weather wardrobe, which would invariably include linen suits, light in both weight and colour. Usually in cream or off-white, such suits are now often derided by reference to Miami Vice or Saturday Night Fever, but now is the time for sartorially-enthusiastic men to reclaim the summer suit for what is rightly is, an elegant way to appear cool (both in terms of temperature and attire) in the hot summer months.

When one wears such a suit, one is undoubtedly making a statement and so it should not come as a surprise that it will attract attention (somebody will misquote, in your presence, "the man from Del Monte says yes". Ignore them). Of primary importance is the recognition that such a suit is not appropriate for businesswear, unless one lives in certain provincial parts of the Southern US. Keep your summer suits for the garden party, the races (unless it is Royal Ascot) and mid-formal evenings. The summer suit is a more casual alternative to the tailored lounge suit, and so don't be afraid to go for a relaxed fit, patch pockets and less formal footwear, such as loafers or tan brogues.

One's choice of shirt gives the opportunity to inject a splash of colour into the ensemble. A white shirt lacks imagination and can give a washed out look. Embrace the opportunity to break the traditional rule that one's shirt should not be darker than one's suit, and combine your cream suit with a navy blue shirt. The effect will be quite striking. Alternatively, as the suit is plain in pattern (it is the texture of linen that makes the suit so interesting), try a striped shirt in blue or orange.

Above all, wear the suit with a dash of nonchalance (as well demonstrated by Anthony Andrews (left) and Jeremy Irons in the ITV mini-series adaptation of Brideshead Revisited) and, if possible, a panama hat. Finally, remember that linen creases. There is nothing you can do about it, and nothing that you should seek to do about it. It is all part of the look.