When it comes to spring and summer menswear, linen is often at the center of the conversation. Lightweight, breathable, and timeless, it seems like the perfect choice for warmer weather. Yet for some, linen still feels like a hard sell. The culprit? Wrinkles.
At Old House Provisions, we hear it all the time: “It looks messy.” “It won’t hold a press.” “It’s too delicate.” But here’s the truth—the very things that some view as imperfections are, in fact, what make linen extraordinary.
The Myth of Perfection in Menswear
In an age dominated by flawless Instagram grids and overly styled fashion content, it's easy to assume that your wardrobe should always look freshly pressed and picture perfect. But real life isn’t an editorial spread, and great clothes aren’t meant to stay pristine.
True style lives in movement, in memory, in wear. A linen jacket that’s softened and creased throughout the day isn’t ruined—it’s alive. Every wrinkle maps the story of how the garment was worn: a day at the office, a walk through Old Town, a dinner that turned into a nightcap. Linen isn’t a fabric that demands attention—it invites presence.
Why Linen Wrinkles (and Why That’s a Good Thing)
Linen fibers, made from the flax plant, are thicker and less elastic than cotton. This means they hold less tension and naturally break into folds and creases with wear. Rather than resisting this behavior, linen leans into it.
And that’s the point. Linen was never meant to behave like worsted wool or crisp poplin. It’s casual elegance at its best—refined, but never rigid. The creases give the garment character. They soften the silhouette. They remind you that style should move with you, not against you.
Not All Linen is Created Equal
Of course, some linens perform better than others. For instance, our 100Hands summer safari jacket is cut from Solbiati’s Art du Lin bunch—a premium, aloe-treated cloth that features a dry, almost suede-like hand. While still quintessentially linen, it has a slightly more structured drape and hides its wrinkles better than a crisp Irish linen.
It’s the ideal fabric for someone just dipping their toes into the world of linen tailoring. It still breathes beautifully but carries a quiet sophistication even after a full day of wear.
Linen is for Living
When you acquire a well-made linen garment, you're not investing in a trophy—you're investing in a tool. Something designed to be worn, lived in, and ultimately transformed by the life you lead in it.
At Old House Provisions, we believe the best garments don’t just fit your body—they reflect your lifestyle. The charm of a lived-in linen jacket doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from presence.
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