The best linen suits for a lightweight sartorial upgrade

• Sizes: Jacket 44-54, Trousers 44-54
• Shape: Single-breasted

Ever the failsafe source for minimalist menswear pieces, Cos’ latest summer collection includes this impeccable linen suit. Bringing a fresh take to the unstructured frame through its subtle pinstripe motif, it’s assembled from a 'European Flax' linen: a fibre which is grown without irrigation or genetically modified seeds. Ethical, effortless and more budget-friendly.

• Sizes: Jacket 46-54, Trousers 46-54
• Shape: Double-breasted

Most linen suits are crafted from muted earthy tones, but Thom Sweeney makes a solid case for a tan colour through this latest design. Structured with a double-breasted fastening – therefore perfect for a slightly more formal stance – its unstructured body is detailed with an excellent set of peak lapels, front patch pockets and tortoiseshell buttons. Definitely one to consider if a wedding sits on your summer calendar.

• Sizes: Jacket 34-44, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Double-breasted

Looking to express a dose of rock and roll edge through your suit this summer? AllSaints is the brand to provide it, instantly proven by this ‘Tansey’ linen set. Garment washed upon construction to give it a more lived-in look, the blazer is cut with a high double-breasted fastening and the trousers are cut to a sharp straight fit. For a mid-range offering, it really doesn’t get much better.

• Sizes: 36-48
• Shape: Single-breasted

Paul Smith has been mastering all avenues of tailoring for as long as we can remember, making his brand a top port of call for a linen suit to last. Designed to sit with a regular fit, this ‘Soho’ titled set is detailed with classic welt and flap pockets across the upper layer, and pressed creases down the centre of the lower layer. The resulting effect? A timeless fit which promises to flatter every frame.

• Sizes: Jacket 44-54, Trousers 44-54
• Shape: Single-breasted

Designed from a cotton and linen blend, Arket’s new dark blue suit is the ideal companion to see you through off-duty days in style. Inspired by the codes of a workwear uniform, its core details include a drawstring waist (very nice), deep front patch pockets and high cut notch lapels. Base it with a pair of suede penny loafers for maximum effect.

• Sizes: Jacket S-XXL, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

Crafted from a breathable blend of linen and cotton, Orlebar Brown’s latest addition to its suit department is the swiftest way to make a statement this season. This is thanks to its shade of choice: a striking white, which falls with a relaxed drape and is finished with the brand’s logo at the hem of the trouser.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-46, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

Looking for something slightly different, but not too different? On the subtle side of non-typical suits sits this bad boy from Reiss. Its punched-up traditional silhouette blends with its soft apple hue for a smooth two-piece that meets linen's relaxed vibe dead on. Spring perfection.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-48, Trousers 28-42
• Shape: Single-breasted

To those in search of an unstructured linen suit which simultaneously serves a dose of pizazz, allow us to point you in the direction of Oliver Spencer. A core element to the British designer’s signature tailored style, the soft shape of this single-breasted set is set on a pastel pink canvas – complimented by pointed peak lapels, cream buttons and vertical stitch details. Your holiday suitcase will thank us later.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-48, Trousers 30-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

A little merlot, anyone? Given a rich oxblood hue, Hawes & Curtis' vibey two-piece is short and sharp, cut for a flattering figure that elongates and broadens in all the right places. Delicious.

• Sizes: 46-56
• Shape: Single-breasted

Looking for a luxury linen suit? Few brands provide it better than Brunello Cucinelli. Fresh to the Italian tailor’s latest spring/summer offerings, this single-breasted set is made from herringbone linen (known for its breathable feel upon wear) and subtly nods to sartorial silhouettes from the 1980s through its extravagant peak lapels. An investment worth making, if you ask us.

• Sizes: Jacket 34-44, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

There's something about this linen suit and its dusky navy colourway that evokes a feeling of London's summertime — where the setting sun glints off of the skyscrapers and typically — straight-faced businessmen cheerily take their lunches to a local park. In pure, lightweight linen, this Percival suit allows you to elegantly float from street to street to take in the sights of the summer, light as a feather, and really rather stylish.

• Sizes: Jacket 34-44, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

Sometimes just the jacket is enough. Whilst we're not suggesting a Winne the Pooh type situation, we are heavily implying that this Loro Piana suit jacket is strong enough to stand alone, ideal for pairing with your favourite pair of tailored trousers for a casual wedding or more formal office event. Your jacket, your choice.

• Sizes: Jacket 34-46, Trousers 30-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

A modern classic, a vote for a grey linen suit hardly ever goes wrong, and this Topman two-piece is an excellent candidate. For an uber-contemporary uplift though, switch out those slim trousers for the wide-legged option – and thank us later.

• Sizes: Jacket (IT) 46-56
• Shape: Double-breasted

Good news: you don't need a full linen suit to win big on the sartorial scale. Sometimes, if it's major enough, just the blazer will do… and this pick from Kingsman certainly is. You've been warned.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-50, Trousers 30-44
• Shape: Single-breasted

It might not be your first port of call, but a green suit can majorly bang if worn right. A pastel-hued alternative to Percival's rich emerald pick, this Hawes & Curtis two-piece is tailored for a modern feel that sits lightly on the shoulders for an uber flattering frame.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-50, Trousers 30-44
• Shape: Double-breasted

An excellent alternative to the predictability of grey, navy and black, a green suit can – sometimes – offer the sartorial edge. Inspired by the styles your grandad would have gravitated toward, this double-breasted beauty from Alexandre of England is rich in vintage inspiration and sharp as all hell.

• Sizes: Jacket XS-XXXL
• Shape: Double-breasted

For those less fussed about full two-piece suit cohesion, or just on the hunt for an excellent linen blazer, this Ted Baker number makes for a great pick. A strong standalone, this double-breasted blazer has been crafted from a cooling cotton and linen blend, ideal for battling the heat for formal occasions this summer. Destination wedding? No problem.

• Sizes: Jacket 46-56, Trousers 46-54
• Shape: Single-breasted

Dunhill has proven itself to be an expert of tailoring since the 1970s, making it a smart port of call for a stylish suit. Our top pick for a linen texture? This single-breasted herringbone style. Brought to life through a luxurious blend of linen, wool, cashmere and silk, its slate-grey silhouette is guaranteed to put a shine in your style game, especially if based with patent leather boots.

• Sizes: Jacket 34-50, Trousers 30-44
• Shape: Single-breasted

A high-street hero if there ever was one, the sartorial power of H&M should never be underestimated. Case in point; this two-piece linen suit. Cut for a slim fit, this inky-toned pick is comprised of a deconstructed blazer and a pair of pleated suit trousers, a strong combination that can also powerfully stand separately. Those trousers with a graphic tee? That's a perfect mid-week outfit.

• Sizes: Jacket 34-44, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

The kind of linen suit that Alex Turner might wear, this pick from Suitsupply is rich with retro references and light everywhere else. Given a sandy beige hue, this almost-golden two-piece is made Turner-esque via its wide peak labels, boxy fit and double-breasted construction.

• Sizes: Jacket 34-54, Trousers 28-48
• Shape: Single-breasted

Rust isn't just something that your landlord won't fix, it's also a pretty dapper colour palette alternative for this season's tailoring. A good all-rounder, this suit might slot nicely into your year-round rotation but it thrives in the summer, when its airy 100 per cent linen construction acts as a bubble of breathability around you.

• Sizes: Jacket 34-44, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

A suit for showing off those hard-earned gains, this flattering slim-fit two-piece from Antique Rogue cuts just shy of your own silhouette for a look that enhances your assets. Contemporary and distinctive, this is a statement suit without being a statement suit.

• Sizes: Jacket 34-44, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Single-breasted

More classically-minded? No problem. Keeping things simple and stripped-back, this single-breasted number from Mango is subtle and understated without compromising on style. Blend in, but not too much.

• Sizes: Jacket 36-46, Trousers 28-38
• Shape: Double-breasted

It's pretty hard to go wrong with a double-breasted suit, particularly when printed with a classic motif such as the stripe. Blending wool and linen in this eye-catching ensemble, Reiss’ take on the retro style comes in a mocha shade, closely tailored with a slim fit to promise the most flattering effect upon wear. A suit to show you mean business, don’t wait for summer to take this one out for a spin.

• Sizes: Jacket 30-56, Trousers 28-44
• Shape: Double-breasted

Suavity embodied, this Moss linen suit is simple but sharp as hell. Defined by its retro-inspired double-breasted fit and delicate taupe hue, this pick is rich in feel despite being straightforward in design.

• Sizes: 32-50
• Shape: Single-breasted

Over beige, black, and navy? So is SuitSupply. Offering up this lovely linen number in a delicate baby blue, the brand opts for a colour that will reflect the sun's harsh rays as well as stand out in the onslaught of neutrals… just stay away from red wine.