The BOSS material guide

Linen

The material: linen

A soft and lightweight fabric

Linen has been used in clothing for millennia, with examples reaching back into antiquity. There's a reason that linen has remained so popular for such a long time: while challenging to produce, this natural fibre is soft, breathable and comfortable to wear. It is particularly favoured for its performance in high temperatures and its durability.

Linen can absorb up to 20% of its own weight in water without feeling damp, allowing the fabric to wick moisture away from the skin while being worn, keeping the wearer fresh. It is also naturally lightweight with high conductivity, meaning that it always feels cool to the touch.

Clothes made from linen often have a pared-back, summery look, thanks to the slight wrinkles that naturally occur in the fabric. Whether worn as a suit or shirt, the material creates an effortlessly leisurely look.

Advantages of linen

Reasons to invest

There are many good reasons to wear linen, since it provides performance, comfort and style in one.

How to style linen

Beige linen suit and white t-shirt by BOSS

Light blue linen shirt with blue blazer and navy pants by BOSS

Create your summer look

Linen fabric often contains light wrinkles throughout, but this should be seen as an advantage. It adds a leisurely feel to any outfit, including tailoring, which still looks sharp and sartorial when cut from linen. The fabric elevates your attire, however you wear it: whether as a suit for a summer event, as a casual shirt, or perhaps as a statement accessory such as a tie. Try mixing the material with other clothes in lightweight fabrics such as cotton for an elegant finish.

How to care for linen

Pure linen label on linen blazer by BOSS

Clean and protect your linen products

Always follow the care instructions on each garment.

Linen is very easy to care for, since the material is hard-wearing and resists abrasions. It can usually be washed at high temperatures (although take care with dyed garments), and it is best ironed while slightly damp. A starch spray can help to keep linen from creasing, if desired.

Suits should usually be dry cleaned: while the linen may be washable, the canvassing and linings are usually not.