TRY LINEN KNITWEARby S. Charlie WeymanLinen and knitwear might seem an awkward match, like a cheese

TRY LINEN KNITWEAR

by S. Charlie Weyman

Linen and knitwear might seem an awkward match, like a cheese pizza and whipped cream, or Carlos Mencia and comedy. But there’s a reason to have linen knitwear in your wardrobe. It’s not just because they wear cooler and fresher (although, there’s that). It’s also because they’re more in-concert with the season. There’s no easier way to look your best than by switching your favorite staples around every six months using seasonal colors and materials.

The nice thing about linen knitwear is that it wears cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool. It’s perfect for those summer evenings that are slightly chilly, or those early spring days that still have a hint of winter.

It’s also a great way to add some refinement to an otherwise plain ensemble. Linen tends to be a little more textured than most cotton fabrics, which means you can use it to add some visual interest. The slightly slubby weave of a linen sweater can be worn over a t-shirt or button-down, and then paired with cotton trousers and leather loafers for a nice off-duty look. You can also layer a linen knit under some lightweight outerwear, such as a hemp field jacket, linen shirt jacket, or stonewashed Harrington. The breathability of the material will allow you to achieve a layered look without overheating.

The best linen sweaters come from Inis Meain – that small knitwear company based on one of the more remote of the three Aran Islands. Theirs are made from specially produced Italian yarns that have been spun from Irish linen. They have a thick, dry hand, and most importantly, a slight spring-back quality. Whereas other linen knits hang limp and lose shape easily, Inis Meain’s behave like your best cashmeres and merinos. These sweaters have some integrity to their silhouette, and their banded hems and cuffs don’t stretch out after a day’s wear. When the weather gets warm, you can push those sleeves up without worrying if they’ll end up looking like the legs on bell-bottom trousers.

Spring is here and summer is coming, but you don’t have to give up on knitwear. Instead of pairing cashmere sweaters with flannel trousers and chunky boots, try linen knits with cotton trousers and lightweight slip-ons. Every season deserves its own knitwear.

Quality content, like quality clothing, ages well. This article first appeared on the No Man blog in 2015.