Low cost and light fabric are the two most important issues to consider when searching for clothes during the summer because of the hot, humid weather and the subsequent (as well as frequent) trips to the laundromat or dry-cleaner. Men, generally, when presented with the dilemma of fashion versus function frequently, much to the chagrin of significant others and easily embarassed children, err on the side of funtion. This desire to wear clothes that feel good and make sense frequently drives men towards the comfortable, cost-effective and, in the case of the warm weather months, the light and breatheable fabric groups. Its very rare that the functional and the fashionable clothing choices are the same choice. One of the rare examples of clothing that satisfies both buckets are men’s sport coats.

Men’s sport coats allow men to dress up simple outfits and make them look better without sacrificing comfort as there are a wealth of sports coats made of linen, cotton or some blend between the two. These light fabrics allow cool air to pass through these casual coats and keep their wearers feeling as good as they look. A subtle compromise for a discerning shopper but tehre’s nothing more comforting that clothes you like on multiple levels and you don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on them.

In the 1990’s that number rose up to 70% when everyone went mad for all types of clothing in linen, including blazers.

Origin of the linen in blazers: The best linen in the world comes from Western Europe. Italy, Belgium, and Ireland are where the linen for good quality linen blazers should generally come from, although most production happens in China these days.

Production of the blazer linen: Linen is made out of flax, which must be hand-harvested, pulled from the stalk in order to produce very long fibers. Then seeds must be removed, fibers processed to finally form a yarn of linen.

The durability of linen: Linen wrappings were used in the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses II, who died in 1213 BC. They linen was in perfect condition.

Same goes for the linen covering another mummy, the daughter of a priest of Ammon, in the Belfast Library from 2,500 years ago. The linen was in a great state.

See men’s linen blazers from R.A.G. New York Clothing.