Revisiting a Cordings Linen Suit, Three Years Later...

Three years ago, I posted about Cordings of Piccadilly and their linen suits. I did so having purchased a jacket and two pairs of trousers in April of that year, and I could not have been happier about my decision. Now three years later, I thought it time to again write about the very same suitings. If you are looking for something smart to wear this summer, don't wait to make a decision on Cordings linen, buy it now.

Cordings Sand Jacket, Trousers, and Waistcoat

Still Looking Fresh After A Full Day In The Sun On A Hot And Humid July Day

(Paired with a pair of Loake Chelsea Boots, Ray Ban Sunglasses, and a Panama Hat)

I'd visited J.C. Cordings & Co. in London a month earlier and had been properly fitted for a suit which I purchased at that time. I can't say enough good things about the staff and the incredible speed with which alterations were offered. Even if you are in London for a short duration, this is a must visit shop for both men's and women's clothing.

Cordings Navy Linen Jacket

My first selection was their navy linen jacket. As they clearly state on their website, "Can there be anything more evocative of an Englishman in the summer months than a linen jacket?" Made of 8-ounce Italian linen, it is cut to their classic three button style, with a single back vent, working four button cuff, ticket pocket, and it fully lined in 100% Viscose. For those who might not be familiar with the "working cuff" this simple means that the cuff buttons are not decorative, they really do unbutton. Another feature of the jacket is the lapel button hole which allows you to add a lapel pin or flower, as the back of the lapel features loops to secure the lapel flower stem. Small details that many do not notice or even feel they are missing, but details which set this jacket apart from the rest of the crowd.

Cordings Olive Green Linen Trousers

To pair with the jacket, I initially ordered two pairs of their linen trousers, one in sand and the second in olive green. In American terms, these equate to khaki and British khaki respectively. Also made of the same 8-ounce Italian linen, they are flat front with a button fly.

Since those initial purchases, I have added even more of their linen items to my wardrobe. Two months later I added two classic linen shirts to my wardrobe, one sky blue and the other white. These lightweight shirts feature single cuffs a traditional unfused collar, one left hand breast pocket, and have a traditional generous cut, perfect for hot humid days, with longs tails which ensure they stay tucked into your trousers. They pair perfectly with the linen jackets and trousers, and are well suited for the casual to the more formal summer events.

Cordings Sand Linen Waistcoat

By the following Spring, I decided to add a sand linen jacket to my wardrobe. With the matching sand trousers which I had ordered previously, I now had my first linen suit. I also made the decision to add a sand linen waistcoat to my wardrobe. Perhaps I was influenced by Gareth Southgate, but as an American, I was going out on a limb a bit here as you don't usually see men wearing three-piece suits these days. But whether you are slim or portly, the waistcoat does give you a slimmer more tailored look. I definite plus to the wardrobe. The waistcoat is single-breasted and made in the UK of Italian linen. It has five buttons, is fully lined and features a traditional two-part collar.

I've worn these trousers, shirts, and jackets quite a bit during the few rather hot and humid days we've experienced over the last three summers and still to this day wonder why it took me so long to throw off even the lightest of wool jackets I've worn most of my life, in exchange for linen. And paired with a Panama Hat, it is a classic look which is not only sharp looking, but extremely comfortable.

Yes, linen does wrinkle a bit more than wool, but both require the same dry-cleaning care so I am saving nothing in maintenance from one to the other. But what I am saving is my own personal comfort. And nothing beats these linen suitings on a summer day! If you live in places with hot and/or humid summers, then this is a wardrobe staple.

I ordered them in the exact same sizes as all the suits the suit I have purchased from Cordings. So, if you get fitted in London at their shop, you can order online with ease and confidence knowing that they remain true to the size of the clothing you bought in London. For those ordering online without visiting Piccadilly, I found that the Cordings jacket was the same fit as my American jackets, but that the trousers needed to be ordered two inches larger by size at the waist than my American trousers. (This was pointed out to me in London during the fitting when the staff member immediately suggested the trousers in the larger waist size, but provided both sizes for me in the fitting room. Needless to say he was spot on!)

So if you are looking for the perfect suit, or jacket and trousers for less formal events, this summer, be sure to take a serious look at the linen offerings from Cordings.

Cordings advertises a "no quibble returns" so as long as none of the clothing has been altered, you may want to take a chance on an online order without visiting London, though I can't imagine not visiting their shop in Piccadilly if you have the chance, as it is an experience not to be missed. Also, note that their website prices include VAT of 20% so this is removed from your order before payment is made.

You can find Cordings online here at www.cordings.co.uk

I eagerly look forward to my next visit to Cording of Piccadilly later this year and will be sure to leave space in my luggage for new acquisitions I am positive I will be making!

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