Summer is right around the corner. Literally we're less than a month away from the official start, but really, after Memorial Day we're calling it summer. And while cotton is easygoing and soft, it's not always the most breathable and forgiving material whenever the temps are too hot to handle. You need something breezy—a material that's light enough to absorb and help evaporate sweat while still keeping you cool.

Linen has been around for thousands of years and is one of the most useful textiles that can be worn, even today. It's undoubtedly the most sustainable fabric and is 100% biodegradable (producing zero waste while helping to create a more environmentally-friendly footprint). The flax fiber's low thread count (a good cotton starts at around 200, while linen's count hovers between 80 and 150) makes it feel almost porous, which is why it's so well adapted to warm climates.

Of course, a lot of men have a love/hate relationship with linen. For some, it's a tad too “flowy,” and yes, the crease-prone fabric almost always looks wrinkled. But the fabric's reliability in the heat is undeniable. And surprisingly, the airy fabric is more resistant to wear than cotton. Thankfully, the linen sartorial universe has expanded over the past few years, so these aren't your grandad's vacation clothes.

The key to styling it is to purchase pieces in relaxed silhouettes—maybe even size up a shirt to give off an extra breeze. And just because the weather is getting warmer, that doesn't mean you have to trade in your pants or shirts. There are relaxed pants with an airy weave that breathe easily or button-downs that make for light layers (or do just fine on their own, with the sleeves rolled). Our picks range from elegant to vacation-ready and everything in between. Grab some linen and catch some rays.