Tommy Bahama x Baird McNutt Irish Linen: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Linen has long been one of the most popular resort fabrics. With its naturally lightweight and airy weave, it’s easy to see why—and it’s also why we love it. Its breathability and cool, effortless feel make it a vacation staple that encapsulates what Tommy Bahama is all about: comfort, leisure, and timeless style. That’s why, this season, we’re excited to work with one of the foremost makers of quality linen worldwide, Baird McNutt Irish Linen.

Operating out of Ireland’s oldest remaining linen mill, Baird McNutt weaves together generations of knowledge and tradition with modern innovations to create some of the world’s finest linen today.

“Their legacy of craftsmanship is truly special,” says Dawn Brandl, Tommy Bahama’s Senior VP of Men’s Design. “Their craftsmanship united with ours—it’s a perfect combination.”

A Different Kind of Island Life

Though linen may initially bring to mind sunny days and beach vacations, linen making has a rich history in the Emerald Isle, stretching back centuries. Historically, the nation was one of the top linen producers in the world, with Irish linen becoming known for its quality and durability, and it’s still highly regarded today.

“Back in the early 1900s, the main industry in Northern Ireland was linen,” says Peter McNutt, Baird McNutt’s Fabric Design & Development Director. “You couldn’t have gone into a town or village in Northern Ireland that didn’t have a bleach works or a weaving mill. At that time, Irish linen had global dominance.”

That wide-spread, large-scale dedication to the craft has led to generations of know-how that can’t be found anywhere else.

“To this very day, we’re still using techniques in the dye house that were created back in the late 1700s when the dye house was built. We have that heritage and history here,” he says.

Behind the Seams

For our collection, the goal was to highlight the natural quality of the fabric and infuse the designs with our signature laid-back, yet elevated, feel. Enhanced by a neutral color palette, the natural flecks and inherent unevenness in the linen yarn are apparent up close, showcasing a look and texture unique to linen.

“For this line, we wanted to do a more refined pattern,” explains Julie Middendorf, Tommy Bahama’s Director of Men’s Design. “Typically, we may do something more whimsical, or with more of a play on color. With this, we sought a relaxed take on menswear: gentlemanly, elegant, sophisticated.”

With elements like embroidered logos, elevated buttons, special trim details, and textured dobby weaves, the amount of care and passion that went into the making is clear.

Though it’s a limited collection, the pairing possibilities are limitless. Thanks to the versatile design, the styles can be matched together as a set or worn with jeans, chinos, or tees. And with linen’s natural moisture-wicking properties, it’s perfect for all your plans this summer—from summer weddings to vacations and beyond.

The Best of Linen

Our love of linen at Tommy Bahama is no secret, so to work together with a brand like Baird McNutt, with its rich linen-making heritage, was something special.

“Linen is timeless; it lasts forever,” Peter says. “The vibrance, the beauty—I just love it.”

We hope you’ll love these pieces for a lifetime, and perhaps, even pass them on to the next generation.