The Kenya coast — the Swahili coastline from Lamu in the north to Diani Beach in the south — is one of the most beautiful and least-changed stretches of tropical coastline in the world. The dhow sailboats, the coral architecture of Lamu old town, the white sand beaches of Diani and Watamu, the private island resorts — the setting rewards natural fabric and natural tones in a way that few other African destinations do.

The climate is tropical and warm year-round — temperatures consistently between 28 and 33 degrees, with the Indian Ocean moderating the heat along the coast. The humidity, while not as extreme as Phuket or Singapore, makes natural linen the correct fabric choice throughout the day.

For Lamu old town: the UNESCO-listed Swahili architecture, the narrow lanes, the waterfront — no cars, only donkeys and dhows — this is a setting of particular cultural and visual significance. A PP linen shirt in white or a warm natural reads correctly here. The simplicity of Lamu's architecture and lifestyle rewards a wardrobe that is natural and uncontrived.

For the beach resorts — Diani, Watamu, Malindi: the leading Kenya coast hotels — Alfajiri Villas, Kinondo Kwetu, Ras Kitau on Manda Island — set a standard of barefoot luxury that PP linen suits naturally. White linen with linen shorts for the beach and the terrace; the same shirt with linen trousers for the evening beach dinner.

For Nairobi and the transition to safari: the city-to-coast wardrobe transitions naturally in linen. Earth tones and warm naturals serve both the Nairobi business context and the coast.

What to Wear on Safari  ·  What to Wear in Cape Town  ·  Men's Linen Collection