23/03/2021
A brief introduction to Linen
Linen (/ˈlɪnən/) is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant.
What Is Linen?
Linen is a strong, lightweight fabric made from the flax plant. The word linen comes from the latin name for flax, linum usitatissimum. The word “linen” is related to the word “line” because the fabric threads are woven in a straight line.
Versatility - Pros and Cons
Linen is a bit of a wonder fabric, able to be used for many different purposes.
Absorbent. Linen holds water incredibly well, hence why it is a popular material for towels and sheets.
Breathable. The fabric is very light and allows air through it easily, making it an ideal fabric for clothing during the summer months.
Not elastic. Linen does not have much stretch, though it does hold its shape very well and will not change size over multiple wears and washes.
Soft. Linen is very soft and smooth, and it even becomes softer the more often it is washed.
Environmentally friendly. Linen is generally considered an eco-conscious fiber because it doesn’t take as much water and chemicals to produce as other fabrics.
Hypo-allergenic. Linen fabric is naturally hypoallergenic.
There are a few downsides to consider about linen:
Wrinkles easily. While linen is light and holds its shape well, it wrinkles extremely easily.
Expensive. Since the production process is lengthy and portions are still done by hand, linen is often expensive.
Fabric Care Guide: How to Care for Linen
While linen is already soft and absorbent, with proper care, it becomes more so after each wash.
Washing. Linen does not need to be dry cleaned, and you can wash it by hand or in the washing machine.
Drying. If you opt to put it in the dryer, make sure to use a low heat. You should take it out of the dryer while it is still slightly damp to avoid wrinkles and stiffness, and hang it to dry.
Ironing. Should you need to iron a linen item, use high heat and some steam.
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