Why love linen
It’s no coincidence that as the weather gets warmer, linen clothing hits the shelves. There are a number of benefits to this relaxed yet elegant fabric that make it perfect for the Spring/Summer months. Not only is it a beautifully breathable material, but it’s generally more sustainable than cotton and other popular threads. Here are our top five reasons for loving linen.
- Strength and durability
Linen is considered to be the strongest of all natural fibres, and it’s even been found to get stronger with washes! It has been dated back to 8000 BC and in ancient Egypt it was used as currency, demonstrating it’s strong and sturdy nature. This means that linen clothing will last for many Summer seasons to come, making it a perfect addition to any conscious, capsule wardrobe. - It’s a natural fibre with a lower environmental impact than cotton
Linen is made from the stalks of flax plants, which are resilient species that can grow in poor soils requiring very little if any fertilizer. The linen production process has been found to be significantly less water intensive than that for cotton, giving it a lower water footprint. Almost all of the flax plant can be used, and with the demand for flax seeds and oils increasing in the health food industry, there is very little to no wastage of the plants. Plus, being a natural fibre it’s also biodegradable.
- Breathable and highly absorbent
As linen fibres are hollow they allow more airflow over your body than other materials. They are also highly absorbent, gaining up to 20% of their dry weight in moisture without feeling damp to touch. This makes linen perfect for sunny spells and warm getaways, helping you to keep cool and avoid embarrassing sweat patches! - Naturally insect repelling
Yes, you read that correctly – linen is thought to naturally repel insects like moths, so you’re unlikely to find any unwanted bite marks when taking out your warm weather wardrobe! - It’s luxurious
Flax plants must be pulled from the ground to maintain the full length of their fibres. The plants are then left in a field to soften, so that the fibres are easier to separate. Once extracted, the fibres are collected, rolled and stored for two to three months for further softening, before they are twisted and processed with a spinning technique. This lengthy process is why linen is considered to be one of the most luxurious natural fabrics, and why linen is more expensive than other materials like cotton.