100% linen
Linen is one type of fabric made from natural fibers of the Hemp plant (Boehmeria Nivea). This is a type of cotton fabric that has the characteristics of large fiber yarns and is clearly visible. Linen fiber is also believed to have better endurance than other types of cotton fabrics. Linen is very strong and absorbent, and dries faster. Because of these characteristics, linen is comfortable to wear in hot weather and is valued for use in garments. Linen is one type of high-quality fabric, this fabric has a smooth, neat surface and it is a breathable fabric, so it can make air circulation more smoothly.
Why Linen Fabric?
Durable
Linen is known as the world’s strongest natural fiber and is far more durable than cotton. The strength of the fiber directly contributes to the strength of the fabric the garment is made of. Thus, linen clothing is very long-lasting.
A good cotton t-shirt can last you a few seasons but a linen top or a dress will go way beyond that. Linen clothes will not lose their shape after washing, if anything, they will become softer and more pleasant to the skin over time. One shouldn’t assume linen is indestructible but it sure is resilient. If properly looked after, it’s possible your linen garments won’t disintegrate for generations to come.
Hypoallergenic
Many people suffer from allergies and various skin conditions and they’ve probably come to notice that certain types of fabrics often agitate their symptoms. That is because many fabrics allow moisture to build up, which is then the perfect ecosystem for bacteria and microbes to breed. With linen, it’s totally NOT the case.
Linen is very breathable, allows air to move around freely and thus, releases moisture very fast. That’s not to say it is anti-allergic — it will not remove your allergies altogether, but linen is definitely a safe choice for anyone experiencing some type of discomfort.
Versatile
Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event, corporate environment, or aiming for a more casual, low-key look, linen has an innate ability to compliment every occasion. Modern linen clothes come in a variety of interesting cuts and can be styled with many accessories — straw hats, espadrilles, canvas bags in the summer, loose-knit wool sweaters and leather jackets in the colder months, you name it!
To prove how versatile linen clothing really is, we even did an experiment where we asked our model Milda to wear one linen dress throughout her day: for breakfast with her kids, then to work, then for a stroll in the park and eventually an evening out with friends.
Comfort
If you read all the above points, you probably already got the idea that linen, being lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating, is at the top of the pyramid of comfortable clothing. But we’d also like to add that linen clothes are usually designed to have a loose-fit making them perfect for people of all ages, sizes, and shapes.
Easy to care for
Above we mentioned that appropriate care is important to linen garments. However, that doesn’t mean it requires super special treatment. Linen garments can be machine washed — all you need to bear in mind is to use cold water and not use bleach or detergents with optical whiteners, as those tend to weaken the fiber. You can tumble dry your linen clothes or hang them to dry naturally.
Another good thing about linen is that it doesn’t need to be ironed to look good. High-quality linen is wrinkly and those wrinkles are part of its beauty — that effortless elegance that is achieved with linen clothing rarely applies to any other material. Wrinkly cotton or silk will look messy, whereas linen will shine in all of its glory.
Suitable for every season
OK, we know what you think — how can the same fabric keep you both cool and warm? Well, that’s just one of the magical qualities linen has. It’s obvious that linen clothing is perfect for summer: it is lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking… But people are increasingly choosing linen garments for spring, autumn, and even winter.
Flax, from which linen is made, is actually used to make home insulation products. Reasons behind it are the same as with clothing: flax / linen are natural insulators and are capable of releasing excess humidity. So while cotton or wool might make you feel warmer at first, it will also make you sweat. Linen clothes will retain the heat from your body and release the excess making you feel nice and cozy.
Sustainable fashion
Environmentally friendly, ethically sourced and made clothing is becoming increasingly popular now, and we hope that continues into the future. Linen is clothing inherently falls in this category because flax plant cultivation is by far more sustainable than that of cotton.
Flax plant is very resilient, can grow in poor soil, and requires very little water. What’s more, every single part of the flax plant is then used in making all types of products, from linen clothing to varnishes. Linen is also recyclable and biodegradable, meaning you won’t be adding to the growing piles of textile waste all over the world.