linen

Linen is a textile made from the fibrous components of the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum. The term refers to both the flax fiber and the fabric produced from it. Linen fibers are bast fibers: long, strong, and fine, which gives linen fabrics a combination of durability, structure, and a natural sheen. The fiber’s high moisture absorption, breathability, and quick-drying properties make linen comfortable in warm weather, and the fabric tends to become softer with use.

Production begins with growing flax, followed by harvesting and extracting the fibers through retting to loosen the bundles. Scutching and hackling remove the bark and align the fibers. The resulting flax fibers are spun into yarn, then woven or knitted into fabric. Finishes and weaves vary, with plain, twill, and damask being common; textile feel ranges from smooth to coarse depending on fiber length and processing.

Linen has a long history dating to antiquity and played a major role in European textile production from the Middle Ages onward. It remains closely associated with regions such as Belgium, Ireland, and parts of France and Italy, though linen is produced worldwide. Common uses include clothing textiles such as shirts and underlayers, as well as household textiles like bed linens, tablecloths, and towels, and certain high-end upholstery fabrics.

Care for linen typically involves washing with mild detergent in cool to warm water. Linen tends to wrinkle and is often ironed while damp. Line drying is common, though some blends may tolerate tumble drying on low heat. Chlorine bleach can weaken fibers, so it is generally avoided or used sparingly.