llinen

Linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). It is valued for its strength, cool feel, and natural luster. Linen has been produced for thousands of years and remains a staple in clothing and home textiles.

Fabrics made from linen are strong and highly breathable, with excellent moisture absorption and fast drying. The fiber has a natural stiffness and a characteristic, slightly uneven texture that can become softer with use. Linen tends to wrinkle easily, and many users expect a lived-in look after wear or laundering.

The production process begins with cultivating flax and harvesting the plant. The stems are retted to separate the fibrous bundles, then scutched and hackled to remove pith and align the fibers. The resulting flax fibers are spun into yarns and woven or knitted into linen fabrics. Common weaves include plain weave, herringbone, and twill, with finishes ranging from crisp to softly brushed.

Uses of linen span clothing, including shirts and summer suits, as well as home textiles such as bed linens, table linens, and upholstery. Care instructions vary, but linen is often machine washable, may shrink if exposed to heat, and is usually ironed or pressed while damp. Natural color ranges from ivory to gray, with dyes used for broader palettes.

Environmentally, flax requires relatively low water and fertilizer compared with cotton and is biodegradable. However, retting can pose water-management challenges, so many modern mills employ closed-loop or mechanical retting methods. Overall, linen is regarded as a sustainable, durable natural fiber with a long-standing place in textiles.