About
Linen is a natural vegetable fiber that is obtained from the woody stem of the flax plant. The shorter flax plants are grown for linseed oil.
Linen is one of the oldest textile fibers, and was already being used by ancient Egyptians, Babylonians and other civilizations between 5000 and 4000 BC.
Characteristics
Linen fibers are much stronger and lustrous than cotton. Linen fabrics are very cool and absorbent - making them perfect for summer garments. Unfortunately, the material crinkles very easily, unless blended with man-made fibers.
Good to know
Linen fabrics feel fresh and cool, a distinct advantage for summer clothing. It is highly absorbent - it takes up water rapidly and releases it quickly again to the surroundings. In hot weather this helps in regulating the microclimate between body and clothing. Flax fibers are stiffer and harder than cotton, and has low natural elasticity. Other natural fibers with similar characteristics as linen are sisal - a strong leaf fiber, as well as the three bast fibers hemp, jute, and ramie.
Blends
The most important and most used mixtures are with cotton to decrease the creasing and increase the softness. Linen is also mixed with other bast fibers, such as hemp and ramie to create a structured surface.
Aftercare
Linen is washable, boilable, quick-drying, can be tumble dried, easily ironed, not wrinkle resistant.
Linen can be boiled up to 40°C, with lower temperatures for colored items 30°C.
It can be bleached with chlorine. Can be ironed on a high temperature, note that the garments should be damp.
It can be bleached with chlorine. Can be ironed on a high temperature, note that the garments should be damp.
Linen can be cleaned with all of the usual solvents. Linen is not sensitive to normal solvents.
Can be tumble dried.
* Sources: “Clothing Technology 3rd Edition” by Eberle, Hermeling, Hornberger, Menzer and Ring