Linen – A Natural Fabric

By Author: Ackley Cooper Shaw
Total Articles: 211
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Linen, world’s one of the oldest fabrics, is hugely popular amongst fashion connoisseurs of all ages. It is woven from the fibers of the Flax plant, Linum usitatissimum.

Here I have jotted down some of the facts that make linen a popular fabric.

1) Linen is a natural fabric. It’s biodegradable and recyclable.

2) It becomes softer with every wash.

3) It absorbs moisture very quickly. It can absorb up to 20 percent of its weight in moisture and retaining its dry feel. It’s probably one of the reasons why linen shirts are so comfortable to wear in the summers.

4) Linen is truly comfortable and easy to wear in every season. Due to its thermo regulatory properties, linen outfits can be worn during summers as well as winters. During summers, linen outfits are cool and comfortable and in winters they retain body heat and keep the wearer warm.

5) It is inherently anti-bacterial. Hence, it is considered as a healthy fabric.

6) Linen protects the skin from harmful UV rays and sun allergies, which is why during summers every fashion brand launches their collection of linen shirts ...
... for men.

7) It’s known as the thirstiest fabric. Its moisture absorption capacity is double than that of cotton.
8) Egyptians believed linen to be a holy fabric. It was used in holy ceremonies and was also used for mummification. It was the only fabric that was allowed inside temples.

9) It’s known for its high durability and strength. The tensile strength of linen is twice as that of cotton.

10) Linen clothes like linen shirts , trousers, and jackets do not accumulate static electricity.

11) Bed-ridden patients when they sleep on linen bedsheets don’t develop bed sores.

12) It’s virtually lint-free, non-static, non-allergenic and effectively deals with inflammatory conditions.

13) It’s believed that linen came to Ireland in early Christian era. St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland, is buried in a shroud of linen.

14) Egyptians first discovered the flax plant. They had named the plant "woven moonlight" because of its unique beauty.

15) In ancient Celtic times, linen was spun in an anti-clockwise direction. It was believed that this brought the weaver good fortune.

16) In the first part of the 20th century, a white linen handkerchief completed a well-suited man’s ensemble.

17) It has a high natural luster.

18) Egyptians wore only white linen because it prevented them from extreme heat.

19) Apart from linen clothes, table clothes, bed sheets, pillow covers are also found in linen.

20) Designers simply love this fabric. According to Ritu Kumar, a famous fashion designer from India, “Linen is a very beautiful fabric.The nature of the fabric gives it this permanent crushed and slubby look and it does not look like any other man made fabric you get. I love wearing Linen in the summer and I have a wardrobe full of clothes made from this Gift of God . it is wonderful for tunics and has a very sophisticated look.”