The uses of linen have been appreciated for thousands of years, ever since people in Northern Europe discovered how to make linen fabric from common flax plants. Since then, materials and technologies have undergone an astonishing transformation. It could be easy to believe that synthetic materials like polyester, which have been around for a while, are superior to linen. Or could updated manufacturing techniques for comparable antiquated materials like cotton or silk improve them?

However, the truth is that humans haven’t found adequate substitutes for many linen applications, even after decades of research. Because of its comfort, style, toughness, and ease of sustainable growth, linen is still one of the most beloved textiles in the world. Read on this blog of TLD Apparel to learn what the uses of linen are.

The Rich History and Evolution of Linen 

Between c. 6000 to c. 3150,  linen was traded and exchanged in predynastic Egypt as part of the barter system. This exchange continued till Roman Egypt times. Flax was a crucial aspect of the Egyptian economy during those times as it had versatile applications from day attires to mummy bandages. Linen was suitable for the hot Egyptian weather; the credit goes to its absorbent and heat-transmitting properties.

Subsequently, the mordants or dye-binding chemicals touched Egypt. Otherwise, the linen clothes would have been either natural or bleached white in colour.

Several other ancient Mediterranean cultures adopted the use of linen clothes, with Romans labeling the flax plant as “Linum usitatissimum,” or “most valuable flax.” Around 2,000 years later, linen chronicled its presence globally and was also exported to India, China, Persia, and Scotland.

How is Linen Fabric Made? 

So how do we get from sowing flax seeds to sewing linen pants, breezy summer dresses, and comfortable button-ups that stand the test of time? 

Flax plants are harvested after about 3 months of growth; they are pulled from the root in order to maintain the full length of the fibers, which will help the finished fabric stay strong. The woody stems of the flax plant are then put through a process called retting. 

During retting, harvested flax plants are laid out on fields or in pools of water in order to soak and loosen the outer bark, allowing access to the soft inner fibers. It is noticeable that the natural color of linen is determined by the sun, soil, and water that touches it during retting. Each batch of linen uniquely reflects the environment in which it began its journey. 

If the flax is laid in a field, it can take up to three weeks to finish retting, as harvesters must rely upon the dew and sun to break down the outer bark. This process is significantly quicker when the flax is submerged completely in pools of water, as the water completely saturates the bark.

Once retting is complete, the linen fibers are dried and then separated from the rest of the flax plants with a method called scutching. The outer shells of the flax plant can be composted, while the soft inner fibers are collected, separated by length, and sent off to be spun into yarn. This yarn is then woven by machine or hand into beautiful natural linen. 

From there, the linen is sold as is, or it can be dyed in a variety of stunning colors.

Uses of Linen Fabric

Linen fabric is used in a wide variety of products including clothing, bedding, curtains, and workwear.

• Fashion: Linen fabric is very versatile and can be used to make a wide variety of fashion garments, from dresses to jackets and trousers.
• Bedding: Linen fabric is very popular for bedding due to its breathability and ability to absorb moisture.
• Workwear: Linen fabric is very strong and durable, making it ideal for workwear, especially in hot climates.
• Curtains and home decor: Linen fabric is very elegant and natural, making it ideal for curtains and blinds, as well as for making cushions, table linen, and other home decor items.

Properties of Linen Fabric

Linen fabric possesses several linen properties that make it a unique and desirable textile. Although linen can be worn in the winter, it is a real summer fabric. In summer collections you often see beautiful linen skirts, dresses and blouses. Let’s figure out about its characteristics to understand why this material is the best choice for summer vibe.

• Breathability: Linen fabric is extremely breathable, allowing air to circulate through it and keeping the wearer cool and comfortable in warm weather.
• Durability: Linen fabric is incredibly durable and robust, making it perfect for frequently used products, such as bedding and workwear.
• Softness: Linen fabric is very soft and gentle on the skin, making it a fantastic choice for clothing.
• Moisture absorption: Linen fabric is capable of absorbing up to 20% of its weight in water, making it perfect for bedding.
• Elegant appearance: Linen fabric has a natural and elegant appearance that adds a rustic touch to any product created with it.
• Environmentally friendly: Because it is made of natural fibers and uses less water and chemicals to produce than other fabrics, linen is a sustainable and environmentally friendly fabric.

How to care for linen fabric?

Caring for linen fabric is relatively simple. Here are some tips to keep your linen fabric clothes and products in good condition:

• Washing: Linen fabric should be washed in cold or lukewarm water with a mild, non-chlorine detergent. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can damage the linen fibers.
• Drying: Linen should be dried in the open air in a shady place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can discolor the fabric and damage the fibers.
• Ironing: Linen fabric wrinkles easily, so it is advisable to iron it while it is still damp. Use a hot iron and make sure not to leave it in one place for too long, as the linen may burn.
• Storage: To store linen fabric, it is advisable to fold it carefully and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging the linen, as this can deform it.

How Does Linen Fabric Impact the Environment?

The primary environmental issue in linen production is the release of chemicals from the retting process into ecosystems.  Most commonly, alkali or oxalic acid are used to separate flax fibers from the plant’s woody core. While chemical retting is faster and more efficient, these substances are toxic even at low concentrations.

For environmental reasons, water retting is the preferred method for processing flax stems. To achieve organic certification, flax fiber typically must undergo water retting. However, flax is already expensive, this method further increases costs, making organic flax less affordable for most consumers.

In addition to concerns over the release of toxic chemicals into the environment, flax production also raises land use issues. Conventional cultivation methods often degrade soil, increasing the risk of erosion and driving agricultural expansion into nearby wilderness areas.

Despite those environmental problems, linen is still considered among the most eco-friendly textiles. Unlike synthetic fabrics, linen is biodegradable, allowing its fibers to break down naturally within years rather than centuries. Additionally, natural fibers like linen do not contribute to microfiber pollution in water systems, which poses a risk to both marine and human life.

When grown with proper land stewardship, linen production is environmentally sustainable. However, to meet global demand at lower costs, most producers opt for cheaper methods that may be environmentally damaging..

Conclusion

Linen fabric is one of the most ancient fabrics discovered by mankind. It is venerated across the world for its purity, comfort, and durability. This fabric can be treasured for several years and still be in perfect condition. Unarguably, the apparel and accessories of linen are an ode to excellence.