Fabric Focus… Linen

12 May 2017

Thought to be the oldest fabric in the world, Linen boasts an amazing history and incredible properties and benefits. Made from flax plants, linen cloth dates back some 9,000 years – yes really! You can read about Linen’s fascinating history here.

Linen trend

 

 

Inspired by this natural fabric’s colourful history and journey into modern times, we’ve explored the intriguing world of Linen and discovered these “Wow, I didn’t know that” facts:

 

  1. In flower language, the word “flax” means “benefactor”, testifying to Linen’s essentiality.

  1. When flax fibres are processed for Linen, all the remaining parts of the plant are used for other purposes.

  1. Linen production requires 5 to 20 times less water than synthetic fabric production.

  1. Linen fabrics are stronger when they’re wet – by up to 20%!

  1. Linen fabrics can become softer with every wash.

  1. Linen is incredibly long-lasting. When Tutankhamun’s tomb was unearthed in 1922, sections of the linen wrappings used to mummify his remains were almost entirely intact!

  2. Linen is great when it comes to protecting against the sun’s harmful rays. So, if you’re hitting the beach, make sure you have a linen shirt in your beach bag.

  1. The Bayeaux Tapestry, the exquisite piece which tells the story of the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England, comprises 230 feet of embroidered Linen!

  1. Linen is central to the invention of the word, spinster (the unflattering term levelled at unmarried, older women.) A long time ago, when flax fibres were spun on spinning wheels, “spinsters” were highly skilled, and desired by pragmatic men. Spinsters would spin outside their homes so potential husbands could see they were a catch!

  1. The Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, was buried in 461 AD, shrouded in Linen – we told you Linen was old! Speaking of Ireland, Linen is so essential to Irish life, the country’s coins and stamps often depict flax plants.

Linen range

 

So, what can Linen mean to you? Well, when it comes to cool, summer comfort, Linen is the one! Linen clothing is 3 to 4 times cooler than silk clothing, and it can help you perspire 1 to 2 times less.

Linen fibres allow for airflow, meaning they’re naturally cooling. Also, Linen doesn’t cling to the body, which is good news in the height of a sticky summer!

Linen is a breathable fabric; capable of absorbing a fifth of its own weight in water without feeling damp, another reason why it is a particularly cooling fabric.

We love Linen! This season, we’ve combined Linen with Cotton for our new, Wovens range. This selection of lightweight, casual clothing boasts all the wonderful properties and benefits of Linen AND those of Cotton!

Womens Linen and Cotton Dress and Tunique

Womens Linen & Cotton Dress (W06L) and Womens Linen & Cotton Top (W01L)

 

We’ve also taken Linen, and added to it a little Viscose, for our new, great-for-summer, drapey, Linen & Viscose tops.

Womens Lightweight Linen and Viscose Summer Poncho

Womens Lightweight Linen and Viscose Summer Poncho (D05L)

 

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