What could be more chic than a linen shirt or dress? If the elegance of linen is no longer to be proven, we do not always know its many qualities, especially in terms of ecology...
Linen: a fabric with a long history
Although it may seem like it's only been around for a short time, the cultivation of linen dates back to the 4th century BC in ancient Egypt. at that time, mummies were wrapped in linen. Fabrics dating back to 7000 BC have also been found in Turkey.
So, not only was it discovered long before cotton, but until the 18th century, linen was one of the most important textile fibers. Today, linen remains one of the preferred fabrics for linens.
A local and non-polluting culture
Linen is a "local" textile, most of its production comes from France, Belgium or the Netherlands. The share of linen produced in France represents 50% of world production. It therefore limits the carbon footprint and represents an asset for the conservation of jobs in rural areas!
But the advantages of flax are numerous, relatively resistant, the cultivation of flax requires very little fertilizer and pesticides, much less than the cultivation of cotton (except Organic Cotton), flax is therefore "naturally organic". Even if it likes humid climates, flax does not need much watering, its water consumption is almost zero.
When flax is processed, everything is used or recycled: the fibers are used in the manufacture of mountain bike helmets, tennis rackets or automotive parts. The seeds are used in food or in certain hot water bottles for therapeutic purposes. The oil is used to maintain wooden garden furniture, but also in certain cosmetic products and inks. Flax therefore creates practically no waste.
Flax is ideal for sensitive skin
Linen is naturally anti-allergic and anti-bacterial, receiving almost no chemical treatment, it is the ally of sensitive skin! Thanks to its hollow fiber, which creates a fine layer of insulating air, it allows to regulate the body temperature, in summer it brings a very pleasant feeling of freshness and what is less known, in winter it holds warmer than polyester!
Linen is also very absorbent, so it is the ideal fiber in hot weather.
A durable, multi-purpose material
Linen is a material that ages well, its long fibers do not lint and gets a patina effect over the washings. It is therefore perfectly in line with a responsible consumption approach.
We can sometimes criticize linen for being a little rough to the touch (remember your grandmother's sheets...), but today techniques allow us to soften it, such as washing it beforehand at 90°C or combining it with Organic Cotton for a softer feel. Thus linen keeps all its properties and its resistance while offering a very pleasant touch.
Used for clothing, linen is also very popular for its use in furniture: curtains, cushions, chair covers, tablecloths and especially bed linen.
A linen comforter cover will bring a decorative touch to a room while ensuring a comfortable sleep in any season.
Some would grant to linen anti-stress and regenerative virtues which would support the recovery after the effort and would support the sleep!
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