History & Renaissance of Linen
Linen—or “flax” in English—embody the essence of refined naturalness. Derived from the stem of the flax plant, this noble textile is one of the oldest in the world, cultivated and woven for over 10,000 years. As early as 5000 BC, the Egyptians wrapped their pharaohs in linen veils, a symbol of purity and eternity. Throughout ancient Greece, imperial Rome, and medieval Europe, linen was the discreet but essential companion to wool, prized for its lightness, strength, and understated elegance.
Linen Today
After dominating the aristocratic wardrobes of pre-industrial Europe, linen declined in the 19th century, replaced by more affordable cottons. Yet its aura never faded. Today, it's making a strong comeback, reinterpreted by the most discerning fashion houses. Durable, breathable, and biodegradable, linen is once again seducing—not only for its natural beauty, but also for its environmental credentials.
Grown primarily in France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Central Europe, it is extracted from the plant's stems through a process of retting and scutching, either artisanally or mechanically. The result? A long, supple, and remarkably strong bast fiber.
A Fiber of Character
Unlike cotton, linen is distinguished by its long, solid fibers (50 to 90 cm), held together by pectin, a natural binder. It grows in summer and blooms with a delicate blue color before being carefully harvested, dried, and processed. Each step—from retting to combing—enhances the fiber, revealing all its finesse. Spun into short strands, it becomes a fabric with subtle reflections, supple and durable.
Properties
Linen naturally ranges from ivory white to silvery brown, but also accepts dyeing with elegance. Its dense, smooth weave prevents dust from settling, making it a naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic textile. It regulates moisture like no other, absorbing up to 35% of its weight in water and releasing it instantly—guaranteeing coolness in summer and warmth in winter.
Its thermoregulating qualities, combined with its soft and cool feel, make it the ideal ally for sensitive skin and extreme climates. It is thus found in shoe linings, fine lingerie, and the lightest summer shirts.
Aesthetics & Aging
Linen doesn't cheat. It wrinkles, it lives, it softens. This imperfection is its beauty. Far from wearing out, it gains suppleness and shine wash after wash. Well-worn linen takes on a satiny texture and a lived-in look—unique to each piece. Depending on the weave, a distinction is made between pure linen (100%) and semi-linen (at least 40% linen, linen weft, and cotton warp).
Maintenance Tips
Wash linen inside out, at a maximum of 40°C, with a mild detergent without optical brighteners. Never overload the drum. Spin gently, steam iron while damp, and air dry in the shade. Tumble drying should be avoided, except at low temperatures and in small quantities. For delicate items, place them in a pillowcase before washing. Wrap your linen items in tissue paper when traveling to avoid deep creases.
Conclusion
Linen is a sustainable treasure—a rare fiber with infinite uses. It finds its way into high-end fashion: suits, shirts, pants, jackets, dresses, and summer blouses. It also adorns the home: sheets, tablecloths, curtains, and tea towels. Beyond elegance, it also adorns books, bags, technical fabrics, and eco-friendly interiors. Every part of the plant is valued—from the long fibers to the flax seeds, used for oil or animal feed.
