I’m going to get straight to the point – I love linen! I love the feel of it and will use it in a variety of different garments. I’ve done several tops (men and women’s) but have also done dresses, skirts and even shorts made out of linen.
There are a few Australian suppliers of high quality natural linen that I love to use (especially because they also ensure their manufacturing doesn’t exploit workers or harm the communities that produce the fabric), and the fabric itself is a wonderful option for many different kinds of clothes.
Linen does have a few niggly downsides (the crinkles!) which I’ll get to, but sit down and listen to me rave about one of my favourite fabrics of all time.
First, what is linen?
Linen is a fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. The plant is grown across different parts of the world and has been used throughout almost all of human history, dating back to the ancient world. The seeds and oils are used in food and supplements, while the rest of the planet can be turned into linen by pulling out the useful fibers from inside the stalk and combing them into finer strands that are spun into yarn which is then weaved on a loom to create the cloth.
This makes linen an awesome natural fiber that is sustainable to make, and there are almost no harmful chemicals used in its production. Some non-organic linen may have harmful chemicals used in the production process, but most linen – especially proper organic linen – uses non-harmful chemicals. Most of the chemicals used in linen production are when the inner fibers are removed from the stalk, or in the fertilisers used on the flax farms that produce the plant.
Back in history, the separating process (known as retting) just used moisture, and a bit of elbow grease.
Cool huh (no, just me?).
What are the benefits of linen?
There are a range of benefits to using linen for clothing, especially organic linen that is more environmentally friendly and a bit gentler on the skin. Linen has got so many things going for it as a fabric:
- Durable – linen is quite strong and doesn’t wear and tear easily.
- Breathable – the natural open weave makes it a great choice for warmer climates as it breathes and helps reduce trapped heat against the body.
- Moisture wicking – it dries easily when wet and helps pull sweat off the skin, helping to keep you dry.
- Soft and comfy – seriously, linen feels so good against the skin.
- Hypoallergenic – linen isn’t just literally gentle on the skin, it also won’t cause itches or rashes.
- Sustainable – it is made from a plant, and has been around for thousands of years, and likely will be around for thousands more without causing damage to the environment.
- Biodegradable – linen breaks down naturally over time, so when it’s time to say goodbye to a garment, you know you aren’t adding to a pile of plastic polluting our planet.
- Stays soft over time – linen actually gets softer the more you wear it and wash it. How brilliant is that?
- Distinctive natural texture – linen has a unique look that is timeless and cosy and soft, defined by its grid-like open weave (which is what makes it so breathable).
Does linen have any downsides?
There are a few things that people don’t like about linen. While these might be cons for some, others may not be so bothered by it.
- Crinkliness – there’s no two ways about it, linen can and will crinkle easily. You can iron it of course, but it can still be a little crinkly, and it might take a bit more work with an iron to get it smooth again than other fabrics.
- Little stretch – as a natural woven fabric, it doesn’t stretch. This doesn’t mean you can’t make fitted garments with linen though – it’s definitely possible to get great fitted linen garments as well as loose and flowing linen clothes.
- Can stain easily – and when it does stain, it is difficult to get the stain out.
- Shrinkage – natural fibres tend to shrink in the wash. Wool is more notorious for this, but linen can still shrink too. Businesses that care about making clothes (like yours truly) will wash the fabric before cutting off the pattern pieces and sewing it together.
Tips for caring for linen garments
Now we’ve covered some potential downsides, here’s how you can get the best results and care out of your linen clothes:
- To prevent crinkling, it’s important to iron the garment. Ensure the iron is on the correct fabric setting, and mist the garment with a bit of water just before you start.
- If you get a stain, it’s important to wash with cold water as soon as possible. You can try soaking it with a gentle laundry detergent in cold water before putting it in the washing machine.
- To help stop the garment shrinking, it’s best to wash natural fibres like linen on a cold wash to help prevent shrinkage.
What kind of clothing is linen good for?
Personally I think linen is great for all kinds of clothes, from blouses and button-up shirts to dresses, skirts, pants and shorts. You can get linen in a range of colours, even with patterned designs.
Linen is great as an outer garment in warm or mild weather as it is breathable and moisture wicking. You’ll see it on loose or regular fit tops for men and women a bit, and especially with dresses and skirts. It drapes and flows so beautifully, making it an excellent choice for those kinds of clothes.
Want your own high quality, bespoke linen garment? Contact us to arrange a consultation for a custom-made outfit.
