Linen - trendy for more than 30,000 years
Flax, the cultivated plant from which linen is made, has been growing in many parts of the world for thousands of years and can be processed into both food and textiles. It is therefore obvious that flax is one of the first textile fibers used by humans. The ancient Egyptians already used linen for clothing, as currency or for mummification. Linen fabrics in splendid colors were particularly popular among the Romans. After another peak in the 17th century, flax fiber was gradually replaced by the more popular cotton because it is easier to dye and weighs less. In recent years, however, linen has been making a big comeback.
How is linen made?
To help you better understand how flax is turned into linen , we have put together a short step-by-step guide.
- The flax is harvested after about 3 months and, depending on the weather, left in the field for a few weeks to retch. During this time, the fiber bundles inside that will later be processed are separated from the surrounding tissue by bacteria and fungi.
- In the next step, the flax stalks are processed to expose the fibers.
- Finally, the flax fibers are spun into yarn so that linen fabric can be woven from them.
- Optionally, the finished linen fabric can be further treated, for example with water-repellent coatings, bleaches or dyes.
What makes linen so special?
Linen fashion has numerous positive properties that are particularly valuable in summer:
- Linen is very breathable
- Linen has antibacterial and antistatic effects
- Linen absorbs moisture quickly and releases it again immediately (perfect for sweating)
- Unique aesthetics and high-quality appearance
Linen is also considered a very sustainable textile because no pesticides are needed to grow it and the production of linen uses less water and energy than cotton or polyester, for example. And the best thing? The natural fiber is 100% biodegradable. Linen clothing is also durable and more resilient than other natural fibers, which is why it can be worn for many years without having to be replaced.
Why does linen wrinkle so quickly?
The plant glue of the natural fiber makes linen susceptible to dirt and lint, but also causes it to have little elasticity. To avoid severe creasing, cotton, viscose or elastane is often mixed into the flax fiber. Nevertheless, it is worth accepting the rapid creasing, as 100% linen is more comfortable to wear in summer than linen blends.
How to care for linen properly
Styles made of linen are generally easy to care for and do not look worn even after several washes. You can wash linen either by hand or in the washing machine, ideally at a maximum lukewarm temperature and on a gentle cycle. For mild care , we recommend the "Cotton & Linen" care detergent from Princess Goes Hollywood . The Cotton & Linen care detergent is based on natural raw materials and does not contain any brighteners or bleach. This means that the detergent washes gently and thoroughly, while the colors remain bright and fresh.
How we wear linen this season
In addition to classic linen trousers, linen shirts and linen tops, this summer also features airy kaftans and dresses with playful details such as flounces or puff sleeves – preferably in beige, green, saffron or ochre.
Making linen suitable for the office
Many people associate linen primarily with airy looks for leisure time and would never think of wearing linen to the office. But linen styles are perfect for casual-chic office outfits in summer: two-piece suits and linen suits or airy linen blouses are an absolute must for every business wardrobe this year.
