Linen is among the oldest textiles used in clothing production and is still popular today; it is also among the most sustainable. Linen is also very versatile, making it a robust natural material used for many everyday tasks. Now it makes sense why it is considered an expensive fabric.
Linen products are considered luxury goods, many of which are only available and affordable to the higher echelons of society - that may be a stretch, but there is a hint of truth to it. However, you cannot overestimate the benefits of linen for everyday use, so let us look at some reasons why linen is such a vital fabric.
WHAT IS LINEN MADE FROM?
You’ve probably heard about flaxseeds before - they are known for the health benefits they contain, such as healthful fat and antioxidants. Well, here is a fun fact: the plant that produces flaxseed, the flax plant, is also known for its high fibre content, and it is the primary source of linen.
Linen’s viscous consistency makes the fibres relatively tricky to separate from each other, so it is ideally suited for countless applications: your clothing, bedding, soft furnishings, curtains, and even face masks. However, unfortunately, the material is not easily manufactured and has a lower availability.
Linen Clothes
Linen as clothes is probably the most popular textile use, and why not? Linen has been around for centuries and can still compete with modern fabrics. In addition, there are several benefits to using linen for everyday wear.
SIX BENEFITS OF LINEN PRODUCTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
1. Highly Absorbent and Breathable
Imagine living in a tropical country where you only experience two seasons: rainy days or a burst of absolute sunshine. If you perspire too much, you are in for a long day, especially when the temperature gets too high and the heat becomes agonising, and so will the sweat stain you will inevitably have to deal with.
Linen clothes are highly absorbent and breathable, perfect for sunny and hot weather. Scientifically speaking, the molecular structure of linen fabrics allows their hollow-shaped fibres to absorb moisture. And yes, it has also been tested and has proven to be highly absorbent of moisture at 20% of its weight.
Breathable linen clothes are a must during the summer season, as they will keep you smelling fresh, allowing more airflow around your body. In addition, it will feel like you have air-conditioning; you will not need to worry too much about sweating.
Of course, linen clothes are still perfect for your cold-weather ensemble, where you can experiment with layering them with your other clothes.
2. The Ultimate Comfort
Who does not want ultimate comfort when they go out all dressed up? No need to stress about a fashion emergency; you can enjoy the rest of the day without the inconvenience of sweating too much.
Linen clothes do not stick to your skin, nor will they adhere to your body awkwardly because it does not readily absorb sweat. Instead, sweat is the culprit for your discomfort; it can also have an unpleasant smell and cause sweat patches.
Another innate and natural characteristic unique to linen is its natural insulator and natural ventilation properties. As a result, linen will keep you warm during the cold seasons and cool during the summer, and you will remain at a cosy temperature all day long.
3. Durable and Long-Lasting
One of the things we noted earlier is the durability of linen as fabric - it is one of the sturdiest natural materials used in clothing textiles. Though it only comes second to silk, one linen product, when well cared for, can last a long time and probably even a lifetime.
With fashion from the past making a come-back, the same trend will happen again in the future. Your linen products will be passed down for generations and will be another fashion statement. Think of all the money you can save because you do not have to buy clothes often.
Unlike other fabrics, linen clothing does not lose shape and beauty even after multiple vigorous washing cycles. Linen ages well; the older it gets, the softer it is to the skin. As the saying goes, it ages like a fine wine.
4. Sustainability and Environmentally Friendly
We are all knowledgeable about climate change and its negative environmental impact. Therefore, it is best to use eco-friendly and sustainable products to mitigate your impact on the increasing environmental damage.
Linen is a very sustainable fabric and probably one of the greenest. From the fabric source, the flax plant is easy to cultivate. However, it is not a high-maintenance plant and can thrive in poor-quality conditions: less water and no fertiliser.
As a finished product, linen is biodegradable; although it lasts for decades, two weeks in the soil and your linen dress will begin to biodegrade. But we must say that this is another win for mother nature.
5. Low Maintenance
Unlike other fabrics, linen is relatively easy to maintain. Although it is a luxury fabric, linen does not require special treatment for washing or drying. But, of course, you must still take it easy on your linen products, exercise caution, and do not do anything to stain the fabric.
You’re also one chore done with linen as don’t need to iron them. However, that is a matter of choice; you don’t need to feel guilty if you choose to procrastinate and leave wrinkles on your linen clothes.
6. Health Benefits
Are allergies and skin problems getting in the way of you strutting on your makeshift runway? Well, linen fabric is a staple for people with sensitive skin. Anti-bacterial, anti-lint, and hypoallergenic properties? Your linen fabrics have them all.
FOUR LINEN PRODUCTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
1. Curtains
Your curtains are a thin object that can shield you from the prying eyes of nosy neighbours. Of course, they can also serve aesthetic purposes, but your curtains are mainly there for protection. Here are some reasons why linen should be the fabric of choice for your curtains.
Friendly to Humidity
Linen curtains are good at handling humid climates; the linen has natural anti-microbial properties and is resistant to mildew. You also do not need to worry about using your linen for your porch or deck; they belong there, just as they do in your bedroom or other areas of your home.
Good at Handling the Heat
Linen fabrics for your clothes are good at adapting to the heat; you get ventilation. However, some materials can quickly become damaged by the sun and fade over time, but your linen curtains will receive the sunlight directly and absorb the heat whilst properly providing ventilation to your room.
Kid-Friendly
Durability is one of linen’s most vital attributes; you know how some children can be. They tend to explore and try new things, and to that extent, they use your curtains as swings. Unfortunately, your pets are also sometimes the culprit of any damage your curtains suffer.
However, linen is very kid-friendly; it can be a window treatment fabric for your children’s room, nurseries, or even your kitchens and bathrooms, which are prone to spills.
2. Bedding
Like your clothes and curtains, there are also many benefits to using linen bedding. Let us discuss those benefits, shall we?
No more Clammy Sheets
Just like your clothes, linen bedding is highly absorbent. Linen bedding is also less likely to cling to your skin, and it can absorb your sweat and wick it away from your skin, allowing it to evaporate.
Say hello to a more comfortable and distraction-free sleep. You do not have to wake up in the middle of the night because you are sweating too much. Your bedding can absorb your sweat, but you will still wake up fresh in the morning, and it will not have any unpleasant smell.
In addition, during hot and muggy summer nights, your linen can regulate the skin-air heat exchange and temperature. But, of course, during the cold winter season, the same temperature regulating property of the bedding comes into play.
Bed Bugs Will Not Bite
We all know that a good night greeting is not enough; not letting the bed bug’s bite always follows. However, linen bedding ensures that you do not get bitten by bed bugs or by any critter, for that matter. The linen fabric is resistant to bacteria, fungus, dust mites, and other insects and contaminants.
If you own a hotel or a bed and breakfast, it is wise investing in linen bedding. Your customers are sure to recommend your company or return to avail of more of your services if they are satisfied. The best way to ensure they feel comfortable during their stay is ensuring they have an uninterrupted sleep, free from bites and other distractions.
Dirt Repellent
Linen fibres are naturally stain-resistant, which means your bedding can repel dirt. As a result, it does not require frequent cleaning because it will remain fresh and vibrant for a long time. But, of course, for hygiene reasons, you still need to wash your bedding regularly. And get this, just like your clothes, they also become softer with wear.
Cost-Effective
Consider all of the above benefits, which all boils down to the cost-effectiveness of using linen fabrics, which is especially true if you are in the hospitality industry. Hotel owners should invest in products that help cut down expenses. Linen fabrics last longer, they are sustainable, and the material is robust - all these are good indicators that linen is the best choice in helping reduce hotel owners’ expenses.
3. Pillows
We know that linen bedding is the best, and they have several benefits. However, we cannot bypass the many benefits that also come with using linen pillows.
Comfortable Sleep
Pillows are as essential as your mattress; sleep is never complete if you only have a comfortable bed to lay down on but no pillow to cushion your head and keep your upper body aligned.
Sleeping on a lumpy pillow will also be reflected in your mood the following day. However, linen pillows are comfortable to sleep on; the natural material allows breathability and comes with heat or cold absorption.
Editor's Pick:
If you are like some people who hate the discomfort of travelling, especially when you want to sleep, the solution is this linen travel pillow. You can easily carry it with you during the trip, and it is comfortable to use.
Moisture-Wicking
Cried yourself to sleep the night prior? Or the summer air makes you extra sweaty? Linen pillows, and even pillowcases, are moisture-wicking. As you sleep, your linen pillow or pillowcase can remove the moisture from your skin into the fabric.
Blood Circulation
Did you know that good sleep signals that your brain is healthy? Sleep also has several therapeutic effects. For example, it is a known fact that sleep deprivation lowers your resistance to stress and your immunity to disease. However, flax linen lightly massages the skin, promoting a feeling of relaxation and better blood flow.
Editor's Pick:
Relieve stress with this weighted linen eye pillow with 100% linen cover slips over a calico cotton inner. You can use it warm or chilled while you relax in the comfort of your home.
4. Face Masks
Face masks have become a staple in our everyday routine; of course, the pandemic was the main culprit. Unfortunately, non-reusable face masks do not offer much breathability, and it could be challenging to breathe when using them.
Here are some reasons using linen face masks is preferred.
Anti-Microbial Properties
As mentioned previously, linen is naturally anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic, and antiseptic. These properties of linen can quickly mitigate unpleasant smells from overt sweating when wearing linen clothing.
These properties also make it a good fabric for reusable face masks. In addition, the properties above suppress the microbes and other contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi, and pollen. Indirectly, it is also hypoallergenic; the mask will not itch or give you a rash.
Reusable
Unlike linen, a sustainable material, medical face masks are non-reusable and do not readily biodegrade. In comparison, linen face masks are just as secure, with reusability as an added benefit.
Stylish
Of course, this is important for fashion enthusiasts who pair their linen face masks with their favourite ensemble.
Editor's Pick:
If you want a sign to check out that linen-made product, this is the sign you are looking for. However, if you are uneasy about the quality, below is a list of available linen products, all of which come in excellent quality.
Protect the people around you without compromising your style with these reusable linen face masks from Kind Face. They are made from a quality, triple-layered linen fabric with a protective polypropylene barrier.
STONEWASHED LINEN PILLOWCASES - BODY PILLOW
Enjoy a good night’s sleep with these 100% Turkish stonewashed linen body pillow pillowcases. You can say goodbye to those clammy sheets because you have these pillowcases with absorption and ventilation properties.
These linen doorstops can keep your doors safe from slamming.
Conclusion
Overall, linen products are highly recommended because they come with several benefits. From conforming, looking good, health benefits, and product longevity. Most hotels use linen products because of these benefits, so if you want to feel like you are staying at the hotel while at home, you should consider buying some for yourself.