Linen, my new passion “I have learned so much lately about this wonderful plant and eco-responsible material, I think it is the beginning of true love!
In this new article, I give you all the elements to understand why flax is so interesting. Here are 10 good reasons to wear linen branded clothing!
Linen a natural material of excellence for a more respectful fashion of the future? I present to you some responsible fashion brands that have made the bet ♥
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1. Linen, a local fiber that cannot be relocated
A local plant and flax s cultivate in Western Europe on a wide coastal strip stretching from southern Normandy to the Netherlands via Belgium. 80% of the world’s production of flax is of European origin and France is the world leader!
Led by 10,000 companies in 14 countries of the European Union, the cultivation of flax is an example of a unique agro-industrial sector. From plants to textiles all stages of production and process represent there and all solidarity trades. From farmers (around 6,000 in France) to processing companies. The sector is federate by the European Confederation of Flax and Hemp.
Flax is one of the only vegetable textile fibers native to the European continent and its cultivation cannot be relocated. An excellence that results from the unique encounter between favorable climatic conditions, generous soils and the expertise of flax growers.
2. Linen, an eco-responsible material par excellence
Throughout the production chain, flax has many ecological virtues.
Une culture respectueuse de l’environnement
♣ The culture of flax does not require any irrigation: flax grows in regions with a mild oceanic climate and rainwater is sufficient for its growth.
♣ Flax is a resistant plant that knows how to use all the natural resources of the soil. It needs very little fertilizer and pesticides (5 times less than cotton), or even none when produced organically.
♣ Flax is a real carbon sink. Rather than producing CO2, its roots fix it in the earth: the cultivation of flax makes it possible to retain 250,000 tonnes of CO2 each year in Europe (the equivalent of a Clio which circles the earth 62 times! )
♣ Another ecological advantage in the field: flax is interesting in the alternations of culture. Qualified as a good head of rotation, flax returns to the same plot every 6 to 7 years. It provides optimum soil quality which increases the profitability of subsequent crops.
An ecological transformation process
The transformation process of flax is also ecological. Retting (the extraction of fibers) do on land in a natural way. During all industrial operations of a transformation of the plant into yarn (scutching, combing, spinning, weaving) the activity is mechanical. No chemical solvent use. Unlike most other fibers. It is only at the time of dyeing or special treatments of flax that it is necessary to take precautions.
3. A zero waste culture and clothing
A zero-waste culture
Growing flax does not produce waste. Every element of the plant is useful and used.
Flaxseed Rich in omega 3S found in human and animal food. They can also use as an oil. For food for painting.
Fine fiber use to make branded clothing or linens (65% of linen). The thicker fiber use as an environmentally friendly insulation material or integrate into composite materials. Notably to replace fiberglass in industry. The natural advantage of linen, its lightness, and resistance appeal to manufacturers. Flax fiber use for example. In the sports and automotive sectors.
Many other uses in industry and technical opportunities are exploring. Linen loves innovative products.
A biodegradable garment
Flax is a vegetable fiber and its treatment is natural: the material is biodegradable in its entirety. Products made from the flax plant are therefore also biodegradable. So your 100% linen t-shirt can composite at the end of its life! (As long as there is no synthetic thread – for example with cotton thread seams that’s fine – and there is no chemical dye)
4. Linen, a resistant and durable material
Linen is the strongest of natural fibers, while remaining light and flexible. Its mechanical strength is just behind that of special steels. Flax fibers have the same fineness and are 2 or 3 times higher in tensile strength than cotton fibers.
Linen branded clothing is therefore very durable and has a long life without warping or linting. Branded clothing does not wear out over washings, on the contrary, linen becomes more and more beautiful and supple. The compounds that bind fibers together dissolved with each contact with water. For the added flexibility. It’s the only fabric that has this quality!
5. A material pleasant to wear
Linen is very comfortable to wear, it offers a soft and silky contact with the skin and a feeling of well-being and freshness thanks to its lightness.
The etymology of the word “linen” is also at the origin of words like “linen” or “lingerie” which refer to notions of softness and cocooning ♡
6. A living thermoregulatory matter
Linen is also very comfortable to wear because it is a thermoregulatory material: it naturally brings freshness in summer and retains heat in winter. This is due to its insulating property and its high water absorption capacity.
Freshness in summer
The highly hydrophilic character of pectins gives linen textiles a “lively” character. Pectins can thus become waterlogged or released (up to 20% of their weight!) Depending on climatic conditions, without causing a feeling of humidity to the touch.
Insulating in winter
In addition, linen is a hollow fiber that traps air, making it a natural insulator.
Linen thus guarantees a feeling of well-being whatever the temperature or the season. It is therefore a material that can work all year round.
7. Linen a vegan alternative to wool
Linen is a 100% vegetable fiber and therefore vegan. As it has thermoregulatory properties it can be an alternative to wool in winter.
8. A hypoallergenic and antibacterial fabric
Linen is a hypoallergenic and antibacterial fabric. Properties inherent in the very quality of the fiber observed empirically since the Middle Ages. Flax also uses today in the manufacture of surgical threads.
Flax thus very well tolerated in case of skin disorders. It even recommends because it can speed up the healing of certain skin conditions.
A healthy base, flax does not allow bacteria to proliferate without needing to chemically treat. In addition to its thermoregulatory properties. This is the other reason why it recommends to wear linen in summer. And its thermoregulatory properties mean that it regulates temperature variations more quickly and therefore does not cause irritation (unlike synthetic textiles). Yes, linen has it all !!
9. Linen, for elegant and timeless branded clothing
Timeless and iconic, linen is a deceptively relaxing material that has a very chic feel. Linen has always recognized as a noble material, a symbol of elegance and distinction.
A versatile fiber excellence linen can found in all densities and can combine with other fiber. It lends itself to all styles, from casual to the most sophisticated. But always with the elegance of timeless minimalism.
Linen branded clothing thus worn in all seasons.
10. A noble material that has survived the millennia
A tiny 36,000 years-old flax fragments founded in a cave in Georgia. The first trace of textile work humans.
A major element in the economy of Ancient Egypt, flax is the emblematic textile of Antiquity. For the Egyptians, the linen cloth, called “woven moonlight”, is a symbol of purity. The Egyptian priests wore linen branded clothing and the mummies were surrounded
linen strips, a very strong fabric to keep them!
Linen has use in textile branded clothing for centuries. With the advent of synthetic fibers in the 1950s, its use became more occasional in the fashion industry.
The nobility of flax fiber has survived the millennia … The qualities of flax are therefore recogniz and it has largely proven itself. Yet today flax represents less than 1% of the textile fibers used in the world.
This natural material once again highlights brands that want to offer more responsible fashion.
