What is linen?

Linen is a natural textile made from the fibres of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). It is one of the oldest fabrics known to humanity — evidence of linen use dates back more than 30,000 years. Today, linen is prized for its coolness, breathability, and characteristic natural texture, and it remains a cornerstone of the Scandinavian wardrobe.

The fabric has a distinctive uneven weave that gives it both visual character and functional advantages: it absorbs moisture without feeling damp, dries quickly, and softens with every wash.

What is linen made from?

Linen is made from the long fibres found in the stem of the flax plant. The process involves several stages:

• Growing the flax — the plant matures in about 100 days and requires minimal water or pesticides
• Retting — separating the fibres from the woody stem using water or dew
• Scutching — breaking down the stem to release the long linen fibres
• Combing — removing short fibres and aligning the long ones for spinning
• Spinning — turning the aligned fibres into yarn, which is then woven into fabric

Is linen the same as cotton?

No — linen and cotton are two different natural fibres with distinct properties. While both are plant-based, they come from different plants and behave very differently:

• Linen comes from the flax plant's stem. It is stronger, cooler, and more textured than cotton.
• Cotton comes from the boll of the cotton plant. It is softer to the touch, but less breathable and less durable.

Linen is often preferred for warm-weather clothing because it wicks moisture away from the body better than cotton. Cotton, on the other hand, is softer against the skin and is often used in undergarments and bedding.

What colour is linen?

The natural colour of linen ranges from ecru and beige to greyish-brown, depending on the retting process. Unbleached linen has a warm, earthy tone that many designers prefer for its authenticity. Linen can also be:

• Bleached to a bright white for a crisp, clean look
• Dyed in any colour — though it may fade slightly with washing
• Undyed, kept in its natural sand, oatmeal, or greige tones

How does linen feel and behave?

Linen has an uneven, natural texture you can both see and feel. The fabric is cool against the skin, breathable, and softens with each wash. It creases — but this is not a flaw; it is part of the material's character. Linen has a living, lived-in quality that shifts throughout the day and over time. Many people prefer it for exactly that reason.

On warm days, linen drapes lightly around the body. In colder months, it works as a layer that balances heavier materials like wool and knitwear.

Types of linen fabric

Not all linen is the same. Different weaves and blends serve different purposes:

• Pure linen — 100% flax fibres, the strongest and most textured
• Linen-cotton blend — softer feel with less creasing
• Linen-viscose blend — more drape and shine
• Heavier linen — used for structured garments like blazers and trousers
• Lightweight linen — used for shirts, blouses, and summer dresses

Frequently asked questions about linen

Is linen better than cotton?
Neither is objectively "better" — they serve different purposes. Linen is more breathable and stronger; cotton is softer and easier to care for.

Does linen shrink when washed?
Yes, linen can shrink by 3-10% on the first wash. Pre-washed linen minimises further shrinkage.

Is linen expensive because it's harder to produce?
Yes. Linen requires more labour to produce than cotton, especially the retting and scutching stages, which cannot be fully automated.

Where can I buy quality linen clothing?
Explore our linen collection — shirts, trousers, dresses, and blouses in pure linen and linen blends.


This text was made by AI