European flax-linen is becoming increasingly popular in fashion, decoration and other sectors thanks to its intrinsic qualities. This plant fibre has unique properties and capabilities, which make it the choice for both the textile and technical industries.
A naturally impressive fibre, linen fabric from European flax can offer its laboratory-proven comfort properties to new “second skin” textiles for all seasons.
Linen, which has always been associated with nature, freshness, and the intimate sphere, also has technical properties that warrant greater understanding. Its balanced ventilation and insulation properties guarantee thermoregulation and maintain a pleasant feeling of warmth, opening it up to use in seasonal wardrobes. Bed linens made of linen are also known for helping to promote a good night’s rest. Linen’s absorption capacity has proven itself to be quite effective for bath linens; its breathability and ability to wick moisture are especially well-suited for jersey knits, piqués and fleeces for athleisure, loungewear and exercise, as well as in compression stockings.
Its properties have been demonstrated scientifically through two studies conducted by the CETELOR laboratory for the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp.
Cetelor - The University of Lorraine is a testing and research laboratory engaged in both basic and applied research and specialising in fibres, textiles, and composite materials.
The Comfort and Performance Study, carried out in 2014 on five representative samples of 100% linen, 100% cotton, 100% viscose, and 100% polyester: linen obtained the best results:
Learn more about 2014 European Linen Comfort and Performance Study
An analysis of studies and scientific experiments carried out in 2022 shows that 100% linen fabric helps create the best possible environment for a good sleep. Thanks to its performance in areas with the most impact on sleep quality - moisture, temperature and air circulation - linen is one of the most suitable fabrics for bed linens.
Its performance, boosted by high colour affinity for colour and lending itself to intense ranges that develop a patina with washing, is a plus that makes linen popular among fashion and interior designers.
In recent years, flax has been expanding to new sectors, such as the automotive, tech and construction industries. The fibre has multiple technical advantages.
It is almost half as dense as fibreglass, allowing it to be used in applications where it is necessary to minimise the weight of the structure.
These functional properties are complemented by its other remarkable properties. For example, tech companies are using flax fibre in their design of hi-fi speakers. The reason is that flax fibre can absorb vibrations.
Flax can therefore be used to manufacture sports equipment, such as tennis racquets, bicycles, skis, fishing rods and surfboards.
Flax fibre is an effective and resistant thermal and sound insulator. Construction companies can use it in the form of rolls or panels, in felt or in bulk to prevent heat loss from buildings, for example. The insulation capacity of flax goes even further, as it is also an excellent sound insulator. This is a plus for the construction sector as well as other areas.
These important technical properties, combined with the low environmental impact of flax fibre production, have made it an increasingly popular material in various sectors.
Linen fabrics have the advantage that they do not distort or pill with age, despite being washed repeatedly. Linen, in fact, even softens and brightens over time. Its maintenance is easy and depends on the item.
Linen is easy to care for and can be washed at high temperatures. It softens and becomes smoother with each wash. It holds up well to the spin cycle and tumble drying and can be easily ironed, while washed linen, linen knits and linen towelling do not require ironing.
Linen can be machine washed. In general, white linen can be washed at up to 95°C, and coloured linen from 40°C to 60°C using the regular cycle. The ideal washing temperature is 30°C-40 °C. Fine jersey knits can also be machine washed using the delicate cycle.
It is also recommended to follow the label instructions that take into account various factors, such as the weave or knit type, the dye and finishing used, trimming, embroidery etc.
Just like with other textiles, it is recommended that you separate light and dark colours and use gentle, preferably non-biological laundry detergent.
After a moderate spin cycle, linen can be dried in different ways: hung up to dry, in the dryer (according to the label), or flat (for knitwear).
Dry cleaning is sometimes recommended, depending on the finish of the fabric and the garment’s construction (lining, buttons, etc.).
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Linen should be ironed while still damp, with or without steam. This is easy and gives good results. It is best to iron linen on the reverse side after first carrying out a test on the corner of the fabric, because an iron that is too hot may leave a shine on dark colours. Finally, don’t forget that new generation linen knits and washed linen do not need to be ironed.
It is best to use detergents and bleaching products that use oxygen bleach and avoid chlorine-based products (e.g., household bleach) that could cause the linen to yellow if not rinsed immediately.
It is advisable to store linen clothing and sheets in a dry, dark area to preserve the quality of the fabric.
Published with the kind authorization of COFREET, which owns the textile care symbols and the Clevercare sustainability logo (more info at: lavermonlinge.com et clevercare.info
*Source: excerpts from European Flax Storytelling
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