LINEN
Everything you need to know about linen
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LINEN
Linen is one of the most favoured textile fibres worldwide. Not only in ‘our’ time, its popularity stretches across centuries – the earliest dated linen fibres go back a respectable 32,000 years. The popularity of linen transcends cultural and geographical boundaries: this much-favoured textile fibre pleases the pharaohs of ancient Egypt as much as medieval farm workers across Europe – and of course our own generation, continuously opting for linen in the abundance of choice. As far as we’re concerned, linen is the definition of timelessness, both in style and sustainability.
In addition, linen is a true summer favorite. It keeps you cool on warmer days while radiating timeless luxury, whether at the office or celebrating summer abroad.
WHAT MAKES LINEN SPECIAL?
Linen is a sustainable force of nature, highly equipped for the warmer months. Proudly listed below, linen’s unique benefits.
Linen is…
✓ Cooling
✓ Ventilating
✓ Hypoallergenetic, antibacterial
✓ Washable at low temperatures, quick drying
✓ Wear resistant, durable
✓ Eco friendly cultivation, modest ecological footprint
✓ Fully recyclable & biodegradable
Slight minor: linen is prone to creasing. On the bright side, creasing complements linen’s signature slub texture and adds to the natural appeal which true linen lovers appreciate most.
WHAT IS LINEN?
Linen fibres are harvested from the dried stems of the flax plant. This grass-like plant grows in temperate climate zones, alternating sunshine and rain. Northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland produce the best quality, France and China produce the largest quantity. After a growth cycle of 100 days, the plants are pulled from the soil, roots included, and laid out in the field for a number of weeks, exposed to rain, dew and sunshine. During this sustainable process, the course texture becomes softer and natural nutrients flow back into the soil. The finest and longest fibres are combed, cleaned and spun into threads – ready for further processing into yarns for the manufactury of fabrics and knitwear.
LINEN – SUSTAINABILITY IN LAYERED DEGREES
Flax thrives on poor soil, it grows fast with a minimum of pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. GOTS certificated linen is cultivated fully organical. As natural rainwater is sufficient during growth, no extra irrigation is needed.
Good taste, zero waste – every single component of the flax plant serves a purpose. Seeds are processed into soap and oil, stems into building materials, the coarsest of fibres into rope.
Unprocessed linen is 100% bio-degradable. In the open soil it’s fully composted after 6 months. Post-processing such as dyeing and impregnating interfere with the decomposition process, yet merely by slowing it down.
Good to know: at Josephine & Co, most linen pieces are garment-dyed. Initially crafted from raw fabric, our ready-made linen (mix) items are garment-dyed afterwards. For us as a fashion brand, this is a very effective way to prevent deadstock (leftover) fabrics and scraps. Our European production locations keep transport related emissions low.
BLENDS WITH LINEN
Regardless the excellent characteristics of 100% linen, linen blends are equally sought-after in fashion. In order to further optimize certain benefits, to alter the overall look & feel, to make lightweight fabrics stronger or to keep chunky knits light in weight. Overview of frequently used blends:
- Blend with cotton – the benefits of both fibres bring out the best in each other. Added cotton makes linen less crease sensitive and washable at higher temperatures. Also, the final price tag becomes more affordable.
- Blend with viscose – refines the texture, reduces crease sensibility.
- Blend with tencel/lyocell/modal – refines the texture, reduces crease sensibility, softer handfeel, fluid drape.
- Blend with silk – adding sheen, drape and a luxurious appeal.
- Blend with elasthane – adding stretch, optimising level of comfort.
LINEN – EVERYBODY’S SUMMER SWEETHEART
Linen fibres are spun into yarn, yarn is woven into fabric or knitted into garments. Each type of fabric and each type of knit brings its own character. Fine or coarse, smooth or textured, matte or shiny, plain or striped, dotted, brushed... it's all about the right look, as fashion and style are constantly in motion. This is why a growing number of items in the Josephine & Co webshop come with a click & learn link that takes you directly to a text explaining the ins & outs of fabrics and knits. We love to see you confidently and well-informed enjoying your ultimate fashion find or timeless new forever piece by Josephine & Co.
JOSEPHINE & CO ♥ LINEN