Where Does Linen Come From: The Origin Story
Linen is one of the oldest textiles in human history and its origins honestly get us to geek out a bit. So, it all starts with the flax plant, also called linum usitatissimum, a slender, blue-flowering crop. The fibres found in the stalks of the flax plant are harvested, processed, and spun into linen yarn which is a very labour-intensive process, but also one of the reasons why linen has kept its reputation of a high-quality fabric for thousands of years. Yes, you read correctly: thousands.
The earliest evidence of linen use dates back to ancient Egypt, where the fabric was considered a symbol of purity, light, and wealth. Pharaohs were buried in linen wrappings; priests wore it as a mark of sanctity; and ordinary Egyptians relied on it to survive the scorching heat. Even then, people knew: when it's hot, you reach for linen. And that association has survived millenias.
A Brief History of Linen Through the Ages
Besides Egypt, linen was also very prominent amongst common citizens and elite alike in Ancient Greece and also in Rome, where soldiers famously wore linen armour - even in battle - because of its light weight and breathable nature.
In Medieval times, linen was the backbone of European textile trade with Flanders (now Belgium) and Ireland making a reputation for themselves as the world's finest linen producers. That title has stayed with them ever since - even if the production has evolved drastically.
In 1787, two Englishmen developed and patented the first practical flax-spinning machine, opening the door to mechanised linen spinning. Over the course of the 18th and 19th century, this process was fine-tuned by a number of inventors, namely James Kay of Preston, Lancashire, who invented a hot-water wet-spinning machine in 1825 that would go on to become widely successful. At the same time, Ireland's Belfast became the linen capital of the world, even earning it the nickname "Linenopolis."
As it usually goes in fashion, linen took a seat on the side in the 20th century when cotton and synthetic fibres rose to fame, but unlike others, it never really fell out of grace or disappeared. During the warmer months, and especially in high-end fashion circles, linen remained an unbeaten hero, even to this day.
In current times, it's getting more and more recognition again for its natural origins, breathability, and effortless aesthetic, both on the runway, shop floors and summer wardrobes alike.
Why Linen Is a Summer Fashion Favourite
So what is it about linen that keeps us coming back, year after year? Well, one of the reasons is its breathability. Linen is highly absorbent and allows air to circulate freely, making it one of the most comfortable fabrics to wear in heat.
At the same time, it's a natural and rather sustainable fibre which, in the current social landscape, is a big endorsement. Flax requires significantly less water and pesticides than other natural fabrics, such as cotton, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.
Besides those technical reasons, there are also some visual aspects to consider. While other fabrics might deteriorate or loose their form and shine over time, linen actually improves with each wash and wear, and becomes even more comfortable.
Due to the fabric's nature, it's also incredibly versatile, allowing designers to use it for a plethora of different creations - be it more relaxed and casual, or elevated and rather structured.
The Case Against Linen (And What to Do About It)
Alas, no fabric or human is perfect. And linen is no exception. The two critiques you'll hear most often? "It creases too quickly" and "it's too rough against my skin". Honestly, both are valid points.
Linen's natural fibres are prone to wrinkling, and if you so much as sit down in a pure linen piece, evidence will follow. For some, this is part of the charm - the relaxed, lived-in look is very much part of linen's aesthetic, but for others, it's - understandably - an absolute dealbreaker.
Also, pure linen, especially when new, can have a stiff, rather scratchy texture that isn't for everyone. It softens over time, but that takes patience.
And if you have none of that, but still want the benefits? A common compromise are items that are crafted from linen blends, meaning fabrics that are combining linen with other fibres such as rayon, cotton or viscose. The result is a fabric that carries all the visual and breathable qualities of linen, while being noticeably softer to the touch straight away and far more resistant to creasing. Basically, you get the aesthetic without the compromise.
And that was also one of our intentions when introducing our Linen Edit. It brings together a thoughtful mix of pure linen and also linen-blend pieces - so no matter what team you're on, there's something for every preference.
The Bottom Line
Linen has earned its status as a fashion staple, not through trends or hype, but through thousands of years of proving itself. It's breathable, beautiful, versatile, and steeped in history. And with the right pieces (and the right blends), even its weaknesses become very manageable.
If you're ready to explore linen for yourself, start with our Linen Edit - curated with all of the above in mind.
