Materials
Linen: properties, feel and care
Linen is one of the oldest textile fibres of all. It feels cool, is very hard-wearing and takes on a soft, relaxed character over time. Here you can read what makes linen special, how it behaves in blends and how to care for it so it stays beautiful for a long time.
At a glance
- Linen is made from the stems of the flax plant and is a pure plant fibre.
- The fabric absorbs moisture quickly, releases it quickly and therefore feels cool on hot days.
- Linen creases easily. That's part of the material and is easy to manage with the right care.
From flax to fabric
Linen comes from the stems of the flax plant. After harvesting, the stems are retted, meaning they are exposed to dew and moisture for a while so that the fibres separate from the woody core. They are then broken, hackled and spun into yarn. Flax fibres are long and very tear-resistant, which makes linen one of the most durable plant-based fabrics.
Incidentally, linseed and linseed oil come from the same plant.
How linen feels to wear
- Cool and airy: linen absorbs moisture quickly and releases it again quickly. That's why it feels fresh on the skin, ideal for summer and holidays.
- Hard-wearing: the long fibres are very strong. Well looked after, linen clothing lasts many summers.
- Textured: linen has a slightly irregular surface with fine slubs in the yarn. This gives the fabric its typical, natural look.
- Gets softer: new linen can feel a little stiff. It becomes more supple with every wash.
- Creases: the fibre has little elasticity, so creases form quickly. Many people love exactly this relaxed look.
Pure linen or linen blend?
Pure linen is especially cool, but also creases the most. Blended with cotton, the fabric becomes softer, drapes a little more calmly and creases less. It still keeps its cool handle and typical texture.
At ORGANICATION, we mainly use linen in blends like these. The exact composition is on every product page, for example:
- The dress in organic cotton and linen in 70 % organic cotton and 30 % linen, sleeveless with a V-neck
- The trousers in organic cotton and linen in 70 % organic cotton and 30 % linen, with a straight cut
- The T-shirt in organic cotton and linen in 70 % organic cotton and 30 % linen, a jersey with a subtle linen texture
| Linen | Cotton | TENCEL™ Lyocell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handle | crisp, textured | soft | smooth, silky |
| Feel | cool, airy | comfortable, versatile | cool, fluid |
| Creasing | a lot | moderate | little |
| Ideal for | summer dresses, trousers, shirts | everyday basics | tops, skirts, blouses |
How to wash, dry and iron linen properly
- Washing: follow the care label. 30 to 40 °C is usually enough. Higher temperatures can make the fabric shrink.
- Mild detergent: use a delicates detergent without bleach. Dark and coloured pieces are best washed inside out.
- Don't overload: linen creases less in a half-full drum. Spin at a low speed.
- Dry in the air: give the piece a good shake after washing, pull it into shape and hang it on a hanger. The tumble dryer is hard on the fibres.
- Iron while slightly damp: if you like it smoother, iron linen while it's still slightly damp at a medium temperature. For blends, follow the label.
You'll find more tips in our care instructions and in the article How to care for your clothes properly. We introduce other fibres in Natural fibres at a glance.
FAQ
Does linen shrink in the wash?
Linen can shrink a little if washed too hot or tumble dried. At 30 to 40 °C and air drying, this usually doesn't happen.
How do I get creases out without an iron?
Hang the piece up damp straight after washing and smooth it out with your hands. Steam, for example in the bathroom after a shower, also smooths out light creases.
Is linen only for summer?
Linen shows its strengths best in summer. In spring and autumn, you can combine linen shirts or dresses with knitwear or a jacket.
