As summer starts to make its approach, many of us are on the hunt for cool clothes – and not only in the stylish sense of the word. The warm weather is much more enjoyable when you’re wearing garments made from material that helps to keep the body at the right temperature, and since ancient times, that material has been linen. Let’s take a look at why so many people love this miracle fabric.
If it was good enough for the queens of Ancient Egypt …
Linen is one of the oldest fabrics in the world, with evidence of it being made in Europe as long as 36,000 years ago.
It was a valuable textile in Ancient Egypt due to its rapid drying properties in the hot climate and was worn by the living as well as being used for burial shrouds and wrappings for mummies. In Ancient Rome, linen handkerchiefs were a sign of wealth, as linen was a luxury item because of the time, effort and skill required for its manufacture. It remained so for centuries, with some convicts who were transported to Australia in the 1800s being guilty only of stealing a single linen handkerchief. Today it is much more affordable, but its associations with class and quality remain.
Linen helps you keep cool
A natural fibre, linen is derived from the flax plant, one of the oldest cultivated plants in the history of humankind. The fibres of linen have a hollow structure, which make the fabric highly water absorbent and breathable.
As it dries quickly and has moisture-wicking properties, it releases heat rather than trapping it, keeping the body cool and dry. This means that sweat evaporates rather than collecting on the fabric, so there’s less need to worry about body odour.
In warm weather, a loose linen top or tunic over linen pants is an outfit that works for any age, and as linen is easy to care for, it’s a great choice for taking away on summer holidays.
Linen makes environmental sense
Linen scores highly when it comes to sustainability, as it is made from plant fibre and therefore can biodegrade once a garment is no longer in use. The flax plant needs significantly less water to grow than cotton and is also less demanding in terms of fertiliser and pesticides.
Chemicals may be used in breaking down the flax fibres and also in the bleaching or dyeing process of conventional linen, however, so where possible choose certified organic linen – it will likely be more expensive but you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that what you are wearing is safe for your skin and for the planet.
Linen’s wrinkles are part of its charm
While once seen as a disadvantage, linen’s tendency to crease practically as soon as it’s worn is now more likely to be accepted as part of its appeal.
Colin Firth may have looked somewhat dishevelled when he emerged from the water in that famous scene from 1995’s TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, but the wrinkled Irish linen shirt he was wearing ended up fetching £25,000 (A$48,600) when it was sold at auction this year. Those inevitable creases lend linen a look of authenticity and quality that is highly desirable, so there’s no need to be chained to the ironing board anymore just because you want to wear linen.
Linen lasts and lasts
Linen is also one of the few fabrics that actually improves over time – while it may be quite rigid as a new garment, washing and wearing it will soften the material and enhance the subtle lustre of the fibres. As it is a strong, durable fabric, good quality linen lasts for years and even decades when properly cared for, meaning that garments tailored from this material – such as a linen shirt or duster coat in a classic style – can be considered investment pieces, or at the very least, much-loved wardrobe essentials.
Wrinkles and age adding value to an item – now that’s a concept we can all embrace.
Do you wear linen? What’s your favourite feature of this fabulous natural fabric? Why not share your experience in the comments section below?
Also read: How to buy the right jeans
