Linen
Fibre from the flax plant stem, much of it grown in a coastal belt across France, Belgium and the Netherlands. It's cool, strong and gets softer with every wash.
How it’s made
- 1Flax is pulled (not cut) and left in fields to ret: dew and microbes loosen the fibres from the stem.
- 2Scutched and hackled (combed) to separate long line fibres from short tow.
- 3Wet- or dry-spun and woven or knitted.
What to look for
- European flax (e.g. the European Flax® mark)
- Pre-washed or garment-washed linen for softness
Pros
- Very breathable
- Strong
- Low-input crop in suitable climates
Cons
- Creases easily
- Can feel stiff at first
Typical use
- Streetwear:
- Summer shirts, trousers.
Sustainability
European flax is mostly rain-fed with low pesticide use, which makes it one of the lower-impact fibres.