all about linen


FROM FLAX FIELDS TO FASHION - choose natural over plastic synthetics every time.

Not so long ago, when buying clothes, most people considered four things - appearance, comfort, size and price with little attention given to the fabric used. More recently, there's been a significant shift in attitude with a new condition that clothes must meet - they must be made of natural fibre. The alternative are synthetic fibre fabrics which in reality are 'plastics'. Definitely not recommended to wear against your skin and they're not biodegradable when thrown away. Consider this - it requires numerous chemicals and solvents to create any type of synthetic fabric. Which would you choose?

FACTS, BENEFITS and CARE of PURE LINEN

  • Dating back over 35,000 years, it's one of the world's oldest fabrics.
  • Pure linen is a textile made from the fibers of the flax (linseed) plant. Despite being an ancient fabric, pure linen, remains forever young with it's popularity growing each year. The secret lies in the unique and exceptional qualities of the pure linen fabric, making it the most superior of all textiles.
  • 100% natural, biodegradable and recyclable. As a crop, the flax plant has a very low impact on the land and requires low amounts of water.
  • Capable of absorbing and yielding moisture. Can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture while still feeling dry to the touch. As it dries it feels cool and refreshing on your skin, making it perfect to wear in hot, dry and humid weather. When it's cold weather, the pure linen fabric saves natural body heat.
  • Very durable and strong - one of the few fabrics which is stronger wet than dry, which is due to the long cellulose strands of the flax plant from which it is woven.
  • Pure linen fabric has rare bacteriological properties. It's a natural antiseptic, and kills bacteria, so neither bacteria nor fungus can live on it. It also reduces inflammation. Qualities discovered a long time ago when it was found that wounds under pure linen dressing healed faster than those under cotton.
  • Naturally insect-repellent.
  • Non-allergenic. Wearing linen clothes helps eliminate some skin diseases - from common rash to chronic eczema. 
  • Excellent filter to protect against chemical exposure and dust.
  • Non-static.
 WASHING
  • Becomes softer and smoother with each wash.
  • It's recommended washing your garment before use - keeping in mind that 100% pure linen has approx. 3-5% shrinkage. Similar to your pair of cotton jeans, which have slight shrinkage when washed, however will relax back into your size with wear and your body heat.
  • Separate colours from whites.
  • Gentle machine / hand wash in cold / warm water.
  • Use plenty of water as pure linen is highly absorbent.
  • Turn garments inside out to wash. We use a laundry bag.
  • Use a gentle liquid soap - not powders which contain bleaching agents and will draw out colour.
  • Remove stains immediately.  Do not bleach.
  • Avoid wringing out linen before drying – unless it's one of our purpose designed crushed styles.
  • Dry till damp in shade for colours and full sun for whites.
IRONING
  • Not difficult while item is damp.
  • Option before ironing: Place item in plastic bag in fridge for at least one hour. This causes moisture in the fibre allowing you to achieve a beautiful crisp ironed result if that’s what you desire.
  • Use a clean well-padded ironing board.
  • Turn colours inside out so you are ironing on the wrong side.
  • Whites ironed directly on the right side.
  • Pure linen can take warm - highest iron temperature. If in doubt, test on a corner you can’t see or a scrap first. Careful not to scorch labels.
  • Iron till smooth but not dry. With wrinkles gone, hang garment until it is bone dry.
NO IRONING - TWIST, CRUSH and CRUMPLE IT
  • You'll receive your garments folded after being steam ironed to ensure it's flat and crisp. Ironing is required during our production process, however we don’t feel pure linen always requires ironing once it goes out to our customers, in fact, we discourage it. Linen is renowned for its beautiful creasing and looks best when left to do what it does naturally. See some alternatives to ironing below.
  • Twisting will result in the garment looking more luminous as the light has more surfaces to reflect off. Twist garment into a tight bundle while still damp. For an exaggerated effect, fasten twisted bundle with elastic bands and leave overnight to dry. Hang without shaking the next day, and dry in the shade. When fully dried, give it a shake before wearing.
  • Crush it into a bundle while damp, weighing it down overnight. The result is abstract shapes.
  • Crumpling is achieved naturally when an item is hung to partially dry after washing. The crumpling becomes more pronounced when worn. It's a look for which pure linen is so renowned and is one of those great classic fashion looks.

Care for your pure linen garment, and it will have a long life in your wardrobe.

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