Linen Clothing-Pros and Cons
There are good reasons for linen's growing popularity.
- The fabric is moth-proof, hypoallergenic and antibacterial, and its water absorption has made it a popular fabric. As a breathable, hygroscopic and perspiration-wicking material, it is ideal for cool summer clothing, while its efficient insulation makes it suitable for winter wear as well.
- And, of course, it's a natural fiber, which is good news for eco-conscious and vegan consumers. Flax is a very sustainable product. Flax plants do not require much water, pesticides or fertilizer to grow. Most plants can be used, the outer fiber of the stem is used to make bedding, clothing and related accessories, while the seed is used to make linseed oil. Another big win is that flax is biodegradable at the end of the garment's life cycle if it is left untreated (i.e. dyed).
Like every fabric, it has its drawbacks.
- Since linen doesn't have much elasticity, the fabric creases easily, and it keeps creasing the more you wear it. This is actually the identifying feature of fabrics that have become fashion statements. Try to embrace the wrinkles of linen.
- Cost is another factor to consider: linen is laborious to make, making it one of the more expensive fabrics on the market. Because taking shortcuts can be very expensive, which affects people and the planet. These shortcuts can lead to destructive processes (such as chemical leaching) and longer and more demanding working hours for workers. This is not to say that you should reconsider buying linen. After all, it is one of the greener textile options.
