Linen Fabric


Linen fabric is noted as the fabric of luxury. It symbolises comfort and elegance. It is antibacterial and antifungi and does not cause irritation or allergies when worn. It gives protection against UV radiation. The fabric carries tensile strength and is highly durable. It absorbs moisture 20 times of its weight but never gives a wet impression. After each wash, linen fabric gets stronger with better look. Since linen has low elasticity, linen cloths do not deform themselves. Linen fabric is 100% biodegradable and is waste-less.

Linen fabric is being used for more than 10,000 years. It used to be called the fabric of the kings. Egyptians used it extensively. Wrapping mummies in long lengths of linen was very common. The ancient Phoenician's used to make sails from heavy weight linen fabric for their sails. In 15th century, linen fabric was used as canvas for painting.

Linen fabric is obtained from the flax plant. The major producer of linen fabric is Ireland. It manufactures 20% of the European Union linen yarn. The annual production of linen fabric in Ireland is 2,000 tons per annum. Ireland also produces the world's best linen fabric.

Linen is widely blended with wool. The combination of linen and wool is known as linsey-woolsey. In linsey-woolsey fabric, linen is used as warp threads for strength and wool is used as weft threads to give bulk and warmth to the fabric.

Characteristics of Linen FabricĀ 

It is lustrous and flexible.
It is beautiful, smooth and elegant.
It is strong and durable.
It supports painting when wet.
It has a low elasticity.
It has great tensile strength.
It is highly absorbent. It can absorb up to 20 times of its weight.
It dries quickly.
It is thermo-regulating.
It is non-allergenic.
It is antibacterial.
It is resistant to wear and abrasion.
Uses of Linen Fabric
Linen fabric is the first choice for summer wear. It absorbs humidity and allows the skin to breathe. The fabric is suitable for daily use clothing, like shirts, because it becomes softer after each wash. Apart from this, linen fabric is also widely used as home furnishings.

Linen fabric is also used as rugs because of its strength, durability and resistant to wear and abrasion.

Linen fabric is used as canvas for painting since ages. Linen fabric when wet reacts well with the colors.