Linen originated in Egypt. It was made famous by the clothing of pharaohs and the rissu bandages used to cover mummies. Today, it is still produced in Egypt, but also throughout the world: in China, Eastern Europe (Russia, Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine), and Western Europe (France, Belgium, the Netherlands).
LINEN.
FLAX AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Flax cultivation is relatively quick; it is said to take a total of 100 days. During the various stages of transformation from plant to fabric, flax is environmentally friendly. Its rapid growth and highly insect- and microorganism-resistant bark make it a very durable and ideal material to grow. Chemicals, such as pesticides and other fungicides, are less necessary than with other organic materials.
Flax cultivation requires very little fertilizer. Flax utilizes all the soil's natural resources and does not require irrigation. Furthermore, after harvesting, the soil is clean and free of debris.
During all industrial operations (scutching, combing, spinning, weaving), the activity is mechanical and non-polluting. It is only during dyeing or special treatments (to make fabrics softer or less wrinkle-prone) that precautions are necessary.
Particular attention is paid to used water which is treated before discharge.
In linen, nothing is thrown away, nothing is lost, everything is useful or recycled.
In flax, the entire plant is used, producing no waste. Furthermore, the plant's constituents are biodegradable, as are the products made from it.
FLAX, A PLAYER IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Although the yields of organic flax are more uncertain than those of conventional cultivation, it is highly sought after. It also requires more work, with a higher risk factor...
To cope, organic flax prices are 20 to 40% higher than conventional flax. This difference helps ensure a constant level of production and the sustainability of the organic flax industry.
The pluses:
Linen is strong. The fiber is even stronger wet than dry. It is sometimes woven wet. Linen feels extremely refreshing to the touch.
The disadvantages:
Linen wrinkles… and more quickly than cotton. However, once knitted, linen no longer wrinkles. That's why we love linen sweaters. Linen clothes can lose their charm if washed with the wrong products.
You should be very careful when washing your linen standards with chemicals and detergents.
Linen clothing is restricted to a small range of colors, thus offering little variety.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY LINEN CLOTHES?
Highly durable, linen lasts a long time without losing its shape or fluffing. It is the only fabric that becomes more beautiful and supple with each wash.
Linen loves a cold bath
Before washing it for the first time, and even before wearing it, soak your garment in a basin of cold water and 25cl of white vinegar overnight.
Cold water will soften the garment and make it stain-resistant. White vinegar, meanwhile, will help the colors set into the fibers. Your clothes will last longer.
Linen prefers medium temperatures and minimal spin.
Never exceed 50°C when washing linen (40°C for colored clothing). Avoid chlorine-based detergents, which tend to yellow and damage the fiber. Used occasionally when washing linen, white vinegar will act as a softening cleaner that will revive white linen!
Linen is a quick-drying material and prefers to air dry, as this creases it less.
SOME TIPS FOR IRONING LINEN PROPERLY
- Use a hot iron (200°)
- Never iron dry: your garment must be slightly damp
- Turn your laundry inside out to avoid creases
- Use starch to help with wrinkle removal
A stain on your linen? Don't panic
Rest assured, a stain is never irreversible, even when it lands on a linen garment. The most important thing is not to let it set in and to take care of it before washing. Here are some tips:
- Red wine: rub with sparkling water or white wine
- Fat: lather with dishwashing liquid and let it sit overnight
- Blood: a little patience, a thorough rinse with cold water... and you're done
- Grass: if your laundry is white, rub with a cloth soaked in lemon juice
