Linen
Linen
Flax is an excellent choice for hot weather. It provides comfort, doesn't retain moisture, doesn't cause allergies, doesn't electrify and has good air permeability. Lovers of bright outfits should pay attention to clothes made of dyed linen, as its main advantage is colour fastness to the sun.
Among the main disadvantages of linen is its low elasticity and tendency to crease. If you don't want your outfit to crease soon after you put it on, be careful when you sit down.
History of linen
Flax is an ancient type of cloth that was invented by humans. The history of linen extends back many centuries, and so far it has not been possible to pinpoint its original origin. In different eras, different cultures have given special importance to clothing made of linen. In ancient Greece only priests had the right to wear such clothing, and in Egypt it was a status symbol and sometimes even used as currency. Linen products have been found in the pharaohs of Egypt. In Greece flax was as valuable as gold. In Rome, flax cultivation was developed. Spain, Italy, Belgium, France, Holland, England and Germany also produced flax products. In Russia, flax was used to create fabric and exported to Europe. Up to the 19th century, flax was processed in cones. In the 19th century, double lint and chemical processing methods were used. In 1902 a patent was granted for cooking flax straw in autoclaves. The linting of flax was eliminated by the 1960s. The cracking process was also automated at the end of the 19th century.
Properties of linen fabrics
It is globally recognised that clothing made from eco-friendly linen is good for human health. Research has shown that linen fabrics are highly hygienic, durable and comfortable, helping to improve blood circulation, stimulate the body and reduce fatigue. Medical experts believe that wearing linen clothes strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of catching colds. Despite the fact that the history of linen leaves some questions unanswered, clothing made of natural fibres has become particularly popular and fashionable among our generation.
Due to its natural and eco-friendly nature, linen has a number of unique consumer characteristics. For example, it has high thermal conductivity, excellent breathability and hygroscopicity.
However, it should be noted that linen fabric has some disadvantages. In particular, it is prone to crumpling due to its low elasticity. This limitation makes linen fabrics particularly suitable for the summer season, when coolness and comfort are a priority.
The appeal of linen also lies in its ability to combine well with other types of fibres, which makes it possible to create a variety of fabric properties and qualities. One important aspect of the uniqueness of linen fabrics is their smoothness, moderate stiffness, as well as their ability to absorb dripping moisture and minimal electrification.
Research also points to the healing properties of linen fabrics. Flax has a strong energy that helps create a sense of calm and focus in a person. Psychotherapists claim that flax fibres help prevent depression, neurosis and other mental disorders, especially in the constantly stressful environment in which we now live.
As such, linen, as one of the oldest fabrics, continues to be relevant and sought after today due to its unique properties and potential for creating comfortable and eco-friendly clothing.