Linen
What is linen?
Linen has been worn for thousands of years. It creates a unique, classy look, perfect for both casual day to day and for afternoon tea parties. But it not only looks great. Made from plants, linen is a natural fabric with sustainable qualities that are friendly to our planet. And being strong and durable means linen is long lasting, and while the prices may be higher, long term it should pay off while linen garments retain their charm for years.
Choosing linen is not just about buying clothes - it's about helping you embrace a sustainable lifestyle and building a wardrobe that tells a story of quality, care, and timeless elegant style.
Why choose linen?
+ Lightweight & temperature regulating -
Linen is a perfect choice in all seasons.
It is loose and breathable, ideal for warmer climates. It also protects against UV.
In cooler weather, linen has insulating effects to keep the warm in. It can also be layered and combined with other garments without leaving you feeling heavy.
+ Natural material -
The plant-based nature of linen brings some great properties.
Linen is hypoallergenic, meaning it is unlikely to cause issues for people with allergies. The natural, breathable textures of linen resists dust, moisture and mould. It is gentle on the skin.
It is also antimicrobial and antibacterial, meaning it resists bacteria, fungal diseases and aids in skin healing. Linen does not give off fluff so it is a good choice for people with asthma.
+ Sustainable option -
As well as being great for you, the natural basis of linen is also great for the planet.
Linen does not contain plastic fibres. It is biodegradable, recyclable and made from natural, renewable resources. Linen crops require fewer pesticides and other chemicals than cotton and other materials. They also require less irrigation and energy to cultivate. The crops are also great at carbon capture, storing a large amount of CO2 from the atmosphere.
Caring for linen is also a humble, eco-friendly process. Linen only requires cold water for washing and to be hung to air dry. It doesn’t need chemicals or bleach.
+ Lovely look -
The natural textures of linen are unique and give character to any outfit.
The firm textures of linen give outfits a defined shape. Dresses and skirts drape and flow elegantly, a big inspiration for the Lunaria Linen collection. It’s no surprise that linen has been a popular choice in European countries and Japan for decades.
While linen may be more prone to wrinkling and creasing than other fabrics, particularly compared to modern plastic and elastic materials, the natural textures and folds in linen become a part of its charm. Linen is an affordable luxury bringing elegance to your everyday.
+ Long lasting -
The best part is linen garments are a timeless investment. With proper care, they age gracefully, becoming softer and more comfortable over time while maintaining their strength and elegance. The woven fibres are highly durable and can last more than 30 years, often becoming heirlooms passed down through generations. Linen garments will certainly outlast many high street brands. Its natural fibres are resistant to wear and tear, holding their shape and charm.
+ Easy to care & wear -
Linen is versatile not only across the seasons, but in various social occasions. It can be styled to meet any aesthetic, formal or casual, simple or glamorous.
Wash on a cold spin and hang to air dry. No need to tumble dry or send to the dry cleaners.
Linen won’t wrinkle much if kept hanging up in a wardrobe, but if you want to iron it, it’s very easy with a standard steaming iron.
Always check the care label! Washing linen in very hot water can cause shrinking.
My personal experience -
"Since I personally made a switch to linen, I immediately experienced the benefits. For instance, while others were feeling the heat during the Taiwan summer, I remained comfortable in my light and breathable linen dress. It kept me cool and fresh throughout the day.
"There’s a certain joy I feel every time I slip into a linen dress and button it up. It brings me a sense of confidence and elegance, even in the simplest moments, like walking down the street. Friends have even told me I resemble a character from a Ghibli film or Alice in Wonderland.
"I also feel a sense of reassurance knowing the origins of my clothing and that the material is natural and sustainable. This is important to me, and I take comfort and joy in wearing something that aligns with my values" - Hazie, Lunaria Linen team
How to care for linen clothing
These tips can help your linen garment last over ten years -
DOs
- Always wash in cold water (maximum 30-40°c)
- Always air dry linen clothing by hanging it up to dry naturally. It also reduces the wrinkles
- Iron when damp, or spray with mist. Ironing will be effective at 200°C to 230°C
- Pressing rather than dragging the iron is better for the fabric
- Store linen clothing by hanging or loosely folding to allow airflow
- Wash and iron garments inside out
- Use a gentle, natural detergent for cleaning
DON'Ts
- Don't tumble dry. The heat and tumbling can shrink or damage linen fabric
- Don't twist, wring or try to stretch linen, it can damage the fabric
- Don't apply or wash with strong chemicals, especially bleach
- Don't wash your linen clothing with pigmented clothing that may transfer
How is linen made?
Crafting linen fabric is a delicate and demanding production process
Linen is woven from the natural fibres of the flax plant through a multi-step process. Each stage requires precise timing and specialised skills, making the process both labour-intensive and intricate. The work and time required to produce the fabric is what contributes to linen's luxury quality and value.
- Harvesting: Flax plants are carefully harvested to collect the stalks
- Retting: The stalks are soaked in water to loosen the fibres from the woody parts
- Breaking and Scutching: The retted stalks are crushed to separate the soft fibres from the hard parts. The fibres are then cleaned to remove impurities
- Spinning: The cleaned fibres are spun into yarn, aligning them for strength and smoothness
- Weaving: The yarn is woven into fabric on a loom, creating the distinctive linen texture
- Finishing: The woven fabric undergoes treatments like bleaching or dyeing to enhance its look and feel
- Crafting begins: The linen is made into beautiful garments and household items that can be treasured for many years to come
