It can absorb up to 20% of its own weight in moisture while still feeling dry to the touch; the nodes along the length of the fiber absorb perspiration, then swell and release the moisture to the outside air, thus creating a fabric self cooled by evaporation which is why linen cloth always feels fresh and cool.
Linen is renowned for its spectacular durability and long life. The tensile strength of linen thread is twice as high as that of cotton and three times that of wool. Flax yarns and fabrics increase about 20% in strength n wetting which means linen is stronger when being washed helping it last longer than other textiles while linen textiles become softer and actually improve in comfort over time.
Even though the very best fibers are used by the linen industry, no part of the flax plant is wasted; the left over linseeds, oil, straw and fiber are used in everything from lino and soap to cattle feed and paper. Also, the linen fabrics are biodegradable and recyclable.
The production of linen fabric uses five twenty times less water and energy than the production of cotton or other synthetic fabrics.
Egyptian Pharaohs preserved to the present day are wrapped in the finest linen shrouds, found in Pyramids dating back to more than 5.000 B.C. Moreover, Egyptian priests wore linen, which symbolised purity and truth.
Linen is virtually lint free, no-static, non-allergenic, naturally insect-repellent and gives UV protection.
