Linen Fabric | History and Uses Across Different Sectors
- Nil Tekstil
- Aug 28
- 5 min read
Linen fabric holds an important place in our everyday lives, both in clothing and home textiles. We'll explore the story of linen fabric, with a wide range of uses throughout history thanks to its many benefits. We'll dive deep into how linen is produced and why it's used in many textiles.
The Story of Linen
Clothing and textiles have been among the basic needs of humankind throughout civilizations. Since prehistoric times, people have discovered and continue to explore various ways to produce clothing.
Fabric production by utilizing various fibers begins in ancient times with the development of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Weaving is thought to have started around Mesopotamia and Egypt. Studies on the use of linen in Egypt suggest that climatic conditions have been quite suitable for growing linen.
The Neolithic period is accepted as the period when weaving started in Ancient Egypt. Linen since then has been widely used in clothing production in the region. Scientists had discovered wall paintings about the cultivation of linen and fiber making, tools and looms used for weaving in numerous excavation zones across Ancient Egyptian cemeteries.
In Ancient Egypt, linen was not only used in everyday clothes. People wore linen clothes instead of clothes made of animal wool when entering temples, and they were buried in linen clothes when they died.
There are traces that linen was associated with nobility. It was also preferred in the clothing of pharaohs and nobles.
Especially the linen fabrics used in the mummification process are woven in a level of precision and fineness that demands skills.
We know that civilizations throughout history have used linen as an important weaving material. Due to its fineness and elegant appearance, linen fabric also found place in many myths.
Linen has been used in home decoration during the Roman period. In the Middle Ages, linen was thought to have a skin-healing property especially around France. It's spread across Europe from that point on.
Despite its widespread use by people from different cultures and times, linen is a product that is relatively difficult to produce. Let's dive in the processes that linen plant goes through—from fiber to fabric.
Fiber Linens | How is Linen Fabric Produced?
Linen is a plant divided into two types—fiber and oil linens.
Oil linen is found in the seed of the linen plant. Fiber linens are found in its stem. The stems of the plant are a natural fiber. Its structure consists of 80% cellulose and 10% water.
Fiber linens grow in cool, moist and fertilized soils.
Linen fiber goes through several stages to turn into yarn.
While oil linens are harvested after they are fully ripe, fiber linens are harvested before they are fully ripe.
This way, the stems of the plant are processed more easily. After the seeds and stems are separated, the stem of the plant is crushed and the fibers inside the stems are extracted.
Bundles are formed from the fibers and soaked in pools. Afterwards, these bundles are dried, combed and straightened, and then made into skeins. At last, linen fiber becomes yarn.
The quality of linen fabric varies depending on the length of fibers, harvesting techniques and environmental conditions in which the plant grows. Using the longest possible fiber also increases the quality.
Different weaving methods allow linen fabric to be suitable for use in bunch of different areas.
There are two types of linen weaves, pure and cotton blend.
Linen by Weaving Types
Pure Linen
Pure linen refers to fabrics that have the least processed or unprocessed linen fibers. Pure linen production does minimal damage to the environment.
Since pure linen largely preserves its natural texture through its transformation into textile, it keeps the breathable quality.
However, weaving pure linen is not easy. That's why its use by fashion brands and in home textiles have been on a decrease in the fast paced environment of today.
Cotton Blend
A mixture of cotton an linen fibers, cotton-linen blends are a good choice for to high-heat and high-humidity environments. They are also durable, which makes them suitable for summer clothing.
Uses of Linen Across Sectors
From daily wear to high fashion and home textiles to industrial production, linen has a big place across our lives. It has a wide range of uses because it's a durable and breathable fabric. But its benefits are not limited to that:
It is a durable fabric. Since linen has a fibrous structure, it is very strong, can be used for very long periods of time, and its form does not deteriorate.
It has a breathable structure. Thanks to its air permeability, it offers comfortable use, especially in hot weather.
It is a quick-drying fabric. Even though it absorbs moisture, it dries quickly. It's a good choice for luxury home textiles, which has to combine usability and a high aesthetic value.
It has a natural and elegant feeling, which fits hospitality businesses and fashion brands.
Alongside these qualities, linen fabric also comes with some disadvantages. Yes, it's breathable and thin, but this also means it wrinkles easily. And the color options are limited compared to other fabrics.
Plus, it's quite difficult to process and production is costly.
Despite these disadvantages, linen fabric provides a high-quality standard in many areas.
Linen shirts, trousers, dresses, and other linen cloths are popular in the summer months. They have cooling and quick drying features, offer comfortable use and an elegant appearance.
Linen's durability and natural appearance make it a common choice in home textiles. Especially in categories like curtains and tablecloths. Its breathable structure also allows it to be used in bedspreads and pillowcases.
Thanks to their non-stretchable structure, linen yarns can also be used in industrial products such as ship ropes and carpets.
Cutting and weaving linen products requires skill. Before the textile manufacturing was industrialized, linen fabrics were cut by tearing on looms. Today, machines have taken over the cutting process, which previously required serious skill.
As with many products, quality standards are very important in the linen textiles' production. Fabrics that meet quality standards are more long-lasting. It's also possible to extend its lifespan with proper care.
So how to care for linen fabrics?
Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Linens
Linen is a fabric that we widely use in home textiles and the fashion industry. With the right care and cleaning methods, we can use this already long-lasting fabric for a longer time without deteriorating its quality.
Linen fabric is only suitable for cold water washing. The use of hot water can cause its structure to deteriorate and harden. When washing in a washing machine, delicate programs with low heat settings are the best options.
To preserve its fibrous structure go with non-abrasive, delicate liquid detergents. Refrain from bleach use.
To keep the colors alive, protect linen fabrics from direct sunlight. W hen not in use, store them in a well-ventilated, dry and cool place.
Linen products last for years when you care for it in the right way. And they preserve the quality and comfort they offer.
Parting Words
Linen textiles have various uses across sectors due to their durability and breathable structures. While they have higher production costs, they offer a long-lasting use with proper care.
Nil Tekstil has been producing the highest quality linen fabrics at competitive prices since 1953. Our first-class linen fabrics, produced with French linen yarns, continue to be the choice of hotels and restaurants, and reputable clothing brands.
References
(2009, 16 Şubat), Ketenin Öyküsü, T24
Yıldız, D. (2022). DOKUMANIN TARİHSEL SÜREÇTE BAŞLANGICI VE GELİŞİMİNE GENEL BİR BAKIŞ. Hars Akademi Uluslararası Hakemli Kültür Sanat Mimarlık Dergisi, 5(1), 256-293.
Kutlu, N. KOSTÜM TARİHİ, Atatürk Üniversitesi, Açıköğretim Fakültesi
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