When and why was Linen First Used in Clothing?

A fabric that has been used since the dawn of civilization is linen. Linen has a long, well reputed and sustainable history. We consider linen to be the fabric of today's future of Fashion but it’s actually quite ancient and medieval. When we talk about linen fabric, rich heritage, royalty and luxury are the terms that immediately pop in our mind. We generally associate linen fabrics with high quality clothing, expensive bedding, plush white linen curtains, fancy tableware and napkins. But looking at the past, linen was staple everyday clothing for men and women till the invention of cotton which was more cost efficient and less labor intensive.

A Brief Intro of Linen  

Linen textiles are made from the cellulose fibers present in the inner bark of the flax plant.  These fibers are known as Bast fibers and flax belongs to the family of sustainable plants like jute, hemp and raime. All these plants embody the same qualities like faster drying and being sturdier when wet. Turning these bast fibers into fabric is a tough, labor extensive and time taking task. Several processes like retting, hackling and spinning have to be done to separate the fibers from the woody stems, to extract the long strands of flax and to spin them into the rich, luxe linen fabric we all love to don.

The Long History of Linen

Linen is a fabric of prehistoric times as dyed flax fibers were first found in the caves of Georgia some 36000 years ago. Then it was the Babylonians who first started weaving flax fibers and its trade. But Egypt is accredited to actually be the birthplace of linen textile some 10000 years ago. Thanks to the weather conditions of Egyptian deserts, which are extremely dry, we have found evidence through carbon-dating that Egyptians used linen not only as clothing but also to wrap up the mummies. Linens are found in very good conditions from the tombs of the Pharaohs in the forms of tunics, dresses, housewares and house decor such as linen curtains. Linen was a much valued product in Egypt which was even used as a currency.

With that linen continued to spread its wings across the Middle East and became the staple, luxury fabric. After that it became the go to fabric of the Western world for many centuries. It was used in making bed sheets, napkins, linen curtains, towels, undergarments, clothing and table cloths. White linen curtains were and still considered to be a symbol of luxury. The term linen has so tantamount that very fabric was literally called linen.

After its widespread popularity, some settlers brought linen to America. They would grow, process and spin the fibers for their own use every year. Later on with the introduction of cotton gin, which gained wide popularity due to the Industrial Revolution became the new fabric that was loved by many. In fact cotton was soaring so high in demand that its production doubled each decade from 1800. But linen was and still considered to be the most elegant and fashionable fabric.

Why Was Linen Used in Clothing?

Linen fabric has too many benefits and plus points, that’s the reason why it has survived for so many centuries. Linen fabric is perfect for all the seasons, be it the dry, hot weather of Egypt or cool weather of Europe and America. Linen is lightweight, porous and breathable so perfect for summers and for winters linen is known for its insulating properties so it traps the heat and makes you feel warmer for longer. Linen was used as clothing because it is made with the strongest natural fibers. Thus the durability factor of this fabric makes it ideal for clothing. Linen clothing, if properly looked after and cared for, will last you centuries and that’s why we have found so much evidence of it.

Ancient people would have loved linen as fabrics for clothing due to its easy care- just wash it with cold water and done. Also linen does need any ironing to look good, the notorious wrinkles are part of its beauty in fact in elevating its beauty and class. Linen has been preferred as a clothing material by people for centuries as it is a hypoallergenic fabric. Due to its breathable properties, it doesn’t allow moisture to accumulate inside the fibers. So bacteria and other microbes have no way to breed. One of the reasons for the popularity of linen fabric is its versatility. One fabric can be used in so many things like clothing, home furnishing, linen curtains, tableware, napkins and many more.

Ending   

Linen has survived through many competitors, time zones and conditions and still managed to be the most loved and cherished fabric, is a testimony to its many advantages and extremely good quality. So with having a speck of doubt, find yourself linen clothing and experience the luxury.   

How is a Pillowcase Different from a Pillow Sham?

The world of bedding has become quite versatile and diversified. A lot of new bedding terms are now used frequently by the manufacturers causing confusion for people who aren’t that well versed in the language of bedding. In this article, we are addressing one such confusion which is the difference between a pillowcase and a pillow sham. Is there a difference between the two terms? Can they be used interchangeably? Well even though both linen pillowcases and pillow shams seem similar and quite identical in appearance, there're actual differences between the two. Replacing one with the other can change the outlook of your bedding by altering its feel, style, texture and design.

Both the pillow covers go over the pillow you lay your head on and both provide the user different benefits and uses. Although both the pillow covers seem similar in many ways they are not the same. They even sound the same but still many people fail to differentiate one from another. The minute difference in their designing perfectly supplements your bed linens and linen pillowcases. Over here the pragmatic types will argue about the utility of both these but wait until you read the whole article to know how these two pillow covers protect the pillowcases and serve other purposes.

Pillowcases vs Pillow Shams

A pillowcase is open from one end for easy insertion of the pillow and it usually doesn’t have a closure like a zip or button. On the other hand, pillow shams have an opening on the back side, they sometimes have a closure or some overlapping fabric to neatly secure the pillow. Pillowcases are more functional, purposeful and handy while pillow shams are a more decorative and fancier version of the pillowcases.

 The main purpose of a pillowcase is to protect the pillow by providing an extra layer of cloth. It barricades the way of unnecessary external particles like bacteria, body hair, drool, dead skin cells and skin oils from seeping into the pillow. Whereas the main purpose of the pillow sham is to elevate the look of the bedding in a more decorative way. Pillow shams are a great way to spruce up your bedding by just replacing pillowcases with them. They will complement your duvet cover, bedspread and quilt as well.

Pillowcases as told earlier serve a more basic function, are simpler and less decorative, you’ll probably find them with the bed sheet. They’re often made with the same fabric as the sheet and generally have nothing decorative on them. Sometimes pillowcases have a touch of decoration on them like embroidery, hemstitching or color blocking but you can be easily identified by the same fabric of the sheet. If we talk about pillow shams then you’ll most commonly find a sham with a four sided flat piece of fabric called flange bordered around it. This is a staple design of the simplest of the shams. But much more decorative shams include embroidery on the flanges, hand embellishments, other accents and mix and match on prints and patterns.

 Where the pillowcase is matched with the bed sheet, a pillow sham is matched with a more decorative and formal bedding like bed cover, comforter or quilt. A pillowcase is all about comfort, practicality and daily usage but the pillow sham is more for decoration, designing, special occasions and functions. People use pillowcases to put their head on them and feel relaxed but in the case of pillow shams, one needs to either put them behind the pillowcases or simply remove them from the bedding before sleeping.

Conclusion

Both pillowcases and pillow shams are great accessories for the bedding. Both of them are equally good, it just depends on the buyer and his needs. The best part is that both come in numerous designs, styles, colors, patterns and prints so choose as you like and never get confused between the two next time you visit a bedding aisle.

What is a Bed Skirt and Why Do I Need One?

When we picture vintage, elegant and royal bedrooms one image that surely pops in our mind is a wooden bed with craving, plush bedding, matching pillows and classic linen bed skirts. All these items together made a perfect luxury bedroom of the 18th century. Over the years, as time and fashion has evolved, we tend to associate bed skirts with only that era, forgetting it’s not only decorative but also very practical. Good for us, bed skirts are back with a bang, now more improved and well adapted to the newer times and tastes.

Bedding aisle of any store is not only an intimidating and overwhelming place it’s also confusing and convoluted (the difference between queen size and double is still vague to me, honestly!). We are presented with numerous sizes, bedding options and accessories that we often forget what we were here to buy in the first place and where did all the money go! Bed spreads, bed covers, bed sheets, duvets, comforters, blankets, pillow cases, pillow covers, pillow shams and bed skirts are all deemed to make us go bananas. We consider and spend a lot of money and time on the décor of the upper portion of the bed, but we forget to give due diligence to its lower part. People often think bed skirts are either old school or useless in modern day bedrooms, but in this article I will tell you a great deal about this bedding accessory.

What is a Bed Skirt?

Many modern homeowners are completely oblivious to this luxury bedding accessory. They swiftly move past this aisle whenever they come across it. Partly because they’re unfamiliar to it and partly they find it useless, by looking at the picture displayed. Well, a bed skirt is like an oversized sheet which is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring. The sides of the bed skirt drapes down from the bed to the floor, covering the sides of the bed and also the gap between the panels of the bed and the floor.

Customarily, linen bed skirts were a must have with beds that had wooden side rails, the fabric falls to the foot of the bed and hides the under-bed storage which was common in earlier times. In fact bedding was considered incomplete without a bed skirt along with other essentials like sheets, pillows, comforter, etc. Nowadays the wooden rails are replaced by plain metal framework but the job of the bed skirts remain the same. Bed skirts are considered to be a decorative bedding item but it’s as practical and useful as its other bedding counterparts are.

Bed skirts are known to add the touch of elegance and style to any room it graces. It takes the bedding game a notch higher by giving it a feel of vintage bedrooms of the 18^th century. Linen bed skirts are the epitome of sophistication; bring together the whole look of the bedroom. Bed skirts also aid in adding warmth and coziness to the bedroom and if it’s done with style and a little coordination with the other bedding items it completes the overall look with a sense of cohesiveness.

Oftentimes people confuse the terms bed skirts and dust ruffles with each other. Well both these terms are interchangeable and mean the same. Both are the exact same bedding item so don’t get confused or hesitant. It is just really about preference here or what it’s called it your country or your part of the world. So no matter what you call it, serving as a luxury bedding item is its innate purpose.

Why do You Need a Bed Skirt?  

There are many reasons why any modern home would need a bed skirt in their bedrooms. Let’s unravel them one by one and show you why you should buy one as soon as possible.

1. Cleanliness Certified

As told earlier, bed skirts are also known as dust ruffles because they are designed to keep the dust bunnies from accumulation under the bed, thus ensuring a clean, neat and healthy environment of the bed room. As the bed skirt hangs down from the side of the bed and skims the floor, it blocks the way of dust particles, crumbs and other small and sneaky things to amass under the bed. It saves your time and effort as you don’t have to mop under the bed every other day.

2. Practical and Proficient

Luxury linen bed skirts have great practicality factors as well, not only do they provide an additional layer of coziness and warmth in the winter season, they also give you an additional storage place right under your bed. Putting luggage bags, briefcases and other heavy items under the bed allows easy access to them whenever in need without breaking the back. Just place them neatly under your bed and conceal them stylishly with a linen bed skirt.

3. Looks Lovely

With impeccable designs available in the market, bed skirts help in achieving a clean, finished and sleek looking bedroom. They also cover any ill looking bed legs, unpleasant box springs, mattress set, cords, suitcases and boxes and give a feel of serenity.

4. Affordability Affirmative

Bed skirts offer luxury, style, cleanliness and so much more, people inevitably think that bed skirts will come with a hefty price tag, well that’s not true. Bed skirts are generally quiet pocket friendly and inexpensive bedding items.

5. Maintenance is Minimal

A bedding item automatically means back breaking washing load, along with hassle of taking and reattaching the bed skirt all around the bed. Well new bed skirts come with a Velcro or button option which makes removal and attachment a breeze. Bed skirts are machine washable and if you buy a linen bed skirt then the task is even easier.

Summary

So there you have it, all the information and reasons to buy a bed skirt that would make your bedroom not only more exquisite and classy but also protects you from an unhealthy environment.

How is a Duvet Cover Different from a Blanket and what are its Advantages?

People often get confused between a duvet and a duvet cover. They use these words interchangeably whereas they both are different from each other. To put it simply, I would say that a duvet cover is to duvet what a pillow cover is to a pillowcase. When you go to a bedding store there’s a ton of variety and the terminology is quite tricky to say the least. If you are not on top of these terms then you’re most likely to choose something that you weren’t there to buy. Comforters, duvets, duvet covers, bedspreads, pillow covers, blankets and quilts are all different from each other, yet one can get easily muddled between them.

The variety is overwhelming but they do provide great comfort, coziness and class to the bedrooms. For example pillow covers are available in an array of designs, shapes and sizes but they not only support your neck and shoulders they also are a great decorative item. The confusion is not only between a duvet and duvet covers, it’s also between duvet covers and blankets. While blankets warm us up in the cold, chilly winter’s nights, duvet covers make our rooms stylish and elegant. Basically duvet covers are bedding toppers and blankets are bedding essentials.

Although duvets, comforters and blankets all aim to provide warmth and coziness to our beds, what leads to confusion is the fact that which one is best suited for our needs. Blankets are the oldest, most familiar term between all the bedding options available nowadays. It’s a single layered, large rectangular piece that provides warmth to the sleeper. The most common material used for blankets is either wool or cotton. They provide the best thickness and warmth. Other materials are fleece, knitted polyester or Cashmere. Blankets have similar uses as the quilts, duvets and comforters but the difference is in the fillings, materials and construction.

To differentiate duvet covers from blankets, we first need to know the difference between duvet and duvet covers. A duvet can also be called a comforter if it’s plain, white and filled with only a down. A duvet cover is the protective covering of the duvet, which is available in numerous designs, colors, patterns and styles. A giant pillow cover, that encapsulates the duvet, keeps it safe and clean.

Duvets, comforters and quilts are difficult and expensive to wash often so the duvet cover saves the money, time and effort. Duvet covers usually have an opening of buttons or zipper on the side that makes the covering and removing task a breeze. If you want to spruce up your bedroom look, all you have to do is to change the duvet cover and voila, a new look, a new feel to the bedroom.

Advantages of Duvet Covers

Giant pillowcases like duvet covers are essential and beneficial for your duvets or comforters long life. Here are five reasons why you must get them for a clean, hygienic and beautiful bedding experience.

Comforter Protector

Comforter filling or down is getting expensive every year as the materials used are pure.  A good quality duvet is an investment you want to keep clean, safe from tears, stains and displacement of feathers or fibers. In order to keep your duvet safe, you must protect it with duvet covers so that it has a long life. A well maintained duvet cover will protect your duvet for years and will help keep it good as new.

Easy Décor Hack

Duvet covers are pocket friendly décor items that not only protect the duvet but also helps enhance the whole look of the room by just switching up the cover. Duvet covers are far less expensive than duvets as they don’t have any filling making it easy to change. They instantly uplift the whole vibe of the room as they are available in plentiful colors, designs and styles.

Easy to Clean and Maintain   

Duvets covers are easy to wash with the regular laundry load. They don’t take much space either when folded up properly. Just stack them up neatly and wash them up. Duvets and comforters get too bulky when washed and are mostly dry cleaned. That means when the duvet is gone for dry cleaning you’ll be left to stare at a plain white duvet which isn’t welcoming at all.

Duvet Covers Work as Bedspreads

When summer months arrive, the comforter’s work is done for at least another 6 months. But that doesn’t mean you have to forsake the duvets covers as well. As they’re lightweight and thin you can use them as bedspreads or bed sheets. Duvets covers provide great value for money as they can be used in many ways.

Ending Lines   

Just like pillowcases, duvets covers are also very important bedding essential, that not only looks beautiful it has a ton of practicality. So next time when you visit a bedding store be sure of what you need and don’t get confused between a blanket, duvet, duvet cover or comforter. Happy Shopping!!!

How to choose the Right Curtains For your home?

Curtains draping from the windows frames play a very important part in setting up the look and feel of any room. Curtains can be played up and become a focal point of the room or can be downplayed and become a complimentary accent to the other features of the décor. There are countless options in fabrics, colors, styles and patterns of the curtains nowadays. On top of that, curtain lengths, lining and how opaque and sheer they’re all add to make this decision quite confusing. To choose the perfect one is an overwhelming and a daunting task for any home maker.  Whether to go for farmhouse curtains or French curtains is a decision that has to be taken with much contemplation and thought.

Tips to Choose the Right Curtains for your Home

Well-cared and thought-out windows speak for themselves and help elevate the entire look of the home. In order to nail your curtain game be sure of your requirements. The colors, fabric, length, style and patterns should all work together along with the other components of the décor. When you’re sorted in your head then the curtains will be easy to choose, without any confusion or chaos.

The Objective of the Curtains

What is your main objective behind putting up a curtain? Do you intend to add a splash of color, make it your focal point, and make the room fill with natural, cut out the light or want to add a layer of insulation. These questions will affect your decision and the curtains you choose. Solid colored curtains are best to limit the flow of light. If you like the natural light penetrating your rooms then linen curtains are the best. Lined panels help regulate the temperature of the room and also filters the light flow. A basic cotton lining can give a diffused glow yet protect the fabric. If you choose a black lining then no amount of light can enter the space. Make your mind and then go for a curtain hunt.

Measurements of the Curtains

Once you have decided the purpose of your curtains, it is time for their placement and length. If you want to add height and elegance in your room then hand the curtains a few inches above the window frame and let them pool off the floor for a rich and elegant look. If you want a more contemporary and chic look then place the curtains on the brim of the frame and let them skim the floor. Next is the width of the curtains, which should at least be 12-16 inches wider than the window frame to make the room dark whenever you want.

Color, Pattern, Prints

Now it’s time to choose the most important and eye catching component, colors. For a well-coordinated look take cue from the already present color scheme. If you want to play subtle then opt for classic white curtains or muted greys, blues or creams. Go for a striking color if you want your curtains to pop out. You can also match your curtains with a rug, an accent chair or ottoman to balance out things. Along with colors pay heed to the patterns and prints of the curtains. If your décor has printed sofas or chairs then try to keep the curtains solid but on the other hand if the room is decorated in solid colors then patterns and prints look really nice and accentuates the whole look. Farmhouse curtains are a great blend of colors and patterns.

Fabric Style

Last but certainly not the least is fabric selection. With so many options like silk, cotton velvet, sheers or linens it’s easy to get perturbed but the easiest way to choose the right fabric is to feel it and see if you like it. Heavy fabrics have great insulating properties but they don’t drape as nicely, on the other hand light fabrics drape flawlessly but let light in. Choose the fabric that suits your style and then go  for the décor.

Ending lines 

Curtains make a room look complete, they not only bind everything together, and they also save you from weather and prying eyes. So give enough thought before choosing your curtains as they can make or break the décor of your home.

Secrets of Choosing the Best Bed Linens

What makes you put your alarm on snooze again and again? What helps you sleep comfortably all night? Bed linens play an essential part in our lives, not only do they make our bedrooms look aesthetically pleasing, they also make us feel unperturbed, chilled out and completely at home. If bed linens are so vital in our lives we must not skimp on their quality when purchasing them. High-quality bedding is a life investment that pays off well, over a long period of time. Be it bed skirts queen, bedspreads, bed sheets or pillow covers, we need to pay heed to each one of them, so that they all work together to make us sleep in the most inviting and luxurious setting.

The definition of comfort is diverse for different people, some prefer crisp and cool white sheets, some like to wrap themselves in sateen and silk and others love the feel of 100% linen. Due to this flexibility in choice we have an array of fabrics that suits the needs of everyone. But to choose the right fabric for our needs, we need to know about the different fabrics and also the quality, fiber content, finish, design, weave and thread count. Although it may seem like a challenging task but trust me, the feel of your favorite bed linen will make your nights dreamy and days less daunting. In this article you’ll find the answers to all your questions with secrets that help you choose the best linen pillowcases and bed linens.

When you go out to buy your bed linens from stores you will not only find a huge assortment of fabrics but you will also come across a diverse price range. Starting from $70 and going up to $1000 set, you may want to be sure that you’re getting the value for your money. The first thing is the fabric that makes all the difference so let’s dive right in.

Fabrics

Different fabrics offer different finishes and levels of comforts to the buyers. Some popular and most common fabrics that are well-reputed in the world of bed linens are cotton, linen, silk and polyester. Cotton has much versatility in itself but they all feel light weight, breathable and soft and on top of all this they are durable and long lasting. Linen fabric offers the highest levels of durability, has temperature regulating fibers and feels soft and luxurious against the skin. Next fabric defines luxury and royalty, silk is the epitome extravagance. Has a soft feather-like feel to it, is lighter than its other counterparts and for this reason has a higher price range. The last one is the most pocket-friendly fabric as it’s a man-made fabric. Nevertheless it’s durable and satin- resistant but not as breathable and soft as others.

Thread Count

One you have chosen the fabric of your bed linen, you can further evaluate the quality by its thread count.  Although after much debate and a minefield of information gathered on thread count, experts have confirmed that thread count isn’t a benchmark of quality anymore. In fact the yarn or the natural fibers of the fabric is the most important factor to be taken under consideration. The finer the yarn is, the longer the fibers are, and the superior the quality is. Thread count is basically the number of threads per square inch of fabric. A thumb rule to assess the best thread count is between 200 and 800 threads per square inch.

 But as mentioned earlier this is a redundant and old-school way of assessing the quality. To prove that we can see that the best quality cotton, the Egyptian cotton has a thread count of 400 but it’s the most supreme quality in cotton. Keep in mind that bed linens that come with a higher thread count have a denser feel to them which makes them suitable for colder months and they also come with a hefty price tag. Stick anywhere between 500-600 thread count and you’ll most likely love the feel of the bed linens, be it bed skirt queen or linen pillowcases.

Weave

Weave plays an important part in determining the softness of the sheet and how the bed linen will feel against our skin. There’re a number of weaves that determine the quality of the bed linen like percale, sateen, twill, flannel, jacquard, and jersey. A standard weave has the same number of vertical and horizontal yarns and isn’t even mentioned on the packaging.

Percale weave gives the bed linens a crisp feel and the thread count is over 180 to be stated as percale weave. This weaving style means to go over and under the weft and aim for a straight weave. The fibers are tightly woven together to create a fine, smooth and rich texture.

Sateen weave is used for a buttery soft and smooth finish. Although it’s not that durable as the vertically facing warp threads pass over 2-4 horizontally facing weft threads, before they’re intertwined again. This is also the reason behind the different sides of sateen fabric. The thread count of sateen is somewhere between 260-600 threads.

Twill weave is a special diagonal weave which creates a luscious and durable feel just like denim. It drapes beautifully and has a good thread count as well.

Jacquard weave allows the warp threads to be picked up individually. This lets a slightly raised area that you can feel under the skin of your hand. Intricate and convoluted patterns can be done by this weaving technique.

Knowing your weaves will help you choose wisely!

Washing Care  

When choosing your bed linens also be mindful of the washing instructions. Don’t go for a bed linen that doesn’t suit your washing routine. Buying expensive bed linens often come with a long list of washing instructions that limit their usage and also doesn’t let the buyer enjoy the luxury fully. Go for something that is right up your alley in all the aspects mentioned above to have the best possible sleep.

Summary  

Hopefully with this article you’re now more knowledgeable and well-informed about bed linens and bed skirts queen. Next time you want to buy a bed linen, don’t just look for the thread count and also give attention to the natural fibers, weaving style and washing care.  

Linen vs Cotton Sheets, Difference Explained

Linen and cotton have been top contenders of the textile market, always being pitched against each other to decipher which material is better. Both these materials promote luxury, style, comfort and elegance and have been used in making textile goods like white linen curtains, bedspreads and sheets for centuries. Both these fabrics are derived from natural fibers and due to this they’re high-quality, durable, sustainable and most importantly comfortable. Although both these fabrics have their own properties and key differences, people often get dubious on which fabric they should opt for. In this article you will find detailed information about both the fabrics and also a comparison of their properties so that you can decide which fabric meets your liking and preferences.

What is Cotton?

Cotton fibers are obtained from the fluff grown on the cotton plant, handpicked from the plant these cotton balls gain strength from the process of spinning and turned into yarn and then that yarn is weaved into fabric. Cotton fabric is famous for its versatility, comfort, lightness and suppleness. The most widely used material in the textile industry has been known for almost 7000 years now. The best quality cotton is made in Egypt called the Egyptian cotton. Other countries like Pakistan, Greece and Turkey also produce good quality cotton. Cotton fabric is less labor extensive thus has a lower price point. The main reason for the popularity of cotton is the fact that it’s extremely versatile, used in making an eclectic range of textile goods like bed runners, white linen curtains, bedspreads, bed sheets and among others.

There is a common misconception about the quality check of cotton; people tend to believe that the higher the thread count is the superior the quality is. Whereas the thread account only contributes 10% in a finished product other factors take the front stage and actually determine the quality of the end product. The quality of the cotton, where is the source of the cotton, origin of the country, yarning technique, weaving process and presence of other material to blend in the final product all contribute to the quality.

There are many different types of cotton and weaves like top notch Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, Regular cotton, Percale weave, Sateen weave, Twill weave and Flannel weave all have different properties and so is the end product.

What is Linen?

Linen is derived from the flax plant which is tall, straw like; the fibers are made from the cellulose present inside of the stalks of the plant. These fibers are twice as strong as the cotton fibers. Linen fabric is known for its durability, luxurious feel, lovely drape and sturdiness. Linen fabric has been a sign of royalty, luxe and luster for centuries now. The finest and the best quality linen are produced in Europe, specifically Belgium. Belgian linen gets the best natural conditions, optimal climate and rich alluvial soil that makes strong, durable flax. The reason linen is so popular among people is its uncanny ability to adjust to any weather. Linen adapts to its climatic conditions and provides what the user needs in summer and winter months.

Linen is used in diverse and heterogeneous textile products like tablecloths, bed runners, towels, clothing, bedspreads, white linen curtains, bedding covers and many more souvenirs you can’t even fathom. Linen is also available in different types namely, flax linen, Linen blends and Irish linen. As told earlier people generalize the quality with thread count, but linen fibers are strong and it’s difficult to weave them tightly, resulting in a lower thread count. In order to see the quality of linen, GSM (grams per square meter) is used; the heavier the linen is the superior quality it has.

 Linen vs Cotton

Robustness and Imperishability

When it comes to durability and sturdiness of linen there are no second thoughts about it. It is 30% stronger than cotton. It means that linen sheets will last you a much longer time and due to this they have been hand-me-downs from one generation to another. Linen fibers are much longer than cotton fibers so they can be interlaced more meticulously. Cotton fibers get even weaker when wet so in terms of longevity linen is a clear winner.

Texture   

When you rub your hand against cotton it will feel soft, supple and less textured, whereas linen feels coarser, grainier and more textured. Linen does soften over the years and becomes much more luxurious but initially, just out of the packet cotton takes the prize here and beats linen if you want instant gratification.

Insulating Properties  

Linen has natural insulating properties due to the fibers which are hollow and naturally spaced out. This allows them to have a better flow of air and moisture as compared to the thin fibers of cotton. Due to this amazing quality, linen is able to adjust in summer and winter months, providing the user the best and most comfortable circumstances to relax. Cotton is a lot better in insulating as compared to synthetic fibers but linen is winning this round by far.

Eco-friendly fabric

Linen is acquired from a very environmental friendly crop called flax. This crop requires very less irrigation and in some areas no irrigation at all. It also uses less pesticides and insecticides that are harmful for the atmosphere. Linen is also made with less surface area and even the waste of the plant has so many uses like oil pressing from seeds and the minced seeds and stalks can be used as animal fodder. As compared to linen, cotton requires much more water, pesticides and care; it also has much more wastage than linen so no need to say the winner here.

Cost Effective

The making of linen is a very labor extensive and a back breaking process. The manufacturing of it is more involved due to the long processes of obtaining fibers from the flax plant stalks. This cost is passed to the final consumer with a heftier price tag. On the other hand cotton is made in huge quantities by many countries; it’s more industrialized than linen thus comes with a reasonable price point.

Summary

In this war of fabrics, linen is a clear winner in terms of bed linen and textiles but in the clothing department cotton is preferred. Both the materials have their own set of advantages and disadvantages but both materials are natural, durable, soft, and resilient, absorb moisture and feel luxurious.