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.