Why linen clothing is so great (and why it’s perfect for warm days)

Why is linen clothing so nice to wear on warm days?
The answer is actually quite simple: linen clothing is ideal in warm weather because the fabric is airy, breathable, and moisture-wicking. The fibers of the flax plant allow air to circulate well and absorb moisture without becoming clammy. As a result, linen feels cool against the skin and remains comfortable, even on hot summer days. That is exactly why we at Natur-el have so many linen items in our store. We simply love linen.

What actually is linen?

Linen is made from the flax plant. It is a strong plant that has been used to make textiles for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, for example, linen was already worn because it felt pleasantly cool in the warm climate.

Flax fibers are naturally long and strong. This creates a fabric that is sturdy but remains airy at the same time. This makes linen ideal for clothing that you wear often, especially in the spring and summer.

Why linen is not always GOTS certified

Customers sometimes ask us why linen clothing does not always have a GOTS label. That actually has little to do with the sustainability of the fiber itself. Flax, the plant from which linen is made, is a fairly strong plant that requires relatively little water and can often grow with few pesticides.

That does not mean that flax never suffers from insects or diseases, but compared to many other fiber crops, it is a fairly robust plant. That is why flax is often grown quite extensively in Europe.

The reason that linen is not always GOTS certified lies mainly in the supply chain. The GOTS label is used primarily for cotton, because the chain there is often easier to certify. With flax, the cultivation, spinning, and processing are often divided among various smaller producers. Certifying the entire chain can therefore be complicated and expensive.

So, that does not automatically mean that linen without GOTS is less sustainable. The origin of the flax, the cultivation method, and the processing of the fabric play at least as large a role.

Why linen wears so wonderfully cool

What many people notice immediately when they wear linen is how fresh it feels. This is because the fabric has an open structure that allows air to circulate easily. As a result, heat is less likely to become trapped in the fabric.

In addition, linen can absorb quite a bit of moisture without feeling sticky. If you are hot, the fabric helps to keep your body temperature balanced. That is exactly why linen has been popular in warm countries for centuries.

In the store, we notice it every year. As soon as the first warm days arrive, people start looking for linen. Especially linen trousers and blouses often disappear from the racks first. And we completely understand why, because it is not only lovely to wear, but also incredibly beautiful.

Yes, linen wrinkles. But that’s part of it.

Let's be honest about it from the start and not beat around the bush: linen wrinkles. PERIOD. That is due to the structure of the flax fiber. It is a bit firmer than, for example, cotton, and therefore wrinkles form more quickly. That is simply part of the fabric, and you either love it or you don't.

As far as we are concerned, that wrinkling is exactly the charm of linen. Those light wrinkles give the fabric a relaxed, natural look. It never looks overly stiff, but rather a bit nonchalant, which fits summer clothing perfectly. And a nice bonus: it will wrinkle anyway, so don't worry about it too much. Everyone knows that linen wrinkles. If everything always has to be tight and neat, it also gets a bit boring. Linen is just like real life. Isn't that beautiful?

Linen keeps getting softer

What many people don't know is that linen only gets better the more you wear it. In the beginning, the fabric can sometimes feel a bit firm or almost slightly prickly, but after a few washes, it becomes increasingly supple. Strange, right?

Many customers say that their favorite linen garments are the most comfortable after a few seasons. This is because the fibers become softer through wearing and washing.

Is linen sustainable?

Linen is often seen as a fairly sustainable material. The flax plant requires relatively little water to grow and can often be cultivated without heavy pesticides.

Moreover, almost the entire plant can be used, which means there is little waste. And because linen is a strong fiber, linen clothing often lasts a long time. That naturally fits well with the idea of buying less and wearing longer.

I also think it is important to be honest that linen is a pure and natural material. Sustainable does not automatically mean indestructible. If you are going on a long bike ride, it might be smart not to put on your new linen trousers.

For example, I notice that my thighs can sometimes become a bit stickier on warm days because I simply sweat. That, in combination with friction, can cause wear to occur faster in those places. So, I keep that in mind when I put on linen.

Is linen more sustainable than cotton?

Linen is often seen as more sustainable than cotton, mainly because the flax plant needs less water to grow. Also, flax can often be grown without heavy pesticides.

That does not mean that all linen is automatically sustainable, but the basis of the fiber is strong and relatively environmentally friendly. Especially when the flax is grown in Europe, linen can be a great choice for people who are conscious about their clothing.

How do you wash linen clothing?

Fortunately, linen is quite easy to maintain. With a few simple tips, it will stay beautiful for a long time.

• Preferably wash linen at 30 degrees
• Do not use too much detergent
• Remove the garment from the washing machine immediately
• Preferably let it air dry

A little bit of wrinkling is part of linen, so it doesn't have to be perfectly smooth. Many people actually find it beautiful when the fabric drapes naturally.

Why we at Natur-el are so fond of linen

In the store, we see the same thing happen every year. As soon as the temperature rises, people start reaching for linen. Not only because it wears cool, but also because it is such an honest material.

No synthetic fibers, no complicated tricks. Just a strong plant that is turned into a beautiful fabric. That feels good on your skin and often a bit in your mind as well.

So if you are looking for clothing that is airy, natural, and comfortable during warm days, linen is actually always a good idea.

Frequently asked questions about linen clothing

Is linen cooler than cotton?

Often yes. Because of the open structure of the fiber, linen can breathe better than many cotton fabrics. As a result, it often feels cooler on warm days.

Does linen always wrinkle?

Yes, linen wrinkles faster than many other fabrics. That is part of the material and is seen by many people as part of linen's charm.

Does linen get softer after washing?

Yes. Linen usually becomes more supple and softer the more often you wear and wash it.

Is linen a sustainable fabric?

Linen is often considered a relatively sustainable fabric because the flax plant requires little water and the fibers are very strong. As a result, linen clothing can last a long time.

Why is linen clothing often more expensive?

Linen clothing can be more expensive because the production process is labor-intensive. Processing flax fibers into yarn involves more steps than with many other fabrics. On the other hand, linen is strong and often lasts a long time.

We are curious about your experience with linen

We are big fans of linen, that will be clear by now. But how about you?

Do you like wearing linen clothing? And if so, what is your favorite linen item? Airy trousers, a blouse, or perhaps a dress?

And let's keep it honest: do you find the wrinkling of linen charming, or does it drive you a little crazy?

Feel free to let us know when you are in the store or send us a message. We always love to hear how other people experience linen.