Time and time again – whether on our blog or on our Facebook page – we have pointed out that linen products are extremely durable. What stands behind this feature, and can natural fibers really stay with us for many years? With this theme in mind and in response to many questions, we have prepared a separate entry that not only explains but also discusses what distinguishes this famous Longevity of linen.
DURABLE LINEN?
Linen – properly cared for and used – is one of the most durable fabrics on the textile market. The special nature of cultivation and tailoring means that the fibers can withstand high temperatures, sunlight, frequent washing, and constant contact with, for example, stiff animal hair. What Longevity of linen really is?
The creasing and tensile strength is confirmed by the so-called stonewashed process, which, back then, was used to soften the fibers with the help of large rubbing stones. The fabric working in this way became finer, less rough, and more elastic, which was often used in the production of linen sheets.
Nowadays linen fabric is also stonewashed and preshrunk, but much more modern methods are used. In order to maintain this durability and tenderness, it is advisable to use the right care that nourishes the natural fibers. Thanks to it, your favorite linen product stays longer with you and serves you during some summer nights or family meals.
As a reminder, we give you the basic rules for handling linen products:
- Wash – preferably in gentle mode, with a maximum temperature of 40 °C and with natural detergents,
- Ironing – it is a good idea to do it when the fabric is still slightly damp. In so linen! We often suggest skipping this step. . . and love the wrinkles,
- Drying – both vertically and horizontally. We recommend drying the products in the fresh air, which affects the natural loosening of their texture.
DURABILITY OF COTTON, POLYESTER AND LINEN
In the context of durability, polyester is often mentioned, which is considered by many to be the leader in this field. Yes, polyester bed linen or blankets are abrasion-resistant, easy to dye and the color lasts for a long time. In addition, this fabric washes perfectly, does not shrink, which may sound very attractive at first glance. Remember, however, that polyester is an artificial material obtained under laboratory conditions. Its resistance to chemical substances is achieved at the expense of softness and airiness, which intensifies skin allergies. In addition, the durability of polyester is due to vinyl polymers that are brittle and meltable, which means that the material loses its durability quickly and burns very easily, e. g. when exposed to high temperatures of the iron.
As a result, the life span of polyester is much shorter than that of linen and its other properties do not compensate for the fact that the material does not comply with the environmental values. In this ranking, linen wins, which is airy, hygroscopic, soft, and durable.
What about cotton, which is so often an alternative to linen or silk? Cotton fibers tend to pill damage that is unsightly and affects the properties of the product. In contrast to flax, it is worthwhile to wash and care several times, as a more frequent use has a positive effect on the softness of the fibers used in the production process.
Thanks to the longevity of the flax, our products stay longer with you!