Linen – or "flax", as it is often called internationally – is one of the world's oldest and most sustainable textile fibres. At Lucevii, we use linen in many of our products, from bathrobes to tablecloths and bedding, and we often get questions about what the material actually is and how best to care for it. Here are the answers.
What is flax?
Flax is the English term for the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), and it is also the name of the fibre that is spun into linen yarn and further woven into the fabric we know as linen. The flax plant is primarily cultivated in Western Europe – including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands – where the climate is suitable for the crop.
Flax is known for being one of the most sustainable natural fibres, as the plant requires very little water, fertiliser, and pesticides compared to, for example, cotton. Our linen products are European Flax®-certified, which guarantees that the flax is grown in Europe under controlled and sustainable conditions, and OEKO-TEX®-certified, so you can be sure that the fabric has been tested for harmful substances.
In short: when you come across the word "flax" in connection with textiles, it is simply linen – the same fantastic, durable, and breathable material.
Are linen and cotton the same?
No, linen and cotton are two different natural fibres, each with its own properties. Cotton comes from the seed capsules of the cotton plant, while linen comes from the stem of the flax plant. This gives linen some unique advantages:
- More durable: Linen fibres are stronger than cotton fibres and typically last longer with normal use and washing.
- Better at regulating temperature: Linen is extra breathable and cool to wear or sleep in, making it ideal for, for example, bedding and bathrobes.
- Absorbs more moisture: Linen can absorb more moisture than cotton without feeling wet, which is one of the reasons we use a blend of linen and cotton in several of our waffle towels and bathrobes – it gives the best of both worlds: the airiness of linen and the softness of cotton.
- More sustainable: Linen production generally requires significantly less water and fewer pesticides than conventional cotton production.
So, although both are high-quality natural fibres, linen and cotton are not the same – and at Lucevii, we consciously choose which material (or blend) is best suited for each product.
How to iron linen
Linen is known to wrinkle easily, which for many is part of the material's natural and relaxed charm. But if you want a smooth look, here are our best tips for ironing linen:
- Iron while the fabric is still slightly damp – this makes wrinkles much easier to smooth out. Feel free to take the product out of the washing machine and iron it immediately, or dampen it lightly with a spray bottle before ironing.
- Use a high temperature – linen tolerates heat well, so use your iron's "linen" setting. Always check the care label on your specific product, however.
- Iron on the reverse side – this protects the fabric's surface and gives a nicer result, especially on coloured linen.
- Use steam – the steam function on the iron helps to smooth even the most stubborn wrinkles.
- Alternatively: hang to dry – many choose to skip ironing altogether and instead let linen products hang to dry. The natural wrinkles and folds are part of linen's look and simply feel homely and relaxed.
Whether you prefer the smooth, freshly ironed look or the relaxed, naturally wrinkled look, linen is a material that becomes more beautiful over time and lasts for many years when you take good care of it.
Want to experience the quality yourself? See our selection of linen products at Lucevii – all OEKO-TEX® and European Flax® certified.