Linen is an Earth-friendly fabric that requires little water and no pesticides to grow. It also doesn’t have to travel long distances, reducing its carbon footprint.
However, not all linen clothing is sustainable. Some brands use chemical dyes and retting methods that can damage the environment. It’s important to look for organic linen clothing that meets strict environmental standards.
Flax is a natural fibre
Linen is a natural fibre that’s sourced from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). It’s one of the strongest vegetable fibres and was among the first to be extracted, spun and woven into textiles. It’s also breathable and moisture-wicking, making it ideal for summerwear.
Linen can be a more sustainable choice than cotton because it requires less water to grow. It can even thrive without any fertilisers or pesticides. Unlike cotton, which can be grown only in certain climates, flax is a resilient crop that can adapt to different weather conditions. The plant also has a short growth cycle and is easily regenerated.
In addition to its ecological advantages, sustainable linen clothing is a great choice for people with sensitive skin. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, meaning it can be worn by people with skin irritation or allergies. This makes it an excellent option for nursing and maternity clothing.
Moreover, it doesn’t require a lot of water to grow, making it a responsible choice in areas with water scarcity. Compared to cotton, which uses 2500 liters of water per shirt, flax needs only 7 liters. This makes it a great choice for the environment, as well as the people who work in its production.
While linen is a good option for sustainability, it’s important to choose organic options. Look for companies that prioritize organically processed linen and avoid chemical dyes.
It’s grown in Europe
Linen is a natural fabric crafted from the fibres of the flax plant, which grows with little to no synthetic inputs. It is a durable, breathable material that gets better with age and requires less care than other fabrics. The best part is that linen is biodegradable and eco-friendly at the end of its life cycle. However, it’s important to look for organic linen and ensure that the brand you purchase pays its workers a fair wage. Forced and underpaid labour is common in the textile industry, so make sure your linen clothing is made by a company that prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices.
The growing of flax is also environmentally friendly because it doesn’t require irrigation. This is in stark contrast to water-intensive crops such as cotton, making it a responsible choice for regions with water scarcity. Additionally, its natural antibacterial properties reduce the need for frequent washings.
Before the flax fibers can be spun into linen, they must be separated from the rest of the stalk. This process is called “retting”, and it rots away the outer fibers, leaving only the cellulose inside. This is then scutched and spun into a soft, luxurious fabric.
When it comes to sustainable linen, look for brands that prioritize low impact dyes and OEKO-certified AZO-free colours such as ivory, ecru, and grey. You should also be sure that your linen is sourced and manufactured in Europe, as this will support local employment and the environment.
It’s biodegradable
Linen clothing is one of the most sustainable and stylish textiles in fashion history. It is breathable, quick-drying, and naturally moth resistant. It comes in an array of dreamy hues and is fully biodegradable when untreated, especially if it is washed in natural detergents (like white vinegar). The fibers are also strong and durable, yet they feel even softer after every wash. In addition, they are hygienic and hypoallergenic.
The best way to make your linen clothes as sustainable as possible is to purchase them from brands that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Look for certified B Corp and Cradle2Cradle certifications, and check whether the brand’s materials are responsibly sourced. These companies also use organic and fair-trade cotton, and their factories are committed to improving workers’ quality of life.
One of the best linen clothing brands is Eileen Fisher, which offers sustainable and eco-friendly linen jackets, blouses, dresses, skirts, and pants. Their designs are elegant and versatile, and they can be styled for both casual and professional occasions. They are crafted from high-quality European linen and are made with non-toxic dyes. Their products are also OEKO-certified and AZO-free, which minimizes the use of chemicals and reduces harmful emissions. They also partner with family factories that pay above-living wages, and their workers are provided with medical care and access to education.
It’s recyclable
Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly textiles because it requires less energy to make and can be recycled without using new raw materials. It also uses less water than cotton and doesn’t need chemical-based treatments. This is why linen is so popular for sustainable fashion. But, it’s important to choose brands that have a good track record when it comes to ethical production and manufacturing practices.
The best brands use low-impact materials and offer full traceability. They also strive for textile circularity and have low carbon footprints. They also follow fair trade standards. Some of these brands include Eileen Fisher, MATE the Label, and Neu Nomads.
Most brands of sustainable linen clothing use organic or sustainable fibers, and they use only minimal processing and chemicals. In addition, they are OEKO-certified or AZO-free. Some also use only natural dyes, which are easier on the environment than synthetic dyes.
Some brands have a zero-waste policy and donate leftover fabrics to charity. For example, LA-based Two Days Off makes comfortable staples from linen and other sustainable fibres. They’ve been carbon neutral since day 1 and ship their products plastic-free.
LUXMII is another brand that makes linen clothes that are always “in style” and durable enough to last. They don’t follow a seasonal fashion calendar and design their products to last longer, which reduces waste and pollution. They also work with family factories that pay above the living wage and provide health care for workers.