Linen fabric for clothing has many outstanding advantages, thus being used in the production of clothing for centuries. In this article, Dugarco will explore the classification, advantages, and applications of linen fabric to help you understand why this material has stood the test of time.
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1. What is linen fabric for clothing?
Linen is a natural fabric made from fibres derived from the stems of the flax plant. Cellulose fibre, which can be found in the stems of linen plants, is the main component of linen fabric. In hot and humid areas, linen clothing is preferred. In contrast to cotton, which has the propensity to retain moisture for an extended length of time, linen dries fast, assisting in the reduction of heat retention in excessively heated environments.
Given its high level of breathability and low weight, linen cloth is perfect for warm climates. It is renowned for its durability, strength, and ability to resist stains and wrinkles. Clothes made of linen are popular because they have a relaxed, comfortable vibe, and their natural texture gives them a distinctive and rustic appearance.
Fabric name | Linen |
Another Name | Flax fabric |
Fabric composition | Spun fibres from the stalks of flax plants |
Possible variations in fabric thread counts | 200-2.000 |
Fabric breathability | Highly breathable |
Moisture-wicking abilities | High |
Heat retention abilities | Low |
Stretchability (give) | Low |
Prone to pilling/bubbling | Low |
Country where the fabric was first manufactured | Prehistoric Europe |
The recent biggest exporting country | China |
Recommended temperatures for washing | Cold, warm, or hot |
Commonly used in | Bed sheets, pillowcases, blankets, dish towels, bath towels, wallpaper, skirts, suits, dresses, shirts, aprons, bags, napkins,… |
2. Linen production process
The flax plant’s fibres, which are used to make linen fabric for clothing, go through a complex and drawn-out manufacturing process before being used to make fabric. Every step of the linen production process calls for skill and attention to precision. The following are the steps involved in the linen production process:
- Planting: After around 100 days of development, flax plants will be ready for harvest. Flax plants cannot survive in high temperatures, thus they must be planted during the colder months of the year to prevent crop mortality.
- Growth: Nowadays, flax seeds are often seeded using machines as opposed to manually as they were in the past. Herbicides and tilling are typically utilized to prevent decreased yields in flax crops since flax plants cannot prevent the invasion of weeds.
- Harvesting: Flax plants are ready to be harvested when their stems turn yellow and their seeds become brown. Although flax can be harvested manually, machinery is typically utilized in this process.
- Fibre separation: After being harvested, flax stalks will be processed through a machine to remove the leaves and seeds. The flax stalk’s woody inside and fibre outside are then separated by producers. If not carried out carefully, it would have the potential to harm the fragile fine linen fabric used for clothing.
- Breaking: In this process, the decomposing stalks are broken up to separate the useful interior fibres from the useless outside strands. The flax stalks are sent through rollers to crush them, and then revolving paddles separate the outer fibres from the stalks to complete this process.
- Combing: The core fibres may then be combed into fine strands after being separated from the outer threads. The fibres will be prepared for spinning linen fabric for clothing once they have been combed.
- Spinning: Instead of the traditional foot-powered flax wheel, nowadays, flax growers employ industrial equipment to spin flax into yarn. These short, combed strands are linked together using tools called spreaders to create rovings, which are then prepared for spinning into linen fibres.
- Reeling: The yarn produced after being spun on a spinning frame is reeled onto a bobbin. This reeling procedure must be carried out in damp, humid circumstances to guarantee that flax yarn won’t unravel. The spun yarn is then heated to further guarantee yarn cohesiveness.
- Drying: In the final process, the yarn will be dried by the flax makers before being wound onto bobbins. Then, the yarn will be coloured, processed, and turned into clothing, home décor, or other textile items, and be ready for clothing linen fabric production.
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3. Types of linen fabric for clothing
Although flax fibre that has been processed and spun is the source of all varieties of linen fabric, not all linen textiles are created equal. The look and feel of the finished product can be substantially affected by various weaving methods and fabric weights. There are four main variations in weaving techniques that produce various kinds of linen fabric for clothing:
3.1. Loosely-woven linen
Of all the several forms of linen cloth, the loosely woven linen is the most absorbent. It is, nevertheless, the least durable kind of linen cloth. Because of all these characteristics, it is perfect for use in sanitary towels, diapers, and napkins.
3.2. Plain-woven linen
Plain-woven is the toughest and most absorbent sort of linen. It is quite robust and has a pretty loose weave, but its durability isn’t much reduced. Hand towels, cotton towels, and dish towels are frequently made from plain-woven linen.
3.3. Damask linen
When compared to other forms of linen, the damask is the most delicate. It is woven using both plain and satin linen weaves. This clothing linen fabric has a smooth feel and a reversible pattern. Damask is characterized by a very fine texture and large floral patterns, thus not being designed for everyday use but common in decorative items.
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4. The outstanding advantages of linen
Due to its exceptional properties, linen clothing material is a timeless fabric that has been utilized for millennia. Because of its great benefits over other materials, its popularity has remained. We will discuss the outstanding advantages of linen and why it is still a popular fabric with both designers and customers.
4.1. Sustainable fashion
With a high level of sustainability, linen is a fantastic material for anybody interested in a sustainable fashion. It is more ecologically friendly than other materials since it is created from flax plant fibres, which require less water and chemicals to grow than other crops. Furthermore, the entire flax plant may be utilized in the manufacturing process, leaving no waste behind.
Linen fabric for clothing also has the ability to decompose spontaneously without causing environmental damage. In addition, linen clothing is strong and long-lasting, which lessens the need for frequent replacements and, ultimately, waste.
4.2. Easy to care for
One of the linen’s major benefits is its easy-to-care-for characteristic. Despite appearing fragile, linen is really strong and can tolerate regular washes. Contrary to other materials that need particular handling and care, linen can be cleaned in a standard washing machine and does not require dry cleaning. Another benefit is that linen clothing doesn’t require ironing to appear beautiful. Wrinkled cotton or silk will seem untidy, while linen cloth will shine in all its splendour.
4.3. Durable
Since linen is such a strong material, it is perfect for clothes and other long-lasting home products. Linen fabric for clothes is a durable option for everyday usage because of the flax plant’s strong and dependable fibres, which make it resistant to deterioration. Contrary to other materials, linen fabric for clothing keeps its structure and colour even after several washing times without losing either over time. For individuals looking for high-quality, long-lasting materials, linen is a sustainable and affordable option since with appropriate care, this fabric may endure for many years.
4.4. Suitable for every season
One of the outstanding advantages of linen is its versatility, as it is suitable for every season. It’s obvious that garment lining fabric is perfect for summer, as it can help to regulate body temperature and provide warmth without feeling bulky or heavy. This material also can help to control body temperature and provide breathable in summer.
4.5. Versatile
Linen is a superb material option with its versatility and ability to be utilized for a variety of purposes. Due to its inherent qualities, linen is suited for a wide range of uses. Dresses, shirts, and pants are made of linen, in addition to bedding, towels, and tablecloths for the home. Additionally, linen is perfect for industrial application due to its inherent capacity to absorb and breathe.
4.6. Hypoallergenic
One of the linen’s notable advantages is hypoallergenic, which means it is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction in the majority of individuals. This is due to linen’s usage of natural fibres, which are breathable, absorbent, and don’t harbour bacteria or moisture. For anyone with sensitive skin or allergies, linen fabric for apparel is a fantastic option. Therefore, linen is a great material for bedding, clothes, and other home goods because of its hypoallergenic qualities.
4.7. Comfortable
The line is a fabric with a stellar reputation for comfort. Made of natural fibres, linen is breathy and thus can keep you warm in the winter as well as cool in the summer. In addition, linen is incredibly soft and smooth to the touch, making it a pleasure to wear against your skin. Clothes made of linen are often loose-fitting, making them ideal for people of various ages, sizes, and forms.
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5. Price of linen fabric for clothing
The quality of the fabric is one of several variables that affect how much linen fabric costs. Since longer, finer fibres are more difficult to make, higher-quality linen is sometimes more costly. The typical price range for a yard of linen fabric for dresses is between $5 and $12, sometimes even more. However, it is undeniable that linen is in great demand for some specialized uses.
6. Applications of linen to the production of clothing
Almost everything that is typically created from other materials may be made by manufacturers using linen. Since linen is made of natural fibres, it is lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for summer dresses, shirts, and pants. Linen is also known for its durability, which makes it a popular choice for clothing that is designed to last. In addition, linen is a flexible material that can be utilized in a variety of looks, from casual to dressy.
Outside of the clothing industry, linen is still used as a material for household goods. Napkins, hand towels and tablecloths are very frequent examples of linen-made items.
7. How does clothing linen fabric affect the environment?
In comparison to synthetic materials, linen is more ecologically beneficial because it is a natural fibre derived from the flax plant. In comparison to other fabrics, linen production uses less water and energy, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, unlike synthetic materials, which might take hundreds of years to degrade, linen fabric for clothing is biodegradable and can decay spontaneously.
However, when it comes to the usage of herbicides and pesticides during cultivation, linen production can still have an effect on the environment. In order to decrease waste, linen clothes should be disposed of appropriately. Overall, if linen is cultivated in accordance with proper stewardship of the land, it will not damage the environment.
The typical varieties of linen fabric for clothing have been covered in this article. Linen is an incredible and adaptable fabric. You may select the most appropriate linen from the numerous varieties of linen fabric in accordance with your demands. Please don’t hesitate to contact Dugarco for detailed advice if you have any queries or would want to know more about this production process.
Contact information:
- Address: 59 Đức Giang, Đức Giang, Long Biên, HN
- Phone: 024 3655 7930
- Email: dugarco@mayducgiang.com.vn
- Website: https://dugarco.com/en/
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Dugarco under the talented leadership and guidance of Mr. Hoang Ve Dung has gradually become a large Vietnam clothing manufacturer, supplying clothes for many famous brands from many different countries such as the UK, USA, and Australia.