Linen : more than just your go to summer fabric.
If you’ve at any point in your life faced the issue of staying cool during the summer months then surely you’ve been told to buy linens so you don’t burst into flames or some variation of that, since linen is seen as the go to summer fabric solution. However linen has so many applications outside of your summer wardrobe. Linen is found in your scarves, bags , trousers, jackets, blazers, vests, structured dresses and many more garments and items in the home. We’re not denying that in the summer a nice linen two piece won’t feel like salvation but we think there’s so much more there and we’d like to share our favorite applications and some of our favorite linen pieces so you too can get the most out of this underrated material.
Firstly you might ask yourself well what even is linen? Linen is a textile made from the bast fibres ( inner bark) of the flax plant. Linen is traditionally made by harvesting mature flax, separating the flax fibers from the stem, drying them, separating the hard stem from the fibers,then they're combed to make a straight smooth fabric that can be spun into yarn and used into whatever it needs. Sometimes there are extra steps taken such as bleaching or dying used to further treat the linen to get it closer to its desired final product.
Why is linen so popular then, especially for summer ? The material (flax) that linen is made with has a very porous structure so it provides breathability whilst being able to absorb almost 20% of its weight without feeling wet to the touch and quickly allowing moisture to evaporate. This paired with the light colors linen usually comes in and the euro summer look that’s been trending for quite some time now make for a very desirable type of garment.
With all of that said, then what other applications could linen have that are being overlooked? Well linen’s uses , just like any other material, depend on the different weights, ranging from lightweight to heavy, each with its own characteristics and suitable applications. For the following:
Sheer/Very Lightweight (3-4 oz/yd²):
Sheer or very lightweight linen is delicate and transparent, offering a light and airy feel. It is perfect for creating ethereal blouses, flowy dresses, lightweight scarves, and curtains with a soft drape.
Lightweight (5-6 oz/yd²):
Lightweight linen strikes a balance between breathability and structure. It is suitable for making summer dresses, skirts, shirts, and loose-fitting trousers. It provides comfort and ease of movement while maintaining a subtle crispness.
Medium Weight (7-9 oz/yd²):
Medium-weight linen offers more substance and durability, making it versatile for a range of garments. It is commonly used for tailored trousers, jackets, blazers, vests, and structured dresses. This weight provides a refined appearance while still offering breathability.
Heavyweight (10-12 oz/yd²):
Heavyweight linen is robust and sturdy, ideal for projects that require more structure and durability. It is commonly used for outerwear, such as coats and jackets, as well as upholstery, tote bags, and home decor items like pillows and table linens.
Extra Heavyweight (13+ oz/yd²):
Extra heavyweight linen is the thickest and most durable option available. This weight is typically used for specialized applications that require significant strength, such as heavy-duty bags, upholstery for furniture that sees high usage, and items that need to withstand rigorous wear and tear.
Now that you have the specs , we’ll share some of our favorite linen goods .
Club Monaco’s signature slim shirt is light-weight and breathable perfect for a summer night out. Made with 100% linen and a button down point collar its perfect for a put together look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Summer’s too hot to be wearing polos, we’d definitely give this linen garment a chance.
Now if you’re looking for a linen accessory that won’t get tangled in your hair or stick to your neck then we offer for your consideration:
This mini cotton linen blend bag is perfect for a hot summer day when the only things you want to carry are your keys and phone. Does anyone need more than that?
If you’re the kind to keep it minimal then of course we have to reccomend one of our favorite’s from Rag and Bone.
Admittedly we’re a little biased since we own quite a couple of things from Rag and Bone but this is truly a need for those summer days when even leaving the house seems burdensome.
So what’ll be your next linen addition?