Linen Towels: Material & Care
What Is Linen?
Linen – also known as flax – is a natural fibre obtained from the stems of the flax plant. However, the plant can be used in many ways: for example, the seeds can be processed into linseed oil or used in varnishes or linoleum.
When linen is used in woven fabrics, a distinction is made between pure linen and union linen. Pure linen consists of 100% flax, and both the weft and warp threads – the two threads that are interwoven during weaving – are made of linen. Union linen contains at least 40% linen; often the warp thread is made of pure cotton and the weft thread of pure linen.
Linen can also be used in smaller proportions to influence the properties of a fabric. Even a content of just 5% is enough to make a fabric feel different.
Properties of Linen: Advantages and Disadvantages
Textiles made from linen are especially popular in summer, because they can absorb a great deal of moisture and release it back into the surroundings – creating a pleasantly cooling effect. The material is also breathable and feels pleasant against the skin. Even so, linen naturally still provides warmth, whether as clothing, bed linen or a terry product.
Linen is also quite robust – but not elastic. Bed linen or towels made from linen are long-lasting and also resistant to dirt. Linen is also often said to have antibacterial properties. Because this natural fibre is lint-free, linen products are also well suited to many allergy sufferers.
The main advantages of linen are:
- Breathable
- Cooling
- Robust
- Does not shed lint
- Anti-static
- Low odour
The lack of elasticity in linen can be improved by blending it with other fibres. The same applies to another disadvantage of this natural fibre: linen does not hold its shape particularly well and creases easily.
Caring for Linen Products Properly
Terry products such as towels made from linen or containing linen can be washed in the machine without any problem. Some linen products are even suitable for a boil wash. As a rule, however, temperatures of up to 60 degrees are sufficient and recommended. In that case, your towel containing linen can even go into the tumble dryer after washing.
Towels or other products made from linen or containing linen can also simply be air-dried quickly and easily. Any creases can be reduced as follows: shake out towels or other terry products before air-drying, or pull them into shape and then hang them up as smoothly as possible.
You can also use an iron (setting 1) to smooth out creases in linen and linen-blend fabrics. Linen is typically ironed while still slightly damp, and a steam iron also works very well here.
Linen products are generally made to last a long time. Frequent wear and washing make the material softer and create a certain sheen that can even be reminiscent of silk. However, the colour may fade over time – the hotter you wash it, the more colour the fibres will lose. To enjoy your linen products for as long as possible, always follow the care instructions for the specific item as well.