Linen is a natural fabric made from the fibres of the flax plant. It is one of the oldest fabrics known to man and has been used for thousands of years for clothing, bedding, and other household items. Linen is known for its durability, comfort, and breathability, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a touch of summer charm. But did you know that linen is also a sustainable fabric?
As a sustainable fashion brand, TWOTHIRDS knows a fair bit about what is and isn’t eco-friendly! We’ve been using linen for years now, appreciating its unique texture and low water footprint. That’s why, all through the month of May we’ll be celebrating this slow fashion superhero.
Here are five little-known sustainable facts about linen.
1. Linen is biodegradable
Linen is a biodegradable fabric, meaning that it will naturally decompose when discarded. This contrasts with synthetic fabrics like polyester, which can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill. When linen is no longer needed, it can be composted, returning nutrients to the soil. This makes linen a more eco-friendly choice for clothing, when considering the “end-of-life” phase of the garment.
Amazingly, linen can biodegrade in as little as 2 weeks!
2. Linen is water-efficient
The word linen actually comes from the Latin for flax, linum usitatissimum (we’re quite glad it got shortened!). Flax is the plant origin of all linen.
Growing flax plants requires much less water than other crops like cotton. In fact, it is estimated that flax plants require only 40% the amount of water that cotton plants require. This makes linen a more sustainable choice for clothing because it reduces the overall water consumption in the production process. Additionally, linen fabric does not require as much water to wash and maintain as other fabrics, such as cotton or silk.
3. Linen is durable
Linen is a strong and durable fabric, which means that it lasts longer than many other fabrics. When properly cared for, linen can last for decades, making it a sustainable choice for clothing and other textile products. Linen also has a natural resistance to stains and bacteria, which means that it does not need to be washed as often as other fabrics, reducing the overall water consumption and ecological impact of its use.
4. Linen comes from a low-impact crop
Flax, the plant used to make linen fibres, is a low-impact crop. It requires less pesticides and fertilisers than other crops, such as cotton, and can be grown in a variety of soils and climates. Additionally, flax plants have a deep root system that helps to improve soil health and prevent soil erosion. This makes linen a more sustainable choice for clothing and other textile products because it reduces the overall environmental impact of the farming process - and may even have a positive impact on soil fertility.
Did you know? The flax plant is also multi-purpose, meaning very little of it goes to waste.
As good on you notes, “every part of the flax plant has traditionally been used to create a worthwhile product—nothing is wasted, and production is cost effective.” They give linseed oil as an example of a by-product that derives from the flax plant. It’s cool to think that the same plant in your garment has also produced the oil in some people’s kitchens. Being used in totality makes the flax plant extra sustainable.
5. Linen is versatile
Linen is a versatile fabric that can be used for a variety of products. You’ll find it not just in clothing but in bedding and other household items too! Linen’s versatility means that it can be used in a variety of settings, from formal to casual, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. This versatility means that linen products are more likely to be used and reused, reducing the overall environmental impact of the garment in question. One of our favourite facts about linen is that it gets softer with every wash, making it worth your while to cherish it for longer.
In conclusion, linen is a sustainable fabric that offers a variety of benefits over other fabrics. Its biodegradability, water efficiency, durability, low-impact farming, and versatility make it an eco-friendly choice for clothing. If you are looking for a more sustainable fabric choice, consider linen for your next wardrobe update. You can find all our linen styles by shopping Men or Women. This year we’ve added new colours to our linen collection making these garments more appealing than ever!