White shirt, blue flowers

My keepers are getting better with time...

Left: my white linen shirt; Right: Linen flax flowers

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My keepers

Among the oldest items in my wardrobe are two simple button-down white linen shirts. I wear them every single summer, at the office, at home, and on the go.

I bought them over a decade ago when I needed a clean space for my mind to breathe. It was a hot summer, and I had been juggling between hospital and office exhaustedly for months. The crystal white color calmed me down, while the breathable linen material kept me cool.

I brought these two shirts along during a 2-week trip to Portugal in the summer of 2015. A friend with two large suitcases was shocked to find me with just a carry-on, asking, 'Don’t you have enough clothes to change?' I did change every day, alternating between these two shirts. With a drop of body wash and line drying, I hand-washed the shirts every night. By the next morning, they were dry and smelled fresh. My friend was amused by my creative way of traveling light.

These shirts are incredibly comfy and get softer with every wash. I avoid using detergent, bleach, and fabric softeners because residues from these additives could make the linen stiff.

I am wearing the same white linen shirt while writing this post, I hope that with proper care, they will be with me for another decade or two.

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A rare fiber

Linen is a unique textile material made from fibers extracted from the stems of flax plants, known as linen flax. Flax is a hardy plant with blue flowers.

There are two types of flax fibers: long fibers for non-industrial use (such as fashion and bedding) and short fibers mainly for industrial purposes.

Why did flax fibers account for less than 0.5% of global fiber production in 2023? The process of extracting flax fibers from the plant is more labor-intensive and time-consuming compared to other fibers like cotton or synthetics. Flax thrives in temperate climates. Currently, 75% of long fibers are produced in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

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Super natural material

Linen boasts superior properties compared to other fibers.

It's incredibly durable, enduring frequent washing and wear without losing its strength.

New linen feels stiff due to pectin, a natural binding agent found in the plant. With wear and washing, the pectin gradually diminishes, resulting in a softer and smoother texture while enhancing its natural luster over time.

Linen is breathable because its fibers have hollow cores, allowing for efficient moisture and thermal regulation. This keeps the wearer cool and dry in warm weather.

Linen stands out as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice compared to other fabrics. It's similar to organic cotton because it minimizes the use of pesticides and chemicals in cultivation and extraction.

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Rich history

Linen is the oldest textile in the world, with the use of flax as a textile dating back to 36,000 BCE. The cultivation of flax for linen production began at least 10,000 years ago, making it as one of the earliest domesticated plants.

Ancient Egyptians prized linen for its versatility, using it as a symbol of purity and wealth. Linen cloth was often used to wrap famous Egyptian mummies.

Alexander the Great and his soldiers protected themselves with linothorax armor made of 15-20 layers of linen soaked in flaxseed oil, which hardened through air oxidation.

Elizabeth II wore a simple white linen dress when she was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom in 1953.

Federal Reserve notes are composed of a blend of 25% linen and 75% cotton.

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Reference:

1. Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp

2. Textile Exchange, Material report 2023

3. Britannica

4. US Currency Education