Linen is the superhero of fashion fabrics and is this summer's wardrobe staple
Linen is the oldest fabric known to man, even pre-dating the invention of the wheel.
The ancient Egyptians first organised the industrial production of linen with early methods shown on ancient hieroglyphics and the Pharaohs were mummified in flax.
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From the 11th century flax was cultivated in Ireland. Later Huguenots (escaping religious persecution in France) who settled in Northern Ireland, brought their skills in weaving linen too.
Gold Beetled Linen Hat, €172.95. Pic: Kindred of Ireland
The majority of the world’s linen was produced in Lisburn, which gained it the name ‘Linenopolis’. From these origins a major industry grew, and Irish linen earned an excellent reputation. The particular brightness of Irish linen was attributed to the purity of Irish water, and it was woven as fine as tissue paper.
While we may no longer produce linen in volume the popularity of the fibre is growing again.
With Europe warming rapidly, linen is ideal for escalating temperatures. It is cool, and comfortable to wear, extremely durable, protects the skin from ultraviolet and also possesses fungicidaland antibacterial properties whichneutralise bad odours.
It is also one of those rare fabrics, like denim, that improves with age getting softer and more supple with wear.
Linen has historically been undervalued by the Irish who often express a distaste for its tendency to wrinkle – our European cousins don’t mind the creases as they value its breathability and relaxed comfort.
For hot climates linen is a super-intuitive fibre, ultra-cooling on a warm body and moisture wicking to keep the wearer aerated and dry.
Increasingly linen is championed by modern designers prioritising sustainable fibres with longevity, which are not as thirsty as cotton.
Its rumpled appearance which many once disdained now also chimes with more relaxed dress codes. It is also perfect for those with allergies and skin problems.
Adele Oatmeal Linen Dress, €355. Pic: Helen McAlinden
Linen is the ultimate fabric for people with sensitive skin because it is hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial. It also repels insects and moths and resists dirt and stains. As it is bio-degradable it will decompose back into the earth making it very eco-friendly.
Today, Irish labels like Magee 1866, Kindred of Ireland, the Linen Shirt Company, Helen McAlinden and STABLE of Ireland are continuing Irish linen’s legacy by continuing to use the fabric in their collections.
STABLE’s Sonia Reynolds and Francie Duff say, ‘We have been working with Irish linen right from when we started 8 years ago and we can’t shout loudly enough about this fantastic fabric.
Linen scarf. Pic: STABLE of Ireland
‘So many great reasons to wear linen. Firstly, for pure comfort in the warmer weather, there’s nothing like it. It looks great and the more you wear the nicer it looks.
‘It is we believe the most sustainable fabric out there, fully biodegradable. The flax plant (from which linen is made,) is fully used with seeds, flowers and fibres all being in demand for fibre, food and pollinators. It’s light on the land and feeds the soil,’ they explain.
Check linen top. Pic: STABLE of Ireland
Multiples including Arket, Cos, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Massimo Dutti, Dunnes Stores and Penneys all offer affordable linen pieces in attractive shapes perfect for sunny holidays or a muggy office too.
The versatility of linen is amazing – it can be tailored into a crisp blazer and wide trousers, fashioned into a romantic dress, even made into a snug quilted coat as per Kindred of Ireland’s striking Blanket jacket.
Linen is truly the superhero of fashion fabrics and a wise and stylish addition to any summer wardrobe.
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