Linen: The exclusive summer fabric
With summer at our doorstep, all we can think about is adorning a floral Linen dress, while maintaining the latest fashion trends. But have you ever given a thought about how, when and where the coolest fabric, Linen was found?
Introduction of "Linen"
Linen is produced out of a plant called Flax, if said specifically it is a cellulosic fiber derived from the stem of the flax plant, the plant is known to be the oldest cultivated plant of human history. Traces of flax plants have been found from the Neolithic age.The earliest evidence of Linen being produced dates back to around 4000 years ago in Egypt, and that is the reason the fabric is called out to be one of the oldest fabrics. The Egyptians later with coming of industrialization, started trading linen and people of the Mediterranean area also received the fabric.
Linen with the help of trade reached Ireland, the country gave a new shape to the fabric, it had the most systemized means to produce flax. After England, the fabric traveled to India during the British rule. The Indians also started producing it, noticing how good the fabric was for summers.
The historical significance of the fabric "Linen"
Linen earlier was worn as a display of wealth throughout life and also afterlife, the fabric was utilized for mummification, it remained preserved in tombs for years. In the Egyptian religion Linen was symbolized as divinity and purity.In India also the fiber was considered to be a holy fiber, in China the flax was used for oil and medicines, whereas in the Roman Empire flax was known to be a sign of royalty. Men were seen wearing robes made of Linen and women adorned in fine line Linen dresses.
The procedure of getting the "Summer fabric"- Linen
- Flax plants are harvested by hands, and then pulled away from the stalks and this is done through a process known as retting wherein bacteria is used to decompose the pectin that binds the fibers together.
- Then stalks are taken to another procedure known as scutching, under this step all the wooden particles present in the stalks are removed entirely by crushing it between metal rollers.
- Then comes 'Heckling' a process in which the fibers are separated from each other with the help of a comb.
- These fibers are then spun into yarn, once textiles created they can be dyed any color, bleached, painted or embroidered as per the needs and creation of a garment.
Linen Ranges and price check
Linen's cost varies widely, and it completely depends upon the quality of the fibers used and the density of the weave. The cost varies from thousands to lakhs depending upon the type of Linen and its properties. 100% Linen costs more than Rs800 per meter for 54' width fabric.What makes Linen the coolest fabric?
- The fabric is a little stiff and is less likely to cling to your skin, it quickly dries out and becomes cool again.
- Summer garments made out of Linen possess high air permeability, which allows air to flow through it and creates better breathability for the body.
- Linen is considered to be a highly absorbent fabric and a good conductor of heat. It quickly removes perspiration from the skin.
- Due to its molecular structure Linen can absorb as much as 1/5 of its weight before giving a feeling of wetness.
- The fabric smoothly allows the heat to escape, improving cooling and it's said that heat conductivity of the fabric is five times higher than wool and eighteen times higher than silk.
- Qualities and properties of Linen
- Different type of Linen Available
1. Damask Linen- It is a type of fabric that is woven on a jacquard loom, using a mix of plain and satin weaves, it has a smooth texture with a reversible pattern. It is mainly used for Linen napkins, linen table runners, table clothes and other home textile pieces. It is finely textured, commonly used in decorative pieces.
2. Plain-woven Linen- Plain woven Linen fabric is demanded in the national market for its smooth texture, skin-friendliness, immense softness, and high tear strength. The fabric is highly appealing is also called glass toweling as is used for wiping glassware.
3. Sheeting Linen- The heavy type Linen and is mostly used in the manufacture of sheets, it's made wide with purpose, suits and dresses are also made out of this fabric.
4. Loosely woven Linen- It is mostly used for making diapers and sanitary towels, the fabric is produced from hand-twisted yarns and is extremely smooth.
5. Holland Linen- The Linen is also a pretty variety of plain-woven, oil and starch are used to treat the fabric, which further gives it an extra layer of protection and strength, it's used for making lampshades and window blinds.
6. Cambric Linen- Extremely fine and thin, also a variety of plain-woven linen, it is used to make handkerchiefs and lingerie which requires delicacy and tenderness.
7.Bird's eye Linen- The fabric is well known for its tiny diamond-shaped pattern that somewhere resembles the eye of a bird. Commonly used for nappies and toweling cloth.
8. Blended Linen- After blending it with cotton a softer fabric is created, it adds higher thermal insulation to the blend, ideal to make a T-shirt.
Linen on Global and National level
Linen fiber is most available in Ireland, Italy, Belgium, China, France, and Holland. It is blended well with most of the fibers including cotton, silk, wool, and Bamboo but it is not blended directly at the fiber stage, it is blended during weaving. The linen came to India around the '90s and it is most suitable for the country's hot weather and summer season.
Some of the major Linen fabric manufacturers in India are Jaya Shree textiles, VSM Weaves, Bala Vignan Textiles and others.
Brands that offer Linen apparel in India are Color Plus, Zodiac, Allen Solly, Van Huesen, Benetton, Levis, Manzoni, Blackberry, and others.
Designers both on national and international level look forward to making designs out of the fabric, especially in an ice melting country like India, Linen provides with style and comfort, it never fails to set the latest fashion trends. Actors look forward to adoring Linen dresses, the Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar once said "Linen is good because it looks trendy and at the same time it's very comfortable." we can't agree any less with him.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Linen
Pros of the summer fabric- Linen
-Hand washable or dry cleanable
-Strong and durable
-Comfortable
-Absorbent
-Dyes and prints well due to its white natural color
-Resists dirt and stain
-Good conductor of heat
-Lint-free
Cons of the summer fabric- Linen
-Wrinkles easily-Can be a little expensive
-Shrinks
-Burns easily
-Shines if ironed
Linen versus Polyester
Both the fabrics hold huge audience support but both have their pros and cons, they have individual qualities and disadvantages, I hope the table helps you choose one.| Linen | Polyester |
| It's breathable and light. | It is heavier. |
| Called as a summer fabric, absorbs sweat. | Not a summer fabric. |
| Natural and shrinks. | Resists shrinkage. |
| Expensive | Inexpensive |
| Biodegradable | Non-Biodegradable |
Styling tips with Linen
1. For a perfect summer outfit opt for a casual Linen dress, accessories it and you are good to go.
2. A look that includes casual, as well as polish appearance, go for a linen shirt and denim.
3. Linen pants for summer can never go wrong, opt for them this 2020 and set some latest fashion trends.
4. For a night out ensemble take a lacy top, and pair it up with a Linen Pant and stylish footwear, this look will glam up your game.
For further style tips you can always go to I KNOCK FASHION, they will keep you updated with all the latest fashion trends, https://bit.ly/3arqIdB
Comments
Post a Comment