What is Linen? Types of Linen Sarees and Fabrics

Linen, a fabric renowned for its breathability, is particularly well-suited for warmer weather conditions. In Europe, linen garments have long been favoured during the spring and summer seasons for their lightweight and breathable nature. Its popularity in various European countries stems from its capacity to offer coolness and comfort to those wearing it amidst the heat.

Let us learn more about this enduring linen fabric in this comprehensive blog. 

What is Linen?

Linen is a textile made from the fibres of the flax plant. It's one of the oldest known textiles, dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. Linen is valued for its exceptional durability, breathability, and luxurious feel. Linen is highly absorbent and dries quickly, making it an ideal choice for warm climates or humid environments.

What is Linen Made of?

The process of making linen involves harvesting flax plants, retting (soaking) them to separate the fibres from the stalks, followed by spinning these fibers into yarn or thread. Linen fabric is known for its natural lustre and crisp texture, which softens with each wash while still maintaining its strength. 

Linen clothes are renowned for their ability to keep the body cool and comfortable, making them popular choices for summer clothing, bedding, and home textiles.

Learn about the 8 best vegan, plant-based fabrics for a sustainable choice in the clothing world.

Types of Linen

Here’s a short overview of the type of linen. Each offers its own unique qualities and characteristics, catering to a wide range of uses.

1. Plain Weave Linen 

This is the most common type of linen and one of the best linen fabric for clothing. It features a simple over-and-under pattern, resulting in a smooth surface with good durability and breathability.

2. Basket Weave Linen 

In this type of linen, two or more threads are woven together in a crisscross pattern, resembling the texture of a basket. Basketweave linen tends to be thicker and more textured than plain woven linen.

3. Herringbone Linen 

Herringbone linen is characterised by a distinctive V-shaped pattern created by a variation in the weaving technique. This weave adds visual interest and texture to the fabric, making it popular for apparel and home decor.

4. Damask Linen 

Damask linen is woven on a jacquard loom, creating intricate patterns and designs visible on both sides of the fabric. It is often used for tablecloths, napkins, and other decorative textiles.

5. Twill Linen 

Twill linen features a diagonal ribbed pattern created by a specific weaving technique. This type of linen weave gives the fabric a smooth, soft feel and makes it more resistant to wrinkles and creases.

6. Linen Blend 

Linen blends combine linen with other fibres such as cotton, silk, or synthetic materials. Blending linen with other fibres can enhance its strength, reduce wrinkling, and alter its texture and drape.

7. Canvas Linen 

Canvas linen is a heavyweight linen fabric known for its sturdiness and durability. It typically features a plain weave construction with a tight, densely packed structure, used for sturdy bags, tents and heavy-duty apparel.

8. Loose Weave Linen 

Also known as open weave linen, is a more relaxed and airy construction compared to tighter weaves. This type of linen fabric has larger gaps between the fibres, creating a breathable and lightweight texture. It is used in home decor items like curtains, drapes, and throw blankets.

Properties of Linen

The properties of linen make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from clothing and home textiles to upholstery and accessories.

• Linen fabric's open weave and moisture-wicking properties keep the body cool and dry, making it ideal for hot climates.

• Despite its lightweight feel, linen is exceptionally strong and resistant to tearing. It withstands frequent washing, becoming softer with each wash. 

• Linen's natural antibacterial properties make it hypoallergenic and resistant to mould and mildew, suitable for sensitive skin. 

• Its quick moisture absorption prevents odour-causing bacteria. Linen's unique texture and subtle sheen lend it a rustic charm.

Types of Linen Sarees 

1. Pure Linen Sarees: Made from 100% linen fibres, pure linen sarees are known for their breathability, lightweight feel, and natural texture. They are highly absorbent and comfortable to wear, making them ideal for hot and humid climates.

2. Linen Cotton Sarees: A blend of linen and cotton fibres, linen cotton sarees offer the best of both worlds. They combine the softness and comfort of cotton with the crispness and texture of linen, making them suitable for various occasions.

3. Tissue Linen Sarees: Tissue linen sarees are characterized by their sheer and lightweight fabric, often featuring a subtle sheen. They are elegant and drape beautifully, making them a popular choice for formal events and parties.

4. Linen Embroidery Sarees: These linen sarees are embellished with intricate embroidery work, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the natural texture of linen fabric. They come in a variety of designs, ranging from traditional motifs to contemporary patterns.

5. Printed Linen Sarees: Printed linen sarees feature colourful designs and patterns printed onto the fabric. They offer a wide range of options, from floral motifs to geometric shapes, catering to different preferences and tastes.

6. Khadi Linen Sarees: Khadi is a handspun and handwoven fabric, known for its texture and durability. Khadi linen sarees combine the richness of khadi with the lightweight and breathable qualities of linen, creating elegant and sustainable sarees.

7. Banarasi Linen Sarees: These sarees combine the finesse of Banarasi weaving techniques with the comfort of linen fabric. They often feature intricate zari work and motifs inspired by traditional Banarasi designs, making them a popular choice for special occasions.

8. Plain Linen Sarees: Simple yet elegant, plain linen sarees showcase the natural beauty of linen fabric. They come in a variety of colours and are versatile enough to be worn for both casual and formal occasions.

9. Hand-Woven Linen Sarees: Handwoven linen sarees are crafted with care and attention to detail by skilled artisans. They showcase the craftsmanship of traditional weaving techniques and are prized for their unique textures and patterns.

10. Vegan Linen Sarees: Vegan linen sarees are made without the use of any animal-derived materials or by-products, and only involve plant-based fibres with cruelty-free and sustainable practices making them an environmentally friendly linen fabric. They offer the same comfort and style as traditional linen sarees while aligning with ethical values.

Buy Vegan Linen Sarees, Fabrics and Materials Online at Hand N Yarns 

Discover the timeless elegance of linen sarees crafted from high-quality vegan materials. Our vegan sarees combine the natural beauty of linen with ethical principles, making them a perfect choice for eco-conscious individuals. Explore our exquisite collection of vegan linen sarees, fabrics, and materials available online at Hand N Yarns. Embrace sustainable fashion without compromising on style with our range of cruelty-free linen products.

Beat the summer heat in style with our latest type of linen sarees, including linen embroidery sarees, linen silk sarees and linen handloom sarees. Our best linen sarees offer the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, making them the ideal choice for staying cool and chic during the warmer months.

Experience the luxury of the best linen sarees as you shop with us. Shop our exquisite linen sarees in designs, vibrant colours and superior craftsmanship and experience the luxury of sustainable fashion today

FAQs about Linen Fabric 

1. Does linen fabric shrink?

Linen fabric may shrink slightly when washed and dried. To minimise shrinkage, it's good to wash linen in cold water and avoid high heat when drying.

2. Is linen fabric suitable for all climates?

Linen fabric is known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it suitable for warm and humid climates. It helps keep the body cool and dry in hot weather.

3. Is linen fabric environmentally friendly?

Yes, linen is considered to be an environmentally friendly fabric. Flax, the plant from which linen is derived, requires less water and fewer pesticides compared to other crops like cotton. Linen is also biodegradable and recyclable, making it a sustainable choice.

4. How do you care for linen fabric?

Linen fabric is relatively easy to care for. It can typically be machine-washed in cold or lukewarm water using a mild detergent. It is recommended to air dry or tumble dry on low heat to prevent excessive shrinking. 

5. Where to buy linen sarees online?

Buy exquisite linen sarees online at Hand N Yarns, a renowned saree boutique for high-quality vegan sarees. With a wide selection of colours, patterns, and designs, you can shop linen sarees with convenience and ease for every occasion.

Explore the latest trends, tips, and inspirations in the world of sarees on Hand N Yarns' blog page.