Linen, made from linen fibers, is one of the oldest fabrics in the world, having been used for thousands of years. Linen is a popular fabric for bedding, clothing, upholstery, and other uses.
Linen is favored because it has a unique filter that gives it the ability to absorb, evaporate and ventilate moisture, making it resistant to bacteria. These anti-allergic qualities and its massaging effect due to microscopic breaks make linen ideal for bedding.
Linen's thermal and breathable properties make it breathable, keeping the user cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Linen absorbs moisture up to 20% of its weight, making it ideal for people who sweat a lot. Other benefits of linen are dirt removal, distinctly delicious softness, and special texture (it becomes shiny and softer with each wash), anti-static, skin softening with pH balanced, twice as durable as cotton,
pure linen bedding is a status symbol and it's eco-friendly.
Not all fabrics are created equal. Common types of linen are 100% linen, linen-polyester, and linen-cotton, all of which vary in quality. There are a number of considerations to make if you want to get the best out of it.
1. Quantity is only
Quantity is only the primary measure that describes the quality of linen. Thread count is measured in threads per square inch in both weaving directions. In general, the higher the thread count, the better the linen, as it means durability and comfort. However, the more threads, the higher the cost. Therefore, the choice should be based on the intended use. For example, a shopper might choose a high thread count of 100% linen for maximum comfort, but a
linen-cotton blend for clothing that needs less comfort to save money.
2. Color and fabric
Color is an important consideration when purchasing linen. Linen comes in a variety of colors - buyers can choose between plain linen and printed linen. When choosing a color, one must consider the rest of the home decor. One of the benefits of linen is that it can be machine washed, steamed, and dry-cleaned. For this reason, it is important to avoid color runs as they fade quickly and make the room look dull.
The most popular fabrics today are solid, wide, transparent, hessian, metallic, and novelty. It's also important to consider softness, with popular options being moderately soft and super soft.
3. Size and weight
Linen comes in a variety of sizes and weights. Width is measured in inches and typically ranges from 54 inches to 124 inches. Weights typically start around 3 oz to 14 oz. Dimensions and weight should be based on the specific use of the linen. For example, take exact measurements of mattresses, pillows, and comforters before purchasing linen bedding.