Why Linen is the Perfect Choice for Summer?

Breathable, lightweight clothing are key to surviving the dog days of summer, and linen fabric provide perfect wardrobe relief. Linen, a natural material made from flax plant fibres, has a number of unique properties that make it the ideal choice for summer clothing. In this article, we will take a closer look at linen's benefits and properties that make it well-suited for hot weather.

Hypoallergenic and Anti-bacterial

Linen fibres are naturally hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial. Linen fibres are naturally resistant to bacteria, mould and mildew, making them an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin, allergies, or acne-prone skin. This is because linen fibres are not easily attacked by bacteria and mould and do not tend to hold onto allergens like dust mites. 

In contrast, like many synthetic fabrics, polyester is not as breathable as natural fabrics like linen. This lack of breathability can create an environment that is more conducive to the growth of bacteria and can trap sweat and oil on the skin. When sweat and oil are trapped on the skin, they can clog the pores and lead to acne and heat rash.

Breathable and Cool 

There's a reason why linen has been the most popular summer fabric for millennia: It's scientifically proven to be a cooler fabric than cotton or silk.

Linen fibres have low thermal insulation, meaning they do not trap heat like silk or cotton fibres, thus keeping the body cool. Linen fibres are also naturally hollow, allowing air to circulate around the skin. This property makes linen clothing breathable.

Linen fibres can absorb up to 20% of their own weight in moisture without feeling damp. Cotton, on the other hand, can only absorb about 8% of its weight in moisture before feeling damp. This means linen clothing will wick away sweat from your skin, keeping you cool and dry. 

Linen fibres also have a higher thermal conductivity than silk and cotton fibres, which helps to dissipate heat away from the body and keep the wearer cool.

A Sustainable Choice

Flax, from which linen is made, is a highly resilient crop that requires very little water to grow, unlike cotton, which is a water-intensive crop. And linen can thrive in a variety of different climates. This means that linen production has a lower environmental impact regarding water usage.

Linen is not treated with harsh chemicals or pesticides, unlike cotton, which heavily depends on chemical inputs. This makes the production process of linen more environmentally friendly. 

Linen is also biodegradable and compostable. It breaks down naturally in the environment and doesn't contribute to pollution. Furthermore, linen is a durable fabric. It can last for years with proper care and maintenance, which means it doesn't have to be replaced as frequently as other fabrics, reducing the overall environmental impact of textile production.