The Natural Beauty of Linen and Why I Love This Fabric So Much!

A few years ago I didn’t care about anything when it came to fashion. Actually, I did; I cared about what I looked like and whether I was keeping up with the latest trends. But that was about it. I had no idea about what materials were safer or better for the environment, or let’s say, it just wasn’t one of my worries back then. I would buy and order what I wanted, whenever I wanted it, as long as I was able to afford it.

I know I keep mentioning the “V” word, and I guess, I will never stop as it really is the reason why I am constantly growing and evolving as a person, but honestly, going vegan was one big awakening for me and I finally started caring for the other things and beings than just myself. Fashion is, of course, a big part of it as being vegan excludes all animal products. Therefore fur, leather, wool, cashmere, feather, silk or any other materials sourced from animals is a total TABOO. First of all, veganism and sustainability have a lot to do with each other. It’s almost like you can’t do the one without doing the other, if you know what I mean. Does that make sense?

I think it was only last year when I started looking into more sustainable ways of living and how to adjust my everyday life to have a smaller carbon footprint on the planet. With spring and summer 2019 approaching and my wardrobe needing a new face, I started looking into the best clothing materials I could buy without harming the planet, not just the animals. I fell in love with linen! I have never been a huge fan of patterns, prints or very bright colours when it comes to fashion. In fact, since the age of 20, and especially the past several years, I have loved the complete opposite; simplicity and minimalism. Linen was just that, plus in 2019 linen became very fashionable. I was able to get my hands on some beautiful pieces by brands such as H&M and Zara which were lovely quality for affordable prices.

THE MOST SUSTAINABLE CHOICE OF FABRIC

Linen is without a doubt an amazing fabric. It has an amazing ability to keep you cool during the summer months and warm in the dead of winter, acting as a natural insulator. It isn’t only wonderful to wear since it’s highly absorbent and breathable, but is also the oldest known fibre, as well as one of the most sustainable. Flax grows naturally and requires no additional water other than rainwater, making it the most eco-friendly material. The flax plants don’t need pesticides either, which means that the environmental impact of linen is much lower than the impact of many other fabrics. Because it’s a natural fibre, flax linen is recyclable and biodegradable, plus the whole flax plant can be used, leaving no waste. How amazing is all of that?

WHY DO I PERSONALLY LOVE IT?

The sustainability, of course, is the number one reason why I keep buying more of linen but there are many more benefits to this lovely fabric. I find the material very durable and practical and the more I use it and wash it, the softer, smoother and more beautiful it becomes. I also try to buy organic linen where possible because of natural dyes being used, which are healthier for us and the environment.

I don’t only love linen to wear but I’ve also switched to linen for our home. I have recently bought some lovely curtains, cushion covers, table cloth and bed sheets and I am absolutely obsessed!!

I won’t lie, as a material it is an absolute pain to iron and keeping it crisp is basically impossible but, on the other hand, that’s exactly what I love about it so much. It is meant to look imperfect and natural and in a way I do love the creased look.

I simply can’t get enough of this fabric! If you ever come across a linen wedding dress, then please let me know :-)!