There was a time in history when linen clothing was reserved strictly for high society and the noble. Linen was once so precious that it was used for wrapping the sacred bodies of mummies in Egypt, contributing significantly to the preservation of those ancient treasures.
However, the cultivation of the flax plant spread widely throughout the 16th century and beyond, making this exquisite fabric available to everyone. Fast forward to today, and linen is being rediscovered and redefined as a luxury fabric that is simultaneously highly sustainable.
At Sonfre, we consider it a wonder fabric. It is one of the few textiles that is almost 100% biodegradable and requires surprisingly little water during production. From high-street brands to premium labels creating functional and elegant pieces like our signature dresses and tops, it is evident that linen is making a significant, permanent comeback. With the added benefit of being ethically and sustainably produced—a conversation that is here to stay—it is no wonder linen has become a top favorite, especially for those warmer months!
"Many say linen is their preferred fabric for healthy living, healing, and general well-being. But what exactly is linen, and how is it made?"
What Exactly is Linen and How is it Made?
Linen is a natural plant fiber derived from the inner bark of flax stems, called the bast. To extract this bast, the plants are traditionally either cut or pulled from the ground by hand. Some connoisseurs believe that hand-pulling creates finer, more delicate linen fibers.
The fibers then go through a natural process called retting, which decomposes the cellular tissues and removes the woody core. Once this occurs, the fibers are separated to collect the longest, most premium pieces. These are then spun into a durable yarn and woven into the beautiful, structured fabric we use for our Sonfre clothing.
The flax plants we use are grown in sustainable fields and require little to no pesticides, fertilizers, or irrigation. This raw fiber is then expertly woven and tailored into beautiful garments by our skilled family-run ateliers in Greece, Portugal, and Hong Kong. We prioritize working with ethical partners who employ above-standard working conditions and share our vision for a more sustainable textile industry.
Furthermore, our linen is Oeko-Tex certified (Standard 100), meaning it has been tested for harmful substances and is safe for humans. We utilize low-impact chemical processes, such as eco-dyes to color the fabric, keeping our entire process as green as possible.
Here are 5 Essential Benefits of Wearing Linen
If you have fallen in love with this wonder fabric like we have, here are five powerful reasons why your next wardrobe essential should be made of linen.
#1 Incredible Strength and Durability
Linen is widely considered to be the strongest natural plant fiber, being roughly 30% stronger than cotton. This means your linen pieces are an incredible investment that will last for years, making the long-term cost-per-wear significantly decrease.
Moreover, your linen clothes won’t lose their shape after washing. Unlike other fabrics, they actually become softer and even more pleasant against your skin over time. Because linen is a generational fabric, with proper care, you will be able to pass down your favorite Sonfre pieces for your granddaughters to enjoy.
(Tip: Read our guide on How to Tell the Difference Between Quality Linen and Cheap Linen.)
#2 Sustainable and Fully Biodegradable
Linen is made from the stalks of flax, an extremely resilient plant that has the ability to grow under poor soil conditions with minimal use of fertilizers and water. This inherent quality makes it one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics on the market.
Because we use ecological dyes and Oeko-Tex certified raw fibers, your Sonfre linen clothes are almost fully biodegradable! Furthermore, the entire flax plant is highly efficient, as flax seeds and oils serve as a source of nutrition for both animals and humans. This closed-loop system creates a zero-waste textile that degrades much faster than cotton pieces.
#3 Easy Care and Unmatched Versatility
Despite its luxurious reputation, high-quality linen is surprisingly durable and does not require overly special treatment. A great benefit of linen clothing is that it is safe to machine wash (just remember to use cold water to prevent shrinkage and avoid harsh bleach).
(For specific washing instructions, check out our Linen Care Guide.)
Its natural, charming wrinkles are actually its signature feature. High-quality linen achieves an "effortless elegance" that few other fabrics can match.
Linen is also naturally versatile. Imagine yourself on vacation in an all-white linen outfit, sun-kissed skin, carrying your favorite clutch to a beach-side bistro after a day of sailing. No other fabric is more appropriate to carry you effortlessly from a day out into the night.
#4 Amazing Healing Properties and Health Benefits
Linen is highly breathable and moisture-wicking. This means that when you sweat, linen instantly wicks the perspiration away from your skin, preventing that sticky, uncomfortable clammy feeling and keeping you perfectly dry. Because linen cools you down naturally, you actually sweat half as much!
Another major benefit is that linen is naturally hypoallergenic. It inhibits bacteria, fungi, and pollen from breeding. It helps prevent allergic disorders and can even aid in improving skin conditions. Because body odor is caused by bacteria, wearing a linen shirt on a humid or hot day will keep you staying fresh for much longer.
#5 Luxurious and Elegant Yet Comfortable for Everyday Wear
If you have read all the benefits above, you probably have already gathered that linen is at the top of the comfortable clothing pyramid. It is lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating.
Linen garments are typically designed to have a relaxed, flowing fit, making them comfortable and flattering for people of all ages, sizes, and body shapes. It is the ultimate everyday luxury.
So go on, find a piece of linen clothing that will change your life. We are serious—it really can do that!
Final Thoughts
Despite all its incredible qualities, linen currently makes up only about 1% of the world's textile and apparel production. The considerable time and effort required to produce linen yarn make it a premium luxury fabric, but one that is absolutely worth the investment.
We hope we have shared some valuable insight into the incredible benefits of wearing linen clothing. It is strong, sustainable, versatile, healthy, and exceptionally comfortable. If you have ever asked someone who wears linen, they are likely to tell you they cannot imagine life without it. We feel the exact same way!
