Linen is one of the world’s oldest natural textiles, loved for its comfort and durability.
This guide explains why people choose linen for their home and wardrobe: it’s comfortable in every season, gets softer with every wash and lasts for years.
A plant-based fibre with nothing synthetic in it.
Linen is made from flax, a plant. Our fabrics are 100% linen, so they contain no polyester, nylon or any other synthetic fibre. That means washing them doesn’t release plastic microfibres into the water, which many synthetic fabrics do.
People have been turning flax into linen for thousands of years, and it has lasted for a reason. The fibres come from inside the stem of the plant, and skilled weaving and finishing turn them into a cloth that is strong, soft and naturally beautiful.
At Wild Linens, our fabrics are woven in Lithuania, a country with a long history of making fine quality linen.
Linen is a plant fibre, so it breaks down naturally at the end of its life, which polyester and nylon do not. Composting or burying it helps, and the dyes and finishes on a fabric will affect how quickly it breaks down.
The seeds are pressed for linseed oil and the fibres are spun into linen. The woody stalk that’s left can be used for things like animal bedding.
Soft, breathable and practical in every season.
Linen is naturally breathable and temperature-regulating. Air moves freely through the fibres and moisture is carried away from the skin, so it feels cool in summer and comfortable in cooler weather too.
Flax is one of the strongest natural fibres, and linen gets softer with every wash and wear. A well-looked-after piece can stay in use for years, which is why we use linen across our range of home textiles.
Linen absorbs moisture well without feeling damp, and it dries quickly. That’s a big part of why it’s so popular for bedding, tea towels and summer clothes.
From gentle slubs to airy weaves, linen has a relaxed, natural texture that suits almost any interior. Its look is simple and understated, and it sits comfortably alongside most colours and styles.
Table linens, cushions, lampshades, clothes, curtains and upholstery: linen works for all of them, and has been part of people’s homes and wardrobes for years.
A fabric with a long history, made to be lived with every day.
Across Europe, linen has been a symbol of quality and simplicity for centuries. In Lithuania it has long been part of daily life, from traditional garments to household textiles, and our fabrics are still woven there today.
New linen is naturally crisp and a little stiff, because of how flax fibres are built. A washing and softening finish loosens the cloth, so it feels soft from the first day.
Linen creases easily because the fibre barely stretches, so a fold stays put. It’s the same structure that makes flax strong and crisp, and it’s why linen has a relaxed, lived-in look.
Linen is easy to look after and made for everyday living.
To keep your fabrics looking their best:
- Machine wash at 40°C or below with a mild detergent
- Avoid bleach
- Line-dry where possible, or tumble dry on low
- Expect a naturally relaxed texture; it’s part of linen’s charm
- Use a steam iron if you prefer a smoother finish, and avoid ironing the fabric directly with a hot iron
Linen is made to be lived with, loved and enjoyed for years to come.
We specialise in beautifully soft linen, expertly woven in Europe. Our fabrics are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, which means every component, including the dyes, has been tested for harmful substances. Buy it by the metre for your own clothing and home sewing projects, or choose one of our ready-made, handmade lampshades or home textiles.
Now that you understand the benefits of linen, why not try it for yourself? Order a sample to see the colours and feel the texture in person before you start your project.