Our Blog | Love Linen The Label — Linen Lover

Linen is a naturally smooth fabric, resistant to lint, highly breathable, drys quickly and is absorbent and hypoallergenic. Linen is a very stable fiber and does not have elastic capabilities, it is an amazing quality from the point of view that quality linen clothing with never loose its shape or stretch - no other natural fiber can boast this! 

When selecting linen, particularly with linens popularity increasing due to its earth friendly and natural properties, it is good to know cheap linen vs quality linen.

Quality Linen Is Not Itchy or Scratchy 

The biggest tell tail to cheap linen is that it will feel itchy and scratchy. Quality linen is always comfortable on the skin and becomes naturally soft and silky with wash and wear. If linen feels rough or scratchy it is because it is made from a lesser shorter linen fiber of low quality. It may also feel not as sturdy or strong and will be prone to easily tearing and feel 'weak' when pulled. 

Watch Out For Existing Folds 

Check for points of wear in existing folds, at the same time however if linen is displaying lack or no natural creases, and remains suspiciously crinkle free, it is likely a cheap blend of linen.  

Check For Weaving Errors 

Look at the consistency and quality of weave. Do not worry about the lack or presence of 'slubs' (a combination of thinner and thicker threads) they are almost always intentionally included in order to keep the fibers intact and creates a 'natural linen' textural look. Very fine linen will likely have no slubs as they will have uniformity of much finer fibers of a consistent diameter.  

Consistency of Colour

The colour should be even throughout the fabric. Linen is very difficult to dye so you can usually easily tell if corners have been cut or if the fabric appears to have any yellowing or un-uniform colour. 

Identify Country Of Origin

European linen, particularly that from Belgium, Ireland and Italy is amongst the worlds most highly regarded quality linen. It really is a fabric where you do get exactly what you pay for. 

1. Too Much Sun

Linen is a natural fiber, to dry or to store it is best kept away from direct sunlight which can 'bake' and in turn 'break' linens natural fibers. After washing linen is best dried inside or in good shade, flat or on hanger, it is best to shake the harsh crinkles from washing while still damp. Most natural fiber clothing benefit from being cared for in this way and will last much longer.

2. Overcrowded Washing

Always keep your machine loads at a comfortable level, with linen it is best that only linen is washed together, other fibers or rough clothes may aggravate your linen clothing. Avoid using hot water or harsh detergents, linens needs are eco friendly too - a cold gentle wash with mild eco friendly detergents work best.

3. Plastic Clothing Covers

We are very passionate about plastic free living. In addition, plastic clothing covers or storage plastic bags inhibit your linen clothing from breathing. As a natural fiber, linen needs to breath to prevent yellowing or mildew growth. 

You can always store in cloth natural fiber bags or separate garments using acid-free tissue paper. Ensure your wardrobe space is well ventilated.

4. Letting Stains Sit

Addressing stains as soon as possible will ensure a longer life of your linen clothing. Very often this can be achieved with a spot-stain removing method so as not to have to wash your clothing every time a stain or bit of food makes it's way onto your linen.

An effective eco friendly method is using a sprinkle of bi-carb or baking soda, add a few sprays or drops of vinegar and gently blot away with a natural fiber cloth. Bi-carb soda and vinegar also make a fantastic natural fabric softener and stain remover to add to your wash!

5. Always Ironing

The wonderful thing about quality linen, is that it gets softer and silkier with every wash. Quality linen clothing is known for its natural drape and softness, becoming more fluid with time. Linen is the only natural fiber which does not deteriorate or breakdown due to washing and wearing, it has a significantly stronger fiber which is why good quality linen clothing is a very prized thing indeed. Linen has natural creases which add to its character and inherently unique natural look. You will prolong the life of your linen clothing if you do not iron - I repeat - no need for ironing.

Quality linen will always be soft to touch even before a first wash.

All of our linens are chosen for their quality and softness and are already pre-softened and pre-shrunk. The beauty of linen is that it will never loose its shape - no other fabric does this! - making a well made linen garment even more favorable as an investment piece. You will never have your favourite piece loosing shape or shrinking!

Particularly in Australia - linens breathable and insulating properties are so well suited to our sometimes harsh and dramatically hot and cold climates. The ability to keep you cool during the warmer months and warmer during the cooler months makes linen one of the best tran-seasonal pieces on offer.

Linen is also fast drying so a splash of the ocean or a rushed clothes wash so you can wear your favourites again and again, linens advantage is that it is very fast drying - although be assured when washing it is best to dry inside or in the shade as to not damage the linen fibers.

Probably one of my absolute favourites, linen gets softer and silkier with each wash and wear - with time your love of your best linen dress just gets better and better!   

Clothing - 'An expression of self'

Clothing is an expression of self and the future of the world you wish to live in, the future you wish to leave to your children...

My Journey Through a Love of Linen - Why we make limited styles 

A focus on quality over quantity always. By only producing minimums, although this means our costs are higher, we are also valuing scarcity and a more sustainable approach very rare in the fashion industry. This also means true creativity, superior workmanship, quality and skills are valued and cherished as they once were many years ago.   

As Founder & Designer it is important to me to maintain a constant, consistent contact through every stage of design and creation, right to the very end of fostering a genuine relationship one-on-one with fellow linen lovers and working with them to serve them as best I can. 

We don't do 'latest drops'. We don't follow trends or seasonal 'fads'. Everything is created with pure, timeless intention to enjoy for many years to come, classical pieces for the curated and mindful of heart.   

By choosing quality European linen and our limited, sustainable production model we are also minimising our impact. Honouring human life and our precious natural world goes hand in hand in this way. We honour the traditions and workmanship of old, as we honour the world's oldest natural fiber still loved and cherished today.

I think by doing the best we possibly can, we are honouring the wearer most of all x     

Linen keeping you Green - How is Linen Made?

From plant to clothing - the use of the flax plant (linum) dates back over 35,000 years, linen being the oldest natural fiber still loved and used today 

Our logo has been created with our simplistic and earth friendly core values in mind 

The motif is based on the flax flower in bud form, a symbol of growth, time and care taken in the process of producing linen fabric and our linen clothing 

As linen is typically grown in the cooler countries of the world, the fibers that come from the flax plat are strong but the process of turning them into linen takes time 

This demonstrates the enduring popularity of linen. Cotton and other synthetic materials are cheaper and easier to make, but people still choose the quality that is only found in linen 

All of our Linen is of the highest quality sourced from Europe, most of this linen is from Belgium   

Love Yourself, Love Your Body, Love Your Size

"I love my body and care for her lovingly everyday. I am grateful for my healthy body and mind"

Self love does not always come easily, it is a journey and usually takes quiet some time. I have always struggled with body image and the perception that women need to be super slim and tiny to be beautiful. I'm a size 12. I often wear size 8 and 10 also and sizing of fashion has always confused me.

Through a love of linen our sizing is to Australian standards. I have found in truth however we are ALL different, it is not even reasonable to segregate female sizes into a couple of categories. We all have different bodies, shapes and sizes and areas which we like to hide or show and different styles which we know will suit our shape, and those that wont.

This consideration does actually make designing a challenge for we can't obviously please everyone with every style. It is however, for this reason many of our pieces are Free Size covering a particular range of sizes. Our ranges are for real women, our styles are all forgiving and not tight at all on the body, comfort and flow is of our highest priority. We have carefully created a relaxed fit while maintaining femininity and styling to keep a flattering shape, and we are always learning, love Helen - Founder and Designer xx

Reasons To Fall In Love With The Worlds Best Natural Fiber

We seem to be on trend as the world catches on - again to how good quality linen just is

1. The process to produce linen is earth friendly and natural, minimal to no water or pesticides is needed to harvest and minimal chemicals to extract the linen fibers from the flax plant is needed
2. Linen is arguably the most sustainable natural fiber in this way, being made from a plant also makes it eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable 
3. Linen cloth has a very long life, linen is well known to be more than 3 times stronger than cotton, it is also a more structurally sound fiber which means it does not loose shape and is more resistant to abrasions 
4. Linen gets better with every wash, unlike most other fibers which deteriorate linen remains strong and gets softer and silkier with time
5. Linen is known to be the go to summer material, but this works both ways as it is a natural insulator which means due to the natural ability of its fibers, linen keeps you cool when its hot and warm when its cold, it is one of, or if not the best natural fiber to regulate your natural body temperature 
6. Wearing linen makes you stand out in the crowd, linen lovers are known to appreciate a more natural and conscious way of life and well as appreciating a healthier way of living
7. Linen is easy to wear for all occasions, it is not hard to let linen take over your wardrobe, an investment worth savoring for many years to come  

The Lifetime of a Design

At Love Linen we do everything with love and much time, energy and care goes into everything we do. 

We are only small and we only make a few. We are accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia and we are proudly Australian made, owned and operated. 

Each design we hand make in our sewing studio in Broome before is goes to our digital pattern makers. This process alone can take months! Our amazing manufacturer specialises in short runs which means we only produce around 10 - 20 of each design in a carefully chosen linen fabric. 

Quality over quantity is what we are passionate about. We also love producing linen clothing of true style and classic design that you wont see everywhere else. Our designs are unique and limited which make them extra special. 

Although we have many designs sketched - some on paper - many in the mind - we are only a small business and our aim is to grow sustain-ably with our beautiful linen lovers into the future. We wish we could give you it all at once but where is the fun in that! So much happens in the design stage and we even surprise ourselves sometimes! 

If you are reading this, thank you for being part of our journey. Your support and appreciation means the world to us X

The Original Superfood - The Flax Seed

It's no secret we love linen, and, we love how sustainable and earth friendly (and even healthy) it is. During the harvest of linen (the flax plant) every part of the plant is used. The stalks are what is used to make linen and the plant also produces flax seed oil and the original superfood - the flax seed. 

Flax seed oil and flax seeds have been used in cooking for centuries, as far back as the ancient Grecian times. These days flax seeds, ground or whole, are readily available at any supermarket and are very inexpensive. 

The flax seed is a nutrition powerhouse although they almost certainty need to be ground for your body to absorb any nutrients from them - unless you chew really well! (Sometimes it is best to grind fresh as flax meal can turn rancid quickly)

The flax seed is packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamin B, omega 3 fatty acids, and cancer fighting lignans. We only need around a tablespoon per day to benefit from their nutrients which makes them very easy to incorporate into a daily diet. 

Slip this superfood into just about anything, morning muesli, granola or porridge, bowl of fruit and yogurt, any baking, smoothie or nutribullet. 

Sleeping in Linen - Give the Royal Wave 

Linen has come a long way over the years. No longer hard and scratchy like Grandmas linens were, today's linen are naturally pre-softened and often stonewashed. Linen is now not uncommon to be super soft and fluid even before first washing.

Often known for being a mark of royalty having linen bed sheets (and clothing) has forever been known to have superior quality for centuries. 

Much like linen clothing, caring for your linen sheets is not hard. A regular cold gentle wash and avoidance of direct sunlight when drying are the rules of thumb. 

Most that make the change to linen sheets wished they made the leap a long time ago! The best part.. you can be in linen comfort all day long with us x

Still finding it hard to sleep - here's some top tips proven to help

1. Increase your natural light exposure during the day
2. Reduce the use of electronic devices in the evening
3. Avoid caffeine after lunchtime 
4. Try to have a consistent wake and sleep routine 
5. Avoid any alcohol intake 
6. Optimize your bedroom environment (temperature, comfortable bed and pillow, minimal light, candles, music, incense etc) 
7. Take a relaxing bath or shower 
8. Exercise regularly (not before bed though) 
9. Avoid eating in late evening
10. Relax, clear your mind and unwind

 Sweet dreams linen lovers x