What is Linen?
Linen Fabric: High Quality in Every Garment
Some fibers need no embellishment; linen is one of them. Derived from the flax plant, this age-old textile has accompanied humanity for centuries. Its texture, lightness, and natural resilience speak of balance.
It’s no coincidence that many essential garments are made from this fiber. Its noble character is felt not only in contact with the skin but also in the way it ages. Linen doesn’t wear out; it evolves. And in that process, it gains character.
At SHON MOTT, linen is a quiet yet central material: discreet, versatile, timeless. A foundation built not on visual noise, but on the coherence behind every choice.
Characteristics of linen fabric: Quality over the years
Breathability: Freshness in every movement
Linen allows air to circulate effortlessly. That’s why garments made from this fiber offer a light, natural thermal sensation. Even in heat or humidity, the fabric regulates body temperature with ease.
Durability: When fashion and strength come together
Unlike other materials that lose shape with use, linen holds its structure. Over time, it develops a progressive softness that doesn’t compromise its form. Undoubtedly, it’s a long-term investment.
Softness: The importance of touch
Though linen may feel rigid at first, each wash transforms it. No chemical treatments, no artificial softeners just time and wear. It’s a softness built through experience.
Moisture absorption: Comfort in every sense
One of linen’s most remarkable traits is its ability to absorb moisture without feeling damp. This makes it ideal not only for summer clothing but also for any garment that moves with the body.
Elegance: An unmatched look
Linen’s texture falls in a unique way. It doesn’t strive for polished perfection; instead, it reveals itself through subtle, natural creases that add identity. It’s not dishevelment; it’s character.
You’ll find linen pieces with all these characteristics in our minimalist fashion for women and minimalist fashion for men collections.
Types of linen fabric
Belgian linen
Renowned for its purity and consistency, Belgian linen is considered among the finest in the world. Its harvesting and processing are closely tied to sustainable practices and a long artisanal tradition.
Irish linen
Known for its brightness and softness, Irish linen has traditionally been used in fine shirting and home textiles. Grown in Atlantic climates, it boasts excellent absorption and freshness properties.
Flemish linen
Native to Flanders, this linen shares Belgian excellence in its long fibers. It stands out for its strength and slightly coarser texture, ideal for structured garments that don’t require lining.
Italian linen
In Italy, linen is treated with a strong focus on design and textile innovation. The result is lightweight fabrics with extremely soft finishes, ideal for garments that balance structure and fluidity.
How to care for linen fabric?: The foundation is in the care
Linen doesn’t demand complex care, just consistency. Cold washing, air drying, and gentle ironing are enough to preserve its look. Frequent wear is welcomed: it’s a fabric that adapts with use.
Avoid tumble drying, skip harsh bleach, and store it folded rather than hung. This preserves its shape and allows it to become increasingly personal over time.
Why is linen expensive?: The price of excellence
Linen’s cost reflects everything behind it: pesticide-free cultivation, manual extraction, and artisanal transformation. It is not a fabric meant for mass production. Each meter of linen involves time, land, and skilled labor.
Its longevity makes the investment worthwhile. A linen garment lasts for years, not seasons and that, today, is also a form of sustainability.
Difference between linen and viscose fabric
Though they may look similar in drape and feel, linen and viscose follow very different logics. Viscose is a regenerated cellulose fiber, created through more invasive chemical processes. Linen, by contrast, maintains its plant-based essence with minimal industrial intervention.
Viscose may offer a more uniform appearance, but it lacks in breathability, durability, and material presence. Linen, on the other hand, improves with time. It doesn’t imitate; it simply is.