Linen
One of the world’s oldest and finest fibers, linen has long been a favorite material for bedding and clothing, beloved for its relaxed texture and its exceptional durability.
Responsibly sourced and better for the earth
There’s a reason we use linen in everything from apparel to upholstery: Explore our guide to learn why linen is so popular, the most important factors to consider when choosing high-quality linen bedding or clothing, and how to care for this favorite fabric.
What is linen?
Linen is a natural material woven from fibers harvested from the flax plant. The finest, highest-quality linen — including the linen we use at Garnet Hill — comes from European flax grown primarily in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Benefits of Garnet Hill Linen
Whether in sheets, shorts, or shirts, our high-quality linen is beloved for its comfort, sustainability, and relaxed aesthetic.
Sustainable
Flax can be grown and harvested without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers and requires 60% less water to grow, so linen makes a lighter impact on the environment than other fibers.
Seasonless
Linen is breathable and airy but also naturally regulates temperature, so it keeps you cool in summer and warm if layered when chilly weather sets in.
Washed for softness
Some think linen is stiff at first, but we prewash ours for exceptional softness and that relaxed look you love. Bonus: Linen just gets better, softer, and more appealing every time it’s washed.
Colorfast
Linen’s hollow fibers hold on to our reactive dyes, creating a rich, consistent color and fade-resistant finish for the fabric. This makes linen perfect for the sophisticated palette we use in our bedding, clothing, and décor.
Versatile
Linen’s many benefits make the fabric suitable for a range of uses from upholstery and bedding to clothing to kitchen linens and home décor.
Responsibly Sourced
The EUROPEAN FLAX™ certification guarantees the linen is traceable back to the premium flax grown in Western Europe.
Linen FAQs
Is linen comfortable?
Yes: Linen is lightweight, breathable, and supremely comfortable. It keeps you cool in summer and can serve as a warm layer in cooler weather, thanks to hollow fibers that naturally regulate temperature.
Is linen soft or scratchy?
Linen can feel stiff or scratchy once woven, so we pre-wash our linen for exceptional softness and a relaxed texture straight from the package. Plus, linen just gets softer and more appealing every time it’s washed, and because it is so durable, you’ll enjoy its benefits for years to come.
Is linen hypoallergenic?
Yes, linen is naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s a comfortable bedding and clothing option for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
How long does linen last?
With proper care, and depending on the frequency of use, high-quality linen clothing, bedding, and other home items can last for a decade — or longer.
Does linen wrinkle?
Because of the natural properties of its fibers, linen fabric is prone to wrinkles, but we think the wrinkles only add to linen’s appeal: With a natural slub texture and lovely drape, our luxurious linen instantly imparts a beautiful yet laid-back style to bedding, clothing, and home décor.
Can you wear linen in the fall or winter?
Yes: Although commonly considered a fabric for warm weather, linen is actually an ideal option for any season. Its hollow fibers are naturally temperature regulating, so it keeps you cool in summer and cozy when winter’s chill sets in.
How to care for linen
When cared for properly, durable linen fabric grows softer and more sumptuous over time. Always refer to the specific care instructions on the product label, but follow these general tips for linen care:
- Wash linen bedding in warm water — not cold, not hot — on your machine’s gentle cycle. For apparel, water temperature varies by style so refer to care instructions on item.
- Air-dry linen to achieve a crisp, fresh hand, or toss linen sheets, bedding, and clothing into the dryer set at a low temperature for a softer result and to reduce the risk of shrinkage. (High temperatures can damage the fibers.)
- Remove linen promptly from the dryer to minimize the appearance of wrinkles; some are inevitable, but we think they only add to linen’s irresistible, laid-back appeal.
Linen offers optimal durability and comfort in any season, whether you’re shopping for sheets or apparel. Responsibly sourced and thoughtfully designed, Garnet Hill linen is among the finest in the world — the perfect foundation for a summer wardrobe or to create a relaxed and comfortable bedroom aesthetic.
Our fibers & fabrics
Explore the high-quality, responsibly sourced natural fibers and materials we use to make every enduring design special.
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