A growing demand for natural and sustainable textiles has led to increasing interest in the European flax market in recent years, with pure linen proving a covetable investment by those seeking environmentally friendly fabrics that also offer quality, longevity and everyday luxury.
In Ancient times, the lengthy, arduous process of making linen – from growing the plant to the skill and time required to weave it – meant it was often regarded as a symbol of refinement and reserved for the wealthy. While customarily a fabric for the affluent, in 789 French king Charlemagne decreed that all households must cultivate flax and weave their own linen, a tradition that continued well into the 18th century.
American colonies also began to grow, harvest and process their own crops, transforming the flax into luxurious and useful everyday items such as bed linen and napery for the home. In the 19th century, the linen industry was overtaken by cotton, as craftsmen working on handlooms struggled to keep up with the speed at which cotton fabrics could be produced on the latest industrial machinery.
While further decline was largely triggered by a move towards cheaper man-made fibres, we are once again seeing linen demand rising due to its low impact on the environment – flax requires little or no fertilisers and much less water than other crops such as cotton. Flax is now grown all over the world, with French and Belgian flax considered to be the highest quality, as climate change influences both producers and consumers to favour this durable, low-impact fibre.
Admired for its rich texture and timeless style, linen's aesthetic appeal is eclipsed only by its practicality – the Romans christened the flax plant Linum usitatissimum meaning 'most useful flax'. Although linen can be more expensive to buy, its hard-wearing properties mean it is likely to last much longer than cotton when cared for properly, with many choosing to invest in key pieces that will become treasured heirlooms as they once were all those years ago.
This sentiment spans both fashion and interior design industries, with businesses seeking out environmentally friendly materials to reflect ethical practices and encourage conscious consumption. While the spotlight on linen's sustainability credentials might be a more recent trend, its natural strength and breathability, coupled with its raw beauty and luxurious textural appeal, are enduring qualities that have proved linen to be a coveted fabric for millennia – and its popularity is only continuing to grow.
Basix Linen Quilt in Sable, Flocca Linen Duvet in Sable, Crush Linen Throw in Brun, Flocca Linen Euro in Sable, Flocca Long Pillowcase in Sable, Flocca Linen Cushion in Sable
At HMCo. we are passionate about true craftsmanship and considered production, sourcing only the highest quality European materials and manufacturing to create our pure linen collections. Our entire range is grown, spun, dyed, woven and sewn in Europe, honouring an art form that has been carried out through the ages to create a luxurious and authentic product that is steeped in history, culture and tradition and will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Double Crush Throw in Kali/Petra
