While today it’s know as the fabric of choice for luxury tablecloths and summer suits, linen actually has a very long and interesting history. Linen is a textile made from flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) fibers, though at previous points in history, fabrics made from other plants (including hemp and cotton) have also been referred to as linen. The luxury linens available on the market today are produced in relatively small quantities and are considered a fairly expensive textile. Interestingly, linen has been held in high esteem all the way back to Ancient Egypt, when it was used as the bandages for mummified pharaohs and even traded as currency.
So why are luxury table linens and other fine items crafted from linen so desirable? One factor that makes linen such a luxurious choice is that the staple (the length of the individual fibers) is longer than other natural fibers like cotton. The fabric is very good at distributing heat and is very absorbent, making it feel good against the skin. That is why linen suits and other clothing are popular choices for warmer weather and why luxury bed linens are so comfortable. Linen also tends to grow softer after each washing, meaning it actually grows more pleasant to the touch over time. On the downside, it is easily wrinkled, and repeated creasing in the same area can actually lead to the flax fibers being broken. This means it is harder to care for and less forgiving than some other textiles. But many people find the benefits outweigh the negative points, which is why Irish linen is still considered to be such a luxury.
One thing to look for in the very best linen is for the thread diameter to be consistent throughout the item. Many contemporary linen pieces are known for having “slubs” visible in the fabric, but these are actually manufacturing defects and shouldn’t appear in higher quality items.