Linen is a fabric obtained from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is descriptive of yarns spun entirely from flax fibers. It is strong, durable, and resists rot in humid climates. It is one of the few textiles that has a higher wet strength than dry. It has a long “fiber” compared to cotton and other natural fibers. Flax plants grow abundantly along the banks of the Nile River.
The collective term, “bedding”, is still used generically to describe a class of woven and uniform bed, bath and kitchen textiles. The name (bedding) sticks because bedding was traditionally used for many of these items. In the past, the word “linen” also referred to lightweight undergarments such as shirts, chemises, detachable shirt collars and cuffs, which were historically made almost exclusively from this fabric.
The ancient Egyptians made their own clothes according to their environment and nature. Egypt has a very hot climate, so the Egyptians wore light clothing. They began to wear clothing made of linen during hot weather.
Flax plants usually have small leaves; blue flowers and stems about two feet tall. Linen is pulled from the ground, not cut. This work was mainly done by Egyptian men. The best threads were made from flexible, half-ripe stems. If the stems have overripe; they were used to make mats and ropes. The flax stems were soaked for several days and then the fibers were separated. The fibers were then beaten until softened. The resulting fibers were spun into yarn. The thread was then woven into a linen cloth from which garments were made.
As mentioned several times in the Bible; Linen has been used as a comfortable and cool fiber in the Middle East for many centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans highly valued it as a commodity. Flax is believed to have been brought by traders to northern Europe, where it has been cultivated for many centuries.
Linen was used as currency in ancient Egypt. Egyptian mummies were wrapped in it because this fabric was considered to be the symbol of light and purity. Linen was also considered a status symbol. Wearing it projected a display of wealth. Some of the fabrics, which were woven from handmade threads, were very fine for hot weather.
Linen has been cultivated for its extraordinary fiber, flax, for approximately five millennia. The spinning and weaving of flax is shown in the wall paintings of ancient Egypt, as early as 3000 BC. The fiber was processed into high-quality white cloth, finer than any cloth woven today.
Today, linen is considered a luxurious and expensive textile. It is produced in comparatively small amounts and amounts. Many products are made from linen, including aprons, towels (swimwear, bath, beach, body, and bath towels), bags, napkins, sheets, tablecloths, runners, chair covers, men’s and women’s clothing, etc.