 |
Linen is chosen for the finest damasks and the most delicate laces partly because it is lustrous and smooth but also because it has superior strength. Linen fabric is made from fibers of the flax plant's stem, which, like other plant fibers, are made of cellulose polymers.
In its natural state, flax fiber ranges in color from pale yellow or cream to dark brown. To get white linen, the fibers or fabric must be bleached.
 |
General Characteristics
Flax fibers are strong and can be rendered into hardy, durable linen fabrics as well as delicate ones
Abrasion Resistance
Good
Absorbency
Excellent (very comfortable to wear)
Colorfastness
Poor to Excellent (look for label to say "colorfast" or "vat dyed")
Elasticity
Poor
Shrinkage Resistance
Good (may shrink a bit when washed)
Wrinkle Resistance
Poor
Other
Vulnerable to mildew but not to moths
|
Ramie is very similar to linen — in fact, it is often mistaken for it. The fibers of an East Asian plant are woven into this surprisingly strong fabric. While it's twice as strong as flax, ramie is more brittle. Therefore, you'll often find it blended with cotton, rayon, nylon and polyester to increase flexibility.
Ramie is lustrous, extremely absorbent, resistant to heat and dries quickly. Unlike linen, ramie also has a resistance to bacteria and molds.
|
|
