Linen is a natural textile fibre made from the flax plant. One of the oldest fibres used by humans, predating cotton by thousands of years.
Properties
Advantages: - Stronger than cotton (30% stronger) - Gets softer with every wash - Naturally antimicrobial - Quick drying - Highly durable (decades of use) - Lint-free - Biodegradable
Disadvantages: - Expensive - Stiff when new - Wrinkles easily - Less plush than cotton terry
In Towels
Linen is less common than cotton for bath towels but has advantages:
- Tea towels: Traditional choice, lint-free for glassware
- Spa/hammam towels: Quick drying, elegant
- Hot climates: Dries faster than cotton
- Longevity: Lasts far longer than cotton
The main barrier is initial stiffness. New linen towels feel almost scratchy; they become soft only after many washes.
Breaking In Linen
New linen towels need breaking in: - Wash multiple times before expecting softness - Each wash improves the feel - Peak softness may take 10-20 washes - Gets softer over years of use
This breaking-in period deters many buyers, but patient users are rewarded with durable, soft towels.
Related Terms
- Cotton - More common towel fibre
- Flat weave - Common linen construction
- Quick-dry - Linen property