Why Linen is a Sustainable Fabric Choice

Linen (along with cotton and hemp) are the best ‘natural fibres’ to wear as they don’t release microplastics (try to choose organic or recycled cotton, as conventional cotton uses pesticides). Linen comes from flaxseeds, so is more local (often grown in Europe) and uses less water than cotton.

Amour Linen is a quality brand of linen clothing, from our friends in Lithuania. And unlike cotton, it doesn’t cling to your body, so no static electricity!

Cool in summer and warm in winter, it gets softer with age. Its only caveat is that it wrinkles, so avoid it if you don’t like ironing (or don’t mind being a bit ‘crinkly!)

All the linen is locally sourced and the dying factory is nearby too. Everything is made by a team of in-house seamstresses. Any leftovers are made into other products, and all items are sent in zero waste packaging.

Linen is made from fibres in the stalk of the flax plant. Meanwhile, flax seeds can be used for food and for linseed oil. When more parts of a crop are useful, less goes to waste, and the overall system can be more efficient.

Where is Lithuania?

You will find that linen clothing often is from Lithuania, a Baltic state in eastern Europe, and home to one of the world’s oldest languages (related to Sanskrit, which is used to chant mantras in India).

It’s home to The Stelmuze, the oldest tree in Europe – an oak. Not surprising, considering one third of this beautiful country is entirely forest.

comfortable Linen Bedding Sets

These linen duvet sets are sold in beautiful colours, plain or with pretty Pembroke-style stripes. Linen is a very comfortable material for bedding, that’s warm in winter and cool in summer. It also absorbs moisture well, so you retain a comfortable night’s sleep, even if you sweat a lot in bed.

Linen can also be grown in Europe (unlike cotton) so has fewer air miles. It creases a bit, so just go with ‘crumpled bedding’, and site the bed away from strong sunlight, to avoid fading. Even better, you can safely wash linen, without releasing microplastics from the machine.

This linen is pre-washed for a fabric that should last around a third longer than cotton. Do not bleach fabric. Sold with a sets of matching pillowcases.

Launder with mild laundry powder, and wash inside out to protect surface fibres (avoid bleach or fabric conditioner). Line dry where possible, and smooth by hand or iron while still a little damp. Avoid sunlight to preserve colour (this may involve rearranging your bed, if it’s in a sunny room).

Sustainable Bedding and Fire Regulations

Organic bedding (and pyjamas) are free from chemical fire retardants. They comply with fire regulations, but do avoid overloaded plugs, convector heaters, and don’t leave warm laptops and phones on beds. Also test smoke alarms weekly and avoid fabric conditioners (increase flammability).

Avoid using perfumes, essential oils or scented candles in bedrooms for babies or if pets sleep with you, and know of pet-toxic indoor plants to avoid (including sago palm and lilies).

Bedding Safety for Babies and Children

If buying sustainable bedding for babies, buy new mattresses and avoid cot bumper and pillows The Lullaby Trust has tips to help prevent SIDS