Is linen bedding expensive?

We all have this preconceived notion that linen is one of the top-quality premium fabrics. And that's OK since it's completely real! Many of us are also aware that linen clothing and bedding are among the most costly. Unfortunately, this is also true.

However, in defense of natural linen fabric, we will attempt to explain why linen is more expensive than other materials, such as cotton, in this post.

Linen Fabric's Brief History: From Flax Plant to Eco-Friendly Fabric

Linen fabric is one of the oldest, having been found and weaved thousands of years ago from the flax plant. The Egyptians and Mesopotamians were big fans of linen clothes, bedding, and table linens. Linen was highly valued back then since it was extremely robust, strong, and difficult to break (and now).

Linen manufacturing has evolved into a symbol of luxury over time. The poor could not afford it, while the wealthy would proudly cover their tables with linen tablecloths or cover their beds with linen bedding to display their wealth. Quality linen bedding and apparel are still regarded as luxury textiles today, although cotton has evolved into far less expensive fabric.

The reason linen is still more expensive than other materials after so many years is rather obvious: high production costs. Here's a quick rundown of how the linen production process works today:

Flax plant cultivation. Flax is a delicate plant that thrives in milder regions. Western Europe produces the highest quality linen, with French linen and Belgian linen topping the list. In general, the cost of living in such places is higher than in other nations, hence the flax cultivation and linen production procedures are likewise costly. Furthermore, the flax plant's growing process is more specific and challenging than, say, cotton cultivation. It spreads rapidly and needs special care and attention.

Flax plantations are being harvested. To summarize, the flax harvesting procedure is exceedingly difficult and time-consuming. It takes around 90 days after sowing to harvest the flax. To acquire the longest fiber possible, the plants must be removed. As a result, flax is often gathered by hand. After harvesting, the stalk must be separated from the flax fiber, which requires at least three further procedures (softening stalks, scutching, and then hackling).

Weaving from flax fibers to linen cloth. This stage is no easier or less time-consuming than the previous ones. This phase also demands a lot of attention and cannot be rushed in any manner (including with automation) since flax fibers are very fragile and sensitive, so the weaving process must be gradual and gentle. As a result, linen production volumes are lower when compared to other materials.

As you can see, linen hasn't gotten any more costly or expensive throughout the years. In truth, alternative textiles have simply gotten less expensive since their manufacturing processes may be automated and accelerated, resulting in reduced pricing. Cotton, although being a natural Fabrics cannot compete with linen in terms of quality, eco-friendliness, and sturdiness. Furthermore, cotton production uses a lot of water and chemical compounds, but natural linen does not.

Does it begin to make sense why linen garments retain their value after so many years?

If not, we offer some additional practical reasons why linen is worth its price for you!