Linen: A Traditional Duvet Cover Material in a Modern Interpretation

Linen is one of the oldest spinning plants, with a history going back thousands of years. Find out where linen comes from, how it is grown, what its typical properties are, and why we chose it, in combination with lyocell and cotton, for our bedding collections.

Growing flax and processing it into linen yarn

The flax we use at Lejaan comes from France. This region has ideal climatic conditions and soil for its cultivation; moreover, it is undemanding and does not require a high amount of nutrients, which makes it an environmentally sustainable crop. It is sown in spring, and thanks to its rapid growth (approx. 4 meters in 3 months), it is harvested in summer. The entire plant is processed so that fibers are obtained not only from the stem but also from the roots.

After harvesting, the flax is spread on fields where it is exposed to moisture, sun, and wind. This process, known as retting, breaks down pectins (pectin = a natural substance in plants that acts as glue connecting fibers in their stems) and allows the separation of fibers. This is followed by mechanical combing and spinning of the fibers into yarn, which is used for weaving linen fabrics.

Week in Porto Collection – 50% linen, 30% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 20% cotton

Typical properties and main benefits of linen

If you are looking for a material that, thanks to its properties, is an ideal choice for bedding, it is linen. It excels in excellent thermoregulatory properties, so it ensures ideal thermal comfort in winter, while in summer it wicks away moisture and provides a cooling sensation. It is also naturally resistant to high temperatures and physical stress, which guarantees its long lifespan and easy maintenance. Moreover, linen does not accumulate electrostatic charge and is hypoallergenic.

Despite its many advantages, linen also has some disadvantages, such as a tendency to wrinkle or a coarser structure. However, these properties can be balanced by combining it with other materials, such as a combination of linen, lyocell, and cotton. At Lejaan, we decided to leverage the long-known benefits of linen and complement them with lyocell and cotton for an even better result. TENCEL™ Lyocell, made from eucalyptus wood pulp, brings softness, smoothness, and wrinkle reduction to our products, while cotton simplifies care. This combination preserves the natural qualities of linen, such as durability and thermoregulatory properties, while minimizing its drawbacks.

Stone Miracle Collection – 50% linen, 30% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 20% cotton