Linen: A Traditional Bedding Material Reimagined

Linen is one of the oldest fibre plants, with a history stretching 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 bed linen collections.

Growing linen and processing it into linen yarn

The linen we use at Lejaan comes from France. France has ideal climatic conditions for growing it, and the soil there is undemanding and requires low amounts of nutrients, making it an ecologically sustainable crop. It is sown in spring, and thanks to its fast growth (approx. 4 metres in 3 months) it is harvested in summer. The whole plant is processed so that fibres are obtained not only from the stem but also from the roots.

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

Week in Porto collection - 50% linen, 30% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 20% cotton

Typical properties and key benefits of linen

If you are looking for a material that, thanks to its properties, is the ideal choice for bed linen, linen is it. It stands out for its excellent thermoregulating properties, providing ideal thermal comfort in winter, while wicking moisture and giving a cooling sensation in summer. It is also naturally resistant to high temperatures and physical stress, which ensures its long lifespan and easy care. Linen does not accumulate static electricity and is hypoallergenic.

Despite its many advantages, linen also has a few drawbacks, such as a tendency to crease and a coarser texture. These properties can, however, be balanced out by combining it with other materials such as lyocell or cotton.

The combination of linen, lyocell and cotton

At Lejaan we decided to build on the long-known advantages of linen and add lyocell and cotton for an even better result. TENCEL™ Lyocell, made from eucalyptus tree cellulose, brings softness, smoothness and reduced creasing to our products, while cotton makes care easier. This combination preserves the natural qualities of linen, such as durability and thermoregulating properties, while minimising its drawbacks.

Stone Miracle collection - 50% linen, 30% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 20% cotton