More about LINEN
Share
ABOUT LINEN
Linen, also known as FLAX, is a natural product extracted from the fibers of the flax plant (Linum ustiatissimum). This exclusive material is woven from the fibers of the stems of the flax plant. In Europe, flax is grown without irrigation and with minimal fertilizer, which allows the plant to grow naturally, develop strong stems and long fibers. Flax thrives best in colder climates, which strengthens the fibers.

The processing of flax is more extensive than, for example, cotton, and much of the work is done manually, which makes flax textiles an exclusive piece of fabric. Flax production is environmentally friendly, as the entire plant can be utilized, and one hectare of flax absorbs approximately 3.7 tons of CO2 annually. European flax is therefore a sustainable choice with a low climate footprint compared to other textiles.
Flax has impressive properties:
- European linen is durable and has a long shelf life.
- Flax fibers are hollow and can absorb up to 20% of their own weight before feeling damp.
- Flax can absorb as much as 50% of its own weight and quickly releases moisture again, making it more absorbent and quick-drying than other natural fibers.
- The hollow flax fibers also make flax temperature-regulating, ideal for both summer and winter.
- Linen fabric is antiseptic, which prevents bacteria and fungi from affecting the textile fibers.
Although linen has amazing properties, it unfortunately represents less than 1% of the world's total consumption of textile fibers. We are not encouraging you to buy more clothes, but to choose linen over more burdensome materials.
OUR LINEN
Linen by Krebs creates timeless linen clothing in Danish design. The colors are carefully selected so that you can expand your linen wardrobe season after season. Our linen collection is produced in a small European sewing room, which primarily uses solar energy as an energy source. Each piece of clothing is sewn individually by the same seamstress, which gives better consistency and a more beautiful end product than with mass production.
Linen By Krebs represents slow fashion, which is based on respect for people, the environment and nature.
Our collections are inspired by nature - dunes, beach and water. All our styles and accessories are made of 100% linen, which will not only suit your taste this season, but also for many seasons to come. We are your classics that will last year after year, not only because of durability and design, but also because of linen's temperature regulating properties.
LINEN – DON'T YOU WORRY?
Yes! "Linen curls, but it curls expensively," as Bent Krebs said. All our linen is produced in the EU and pre-washed to achieve the right softness. This results in "welfare curls," softer curls than you may have experienced before.
We do not recommend ironing linen, as ironing flattens the fibres, resulting in sharper creases. Instead, wash your linen garments like wool at a low temperature and spin dry. Linen should be hung up wet and can be smoothed out by hand. To straighten creases without washing, you can steam or dampen the linen garment.
A SHORT STORY ABOUT LINEN AS A VERSATILE MATERIAL
The plant was named by Carl von Linné – Linum usitatissimum – the most useful, which is very significant, as flax has been very useful to humans for several millennia. The word flax comes from the Old Norse “horr”.
Flax is not only used for textile production, it is also used for papermaking, sails, ropes and twines. Since flax fibers are stronger when wet than when dry, it is especially suitable for sails. Today, flax is also used in the pharmaceutical industry and in the paint and varnish industry.
The history of flax stretches back to ancient civilizations, where this versatile plant was cultivated and primarily used for textiles. 7000 years ago, flax was cultivated in Mesopotamia, and in the following millennia, flax was found among the Egyptians, the Neolithic Swiss, the Greeks and Romans – and later among the Iron Age peoples of Germany and the Nordic countries. Linen cultivation is now spread over large parts of the world, but it is primarily in Europe that flax is used for textile production. On the other continents, flax is cultivated for its oil-containing seeds.
LINEN PRODUCTION AND SUSTAINABILITY IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM
Linen production in France and Belgium is the epitome of sustainability. Linen’s minimal water requirements are perfectly suited to the temperate climate of these areas, making it a resource-efficient crop. Its natural resistance to diseases and pests means that linen rarely requires the use of pesticides, further underlining its sustainability.
THE LINEN PLANT AND CONSCIOUS CLIMATE PRODUCTION
In Europe, linen is grown mainly in the northern part of France and Belgium, where it thrives in the cooler climate with minimal use of irrigation and pesticides. The linen plant thus grows at its natural pace and develops a strong stem with long fibers. These long fibers contribute to the expansion of high-quality LINEN material.
LINEN VS. COTTON
Compared to cotton, linen stands out as a strong and sustainable choice. Cotton is known for its enormous water requirements and use of pesticides, which puts a strain on the environment and creates concerns about sustainability.
LINEN - A SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL
Linen is more than just a textile fiber; it is the symbol of nature's elegance and sustainability. Its curly structure adds a bohemian charm to clothing and makes it comfortable and relaxed to wear. Its sustainable profile, low water consumption and minimal need for pesticides position linen as a responsible and green solution.