Natural linen fabric is often confused with its main competitor, cotton. And this is absolutely wrong. Linen and cotton are completely different plants with fibers that have completely different properties. So what should you choose: linen or cotton? Which of these fabrics is better?
How to distinguish linen from cotton?
Cotton fabrics are matte, soft and warm. Linen fabrics have a slight sheen, but there is more space between the weaves of threads for greater breathability. They are smoother and slightly thicker than cotton due to the thicker thread and the way they are woven.
When a linen thread breaks, uneven “tassels” form at the break point at both ends. While the cotton thread always breaks neatly and evenly.
Linen or cotton – which is stronger and more durable?
The flax texture consists of 4 cm long stem fibers with pointed edges at both ends. It is very durable – up to 70 cN/text. (this is the unit of tensile strength of yarn in centinewtons). For comparison, the strength of cotton is almost three times weaker than linen - only 28 cN/text.
Natural linen fabrics and products last much longer and retain their properties (color, quality) for up to 20 years. Products made from cotton fabric fade in the sun and become less durable within one or two seasons
The secret to the durability of linen textiles is that it contains complex cellulose, so its tensile strength is twice as high as that of cotton. At the same time, the abrasion resistance of flax is 3.5 times greater than that of cotton.
Due to its high strength, linen is used to print money in the United States. American dollars contain almost 25 % flax fiber.
Which fabric absorbs moisture and breathes better?
The hygroscopic properties of natural linen fabric are better than those of cotton, so linen absorbs moisture much more efficiently and “breathes” much better.
Linen and cotton - compare heat resistance
The heat resistance of these two materials is also different: 120-130 ° C for cotton and 160-170 ° C for linen. Products made from linen fabric give a feeling of coolness even in hot weather, keeping you warm in cold weather.
For a person wearing linen clothing in hot weather, the skin temperature is 3-4 degrees lower than that of a person wearing cotton or silk clothing.
