A Guide To: Linen Blend
Here at Bonmarché we love a favorite wardrobe, and linen is no exception.
It's effortlessly chic, keeps you cool, and the natural properties of the fabric mean you don't need to worry about over creasing! So why, if we love linen so much, do we blend it with other fabrics?
Find out everything you need to know about linen and linen-blend below!
What is linen blend?
Linen blend is exactly what it says on the tin, a blend of linen and an alternative artificial fabric such as viscose or polyester.
What are the benefits of blending linen with other fabrics?
Linen has longer fibers than cotton, which makes it slightly thicker and stronger (meaning better longevity!) but, by blending it with a man-made fabric such as polyester or viscose your fabric will be softer to the touch and much less prone to creasing.
What makes linen clothing so popular?
Linen is a textile made from the fibres of the flax plant which is a renewable resource that requires less water and fewer pesticides than cotton. One of the oldest known textiles in the world, linen fabric was highly prized in ancient times because of its durability, breathability, and moisture absorption. It was used for various purposes, including clothing, bedding, and even wrapping mummies!
In the Middle Ages, linen production became an important industry in Europe, with flax being grown and processed into fabric in many countries, including Belgium, Ireland, and France. During this time, linen fabric was highly valued by the wealthy, becoming a symbol of luxury and prestige.
Today, linen remains ever popular, with linen clothing being a Spring/Summer wardrobe staple.
What are the three types of linen?
There are actually several different types of linen, but the most commonly recognised ones are:Which brings us on nicely to our next point…
Belgian linen: This is considered to be the finest type of linen, and it is made from flax grown in Belgium. It is known for its softness, durability, and ability to absorb moisture easily.
Irish linen: This type of linen is made from flax grown in Ireland, and it is known for its exceptional strength and durability. It is often used to make high-quality bed sheets, tablecloths, and napkins.
French linen: French linen is made from flax grown in France, and it is known for its softness and texture. It is often used to make clothing, bedding, and home decor items.
Will linen get softer after washing?
The beauty of linen (and linen blend) is that it gets better after every single wash (no, we're not kidding!), softer and more supple - the more you wear and wash your linen, the more fabulous it looks. Which brings us on nicely to our next point…
How is the best way to wash linen blend?
The best way to wash linen and linen blend is to use a mild detergent and wash it in lukewarm or cold water at low temperatures. You can either hand wash it or use the hand wash setting on your washing machine.
Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the fibres and make the fabric less durable. It's also a good idea to avoid drying linen blend in a dryer, as the heat can cause shrinkage and damage the fabric. Instead, hang it to air dry, preferably in a shaded area.
How do you un-wrinkle linen-blend?
The beauty of a linen-blend garment is that it reduces the natural wrinkling qualities of linen, which means that you should have fewer wrinkles appearing in your fabric. However, if your garment is extra creased, iron while the fabric is still damp, using a medium-hot iron with the steam setting on. Light/white linens on both sides, dark on the reverse.
What to wear under linen clothes to stop them being see-through.
Linen is a lightweight and breathable fabric that is perfect for hot weather. However, linen can sometimes be see-through, especially when it is in lighter colours. To prevent this, it's essential to choose the right underwear.
The best option is to wear nude or skin-toned undergarments that match your skin colour. This will help to prevent your undergarments from showing through your linen clothing.
Another option is to wear a slip or camisole underneath your linen dress or top. This will not only prevent the fabric from being see-through but will also give you an extra layer of coverage and comfort.
You can also look for linen and linen-blend clothes that are already lined which will further increase the opacity of the fabric.
How is the best way to wash linen blend?
The best way to wash linen and linen blend is to use a mild detergent and wash it in lukewarm or cold water at low temperatures. You can either hand wash it or use the hand wash setting on your washing machine.
Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the fibres and make the fabric less durable. It's also a good idea to avoid drying linen blend in a dryer, as the heat can cause shrinkage and damage the fabric. Instead, hang it to air dry, preferably in a shaded area.
What is the rule of wearing linen?
There are no hard and fast rules for wearing linen, as it is a versatile fabric that can be worn in various settings and for different occasions. However, some general guidelines can help you look your best when wearing linen or a linen-blend.
Keep it casual: Linen is a lightweight and breathable fabric that is perfect for warm weather and often associated with casual attire. While it can be dressed up for more formal occasions, it is generally best suited for relaxed, laid-back settings.
Embrace the wrinkles: Linen is a naturally wrinkled fabric, and keeping it perfectly smooth and wrinkle-free can be a losing battle. Instead, embrace the wrinkles as part of the fabric’s charm and casual look, or alternatively look for clothes with a higher blend of man-made fibres such as polyester.
Choose the right colours: Linen looks excellent in bright colours, but lighter shades like white, beige, and light blue are particularly well-suited for the fabric’s airy and light nature.
Keep it simple: Linen is a statement fabric that doesn’t need a lot of embellishment or accessories. The key to wearing linen is to embrace its casual, breezy nature and to wear it with confidence and comfort.
How to style linen-blend garments.
We love a crisp, clean look which can take you from day to night and linen is the perfect material that serves a classy and elegant vibe, not to mention the impression that you just stepped off a yacht in the Mediterranean!
How do you style it?
We love a crisp, clean look, which can take you from day to night!
Women’s Linen Dresses. A printed linen-blend dress is something that every woman should have in her wardrobe. They’re easy to wear and look fabulous whether you’re at a garden party, enjoying a staycation, or headed to a more formal occasion like a wedding.
We love our Striped Linen Collared Dress which is the epitome of chicness! And for a more casual vibe, how about our Plain open collar Linen Dress? Both of these beautiful linen dresses are guaranteed to make you look and feel amazing this season.
Women’s Linen Trousers. For a timeless outfit, you can’t go wrong with linen trousers! Team with a white t-shirt for a more casual look, or a pretty blouse for dressier events! Finish the outfit with a sandal (heeled or flat!) for a sleek, stylish outfit with that effortless ‘I’ve just thrown this together’ feel!
We recommend our Linen cargo trousers which are perfect for dog walks, or days out at the caravan. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a smarter pair of linen trousers, how about our Shirred waist wide leg linen trousers which not only help balance your silhouette, but keep you cool and comfortable all day long.
Women’s Linen Tops. If you want to stay cool in the warmer weather, a linen top is the perfect wardrobe essential to feel light, airy and breezy. Pair yours with jeggings or a skirt depending on what you have pencilled in your diary.
We recommend our Long sleeve button through plain linen top which is available in neutral white, or colourful teal. And for an alternative, how about the seriously summery Short sleeve button through floral print linen top?
Women's Linen Skirts. For a timeless outfit, you can't go wrong with a linen skirt! Team with a white t-shirt for a more casual look, or a pretty blouse for dressier events!
If you love a pop of colour in the Spring/Summer, how about Plain Linen Flippy Skirt which is available in a stunning aqua colour. Finish the outfit with a sandal (heeled or flat!) for a sleek, stylish outfit with that effortless ‘I’ve just thrown this together’ feel!
Linen and linen-blend garments are a fantastic addition to any wardrobe. With their effortless style and breathability, they are perfect for keeping you cool and comfortable during the warmer months. At Bonmarché, we offer a range of linen and linen-blend clothing options at affordable prices, without compromising on style. From printed dresses to timeless skirts, we have everything you need to embrace this versatile fabric.
So why not add some linen pieces to your wardrobe this season and enjoy the beauty and comfort of this timeless fabric? Shop our collection today and feel fabulous in linen!