Why Linen

After a decade long of experiences, studying, traveling, researching, and testing, I realized that the garment pieces that truly passed the test of time and comfort were made of linen. Like a fine aging wine getting better with age, the linen fiber softens and becomes more subtle over time, and, through millennia, the enduring popularity of linen has reflected its timelessness and practical benefits.

 

The linen fiber is one of the oldest textiles in human history, with archeological evidence suggesting that the fiber was used as early as 36,000 years ago in prehistoric Georgia. Known for its nobility, comfort, durability, and pleasant feel, linen has been the fabric of choice dating back to at least 4,000 BCE Ancient Egypt, where the fiber was revered for its durability, breathability, and versatility. The original fiber was extensively used for clothing thanks to its ability to keep wearers cool in hot climates. It was also valued for its symbolic and ritualistic importance, often worn by priests and pharaohs.

 

From an ecological standpoint, the flax plant from which the linen fabric is derived, requires minimal to no irrigation and fertilizers, improves soil health by naturally suppressing weeds and minimizing pests, reducing the need for herbicides and pesticides. Linen production emits lower greenhouse gases and consumes less energy than synthetic fibers. Its biodegradability ensures minimal environmental impact when reaching its end-of-life cycle (although La Vagabonde is working on a circular system, so it becomes a new beginnings).

 

So, technically, wearing linen will reduce our individual carbon footprint from seed to garment cycle while keeping us cool and helping with our natural body thermoregulation in an age of global rising temperatures. Linen garments last longer, minimizing clothing consumption & accumulation, and, in the case of La Vagabonde, are naturally biodegradable (considering the thread used to sew is also biodegradable, and not polyester or other chemical-filled thread).

 

Depending on the linen fabric or yard, 95% to 100% of the linen we use is grown in France, and processed, dyed, and woven in France. Our yarns are ecologically grown, processed, dyed, and spun in France and directly shipped to us to hand make each of our pieces with much love and care.

 

Fait avec Amour,