Is Linen a Sustainable Fabric? What the Evidence Says

Made from flax

Linen is made from the flax plant, which can be grown with relatively modest water and input requirements in suitable climates. This is the main reason linen is frequently described as a more sustainable fibre.

A natural, biodegradable fibre

As a plant fibre, untreated linen is biodegradable, unlike synthetic fibres made from plastics. Much of flax can also be used with little waste.

Longevity counts

Because linen is durable and improves with age, a single piece can stay in use for many years, and a long-lived garment is one of the most underrated forms of sustainability.

Keeping claims honest

As with any fibre, the full footprint depends on growing, processing and dyeing. Certifications such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and transparent sourcing are what make a specific product's claims verifiable rather than general.

OMIT makes 100% linen basics, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tested. Read the fibre story.