Why linen?

I first started wearing linen because I had been suffering from eczema since I was a child. I often got an itchy and red rush when wearing clothes made of chemical fibres. It was a really hard time for me. After trying various things, I found linen was the most comfortable for me. Hemp is a sacred plant in Shinto rituals in my country Japan and people have been wearing linen clothes since antient times. You might think linen clothes are outdated but there are lots of benefits.

1. Strong and long-lasting

Linen is said to have been used since around 8000 B.C making it one of the world’s oldest fabrics. Egyptian mummies wrapped in linen and still remain! Plus, it’s strength increases even more when it contains moisture.

2. Dirt-resistant

Because line contains a natural ingredient called pectin, dirt does not stain it easily, and is easy to clean. It is also great to know the material also has antibacterial properties.

3.Skin friendly

Since it is a natural material, it is gentle on the skin and has an excellent texture. Good for someone who has sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema.

4. Great absorbency and breathability

The absorbency of linen is several times that of cotton. In addition, it has excellent breathability, so it dries quickly.

5. Excellent heat retention

It has excellent breathability as well as heat retention, so it is cool in summer and warm in winter. Linen is considered a summer material, but unexpectedly it is warm in winter too! It means you can enjoy wearing linen all reason around!

なぜリネン？

何年も特に好んでリネンの服を作っています。というのも子供のころからずっとアトピーに悩まされていた私。化学繊維の物を着ているといつも痒くなって本当に大変だったなぁ。色々試した結果一番心地いいのがリネンだった訳です。麻は日本では神事に使われる神聖な植物。そして太古の昔から使われている素材。麻の服なんて時代遅れと思う方多いかと思いますが、色々調べてみると太古どころか現在も使わないともったいない利点がいっぱい。ぜひ敏感肌やアレルギー持ちの人にも試してほしいな。ここで麻の良さを改めておさらいしていみようと思います。

１．何せ丈夫

リネンは紀元前８０００年頃から使われているとされ、そうエジプトのミイラも麻の布に包まって今でも残っている。水分を含むとさらに強度が増すそうです。ただ縮む事があるのでお洗濯方法には気を付けてくださいね。

２汚れにくい

ペクチンという天然成分が含まれている為、汚れが染みにくく落ちやすいそう。また抗菌性も持つという嬉しい素材。

３．肌にやさしい

天然素材なので肌にもやさしく肌触りも抜群。敏感肌、アトピーのある方にもおすすめ。

４．吸収性、通気性がすごい

リネンの吸収性はコットンの数倍だそう。その上通気性も優れているので濡れてもすぐ乾く優れもの。

５．保温性がすごい

通気性、保温性ともに優れているので夏は涼しく、冬は暖かい。リネンは夏の素材と思われるが意外やオールシーズン着られるのです。