Texture, Breathability & Aging Gracefully
Linen is ancient, but it never gets old. While its origins date back to around 8000 BCE in the Fertile Crescent, it remains a thoroughly modern fabric choice for fashion, interiors, wellness and more.
It begins as a flax seed, grows into a plant, and transforms into cloth that feels like comfort food for your skin. Read on to learn more about the origins of our favorite fabric, its evolution and remarkable staying power.
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Linen’s Origin Story: Ancient Threads
The civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia first cultivated the flax plant as the people became skilled at domesticating crops. They used linen for mummification, in clergy vestments, and even as currency.
Greeks and Romans later embraced the fabric using it to make tunics and household textiles.
In medieval Europe, monasteries grew flax and produced linen for nobility. Linen signified wealth and refinement and was often passed down as heirlooms.
The Industrial Revolution brought about mass production techniques that made linen more accessible. Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands became major centers for high-quality linen exports. While cotton was also having a moment during this explosion of mechanized textile production, linen retained prestige in formalwear and home goods.
Linen Today: A Modern Renaissance
Today, this fabric is prized for sustainability, versatility, style and comfort. It's a mainstay during summers in the U.S. From Martha’s Vineyard to Bar Harbor, its lightweight breathability and earthy texture make it a go-to for both chic and casual looks on a hot day.
Did we mention that its antimicrobial and hypoallergenic? These properties make it a niche choice in medical textiles. It’s also biodegradable.
Our Commitment
We’d like to think Peplos Linen will grow, transform and adapt much like the humble flax seed. We value linen's legacy as a family heirloom that only gets better with age. We will honor that legacy through intentional design that shuns fast fashion and embraces long-lasting value.