Linum Usitatissimum translates from the Latin as “most useful linen.”

In naming this species, botanists recognized the inherent value of the humble flax plant.

For ten thousand years or more, man has known this gentle gift of nature was the source of textiles with special properties: soft hand, rich color absorption, lasting durability, and unrivalled comfort.

For all the benefits of pure Linen see our LINO Collection.

The flax grown in Belgium is one of the few crops still produced in Western Europe, with nearly 130,000 acres under cultivation annually.

For centuries, flax has been grown in Flanders, the westernmost region of Belgium, known since the Renaissance for its prosperity and culture. The climate and topography of the region, interlaced with many small rivers, have made it ideal for linen production.

Belgian linen is recognized as being the best in the World. This excellence may be attributed to three beneficial factors:

– a well-suited soil. Flax is best adapted to fertile, fine textured, clay soils

– a favourable climate with adequate moisture and relatively cool temperatures, particularly during the period from flowering to maturity (June and July).

– Belgian flax growers whose prime concern is quality have the in-depth knowledge and experience required to ensure perfection throughout the various steps of the process. Preparing the soil, selecting varieties, sowing and growing flax, monitoring the cultivation, pulling and retting, the aim of which is to encourage fibre extraction, all these different tasks are carried out with the same rigour and care using traditional methods that have been passed on throughout the ages.