Linen, an experience of nature

Linen appears again and again in our collections – especially in the summer months, when its lightness and airiness are valued. Yet the quality of this natural product is decided long before the cutting.

The flax for our linen grows in French Normandy. A mild climate, fertile soils and natural rainwater let it grow long and straight. After the harvest, retting begins: moisture loosens the fibres from the woody core. They are then broken, scutched and hackled, cleaned and finally spun into firm linen yarn.

Our linen is woven at Seidra in the Gailtal valley of Upper Carinthia, one of the last linen weaving mills in Austria. There the looms deliberately run more slowly, because it makes the fabric more beautiful and more even. Every length of cloth is checked by hand immediately after it is made. In this way the finest Normandy linen, Austrian weaving tradition and great care come together.

From linen we make Pfoaden, blouses, summer dresses and Dirndls. Its traditional variants include Jägerleinen and Bauernleinen. The green-and-brown flecked Jägerleinen is woven from linen yarn and cotton yarn, in the current garments 54 % cotton and 46 % linen. The hand-woven Bauernleinen, more than a hundred years old, carries small slubs that make every length unique. Knitted, linen is pleasant to wear on cooler days too.

Linen carries moisture away from the body quickly and feels pleasantly cool. Odours barely settle in it; the fabric is also lint-free, dirt-repellent and tear-resistant. That it creases is part of its natural character. Usually the gentle cycle is enough, and undyed linen even tolerates a boil wash. It is best ironed slightly damp. Over the years linen becomes softer and more beautiful.