Full linen vs. half linen
Also known as: Pure linen, Union cloth, Métis
Full linen is 100 % flax; half linen by definition contains at least 40 % linen in the weft and cotton in the warp.
Description
The classic European textile standard clearly distinguishes linen goods: pure linen (full linen) must be 100 % flax. Half linen is a blended fabric where the warp is cotton and the weft contains at least 40 % linen (remainder mostly cotton). Internationally this construction is also called union cloth or métis.
Practical impact: half linen has clearly higher tear strength in the warp direction, wrinkles less, is cheaper and shrinks less — hence the default for tea towels, hotel linen and summer suiting. Pure linen is cooler on the skin, highly absorbent and long-lived, but wrinkles a lot and costs more.
- Pure linen: 100 % flax, cool, heavy creasing
- Half linen: min. 40 % linen in weft, cotton warp
- Half linen has higher tear strength and stability
- Labelling is mandatory under EU textile regulation
Properties
| Pure linen definition | 100 % flax (Linum usitatissimum) |
|---|---|
| Half-linen definition | Cotton warp, weft ≥ 40 % linen |
| Typical weight | 150–220 g/m² |
| Application | Tea towels, hotel linen, summer suits |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Halbleinen Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halbleinen
- Wikipedia: Leinen Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leinen
