Linen is a textile made from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). More precisely, it comes from the cellulose fibers that grow inside the stalks of the flax plant. Linen is one of the oldest known textiles, with fibre fragments suggesting use as far back as 36,000 years ago in prehistoric cave sites in the Caucasus region.

1. Linen in Ancient Egypt — Ritual & Daily Life

The earliest organised linen production is associated with Ancient Egypt. Carbon-dating confirms that linen was used as clothing as far back as 8,000 BC. Light, breathable and heat-conductive, linen was ideal for Egypt’s hot climate.

Linen also held a symbolic and ceremonial value. It was associated with purity and immortality and became a key element in funerary rites and offerings. During mummification, long linen bandages wrapped bodies layer by layer — a practical and spiritual gesture intended to preserve form and status for the afterlife. Many of these linens have survived for millennia due to Egypt’s dry climate.

2. Linen in Ancient Greece — Fashion & Innovation

 Linen was a fashion statement and appeared in garments such as the chiton — a draped silhouette that showcased the fabric’s natural blend of softness, structure and movement.

The Greeks used linen extensively — not just for clothing and household textiles but also in military applications. Ancient authors such as Plutarch mention linen armour (called linothorax), a composite body covering worn by warriors like Alexander the Great.

3. Linen Across Civilisations — Trade & Language

Roughly two thousand years later, linen was circulating widely across continents. The Phoenicians exported linen yarn and fabrics to Scotland, Persia, India and China. In colder parts of Europe, linen became the base layer beneath wool — shirts, shifts and chemises that protected the body while regulating temperature.

Its role in undergarments also influenced language: the modern words “lining” and “lingerie” derive from linen’s use as intimate or innerwear.

4. Linen in the Modern Era — Medicine & Luxury

By the 19th and early 20th century, linen had become a cornerstone of healthcare textiles. Hospitals used linen for sheets, bandages and gowns due to its breathability, quick absorption and natural antibacterial properties. Linen continued to be widely used during and after the World Wars, when durability and hygiene were critical.

At the same time, linen quietly held a place in luxury wardrobes and interiors throughout the 20th century — valued for its authenticity, aesthetic appeal, natural sheen and structured drape. 

Why Linen Still Matters Today

At Odd Orchid, we celebrate linen not just as a fabric — but as a legacy material that bridges ancient traditions and contemporary sustainable fashion.

Linen has proved its qualities over time: durable, breathable, comfortable and inherently versatile. We believe this fabric will endure as a wardrobe staple for generations, and it’s our mission to craft pieces that are timeless, effortless and chic.