Linen is made from the fibres found behind the bark in the stem of the flax plant. The fibres are first combed to rid them of seeds and then the stems are broken and stroked to separate the fibres from the unwanted woody portions of the stem. Finally the fibres are combed once again to give a fine fibre that can be spun into yarn. Since the processing and weaving of linen is expensive, it has always been regarded as a luxury fabric. Flax fibre has a natural waxy lustre and it is stronger when wet. It lacks elasticity however so it crushes easily.

Although the plant is native to the Mediterranean, Central and South Asia, majority of linen cultivation today is in Western Europe. Because of its ability to absorb moisture and stay dry, linen is great for warm weather. At Brass Tacks we have some medium weight linen trousers that are a great alternative to denim during the warmer months.