You will usually see phrases like “Belgian flax” and “European linen” used to explain numerous linens. A few of these are within the identify, some aren’t—Pottery Barn’s sheets are named Belgian flax, whereas The Citizenry’s sheets point out that they are French flax however sustainably made in Portugal. So what does all of it imply? Which is greatest?
Europe has an extended historical past of rising flax and making linen. It is a most well-liked supply, significantly Belgium and France, which is why some sheets will name out these nations particularly. However according to World Linen, there is not an enormous distinction amongst European nations—it is largely a advertising tactic. You will seemingly be simply as pleased with any European supply of linen, and there’s a European Linen certification sheets can obtain to verify that is the place they’re sourced from.
Having Europe within the identify would not essentially imply it was made there, although. After the flax is grown, it must be processed, spun, and woven into sheets, which can or could not occur in Europe. Some firms use the time period “Belgian flax” or “European flax” to indicate that the flax is from that space, but it surely wasn’t processed there. Some firms make sheets in different European nations, like The Citizenry’s Portugal-made sheets, whereas different makers would possibly do manufacturing exterior of Europe, like Quince, which processes its sheets in China and India.
One other time period you would possibly see when purchasing for linen is one thing like “woven to 160 GSM.” This describes the burden of the material. (“GSM” stands for grams per sq. meter.) It is just like silk, which can be described in weight slightly than thread rely to offer you a extra correct thought of how heavy the sheets shall be. The rule of thumb with linen is that beneath 150 GSM is mild, between 150 and 300 is medium, and something over 300 is heavy.
Weight can be one thing that should not change about linen: It’s going to get softer over time, but it surely will not get lighter. When you’ve got a choice for a sure weight of sheets, you possibly can see whether or not these particulars are included to search out out precisely what you are shopping for.
