Pectin, a natural compound found in the plant, helps bind flax fibers together, allowing long, continuous fiber bundles to form. Although much of the pectin dissolves naturally during production, small amounts and other natural plant residues can remain, which can give linen a slightly stiffer feel at first. However, gradually over time and when washed, its fibers relax and it continues to soften. The pectin has already done its job in helping the fibers bind together in the plant, so the fabric remains strong even as time goes on.
Cotton, on the other hand, doesn’t have the same structural advantage, and thus it’s likely to pill and thin much sooner than linen. Cotton fibers are shorter and more prone to breaking down with repeated washing, which is why cotton fabrics often lose their smoothness over time. High-quality cottons can soften with use, similar to linen, but they don’t typically have the same strength and durability that linen does.
Visit our blog for more on how linen and cotton age over time.
