Linen is a natural material with unique antiseptic and hygienic properties known to humanity since ancient times. Its fabric has the ability to kill microbes, preventing the development of fungal diseases, inflammation, and infection of damaged skin. Thanks to these qualities, linen was used to make bandages and clothing that promote rapid wound healing. Moreover, linen is an excellent thermal insulator: in hot weather, it keeps the body temperature several degrees lower than the surrounding environment, and in cold weather, it retains heat, ensuring comfort when worn. The history of linen use spans thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, Sumer, and Persia, linen was valued not only for its practical properties but also for its aesthetic appeal. Egyptian weavers created such thin and transparent fabrics that the body could be seen through several layers. Linen was used not only in daily life but also in medicine: in the 19th and 20th centuries, doctors recommended wearing linen fabrics to treat various illnesses, and during World War I, linen bandages were used to stop bleeding. The physicochemical properties of linen make it an excellent material for clothing and textiles. It has high hygroscopicity, preventing the fabric from sticking to the body, and excellent breathability, allowing the skin to breathe. Linen fabrics are stronger than cotton, wash better, and become softer and more pleasant to the touch with each wash. Moreover, linen effectively reflects ultraviolet radiation and creates a favorable microclimate by reducing static electricity and absorbing ionizing radiation. However, linen requires careful care, for example, prolonged soaking should be avoided to prevent fabric deformation.
