Fabric Guide

Fabric Comparison Chart

Fabric Weight Coverage Seasons
Gauze Handkerchief Lightweight Yarn Dye Medium Panama Homespun
Lightest Lightest Light Light Medium Medium Heaviest
Sheer Semi-sheer Full Full Full Full Full
Warmer Months Warmer Months Warmer Months Year-round Year-round Year-round Cooler months

Gauze Linen

  • Weight: Lightest
  • Coverage: Sheer (best worn loosely and layered)
  • Feel: Delicate, offering a unique texture and depth.
  • Best For: Day and night wear during warmer months. Lightweight cover-ups.
  • Care: Avoid ironing to preserve its unique texture and depth. May appear to shrink after washing, but wearing restores its shape. Laying flat to dry and using a low dryer setting can help soften it.

Handkerchief Linen

  • Weight: Lightest
  • Coverage: Semi-sheer in light colors
  • Feel: Airy and lightweight, ideal for a barely-there sensation against the skin with a nice drape.
  • Best For: Day and night wear during warmer months.
  • Care: Machine wash warm water. Wash colors separately. Dry gentle. Ironing optional.

Lightweight Linen

  • Weight: Light
  • Coverage: Full
  • Feel: Breathable and flowing with slightly more substance than Handkerchief weight.
  • Best For: Day and night wear during warmer months.
  • Care: Machine wash warm water. Wash colors separately. Dry gentle. Ironing optional.

Yarn Dye Linen

  • Weight: Light
  • Coverage: Full
  • Feel: Breathable and flowing, with a touch more substance than Handkerchief weight.
  • Best For: Stand-alone pieces during warmer months and layering during cooler months.
  • Special Features: The distinctiveness of Yarn Dye Linen comes from its weaving process, where two or three different colored threads are used, adding depth and visual interest to the fabric.
  • Care: Machine wash warm water. Wash colors separately. Dry gentle. Ironing optional.

Medium Weight Linen

  • Weight: Medium
  • Coverage: Full
  • Feel: Breathable with full coverage without feeling heavy.
  • Best For: Stand-alone pieces during warmer months and layering during cooler months.
  • Special Features: Provides ample coverage for year-round wear, adaptable for layering.
  • Care: Machine wash warm water. Wash colors separately. Dry gentle. Ironing optional.

Panama Linen

  • Weight: Medium
  • Coverage: Full
  • Feel: Cozy sweater-like feel with a textured touch.
  • Best For: Stand-alone pieces during warmer months and layering during cooler months.
  • Special Features: The distinctiveness of Panama Linen comes from its weaving process, where multiple-colored threads of a larger size are used, creating a more textured appearance.
  • Care: We do not recommend ironing this fabric in order to keep the sweater-like texture. Machine wash warm water. Wash colors separately. Dry gentle.

Homespun Linen

  • Weight: Heaviest
  • Coverage: Full
  • Feel: Offers extraordinary comfort, ideal for enjoying linen beyond summer.
  • Best For: Stand-alone pieces during cooler months.
  • Special Features: Serves as an excellent insulator while retaining breathability.
  • Care: Machine wash warm water. Wash colors separately. Dry gentle. Ironing optional.

Need More Help?

Our customer service team is always here to assist you. Feel free to call us at (888) 505-FLAX Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST, or send an email to shopflax@flaxdesigns.com for personalized fabric selection advice.

Common Questions

What’s the difference between handkerchief weight and regular linen?

Handkerchief weight is our lightest solid linen. Versions labeled 'Handkerchief' maintain the same color but in a lighter weight, draping delicately over the body—ideal for warmer weather.

What’s the best weight to wear in the summer?

Our Handkerchief linen, with its airy and lightweight feel, is perfect for summer. Gauze and lightweight options offer loose draping, ensuring comfort in the heat.

Can you wear linen when it’s cold?

Absolutely! Linen is a natural insulator, providing warmth when you need it. Embrace our Homespun linen and textured fabrics during the winter for added coziness.

Is all linen see through?

Not at all. The only time you might need to consider transparency is if you choose our white fabric paired with something bright or vibrant underneath. In such cases, we recommend opting for beige or skin-toned undergarments to maintain a seamless look.

Additional questions?