Linen fabrics becoming softer and lighter

Linen fabrics are also becoming softer and lighter. Crepes, gauzes, crinkles, lustered surfaces and metallic touches are popular. Ulster Weavers, Northern Ireland, had a good response to satiny yarn dyes woven of linen/Supima® and linen/paper fiber at recent shows. John England (Textiles) Ltd., also based in Northern Ireland, reports its best sampling fabric is metal-coated, 100-percent linen. Machine washable, water-repellent coated fabrics; lightweight twills; fishnets; and waffles also are currently available.

Italian firms are showing new weaves and treatments with linen. Michele Solbiati Sasil S.p.A. is offering cross-dyed crepe weaves and gauzes that are wash-finished and have a soft, dry hand. Angelo Vasino S.p.A. has iridescent, metal-coated linens; yarn-dyed, striped gauzes; creased linens containing iron to impart memory; and crinkles boldly printed in black and white. One novelty fabric is chemically treated and then washed to create pucker patterns.

At Linea Tessile Italiana S.p.A., there are linen/metal printed sheers that hold a crease; washed, aged effects; and printed satin burn-outs. Ratti S.p.A.’s Braghenti division has shadow-striped linen gauze; shirtings with a soft, dry hand; and washed linens. At Picchi S.p.A. there are laser-cut patterns, crinkled sheers and printed burn-outs. Tessile Toscana has washable double-faced linens that have an aged look, metallic-striped crushed shirtings and enzyme-finished washable mini-checked suitings.