In addition to its 3,240 wines and 400 cheeses, there is another French pride that the whole world envies us: linen .
An annual plant about a meter high, flax is a herbaceous species that generally takes the form of a stem on which small spiral leaves are distributed. At the time of flowering, about fifteen days a year around mid-June, small blue flowers bloom on their tops. Mainly cultivated in Normandy, Picardy, Brittany and Nord-Pas-de-Calais, this natural plant material places France at the top of its producers on a global scale . Providing nearly 80% of the total flax cultivation , our country is both the leading manufacturer and the number 1 exporter. Capitalizing on a privileged climate - the plant appreciates temperate humid zones - and ancestral know-how, France has thus established itself as the main supplier of the most eco-responsible of textile fibers.
This is the great advantage of flax: it is undoubtedly one of the most ecological materials there is . Not only does its cultivation require little water and chemical inputs, but the successive processing stages also require little energy. Finally, the flax plant does not require any irrigation, any more than retting, scutching, spinning, weaving and manufacturing require a heavy energy investment. In addition, it is a plant whose 100% components can be recovered, from fibers to shives, including seeds and dust. Independently of its use in the manufacture of fabrics, the flax plant can also be used to make oils, mulch, fuels and even paper pulp. Zero waste , therefore.
The virtues of linen fibers.
Beyond its ecological interest, linen fiber has intrinsic virtues which explain the interest that the textile industry has in it:
- It is thermoregulating and insulating : often recognized as the queen of summer materials, linen is indeed breathable and very popular in the summer months. However, its thermoregulating properties also make it a powerful ally in winter, thanks to its great heat retention capacity. Its fibers are hollow and therefore provide optimal thermal insulation.
- It is hypoallergenic : intolerant skins are aware that linen is of unparalleled delicacy with sensitive skin. If you are prone to tingling, itching, redness and other manifestations of hyper-reactivity, linen is ideal for you.
- It's (incredibly) absorbent : If linen fiber is not very water-intensive, it's partly thanks to its exceptional absorption capacity. Not only can it absorb up to 20% of moisture without looking soaked, but it also dries at lightning speed. In summer, linen is unsurprisingly the public enemy number one of sweat stains, and a great partner for getting through the season dry.
- It is "self-cleaning" : thanks to the architecture of its fibers, linen prevents mites and bacteria from clinging to it. The same goes for dust, which allows it to stay clean and healthy for longer.
- It is extremely resistant : dry and rustic in appearance, linen is also distinguished by a capital solidity . It resists heat, coolness, does not pill, does not relax under the effect of humidity, it is almost tear-proof , very easy to maintain and softens with time and successive washes. In short, we are talking about a material that borders on perfection. Between you and me, it is no coincidence that it ended up giving rise to the word "linen" .
- It crumples a little, a lot, passionately : without starting a course in plant biology, let's just remember that heat and humidity tend to "untie" the linen fibers which then freeze in a new position. On the surface of the fabric, this reaction is physically manifested by a crumpled appearance. It's a fact. Is this sentence irrevocable? The answer is no, and we have played on several parameters to limit this natural phenomenon. On the one hand, we have chosen fabrics with a higher than average density, that is to say heavier and by extension less creasable. On the other hand, we have bet on cotton-linen alloys on certain models, so that the elasticity and softness of the former compensate for the rigidity of the latter . That should reassure the most defiant among you. And if your linen garment creases a little, try not to be offended: that's also part of its charm, and our transalpine friends don't hesitate to promote this casual chic under the name of "sprezzatura" .
Our declaration of love to linen.
Natural and ecological, local and biodegradable, strong and light, flexible and durable, linen is undoubtedly one of the most responsible materials in the textile world. Considering our ambition to build a men's wardrobe around an ethic of elegance, awareness and timelessness, no one here will be surprised to see this fiber occupy an increasing place in our collections. Particularly present in the creations of the spring-summer 2023 season , linen is making a place in the sun at Hast and is at the heart of our most iconic pieces:
- Our linen pants : any wise man knows that pants are not equal when the mercury rises. From then on, raw jeans and other thick five-pockets become persona non grata, and that's when our linen pants come into play. Sophisticated leg pieces , cut in a light and airy material , such is their promise to maintain a chic look even in the heat of summer. In pure linen or combined with cotton, our creations offer a wide range of possibilities with more or less dressy pieces. If the pleated and pleated models ostentatiously play on sartorial codes to pave the way for elegant looks, cotton-linen chinos combine the softness of the former and the breathability of the latter to deliver versatile and casual variations. Between the distinction of white linen pants and the precious versatility of their colored counterparts, it's up to you to decide (or not).
- Our linen shirts : long sleeves or not; button-down, officer, Cuban or cutaway collar; dark, bright or mottled colors; with or without chest pockets; we have imagined for you a range of linen shirts that are truly stunning. Sometimes combined with other fibers to merge the properties, this material brings to the formalism inherent in any shirt a note of lightness bordering almost on indolence. Organic cotton and linen , linen and ramie , 100% pure linen , so many variations for so many occasions, to adjust the casualness slider as you wish. From the classic ecru model to the striped shirt to the "Riviera" -inspired popover, there is no doubt that you will find the one(s) you will no longer be able to do without.
- Our linen jackets : contrary to a (slightly too) widespread idea, it is entirely possible to wear a jacket all year round, including in June and July. To convince you, our linen jackets for men are dressed in their finest fabrics to promise you absolute lightness. Two, three or six buttons, signet collar or with a notched lapel, with patch or piped pockets, here too you can choose the one that suits you best to spend the summer season at the height of sophistication. All without fear of sweating .
- Our linen t-shirts : for the reasons mentioned above, integrating linen threads into a fabric means ensuring its robustness, flexibility and breathability . For these same reasons, we have chosen to enhance our wardrobe with a superb range of linen and cotton t-shirts for men. 235 gr/m2 , a reliable and airy jersey, a color palette based on summer tones: you have here the ideal knitwear, to wear alone or with others.
Your number one linen asset.
Although it only represents 2% of the world's textile fiber production , far - very far - behind cotton, linen remains this ancestral natural material with benefits unchanged for thousands of years. Virtuous from its cultivation to its use, this fully recoverable plant constitutes a marvelous eco-responsible alternative to the dominant raw materials in the textile industry. Unsurprisingly, Hast is rolling out the red carpet for this valiant plant species and giving it an increasing place in its wardrobe. While 31% of our clothes contained it last year, half of our creations include linen in our spring-summer 2023 collection . An opportunity for you to (re)discover the 1,001 powers of this prodigious fiber, affectionate with the planet, your skin and your style.