You will typically see phrases like “Belgian flax” and “European linen” used to explain varied linens. A few of these are within the identify, some aren’t—Pottery Barn’s sheets are named Belgian flax, whereas The Citizenry’s sheets point out that they are French flax however sustainably made in Portugal. So what does all of it imply? Which is greatest?
Europe has an extended historical past of rising flax and making linen. It is a most popular supply, significantly Belgium and France, which is why some sheets will name out these international locations particularly. However in accordance with World Linen, there is not an enormous distinction amongst European international locations—it is principally a advertising and marketing tactic. You will probably be simply as proud of any European supply of linen, and there’s a European Linen certification sheets can obtain to verify that is the place they’re sourced from.
Having Europe within the identify does not essentially imply it was made there, although. After the flax is grown, it must be processed, spun, and woven into sheets, which can or could not occur in Europe. Some corporations use the time period “Belgian flax” or “European flax” to suggest that the flax is from that space, but it surely wasn’t processed there. Some corporations make sheets in different European international locations, like The Citizenry’s Portugal-made sheets, whereas different makers would possibly do manufacturing outdoors of Europe, like Quince, which processes its sheets in China and India.
One other time period you would possibly see when looking for linen is one thing like “woven to 160 GSM.” This describes the burden of the material. (“GSM” stands for grams per sq. meter.) It is much like silk, which can be described in weight reasonably than thread depend to present you a extra correct thought of how heavy the sheets will probably be. The rule of thumb with linen is that beneath 150 GSM is gentle, between 150 and 300 is medium, and something over 300 is heavy.
Weight can be one thing that should not change about linen: It’s going to get softer over time, but it surely will not get lighter. If in case you have a desire for a sure weight of sheets, you may see whether or not these particulars are included to search out out precisely what you are shopping for.