Choosing the Best Shirt Fabric: organic linen vs organic cotton
Posted by Primal Gray
We've probably all been there: a wedding in summer, a company get-together, a hot summer day outside an air-conditioned office, or inside a non-air-conditioned office. Usually, we dress in a cotton suit or more casually in jeans or chinos and a cotton shirt. If we're lucky, we can wear a cotton T-shirt or a cotton polo.
We all know the stains by our armpits or collars and the shirt sticking to our body from the sweat. This leads us to wonder, which is better cotton or linen?
Comfort in Summer: Organic Linen vs. Organic Cotton
1. Breathability:
Linen is known for its excellent breathability, which makes it ideal for hot and humid climates. The breathability of a fabric is measured as RET (water-vapor resistance). The lower the RET score, the more the fabric lets perspiration pass through. Linen scores the lowest, which shows that linen allows your body's sweat to pass through the fabric easily.
- Linen: RET score of 3.84
- Cotton: RET score of 3.86
Linen has a slight edge over cotton in terms of breathability, making it a better choice when deciding whether to wear cotton or linen.
2. Permeability of Fabrics to Air:
The permeability to air expresses how ventilating a fabric is. Linen scores the highest, underscoring the natural cooling effect that linen is known for.
- Linen: 2294 mm/s
- Cotton: 499 mm/s
Linen's superior ventilation makes it the go-to fabric for summer, answering the question, is cotton or linen a better fabric?
3. Absorption of Water (or Sweat):
Linen has a high absorption capacity, meaning it can absorb a lot of sweat without feeling damp. It also dries quickly, which is beneficial for keeping cool and comfortable.
- Linen: Absorption capacity of 0.388
- Cotton: Absorption capacity of 0.386
Linen's quick-drying properties make it an excellent choice for hot weather, helping you decide which is better cotton or linen for your summer wardrobe.
4. Insulation:
Insulation measures a fabric's ability to retain body heat. Linen offers great comfort in summer but also retains heat in winter.
- Linen: Second in retaining heat
- Cotton: Last in retaining heat
Linen provides better thermal regulation, making it a versatile option for all seasons.
Look: Organic Linen vs. Organic Cotton
1. Elegance:
Linen is associated with summer elegance, often seen in Mediterranean styles. It offers a more effortless elegance, suitable for those who want to dress up without looking too corporate.
Cotton, on the other hand, is a great choice for formal wear due to its high thread counts and regularity.
2. Allrounder:
Linen is versatile and suitable for almost any occasion, from the beach to the office. It doesn't take on odors easily, meaning you can wear it multiple times before needing to wash it. Cotton is more specific, with different pieces of clothing for different occasions, leading to a larger wardrobe.
Sustainability: Organic Linen vs. Organic Cotton
1. Environmental Impact:
Linen has a lower environmental impact compared to cotton. It requires minimal water and chemicals for cultivation, making it a more sustainable choice.
- Linen: Requires minimal to no irrigation and fewer chemicals.
- Cotton: High water consumption, especially in conventional farming practices.
2. Durability:
Linen is incredibly durable and can last for many years. Cotton is also durable but may not last as long as linen, especially under harsh conditions.
Conclusion
When deciding which is better cotton or linen, consider the specific needs and conditions you'll face. For hot and humid climates, linen's superior breathability, moisture absorption, and quick-drying properties make it the better choice. If you prioritize softness and ease of care, organic cotton might be more suitable. However, linen's sustainability and versatility often make it the preferred option for those looking to make an environmentally conscious choice.
So, next time you're pondering what to wear cotton or linen, remember the unique benefits of each fabric and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and needs. Both fabrics offer excellent qualities, but understanding their differences will help you make an informed decision for a comfortable and stylish wardrobe.
