Ask Angie: Knit linen - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: Knit linen

Laura

Member

Hi! I need some expert advice on linen. I LOVE it. Beautiful woven linen is one of my favorite fabrics, especially for summer. I wouldn't want to do without my linen sheets. That said, I recently I bought a few shirts that say that they are 100% linen. They arrived and look nothing like the linen I love. The primary difference? They're knit. Can linen (100% linen) be knit? If not,is it not required to mention that elastane or some other element has been added? What is your experience with linen and thoughts on its use (particularly woven vs knitted) for summer tops? Thank you for your expertise in advance!

General

17 replies

Latest reply was from jill58

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Linen can definitely be a knit. It's a strand, like cotton, and can be woven, or knit, or crocheted, whatever you desire. I have several knit sweaters for the spring/summer, and love them. I also have knit linen tees.

Banana Republic

Stripe Italian Linen Crop Open Cardigan

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Linen boatneck T-shirt

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Eileen Fisher V-Neck Organic Linen Sweater (Regular & Petite)

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6

Banana Republic

Short-Sleeve Linen Vee Tee

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1

cindysmith

Veteran

Linen can, indeed, be knitted or woven just like cotton and polyester and cotton and wool and silk can be knitted or woven.

My linen and linen blended knits are some of my faves. I get the ease and comfort of knit fabric (wonderful for my arms and shoulders that feel constricted easily) + I get the breathability of linen (which is pretty vital here in Texas much of the year).

Inge

(website)

I have a few linen knit sweaters from J.Crew that I really enjoy in the Summer months for the reasons Cindy mentions above. I put them on the cold handwash cycle in the washing machine and don't tumble-dry and they hold up quite well.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I can relate. I have lovely linen sheets and will likely never go back to "regular" sheets, and these are much, much softer than any linen tops I've been able to find. It's discouraging. I must say the Frank & Eileen shirt was one of the softer ones I've tried (though I didn't keep it as it was much too big, smelled funny and didn't offer a free exchange or size measurements which for such an expensive item was a no go for me).

Anonymous

I love linen knit. Have a number of tees and they are all 100% linen, so I surmise that is pretty common.
To answer your specific question, fiber content listings are required by law, so if the fabric is a blend, that should be listed on the tag.

Marilyn

Veteran

Love my linen tees!

JAileen

Veteran

I have had a couple EF knitted linen tops for several years. They have held up beautifully. If I had any quibbles, it would be they are a teeny bit see through.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES. Linen can be knitted, and look like T-shirt fabric or a very light pullover. Sounds like you prefer woven linen.

Knitted linen tops - if they're sufficiently soft - are fabulous. I echo the comments here.

Anonymous

I like the concept of knit linen, but personally don't care for the feel on the ones I've tried. They have been very itchy to me. However, I don't have the same issue with wovens.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I agree with delurked - most of the linen knit tees I've tried (and I have a few) are just not soft. I def. prefer wovens.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love my linen knits. Some can be scratchy -- but often the scratchy feel reduces with washing. They are so cool. On the other hand they can be a bit transparent so sometimes require a cami -- which reduces the coolness. They also have a tendency to stretch out a bit. Still, I adore mine and wear them with great pleasure. I wash in delicate in machine and air dry.

Some samples in my Finds.

Linen boatneck T-shirt in metallic

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Linen tee in faded adire

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Linen boatneck tee

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Joy

Veteran

I have a few knit linen tops. The one thing I notice is that they are not as cool as woven linen on a hot day. I prefer woven linen, but I feel the same way about cotton. A good thing about knit linen is that it does not wrinkle like the woven version.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I notice DH's linen woven shirts (I usually buy for him) are always so much softer. I decided to try one from the men's dept. for myself just to see. Not sure if the sizing will work but it's worth a try on.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Texstyle, you might like to try this one... A mens linen shirt for women... I got one and it's lovely. Beautiful fit.... fitted but not clingy.

Perfectshirt in piece-dyed Irish linen

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texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Elizabeth - thanks, I have looked at that online and I am going to try it. I have a white linen from Everlane but it's just a bit too stiff so I really need a better option for the heat of the summer. They had 30% off today too so if it works it's a huge bargain! (I'm trying 2 sizes just to be sure)

DonnaF

Veteran

I have the linen T below and its reverse pattern of black with white. My biggest takeaway is that it is cooler and stays fresher than if it were a slubbed cotton T. It also doesn't wrinkle like woven linen.

Two by Vince Camuto Splatter Print Slub Linen Jersey Tee

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jill58

Veteran

I have a knit linen tee that I absolutely love. In fact, I've been looking for more. Very easy care. Machine wash on cold. Hang to dry.