In today’s world of mass-production, shelves of retail giants like Wal-Mart and Target are literally overflowing with colorful, low-cost toweling and bedding options for today’s consumer. Following a good – better –best pricing strategy, shoppers get to choose from synthetic fibers to all-natural cottons. While this creates a favorable shopping experience for many consumers, some still find it lacking… and wondering if there is a higher-quality, longer-lasting alternative to today’s run of the mill textiles.

These shoppers aren’t going to find what they are looking for in Bed Bath and Beyond. In fact, most will have to discover the perfect towel or day blanket in the pages or a specialty catalog or on the shelves of a boutique or gallery tucked away along the cobblestone streets of some historic New England town.

These shoppers are looking for linen. Yes, linen towels and linen blankets. Superior to cotton, they provide a comfort and luxury unmatched by most other textiles.

Fortunately, finely produced linen home textiles are becoming more available online –and the choices seem to be growing daily. This makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the touch of linen in the bed or bath. 

Let’s start with towels. Like most people, you probably appreciate the touch of Egyptian cotton that has been woven into colorful body, bath, and hand towels. But, have you ever tried a 100% pure linen towel? The most ancient of all fibers, linen absorbs water beautifully. Not only will a linen towel dry you quickly but it is ultra soft and comforting to the touch. Considered by many as simply the most effective and luxurious of all textiles, linen towels are exquisite gifts for newlyweds or make delightful guest towels for your own home. But don’t forget to stock up on them for your own personal care.

Personal day blankets are also growing in popularity among all-natural fiber enthusiasts. Often selected in pure linen or cotton/linen mixes, a variety of color choices make these fun solutions for sun-filled days lounging on the deck or cooler summer evenings.

And, for the most exquisite night’s sleep, choose a pure linen blanket. Weighty and conforming to the body, linen blankets are designed to keep you warm and cozy, with the optimum drape needed for a good night’s sleep. Choose a weaver who practices his art by hand rather than with modern equipment.  That way you’ll enjoy the finer pleasures of selvedges that cannot unravel, as well as hand folded and sewn edges that ensure a long life to the blanket.  And, since linen does not pill, you’ll continue to appreciate your linen investment for a long time to come

Caring for linen towels and blankets may take a little extra time, but is easier than you might think. Following these simple rules will help keep your investment intact for many uses to come. If using a home washing machine, be sure to allow for ample room for your towels to move in the cleaning process. Avoid harsh detergents. Remember, linen loves water.  Be careful with the drying process – avoid high temperatures for extended periods of time. This will help reduce the fabric from abrading.  Remove it from the dryer while it is still slightly damp. Avoid “baking” which will breakdown the fibers.

Next time you are roving the aisles of the bedding section at your favorite home goods store, weigh the pros and cons of investing in good linen towels and beddings. Close your eyes and conjure an image of freshness and light, comfort and warmth, practicality and luxury.  You may find yourself yearning for the everyday drape and long-lasting freshness of all-natural linen. Go ahead and splurge. It’s an heirloom quality indulgence that will delight you time after time.

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