Edwardian Linen Uses

Linen was a very important fabric, in Edwardian times. So, if you are planning to attend an Edwardian re-enactment any time in the near future, you should understand a bit about linen and its Edwardian uses, first.
Linen has been around for a long time. It was even used in ancient Egypt. It is one of the earliest fibers to be used for such things as making string and cloth. Linen varies in both quality and price. Sometimes it can be soft and pliable. Other times it can be rougher, like canvas.
In Edwardian times there was a major change in the styles of women’s underwear. Previously, underwear had been chiefly made of linen and generally unseen. It was for practical use only. However, in the Edwardian era, underwear suddenly switched to colorful garments featuring lace and chiffon. Lingerie was suddenly for show, not just function. However, that doesn’t mean that linen lost all importance in Edwardian fashion.
On the contrary, linen never went out of style. Edwardian walking suits were often made of linen. They were so fashionable, in fact, that they are just as beautiful and fashionable today as they were then. Linen suits of the period wore well. They were strong and sturdy, yet still pretty and stylish. Children in Edwardian times sometimes wore linen coats. Often they had buttons in the front and sometimes they featured embroidery and embellishment.
What outfit would be complete without a hat? Certainly not an Edwardian outfit! Often, ladies wore linen motoring hats. Linen motoring hats came into fashion when automobiles went into production, out of necessity. Ladies did not want to get their hair dirty or disheveled, when riding around town. However, just because an item is necessary, doesn’t mean it is not fashionable. Many Edwardian linen motoring hats featured bright colors, elaborate embroidery and silk ribbons, used for both decoration and to keep the hat secure. For re-enactment purposes, it is fairly easy to find suitable examples of Edwardian motoring hats. You can find the exact linen match for your re-enactment project at www.fabrics-store.com.
Linen use in Edwardian times does not stop there, either. It was also used for dining. Linen was commonly used to make napkins and tablecloths. Linen also had uses in other areas, such as sheets and pillow coverings. Aside from the practical household uses, linen was also useful for other things. For instance, Edwardian women often used parasols made out of linen.
So, whether it’s suits, hats, napkins or parasols you’re after, you can’t go wrong with linen. Make your Edwardian re-enactment experience as authentic and accurate as possible by finding appropriate linen costume items. You can’t go wrong if you shop at www.fabrics-store.com. That way, you’ll be sure to enter into the situation prepared. After all, there’s nothing worse than showing up to a re-enactment in modern clothes.