LIVING IN LINEN

Linen — it's a natural, durable textile designed to be lived in. Derived from the flax plant, linen is one of the oldest and most eco-friendly textiles in the clothing industry, making it the perfect sustainable summer staple.

Producing linen requires very few — if any — chemical fertilizers or pesticides, uses far less water than common fibers like cotton, and can be incorporated into modern crop rotation cycles, which helps prevent soil depletion. Additionally, the flax plant can be used to make various products other than linen, so nothing is wasted in the process.

While linen may feel delicate to the touch, it's actually one of the strongest fibers out there, and if properly cared for, can last for several years in your closet. Even better? Linen improves as it ages, whereas most fabrics either begin to pill or fall apart altogether after a few washes. Flax fibers are also biodegradable and naturally break down over time, so when the time finally does come to dispose of that old linen piece, it won't spend hundreds, or even thousands, of years taking up space in a landfill.

I've been on the hunt for a pair of ethically-made linen pants for a while, so I was thrilled when Haley of Only Child Clothing released this lovely pair in her SS17 collection. Cut from a sturdy linen that's comfortable and easy to dress up or down, the Cedros pant is the perfect go-to for any warm weather occasion. The high waist and side pockets create a flattering silhouette that's simple, modern, and timeless — three musts in my book. It's safe to say I'll be living in these linen pants this summer.

“ It’s no secret that the fashion industry produces a ton of waste, but seeing a deadstock fabric warehouse is still incredibly mind-blowing. It’s perfectly good fabric stacked from floor to ceiling. I can’t believe that it would normally just go to waste. ”

— Haley, Only Child

One of the things I admire about Haley is her commitment to ethics and sustainability. Every piece is intentionally designed, cut, and sewn in-house and constructed out of responsibly-sourced materials. When she first started Only Child in 2015, Haley relied solely on deadstock fabrics sourced from an LA-based supplier. Being mindful that this approach can be unpredictable in terms of quantity and quality, she started branching out to other vendors that make natural fibers and sustainable textiles, so she can continue to create quality clothing while reducing waste and having a positive impact on the environment. Only Child is just another great example of how we can take simple steps to shift the clothing industry for the better.