The Linen Journey
Tradition and Sustainability
In the heart of Normandy, among gently rolling fields shaped by the wind, one of the world’s most sustainable and noble fibres is cultivated: linen. This natural material, derived from flax, is at the core of Thomas Mason’s linen fabrics, the result of a transparent, ethical supply chain built on local expertise and low-impact practices.
Linen: A Naturally Sustainable Fibre
Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fibres available in the textile world. Flax grows quickly (in around 100 days) and requires no artificial irrigation, heavy pesticide use, or intensive fertilisers. It thrives in temperate climates like Normandy’s, nourished by rainwater and fertile soil.
Moreover, linen cultivation contributes to healthier soils when practised through crop rotation, a regenerative farming method followed by all Thomas Mason partner farmers. Among these, Terre de Lin stands out as one of the largest and most advanced linen cooperatives in Europe.
Based in Normandy, Terre de Lin brings together hundreds of local farmers and manages both the cultivation and the initial transformation of the linen plant.
The Thomas Mason Linen Process: A Chain Between France and Italy
From seed to fabric, each phase is essential to preserving the purity of the fibre and achieving the unmistakable character of Thomas Mason linen.
Sowing
Linen is typically sown in March, with March 25th considered the ideal date by farmers in Normandy. This tradition, passed down through generations, ensures optimal growth conditions for long, strong, and uniform fibres.
Growing and pulling
After 100 days, the linen plants are pulled from the ground, not cut. This preserves the full length of the fibre, which is key for high-quality textile processing.
Retting (natural dewing)
Following harvest, the plants are left in the field to undergo retting, a natural process where humidity and microorganisms break down the woody parts of the stems.
Scutching
Next comes scutching, where the wooden core is separated from the usable fibre. The result is a long, silky, and durable linen fibre, ideal for fine fabric production.
Combing
During this phase of the process, fibers are aligned in parallel in order to produce a smoother, stronger, and more lustrous yarn. Combing separates out short fibres by means of a rotating ring or rectilinear row of steel pins.
Spinning
The selected fibres are then transported to Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale in Bergamo, Italy. Here, they are spun into yarn using advanced, low-impact methods. The result is a finished yarn that reflects the excellence of both French agriculture and Italian textile tradition.
Weaving
In the final stage, the linen yarns are brought to Thomas Mason’s manufacturing sites, where they come to life through the weaving process. Here, thanks to cutting-edge looms and textile know-how, the yarns are interlaced with precision and expertise to create fabrics of exceptional quality.
Linen: A Naturally Sustainable Fibre
Linen is one of the most environmentally friendly fibres available in the textile world. Flax grows quickly (in around 100 days) and requires no artificial irrigation, heavy pesticide use, or intensive fertilisers. It thrives in temperate climates like Normandy’s, nourished by rainwater and fertile soil.
Moreover, linen cultivation contributes to healthier soils when practised through crop rotation, a regenerative farming method followed by all Thomas Mason partner farmers. Among these, Terre de Lin stands out as one of the largest and most advanced linen cooperatives in Europe.
Based in Normandy, Terre de Lin brings together hundreds of local farmers and manages both the cultivation and the initial transformation of the linen plant.
The Thomas Mason Linen Process: A Chain Between France and Italy
From seed to fabric, each phase is essential to preserving the purity of the fibre and achieving the unmistakable character of Thomas Mason linen.
Sowing
Linen is typically sown in March, with March 25th considered the ideal date by farmers in Normandy. This tradition, passed down through generations, ensures optimal growth conditions for long, strong, and uniform fibres.
Retting (natural dewing)
Following harvest, the plants are left in the field to undergo retting, a natural process where humidity and microorganisms break down the woody parts of the stems.
Combing
During this phase of the process, fibers are aligned in parallel in order to produce a smoother, stronger, and more lustrous yarn. Combing separates out short fibres by means of a rotating ring or rectilinear row of steel pins.
Weaving
In the final stage, the linen yarns are brought to Thomas Mason’s manufacturing sites, where they come to life through the weaving process. Here, thanks to cutting-edge looms and textile know-how, the yarns are interlaced with precision and expertise to create fabrics of exceptional quality.
Growing and pulling
After 100 days, the linen plants are pulled from the ground, not cut. This preserves the full length of the fibre, which is key for high-quality textile processing.
Scutching
Next comes scutching, where the wooden core is separated from the usable fibre. The result is a long, silky, and durable linen fibre, ideal for fine fabric production.
Spinning
The selected fibres are then transported to Linificio e Canapificio Nazionale in Bergamo, Italy. Here, they are spun into yarn using advanced, low-impact methods. The result is a finished yarn that reflects the excellence of both French agriculture and Italian textile tradition.
Thomas Mason's shirt fabrics
Thomas Mason’s linen is the result of a supply chain that flows between France and Italy, both united by a shared commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and transparency. From responsible farming to refined spinning, each stage of the journey respects the land, the people, and the natural fibre itself.
Choosing Thomas Mason linen means embracing a material that is not only naturally elegant and long-lasting, but also the expression of a modern, conscious approach to luxury where tradition and innovation grow together, across borders.
Come and discover the exclusive collection of Thomas Mason’s linens available in our boutique: a comprehensive range offered in a variety of textures, patterns, and refined color palettes, ideal for crafting premium summer shirts.
We offer made-to-measure shirts, with the possibility to create a truly personal shirt in terms of cut and style.
Whether you are looking for a formal shirt or, like in the case of linen, a more casual style, you will find a large selection of collars, cuffs and pocket options.
For any Made-to-measure garment, we invite you to make a reservation to place an order; or meet us at the boutique to discuss your project.