Woven from the fibers of the flax plant, linen is both stronger and more absorbent than cotton. The structure of the linen fiber is hollow, so it draws heat and moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and comfortable on even the hottest summer days.

It’s been the ultimate warm-weather fabric for more than 10,000 years; linen weaving even pre-dates the invention of the wheel.

Flax is one of nature’s most efficient fibers; it becomes even stronger when wet. Linen will get softer over time and with each washing, but it will not weaken. This makes linen clothing surprisingly durable. Linen is also naturally hypoallergenic.

Our breezy Shoreline Linen trousers, shorts and shirts are designed with a flattering style that’s perfect for warm weather—simple, comfortable, effortless.

The Legendary Origins of Silk

Silk is one of the oldest textiles known to man, but the methods of silk production remained a mystery in the West for centuries. Legend has it that a Chinese empress discovered silk in the 27th century B.C. while bathing; a cocoon dropped into her steaming bath water and unraveled. The empress had her handmaidens weave the strands together, and so the first silk thread was made.

A Fabric Worth It's Weight in Gold

Whatever the truth to that story, silk was solely a Chinese product and the silk workers kept the harvesting process a well-guarded secret for almost 3,000 years. In Roman times silk was a valuable commodity, literally worth its weight in gold. The ever-increasing demand for the lustrous material led to the creation of the Silk Road, a trade route that connected Asia with Europe, around 200 B.C.

Luxurious Versatility

Silk fibre comes from the cocoon of the silk worm and it is extremely versatile. It’s comfortable to wear year-round, as it is naturally breathable and absorbs moisture. Silk takes dye very well, resulting in rich depth of colour; it is lustrous, reflecting light for that telltale sheen. Surprisingly, silk batting, commonly used as an insulation layer in coats, provides 20% more warmth than goose down.

Strongest Natural Fibre on Earth?

Silk’s biggest secret, perhaps, might be its strength. Pressure tests have been done proving that a steel filament of the same diameter as a silk one will break before the silk does. Silk’s inherent elasticity insures that it can stretch up to 20% without damage. Silk, it turns out, may be the strongest natural fibre in the world.

Indulge Yourself with Silk: A Practical Luxury

Its strength, comfort and beauty make silk a practical luxury that's always a fabulous clothing value. Indulge yourself with something in silk today from Orvis!

Our Wrinkle-Resistant Cotton Shirts and Chinos offer all the superior comfort, softness, and good looks of cotton in a new wrinkle-resistant that requires no ironing. Available in a wide range of colours, they are ideal for travel and every day. No more expensive laundry bills, morning wardrobe scrambles, or rumpled appearances at important business meetings. Our wrinkle-resistant cotton apparel always look pressed and ready to go right out of the dryer or laundry basket.

How We Do It:

100% cotton that’s wrinkle-resistant? We found the most innovative and effective treatment for creating wrinkle-resistant cotton fabric. And we use longer strands of cotton, for a smoother yarn, which in turn creates a less-easily creased fabric. We weave this superior fibre into a pinpoint oxford cloth, lightweight and comfortable year-round. Because cotton holds 15% of its weight in water, and moves that moisture naturally to the outside of the garment, cotton feels cooler on hot days and is more comfortable next to the skin. This cotton also takes colour extremely well, resulting in clean graphic patterns with punch that will stay bright throughout years of washings. When removed promptly from the dryer, they look freshly ironed.

The End Result?

Soft cotton apparel that won’t wrinkle or shrink. Patterns that keep their colours. Shirts and trousers that stay sharp looking through weeks of travel and re-packing. Fabrics that will save you hundreds of dollars in dry-cleaning costs without sacrificing style or comfort. Our wrinkle-resistant apparel is perfectly suited to the office, everyday errands, or travel. You’ll always look cool and crisp, no matter what the day brings.