Flax fibers are composed by 70 % of cellulose and are used for the manufacture of linen fabrics. The unique and desirable characteristics of flax are its body, strength, durability, low pilling and linting tendencies, pleasant hand and thick-and-thin texture. Due to their cellulosic nature, linen fabrics do not provoke allergies, they absorb humidity and allow the skin to breathe. Therefore, they are suitable for the manufacture of summer articles. Linen is thermo-regulating, non allergenic, antistatic and antibacterial. It can absorb up to 20 times its weight in moisture before it feels damp, which makes it cool and dry to the touch. They are very resistant, particularly when wetted, and can be washed many times without deteriorating; rather they become softer which is very important for articles of clothing and for daily use that require frequent washing. The main limitations of flax are low resiliency and lack of elasticity.

Uses – Today, flax is a prestige fiber as a result of its limited production and relatively high cost. Over the past 30 years the end use of linen has changed dramatically. Approximately 70 % of linen production in the 1990s was for apparel textiles whereas in the 1970s only 5 % was used for fashion fabrics.

Linen apparel includes items for warm-weather use, high fashion, casual, and professional wear. A linen handkerchief, pressed and folded to display the corners, was a standard decoration of a well-dressed man's suit during most of the first part of the 20th century. It was also the preferred yarn for hand-sewing the uppers of moccasin-style shoes (loafers), but its use has been replaced by synthetics. Currently researchers are working on a cotton/flax blend to create new yarns which will improve the feel of denim during hot and humid weather.

Linen is also used in bed, table, and bath items, in other furnishing items for home and commercial use and in industrial products. Linen fabrics are ideal for wall paper and wall coverings because their irregular texture adds interest, hides nail holes or wall damage and muffles noise. Industrial products include luggage, bags, purses and sewing thread.