Natural Plant Fibres Guide

Plant fibres are made from parts of crops including seed bolls, stems and stalks. They are widely used because they can be breathable, comfortable, durable and well suited to warm-weather clothing.

Cotton

Cotton comes from the soft fibres surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant. It is used throughout the Livingston range for shirts, polo shirts, knitwear, trousers, jeans, underwear and socks. Read the Cotton Clothing Guide, which also explains organic cotton.

Linen

Linen is made from fibres in the stem of the flax plant. It is strong, breathable and moisture-absorbent, with a crisp texture that softens with wear. It is particularly useful for summer shirts, trousers and jackets. Read the Linen Fabric Guide.

Hemp

Hemp is a strong bast fibre taken from the stalk of the hemp plant. It is breathable, hard-wearing and becomes softer with use. Hemp remains less common in traditional menswear than cotton or linen, but it is increasingly used in casual shirts, trousers and blended fabrics.