Which country is the largest producer of linen?

As Linenwind, a linen garment manufacturer with 20 years of expertise and deep roots in the global supply chain, we’ve helped countless fashion brands—from emerging labels to household names in Europe and North America—choose the right linen origin for their product goals. In this post, we uncover the major linen-producing countries and explain why origin impacts everything—from fabric quality to sustainability certifications.

However, not all linen is created equal. Its quality, fiber length, environmental impact, and traceability heavily depend on where and how the flax is grown.

1.Flax Fiber Cultivation – Where the flax plant is grown and harvested.

2.Linen Fabric Manufacturing – Where the fiber is processed, spun, and woven into cloth.

Many countries participate in linen’s global journey, but Europe—and especially one country—plays a leading role in its origin story.

Over 80% of the world’s premium flax is cultivated in Northern France, along with parts of Belgium and the Netherlands. This area is known as the “European Flax Belt.”

1.Ideal Climate Conditions: Mild temperatures, consistent rainfall, and rich soil create the best environment for flax.

2.Generations of Expertise: Flax farming has been practiced in France for centuries, with farmers continuously refining sustainable methods.

3.High Traceability: French flax is often certified by European Flax® or Masters of Linen®, two of the most respected sustainability standards.

4.Close to Processing Facilities: Proximity to premium European mills shortens the supply chain and lowers the carbon footprint.

For brands focused on premium quality, sustainability, and storytelling, French flax offers unbeatable advantages.

Note: Much of the flax used in Belgian linen is still grown in France or shared across borders.

At Linenwind, we work closely with top-tier Chinese mills that handle European flax, ensuring your linen products combine European fiber origin with cost-effective processing.

2.Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine: Have vast growing areas and are investing in modernization.

3.Kazakhstan & Baltic States: Emerging contributors in raw fiber production.

However, these regions may have less consistency in certification and fiber traceability compared to Western Europe.

1.Flax Cultivation – Usually in France or Belgium.

2.Retting – Fibers are naturally separated (via dew or water retting).

3.Scutching & Hackling – Removes woody stalks, combs fiber.

4.Spinning & Weaving – In Europe or Asia (especially China).

5.Finishing & Dyeing – Customized per client needs.

6.Garment Production – Factories like Linenwind create finished products.

Every step offers opportunities to choose sustainable, certified, and transparent partners.

Sourcing flax from certified European producers ensures you’re using low-impact fibers that meet strict environmental and labor standards.

Consumers now expect transparency. A label that reads “Made with French flax” or “European Flax® certified” builds trust and adds value to your brand.

European-grown flax tends to be longer-staple, producing stronger, softer, and more durable linen—ideal for both premium casualwear and sophisticated resort styles.

Importing from Europe ensures easier compliance with EU and US standards, including REACH, OEKO-TEX, and GOTS (if blended with organic).

1.Choose the right flax origin based on brand goals and price targets

2.Match with certified spinning, weaving, and dyeing partners

3.Navigate certifications like European Flax® or GOTS

4.Create low-MOQ linen collections with high-end appeal

5.Balance cost, quality, and sustainability

Whether you’re launching a capsule linen collection or integrating new eco-fibers into your existing line, Linenwind is your trusted partner from fiber to final garment.

👉 In terms of raw flax fiber: France leads the world.

👉 In fabric output and processing: China holds the volume advantage.

But as a brand, your real question should be:

With Linenwind, you get both the geographic knowledge and production experience to build a linen line that’s as sustainable as it is stylish.